What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ideological Brain: The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking
Why do some people become radicalized?
How do ideologies shape the human brain?
And how can we unchain our minds from toxic dogmas?
In The Ideological Brain, Leor Zmigrod reveals the deep connection between political beliefs and the biology of the brain. Drawing on her own pioneering research, she uncovers the complex interplay between biology and environment that predisposes some individuals to rigid ways of thinking, and explains how ideologies take hold of our brains, fundamentally changing the way we think, act and interact with others. She shows how ideologues of all types struggle to change their thought patterns when faced with new information, culminating in the radical message that our politics are not superficial but are woven into the fabric of our minds.
This authoritative, accessible and playful blend of psychology, politics and philosophy explores the cutting-edge of the emerging field of political neuroscience. Zmigrod examines its historical roots before she looks to the future, considering the broader social and political implications of her groundbreaking research. Guiding readers through her experiments, she eventually describes what a free, authentic, and tolerant brain looks like, and explains how anyone can keep their mind open and flexible in the face of extremist ideologies.
How do ideologies shape the human brain?
And how can we unchain our minds from toxic dogmas?
In The Ideological Brain, Leor Zmigrod reveals the deep connection between political beliefs and the biology of the brain. Drawing on her own pioneering research, she uncovers the complex interplay between biology and environment that predisposes some individuals to rigid ways of thinking, and explains how ideologies take hold of our brains, fundamentally changing the way we think, act and interact with others. She shows how ideologues of all types struggle to change their thought patterns when faced with new information, culminating in the radical message that our politics are not superficial but are woven into the fabric of our minds.
This authoritative, accessible and playful blend of psychology, politics and philosophy explores the cutting-edge of the emerging field of political neuroscience. Zmigrod examines its historical roots before she looks to the future, considering the broader social and political implications of her groundbreaking research. Guiding readers through her experiments, she eventually describes what a free, authentic, and tolerant brain looks like, and explains how anyone can keep their mind open and flexible in the face of extremist ideologies.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2025
86 people are currently reading
9,414 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 11, 2025
I want to give it 20 stars! I actually recognized a part of the neurocognitive testing that I had to determine if I had Mild Cognitive Impairment or worse! That was the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, which I hated with so much vigor when taking it. It determines how rigid or flexible your thinking is. The test gives you a the task of figuring out which card is next in the sequence. Doesn’t sound bad, does it? But now I know why the test made me angry and frustrated. The rules of the sorting change while you take the test. It starts out with sequence that is easy to figure out, You think you know the rules. then the rules change, over and over again. I can remember my anger while taking the test, how dare they change the rules! If you are flexible thinker you will soon realize the rules have been changed and figure what works until the rules change again. Apparently my reaction to the test was like many of the college kids who took the test. Change is painful when your structure of thinking doesn’t work and you have to figure out the rules again.
The part about brainwashing seems logical and explains why it is so difficult to change the thinking of a person like in a cult to change. It shows why it so difficult to undo the damage done to a brainwashed individual.
I was so glad to learn about the work of Else Frenkel-Brunswik. She left Poland and later Austria to escape Jewish persecution. In United States, she conducted vey important interviews with children. She found that rigidity, like dividing into black and white, good and evil, strong vs. evil with no middle gradations, is demonstrated through strongly prejudiced children.
The author delves into parts of the brain and dopamine neurons. The brain and inner workings are extremely complex and amazing. I wish I had an animation of the processes that she discussed that I could watch several times to understand it better.
I love the humor that the author employs with the "whispers" back and forth during the explanations, she knows that what had been learned is a lot to take in and she leads us through in a friendly and careful way.
The good part is that this book makes me think! The bad part is that if I have to take Neurocognitive Testing again, I know how to cheat to get a better score!
If you would like your brain to have some healthy exercise, please read this book! I am very interested in the future developments in how political beliefs and the biology of the brain relate.
The part about brainwashing seems logical and explains why it is so difficult to change the thinking of a person like in a cult to change. It shows why it so difficult to undo the damage done to a brainwashed individual.
I was so glad to learn about the work of Else Frenkel-Brunswik. She left Poland and later Austria to escape Jewish persecution. In United States, she conducted vey important interviews with children. She found that rigidity, like dividing into black and white, good and evil, strong vs. evil with no middle gradations, is demonstrated through strongly prejudiced children.
The author delves into parts of the brain and dopamine neurons. The brain and inner workings are extremely complex and amazing. I wish I had an animation of the processes that she discussed that I could watch several times to understand it better.
