Here’s a review of The Social Animal by Elliot Aronson, focusing on the 2021 audiobook edition.
Use this caption with a photo of your headphones or a screenshot of the audiobook cover.
However, the narrator cannot fully replicate Aronson’s own dry, self-deprecating humor. Some of the footnotes (which Aronson uses like stand-up asides) lose a bit of punch when read straight. Also, the 2021 edition includes occasional updates inserted as bracketed asides; these can briefly disrupt the audio flow. These are minor complaints.
Best paired with:
Listening to the audiobook while following along with the 12th edition’s table of contents (available free online) to track key studies and terms.
A. Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Justification The central pillar of Aronson’s work is the theory of cognitive dissonance. In the audiobook, the explanation of how humans rationalize their bad decisions is particularly compelling. The format mimics the experience of a lecture, allowing the listener to internalize the concept by applying it to their own lives while commuting or exercising. The audio delivery softens the academic jargon, making the concept of "self-justification" accessible to a lay audience without diluting its scientific rigor.
These updates make the 2021 edition drastically different from earlier versions (like the 10th or 11th editions). If you have read the book before, the 2021 audiobook is worth revisiting.
Here’s a review of The Social Animal by Elliot Aronson, focusing on the 2021 audiobook edition.
Use this caption with a photo of your headphones or a screenshot of the audiobook cover. the social animal elliot aronson audiobook 2021
However, the narrator cannot fully replicate Aronson’s own dry, self-deprecating humor. Some of the footnotes (which Aronson uses like stand-up asides) lose a bit of punch when read straight. Also, the 2021 edition includes occasional updates inserted as bracketed asides; these can briefly disrupt the audio flow. These are minor complaints. Here’s a review of The Social Animal by
Best paired with:
Listening to the audiobook while following along with the 12th edition’s table of contents (available free online) to track key studies and terms. The power of social situations : Learn how
A. Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Justification The central pillar of Aronson’s work is the theory of cognitive dissonance. In the audiobook, the explanation of how humans rationalize their bad decisions is particularly compelling. The format mimics the experience of a lecture, allowing the listener to internalize the concept by applying it to their own lives while commuting or exercising. The audio delivery softens the academic jargon, making the concept of "self-justification" accessible to a lay audience without diluting its scientific rigor.
These updates make the 2021 edition drastically different from earlier versions (like the 10th or 11th editions). If you have read the book before, the 2021 audiobook is worth revisiting.