Beliefism
On sale
21st May 2026
Price: £10.99
‘Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered – and it could change the world’ Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University
‘Repeated throughout is the fine principle that whatever position you wish to argue on an issue, you must be honest about what bad effects, as well as good, will follow.’ Steven Poole, The Times
Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us
Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? We might like to think that we’re tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own. That means we’re falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism.
Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps – and how harmful that can be. Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it’s among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.
‘Repeated throughout is the fine principle that whatever position you wish to argue on an issue, you must be honest about what bad effects, as well as good, will follow.’ Steven Poole, The Times
Beliefism (noun): Discrimination against people who disagree with us
Do you avoid people who are strongly against immigration? Or strongly for trans rights? We might like to think that we’re tolerant, but many of us struggle to engage with people whose opinions differ strongly from our own. That means we’re falling victim to what behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan defines as Beliefism.
Drawing on the evidence from across the social sciences, Dolan shows how easy it is for us to divide ourselves into opposing camps – and how harmful that can be. Combining curiosity, irreverence and warmth, Beliefism is a definitive behavioural science take by a leader in his field. Whether it’s among friends, at university or at work, being less beliefist will make you a better partner or parent, and a more effective buddy or boss.
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Reviews
I learned more about the causes of political hostility in my first hour of reading Dolan's book than in 14 years as an MP. By the end, I was certain what to do about it. And in finding areas where Paul and I radically disagree, I rejoice that I am not a Beliefist!
In these fractured, fractious times, there has never been a more important time to rediscover the lost art of disagreeing agreeably - for it is an art and it is at risk of being lost. Paul Dolan has provided a masterclass - one which is deeply analytical, very entertaining and highly practical - in how to do so
Brilliant, wise, humane, scientific, and kind. Beliefism is exactly what the doctor ordered - and it could change the world