I love the humor that the author employs with the "whispers" back and forth during the explanations, she knows that what had been learned is a lot to take in and she leads us through in a friendly and careful way.
The good part is that this book makes me think! The bad part is that if I have to take Neurocognitive Testing again, I know how to cheat to get a better score!
If you would like your brain to have some healthy exercise, please read this book! I am very interested in the future developments in how political beliefs and the biology of the brain relate.
March 31, 2025
First ŷ giveaway win for 2025 and I am so happy to be reading about political neuroscience. Neuroscience is a big love of mine (totally missed my calling), so all the science reads -I am her for. And while I’m at it, I don’t mind the medical jargon that one finds in many science/medical publications but this author made it (I think) really super easy to follow and understand and LEARN. I honest to the Universe feel smarter after reading this book. 🙌 Now it did take a bit to get into to the really good stuff but I did catch myself thinking about it and looking forward to reading it while I was out doing the errands. Thank you again to the author and publisher for an ARC. Happy reading!
March 30, 2025
I’m on page 89, 1/3 of the way through. I look forward to getting to the actual science, which is what interests me. But so far, it is mostly overwrought bloviating. What I’ve read so far could have been thoroughly covered in ten pages. Very disappointed. In contrast to, for example, Kahneman’s Thinking Fast And Slow, whose subject matter is equally esoteric but which is a much more enjoyable and approachable read.
—�
Finished now and reduced stars from 2 to 1. This is ho-hum book, written almost as a stream of consciousness. Condescending, self-congratulatory. Scientific research findings are of the “so what”variety. Quite the waste of money and time.
—�
Finished now and reduced stars from 2 to 1. This is ho-hum book, written almost as a stream of consciousness. Condescending, self-congratulatory. Scientific research findings are of the “so what”variety. Quite the waste of money and time.
April 21, 2025
I was looking forward to reading something between neuroscience and political science, but sadly this book was a huge disappointment. Many of the assumptions that Zmigrod makes are unsupported, sometimes even presumptuous, and make the whole book (and research) project dubious. All in all, it is more subjective stream of random thoughts than evidence-based, scientifically sound literature.
Most importantly, throughout the book, the author doesn't define exactly what ideologies are. Zmigrod takes "ideological" to mean anything that is somewhat extreme/radical/dogmatic (by any standard, who knows). She ends up repeating the word "ideological" over and over again, out of context, until you get the feeling that ideology is everything and nothing at the same time. There is a whole body of research on the conceptualisation of this concept in political and social science, but the author doesn't bother to engage with this literature. Also, the game tests and surveys she conducts and describes in the book don't measure anything like ideologies, just some traits/dispositions (flexibility, adaptability) that (maybe) make someone more likely to lean towards *some* ideology (which is a correlation, not a causal mechanism).
Second, she doesn't provide references to almost anything and I believe she sometimes misinterpretes theorists she criticizes, ending up labelling them with pathethic adjectives. Most notable example is "the conspiratorial and populist overtones in Marx's philosophy" or "the calamitous irony in Marx's hatred of ideology".
This culminates in the Epilogue section of the book, which she approaches as a rather absurd event, in which she presents her research findings to an audience consisting of the scholars mentioned in the book, including Marx. In this self-congratulatory section she tells people like Arendt, Marx or Frenkel-Brunswik how wrong their questions are (although it is Zmigrod who actually formulates them) and how unique and important her own research is.
The peak of the absurdity and self-indulgence of the writing are the following two quotes, taken from the Epilogue:
1
"But scientists don't do ideology critique," an accusatory scholar of the humanities resounds sceptically. "This is the task of philosophers, historians, economists, sociologists, and cultural thinkers." Why not? I ask, recalling that every aggression is an act of defence.
2
"These are excellent methods for critique!" Marx stresses.
Indeed, they are.
Most importantly, throughout the book, the author doesn't define exactly what ideologies are. Zmigrod takes "ideological" to mean anything that is somewhat extreme/radical/dogmatic (by any standard, who knows). She ends up repeating the word "ideological" over and over again, out of context, until you get the feeling that ideology is everything and nothing at the same time. There is a whole body of research on the conceptualisation of this concept in political and social science, but the author doesn't bother to engage with this literature. Also, the game tests and surveys she conducts and describes in the book don't measure anything like ideologies, just some traits/dispositions (flexibility, adaptability) that (maybe) make someone more likely to lean towards *some* ideology (which is a correlation, not a causal mechanism).
Second, she doesn't provide references to almost anything and I believe she sometimes misinterpretes theorists she criticizes, ending up labelling them with pathethic adjectives. Most notable example is "the conspiratorial and populist overtones in Marx's philosophy" or "the calamitous irony in Marx's hatred of ideology".
This culminates in the Epilogue section of the book, which she approaches as a rather absurd event, in which she presents her research findings to an audience consisting of the scholars mentioned in the book, including Marx. In this self-congratulatory section she tells people like Arendt, Marx or Frenkel-Brunswik how wrong their questions are (although it is Zmigrod who actually formulates them) and how unique and important her own research is.
The peak of the absurdity and self-indulgence of the writing are the following two quotes, taken from the Epilogue:
1
"But scientists don't do ideology critique," an accusatory scholar of the humanities resounds sceptically. "This is the task of philosophers, historians, economists, sociologists, and cultural thinkers." Why not? I ask, recalling that every aggression is an act of defence.
2
"These are excellent methods for critique!" Marx stresses.
Indeed, they are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
I was fortunate to win an early-release copy in a contest, and I am so glad I did.
Summary-
Leor Zmigrod explores the psychological and neurological underpinnings of ideological beliefs, delving into how cognitive traits like mental rigidity or flexibility influence a person's susceptibility to radical and moderate ideologies. The book presents research showing how these traits shape individuals' worldviews, decision-making, and behaviors. Zmigrod emphasizes the societal implications of ideological polarization and provides strategies to cultivate cognitive flexibility to reduce extremism, enhance empathy, and foster constructive dialogue.
Review-
The Ideological Brain is a thought-provoking exploration of ideology's cognitive and psychological foundations. Drawing from research in neuroscience and psychology, Zmigrod examines how our brains shape, and are shaped by, our ideological beliefs while presenting a compelling case for the importance of cognitive flexibility in fostering open-mindedness and social harmony.
One of the book's strengths lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Zmigrod seamlessly weaves together scientific insights with sociopolitical implications, making complex ideas accessible and relevant to both academics and general readers. The author delves into how mental rigidity can lead to extremism and how ideological diversity impacts societal resilience. Her arguments are supported by a wealth of evidence, from experimental studies to real-world examples.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the potential for change. Rather than merely diagnosing the problem of ideological entrenchment, Zmigrod offers practical strategies for cultivating flexible thinking. These strategies are applicable at an individual level and have profound implications for education, policymaking, and conflict resolution.
Some readers may sometimes find the book's scientific density challenging, but Zmigrod does an admirable job of explaining technical concepts for those of us who are less familiar with neuroscience or psychology. The book's rich content and thought-provoking ideas make it a rewarding read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of ideology and how to counter polarization.
The Ideological Brain is a powerful and timely work that encourages us to reflect on how we think and engage with the world. Zmigrod's insights are not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply relevant to the pressing challenges of our time. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern ideologies with curiosity and compassion.
Summary-
Leor Zmigrod explores the psychological and neurological underpinnings of ideological beliefs, delving into how cognitive traits like mental rigidity or flexibility influence a person's susceptibility to radical and moderate ideologies. The book presents research showing how these traits shape individuals' worldviews, decision-making, and behaviors. Zmigrod emphasizes the societal implications of ideological polarization and provides strategies to cultivate cognitive flexibility to reduce extremism, enhance empathy, and foster constructive dialogue.
Review-
The Ideological Brain is a thought-provoking exploration of ideology's cognitive and psychological foundations. Drawing from research in neuroscience and psychology, Zmigrod examines how our brains shape, and are shaped by, our ideological beliefs while presenting a compelling case for the importance of cognitive flexibility in fostering open-mindedness and social harmony.
One of the book's strengths lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Zmigrod seamlessly weaves together scientific insights with sociopolitical implications, making complex ideas accessible and relevant to both academics and general readers. The author delves into how mental rigidity can lead to extremism and how ideological diversity impacts societal resilience. Her arguments are supported by a wealth of evidence, from experimental studies to real-world examples.
What sets this book apart is its focus on the potential for change. Rather than merely diagnosing the problem of ideological entrenchment, Zmigrod offers practical strategies for cultivating flexible thinking. These strategies are applicable at an individual level and have profound implications for education, policymaking, and conflict resolution.
Some readers may sometimes find the book's scientific density challenging, but Zmigrod does an admirable job of explaining technical concepts for those of us who are less familiar with neuroscience or psychology. The book's rich content and thought-provoking ideas make it a rewarding read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of ideology and how to counter polarization.
The Ideological Brain is a powerful and timely work that encourages us to reflect on how we think and engage with the world. Zmigrod's insights are not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply relevant to the pressing challenges of our time. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern ideologies with curiosity and compassion.
March 24, 2025
This book has a ton of information, not necessarily written for the layman. At times, it was just too much but was nicely tied together at the very end.
I did appreciate how ideology was explained.
*I won this ARC book from ŷ. Thank you!
I did appreciate how ideology was explained.
*I won this ARC book from ŷ. Thank you!
Read
February 16, 2025I tried 3 times but could not get into this book. The idea was excellent, but the writing was not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
This book can only be considered scientific by those who are accustomed to treating tests and surveys as science. That is the only way you can get people to believe that rigidity or flexibility in thinking (whatever that concept even means) can be mapped from cognitive tests to political beliefs.
February 26, 2025
I received an advance reader's edition through ŷ.
My practical brain doesn't fully love the book only because it doesn't give me the easy workarounds to deal with people who don't think or act like me. My rational brain realizes that this is a very good review of the current status of understanding why some brains are hardwired to be rigid ideologues despite evidence to the contrary, and others are more adaptable and capable of changing their viewpoint based on new data.
My practical brain doesn't fully love the book only because it doesn't give me the easy workarounds to deal with people who don't think or act like me. My rational brain realizes that this is a very good review of the current status of understanding why some brains are hardwired to be rigid ideologues despite evidence to the contrary, and others are more adaptable and capable of changing their viewpoint based on new data.
February 15, 2025
Interesting read! Won a paperback advanced reader copy via a ŷ giveaway. Personally, I found it a bit dense at times, but the subject matter and insight were compelling, so I stuck with it. Learning about the brain was really fascinating and I now find myself thinking about the Simon effect and other phenomena when in situations or reading about other topics that aren't even related! As a self-described "non-sciencey" person in the technical sense, learning about dopamine and other chemicals and their reactions was made pretty easy by the way Zmigrod described them, for which I was thankful.
December 25, 2024
Books about our thoughts and minds always catches my attention with great curiosity. You may be a conservative or liberal and question how it happened. If you want to know more about how we form specific views, then this is a remarkable book that gives you a solid understanding of ideologies influencing our minds.
Dr. Leor Zmigrod, an award-winning scientist, allows readers to dig deep into the world of brains and how it works. This is filled with information from ancient philosophers and to what is known now. The readers are updated with recent studies of genetics, results from brain scans and how the environment places a part.
The most interesting take-away for me was related to politics on how people form decisions. She talked about the differences between those that are flexible and follow the rules opposed to others who are rigid and dislike change. It’s complicated how the mind forms decisions and she gives examples of experiments that are used.
This book helps us understand more about ourselves. It would be great for open discussions in countries with free speech as it relates to world politics. Beliefs matter.
My thanks to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of March 25, 2025.
Dr. Leor Zmigrod, an award-winning scientist, allows readers to dig deep into the world of brains and how it works. This is filled with information from ancient philosophers and to what is known now. The readers are updated with recent studies of genetics, results from brain scans and how the environment places a part.
The most interesting take-away for me was related to politics on how people form decisions. She talked about the differences between those that are flexible and follow the rules opposed to others who are rigid and dislike change. It’s complicated how the mind forms decisions and she gives examples of experiments that are used.
This book helps us understand more about ourselves. It would be great for open discussions in countries with free speech as it relates to world politics. Beliefs matter.
My thanks to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of March 25, 2025.
October 8, 2024
The Ideological Brain sounded like it might help me better understand how people become radicalized and believe in rigid ideologies, especially during this polarized political season in the US. In a combination of psychology, politics, and philosophy, the author argues that some people are biologically predisposed to rigid ways of thinking. Belief in strict ideologies has long been attributed to social forces but Zmigrod's research looks at this in terms of neural and cognitive principles. The book is written in a scholarly manner and can honestly be a little dry to this non-academic reader, but it has at least shown me that there may be reasons for political beliefs that I see as bordering on crazy. She also describes what an open and flexible thinker looks like. Three and a half stars rounded up.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on April 25, 2025.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on April 25, 2025.
November 1, 2024
I won an arc of this book from Henry Holt and Co in return for a honest review. Leor Zmigrod did an amazing job on this book. I was able to completely understand everything without being bored out of my mind or feel like I needed to google what she was talking about. It was extremely informative, humorous, and an understanding blend of philosophy, politics, and psychology. She explains how ideologies can take hold of your brain changing the way we believe, and how we react to others. She takes us through her experiments, and helps us see that anyone can open themselves up. This is definitely not a book I would have picked up to read, but I am glad I was picked to read this arc. I highly recommend this book!
December 30, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co. books for this ARC for review. This book was fascinating that I read in spurts over about a week as it was a lot of information to process at once. It was interesting to read the comparisons of how different groups process or relate to information in different ways. It was especially interesting when the author was speaking of the studies with children as some behaviors are learned through parents or environments, but others are not.
February 1, 2025
I won an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through ŷ.
As a scientist myself, I often wonder about the science behind things that do not inherently pertain to science as well as the chicken/egg scenario of just about everything. This book scratched that itch pretty thoroughly.
Though it is scientific it reads smoothly and clearly. Since it is scientific by nature, there is not a lot of fluff which may bore some readers.
I would have liked to see further elaboration rather than just ending the book with a philosophical question.
As a scientist myself, I often wonder about the science behind things that do not inherently pertain to science as well as the chicken/egg scenario of just about everything. This book scratched that itch pretty thoroughly.
Though it is scientific it reads smoothly and clearly. Since it is scientific by nature, there is not a lot of fluff which may bore some readers.
I would have liked to see further elaboration rather than just ending the book with a philosophical question.
December 22, 2024
Leor Zmigrod wrote about how ideologically rigid minds can affect one’s actions as well as how one’s genetics, upbringings and surroundings can affect their ideological rigidity or flexibility.
Backed by science and mixed with a bit of humor, this book helped my mind not only be cognizant of my own ideological tendencies, but also be more understanding of the traits and factors that could shape others ideologies.
Backed by science and mixed with a bit of humor, this book helped my mind not only be cognizant of my own ideological tendencies, but also be more understanding of the traits and factors that could shape others ideologies.
November 5, 2024
Unraveling The Ideological Brain: A Deep Dive into Thought and Belief
I recently had the privilege to dive into Leor Zmigrod's "The Ideological Brain," thanks to an ARC from Henry Holt and Co. This book is a masterful blend of science, philosophy, and political discussion, providing a fascinating insight into the biological underpinnings of our political and ideological leanings. Here's what you need to know:
🌟 Clarity Meets Complexity: Zmigrod takes on the complex interplay of biology and environment, explaining how certain individuals are wired for rigid belief systems. Her writing style is refreshingly accessible, even when discussing dense academic topics like neural and cognitive principles. She crafts a narrative that is both enlightening and engaging, despite moments that can feel a bit dry for the non-academic reader.
🧠 From Ideology to Insight: The book goes beyond just discussing problems like polarization; it delves into the why. Zmigrod's research offers a nuanced view of how ideologies not only shape but also change the wiring of our brains:
� She explains how our cerebral design can predispose us to different ideologies, illustrating
this with her groundbreaking experiments.
� Through these findings, Zmigrod enlightens us on the characteristics of an open, flexible
mind, crucial in today's often polarized environment.
📖 The book’s premise is both timely and timeless, given our current political climate, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the root of ideological rigidity and extremism. I found myself unexpectedly entertained and educated, despite initial reservations about picking up such a topic.
In wrapping up, "The Ideological Brain" not only broadened my understanding of political beliefs but also encouraged a hope for flexibility. It's not just about critiquing polarized beliefs but also about fostering an environment where cognitive openness can thrive. 🌐📚 I give it a solid 4 stars, and not just because of its insightful content, but for its role in sparking a critical conversation at a crucial time.
I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in the crossroads where psychology, politics, and neuroscience meet. With its publication on April 25, 2025, it's set to enlighten many on the intricacies of the human mind in ideological contexts. 🔍🌍
I recently had the privilege to dive into Leor Zmigrod's "The Ideological Brain," thanks to an ARC from Henry Holt and Co. This book is a masterful blend of science, philosophy, and political discussion, providing a fascinating insight into the biological underpinnings of our political and ideological leanings. Here's what you need to know:
🌟 Clarity Meets Complexity: Zmigrod takes on the complex interplay of biology and environment, explaining how certain individuals are wired for rigid belief systems. Her writing style is refreshingly accessible, even when discussing dense academic topics like neural and cognitive principles. She crafts a narrative that is both enlightening and engaging, despite moments that can feel a bit dry for the non-academic reader.
🧠 From Ideology to Insight: The book goes beyond just discussing problems like polarization; it delves into the why. Zmigrod's research offers a nuanced view of how ideologies not only shape but also change the wiring of our brains:
� She explains how our cerebral design can predispose us to different ideologies, illustrating
this with her groundbreaking experiments.
� Through these findings, Zmigrod enlightens us on the characteristics of an open, flexible
mind, crucial in today's often polarized environment.
📖 The book’s premise is both timely and timeless, given our current political climate, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the root of ideological rigidity and extremism. I found myself unexpectedly entertained and educated, despite initial reservations about picking up such a topic.
In wrapping up, "The Ideological Brain" not only broadened my understanding of political beliefs but also encouraged a hope for flexibility. It's not just about critiquing polarized beliefs but also about fostering an environment where cognitive openness can thrive. 🌐📚 I give it a solid 4 stars, and not just because of its insightful content, but for its role in sparking a critical conversation at a crucial time.
I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in the crossroads where psychology, politics, and neuroscience meet. With its publication on April 25, 2025, it's set to enlighten many on the intricacies of the human mind in ideological contexts. 🔍🌍
April 20, 2025
Originally posted on my blog .
The Ideological Brain is an interesting and layman accessible monograph by on the complex interconnectedness of neurology and how it shapes and informs ideology. Released 25th March 2025 by , it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Political beliefs and conditioning have profound effects on the brain. Dr. Zmigrod carefully explores the ramifications between political ideology and belief, and neurology at a very fundamental level. She winds up setting up the equation backwards from what most people would formulate... instead of saying how does a particular belief system *affect* the brain.. she posits that certain world views are more likely rooted in cognition and actual physical biology. (Which is both profound and troubling).
It's an interesting book, and shows how ideology has profound effects on behavior, and how some people are more likely to become radicalized and susceptible to extremism.
It's not an easy read, there's some amount of technical jargon involved, but overall, it's layman accessible, and the author writes in plain non-academically rigorous language. It's meticulously annotated throughout, and the chapter notes will provide keen readers with lots of scope for further in-depth learning.
There aren't a lot of *conclusions* included, but it's certainly food for thought. Dr. Zmigrod is unquestionably a very intelligent, but the text is light on the actual complex science (which is probably understandable given the difficulty of translating for laypeople reading).
Three and a half stars. It would potentially be a good choice for public or post-secondary school library acquisition, for science interested non-fiction readers, and for home reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Ideological Brain is an interesting and layman accessible monograph by on the complex interconnectedness of neurology and how it shapes and informs ideology. Released 25th March 2025 by , it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Political beliefs and conditioning have profound effects on the brain. Dr. Zmigrod carefully explores the ramifications between political ideology and belief, and neurology at a very fundamental level. She winds up setting up the equation backwards from what most people would formulate... instead of saying how does a particular belief system *affect* the brain.. she posits that certain world views are more likely rooted in cognition and actual physical biology. (Which is both profound and troubling).
It's an interesting book, and shows how ideology has profound effects on behavior, and how some people are more likely to become radicalized and susceptible to extremism.
It's not an easy read, there's some amount of technical jargon involved, but overall, it's layman accessible, and the author writes in plain non-academically rigorous language. It's meticulously annotated throughout, and the chapter notes will provide keen readers with lots of scope for further in-depth learning.
There aren't a lot of *conclusions* included, but it's certainly food for thought. Dr. Zmigrod is unquestionably a very intelligent, but the text is light on the actual complex science (which is probably understandable given the difficulty of translating for laypeople reading).
Three and a half stars. It would potentially be a good choice for public or post-secondary school library acquisition, for science interested non-fiction readers, and for home reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 27, 2025
***.5
There's way too much "correlation does not imply causation, but here's why it does" thinking in this book.
Granted, it's extremely difficult to suss out the contributing factors when attempting to determine the neurological basis underlying political and religious beliefs. Zmigrod relies heavily on psychology experiments conducted during the 1940's, re-interpreted through the lens of modern brain science that utilize cutting edge technology and methods (e.g. fMRI, genetics, etc.) to draw conclusions about how the physical structure and workings of the brain influence the resulting thoughts and ideas. This effort is supplemented by heavy reliance on the writings of people like , Charles Darwin, Marx, Freud, etc. to bridge the gaps between the disciplines.
Her conclusions seem reasonable enough, but the mash-up of political theory, pop psychology, neuroscience, and progressive philosophy don't quite come together. Further exacerbating the inconsistencies is the dissonance of the writing, which vacillates between dense academic/technical language and overly colloquial sections.
There's way too much "correlation does not imply causation, but here's why it does" thinking in this book.
Granted, it's extremely difficult to suss out the contributing factors when attempting to determine the neurological basis underlying political and religious beliefs. Zmigrod relies heavily on psychology experiments conducted during the 1940's, re-interpreted through the lens of modern brain science that utilize cutting edge technology and methods (e.g. fMRI, genetics, etc.) to draw conclusions about how the physical structure and workings of the brain influence the resulting thoughts and ideas. This effort is supplemented by heavy reliance on the writings of people like , Charles Darwin, Marx, Freud, etc. to bridge the gaps between the disciplines.
Her conclusions seem reasonable enough, but the mash-up of political theory, pop psychology, neuroscience, and progressive philosophy don't quite come together. Further exacerbating the inconsistencies is the dissonance of the writing, which vacillates between dense academic/technical language and overly colloquial sections.
March 25, 2025
I thought this was fantastic and really well done. Anyone who reads this will learn a lot and be prompted to think critically and...well. I found the author's explanations and methods to be very compelling. This topic is especially important now that "AI" is proliferating and being media literate can be difficult even for the most well-informed. Essentially this book is about the differences between rigid, dogmatic thinkers and adaptable thinkers. It also provides insights into scientific methods, correlation vs causation, nature vs nurture, and remembering questioning everything.
(I even learned more about dopamine and neurology than I have when I've sought out books about hormones or the brain.) I found it very accessible as someone who never felt "good at" science in school, but I did go to college, studied political science, and have some familiarity with these concepts from basic statistics and other courses.
(I even learned more about dopamine and neurology than I have when I've sought out books about hormones or the brain.) I found it very accessible as someone who never felt "good at" science in school, but I did go to college, studied political science, and have some familiarity with these concepts from basic statistics and other courses.
April 17, 2025
Este es un libro interesante y profundo sobre los efectos cognitivos de lo que la autora delimita como ideología. Lo sustenta mucha evidencia así como el conocimiento de distintas posiciones filosóficas al respecto. Sin embargo, me parece importante también señalar que la autora nunca duda de su lugar de enunciación y de las verdades que piensa universales (me pareció algo chocante, por ejemplo, centrarse en el extremismo musulmán y no en el norteamericano o el cristiano, por ejemplo). Me parece que le falta un capítulo en el que problematice la ciencia como diferente a la ideología, ya que ella presupone de antemano que son cuestiones muy distintas (estaría bien que lo explicara). También me pareció muy ¿atrevido? el epílogo, en el que se supone que le contesta a varixs filósofxs (Marx, Arendt, etc.) sus posibles señalamientos sobre los planteamientos de este libro.
March 9, 2025
This book explores the neurological basis of political extremism, examining how ideologies shape the brain and how to resist radicalization. Blending psychology, politics, and neuroscience, the author discusses the biological and environmental factors influencing rigid thinking, and offers strategies for cultivating open-mindedness.
This book has something of a textbook feel. The content is interesting, but the science feels preliminary, incomplete, and not yet persuasive. I didn’t feel like the book offered much actionable information.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book has something of a textbook feel. The content is interesting, but the science feels preliminary, incomplete, and not yet persuasive. I didn’t feel like the book offered much actionable information.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 28, 2025
This is not an easy book to read. It’s not because of the subject matter, which is fascinating, but because this is more of an academic discussion of ideology. It’s a book you would read because you are writing an academic paper on the subject.
Because this is such a complex subject, I queried ChatGPT—something I do with all my book reviews of scientific subjects to make sure I didn’t overlook some aspect—and this is what it said about Ideology:
“Ideology refers to a system of ideas, beliefs, or ideals that form the basis of a political, economic, or social theory. It’s about how people perceive the world and what principles they think should guide society.�
That essentially is what the book “The Ideological Brain: The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking� is about: how people end up clinging to whatever ideas, beliefs, or ideals—that is, Ideology—they hold.
Ideology was devised by Antoine Destutt de Tracy during the French Revolution. His idea was that “Idéologie [as he called it] would be a legitimate science that would use objective methods to ascertain how humans generate beliefs; [and] designed to be a scientific project oriented toward truth and against superstition.�
While there can be many different interpretations of Ideology, I read the book with the mindset of trying to understand why political ideologies can bring people to believe unpopular information or elect a president of the United States who may or may not believe in their best interests.
Author Zmigrod points out that “Religion is one of the strongest and most memorable forms of an ideological upbringing. This is because religion is highly performative, both as a doctrine and an identity.� Also, “ideologies offer the promise of “home,� a place where one is accepted and understood.� This aspect can apply to any social group (sports, popular culture, etc.)—the feeling of belonging and being understood is very powerful.�
While this doesn’t justify everything that the United States has experienced these last few years, it does explain some of the aspects of how those who followed Donald Trump felt and why they supported him.
This book would appeal to those who are interested in learning more about the history of ideology as well as those in academia who are interested in the application of sociological experiments. For me, this was a book that I found a bit hard to read in areas but was overall fascinated by the subject matter.
4/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion, which I have given here.]
Because this is such a complex subject, I queried ChatGPT—something I do with all my book reviews of scientific subjects to make sure I didn’t overlook some aspect—and this is what it said about Ideology:
“Ideology refers to a system of ideas, beliefs, or ideals that form the basis of a political, economic, or social theory. It’s about how people perceive the world and what principles they think should guide society.�
That essentially is what the book “The Ideological Brain: The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking� is about: how people end up clinging to whatever ideas, beliefs, or ideals—that is, Ideology—they hold.
Ideology was devised by Antoine Destutt de Tracy during the French Revolution. His idea was that “Idéologie [as he called it] would be a legitimate science that would use objective methods to ascertain how humans generate beliefs; [and] designed to be a scientific project oriented toward truth and against superstition.�
While there can be many different interpretations of Ideology, I read the book with the mindset of trying to understand why political ideologies can bring people to believe unpopular information or elect a president of the United States who may or may not believe in their best interests.
Author Zmigrod points out that “Religion is one of the strongest and most memorable forms of an ideological upbringing. This is because religion is highly performative, both as a doctrine and an identity.� Also, “ideologies offer the promise of “home,� a place where one is accepted and understood.� This aspect can apply to any social group (sports, popular culture, etc.)—the feeling of belonging and being understood is very powerful.�
While this doesn’t justify everything that the United States has experienced these last few years, it does explain some of the aspects of how those who followed Donald Trump felt and why they supported him.
This book would appeal to those who are interested in learning more about the history of ideology as well as those in academia who are interested in the application of sociological experiments. For me, this was a book that I found a bit hard to read in areas but was overall fascinated by the subject matter.
4/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion, which I have given here.]
March 11, 2025
The information in this book is great! The research is interesting and the ties Zmigrod makes are insightful.
The issue is it this is absolutely an high level academic text. This is not a text for an average reader. I found the lack of narrative voice and the language steeped in academia disappointing as the information is valuable. I wish it was written in such a way that the average reader was able to read and comprehend it.
The issue is it this is absolutely an high level academic text. This is not a text for an average reader. I found the lack of narrative voice and the language steeped in academia disappointing as the information is valuable. I wish it was written in such a way that the average reader was able to read and comprehend it.
March 16, 2025
A deep look at the human mind and its tendencies while navigating our polarized and politicized world. 🧠
Things I loved:
👩� honoring women’s research
🧪 biochemical factor discussion
🖼� reframing
The pacing and considerations within this book were great; I simply wanted more! While I did learn things, most of the information was presented as coorelations that just made sense (though the author did a good job supporting them scientifically). 📖
Things I loved:
👩� honoring women’s research
🧪 biochemical factor discussion
🖼� reframing
The pacing and considerations within this book were great; I simply wanted more! While I did learn things, most of the information was presented as coorelations that just made sense (though the author did a good job supporting them scientifically). 📖
March 25, 2025
Seems to be well researched and documented. While I didn’t understand everything presented it was an interesting dive into the mind and how we form beliefs. I did get the impression that having ideologic thinking was only linked with zealousness and extremism. Then she ends with centrism will always change and never hold. I think I will need a re-read to understand better.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Company for the complimentary copy.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Company for the complimentary copy.
April 13, 2025
I thought this book would be impossible for me, but Zmigrod's writing is sassy and accessible. It reminds me of Foolproof by Sander van der Linden; both deal with the science behind flexible thinking. Where do biology and politics intersect? Are some people more biologically susceptible to misinformation/dogmatic thinking? The short answer: Yes. The slightly longer answer: a society should nurture the plasticity of the brains inside it.
February 24, 2025
This book explains The Ideological Brain through many aspects of life. And how the brain can be controlled and flexible in any extreme. Everyone who struggles with new experience and conflict can change their thought patterns on how one acts. An educational Read. Thankyou ŷ for this free book.
April 25, 2025
I almost DNF. The first few chapters were dense and heavy on history, and I wasn’t sure it was for me. But once it moved into the brain science and the way our beliefs take root, I couldn’t stop highlighting. There’s a lot here about why we cling to ideology, why we need to feel socially accepted, and how intellectual humility might be the way forward. It surprised me in the best way.
January 30, 2025
I loved the analysis of information about radicalization and forming ideological belief systems. Fascinating!
Thank you to ŷ Giveaways and Henry Holt and Company for sending this advance reader’s edition.
Thank you to ŷ Giveaways and Henry Holt and Company for sending this advance reader’s edition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.