PDF Summary:Look Again, by Tali Sharot and Cass R. Sunstein

The force of habit shapes our lives in powerful ways, often without us fully realizing it. In Look Again by Tali Sharot and Cass R. Sunstein, the authors explore how our tendency to adapt to both positive and negative experiences affects our well-being, relationships, thought processes and even societal structures.

They explain how becoming accustomed or "habituated" to various circumstances can diminish our joy over life's blessings while making us apathetic toward its troubles. The book examines strategies for disrupting this adaptation process and renewing our sense of appreciation and motivation for improvement. Sharot and Sunstein also shed light on how habituation impacts our ethical standards, environmental awareness, and openness to alternate perspectives that could drive societal change.

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• The doubt and mockery might have been exaggerated in retellings, and there may have been supporters and advocates of the technique from the beginning.
• It could be argued that the success of the Fosbury Flop was not just due to the method itself but also due to Fosbury's personal athletic talent and the unique way he executed the technique.
• Some innovators may focus on improving existing methods rather than seeking entirely new alternatives, which can also lead to significant advancements.

Transforming the environment, whether through tangible modifications or by shifting an individual's perspective, can revitalize focus and spark creativity.

The concept that minor changes in our environment can stimulate creative thinking by disrupting our habitual cognitive patterns was put forward by Tali Sharot and Cass R. Sunstein. Simple actions like going for a walk or rearranging one's workspace can boost the ability to think inventively. These mental shocks interrupt our customary thought processes, creating a path toward embracing new perspectives. The authors advocate for individuals and organizations to welcome variety and transformation, which disrupts conventional patterns and fosters settings conducive to adaptable and innovative thought.

Context

• The idea also connects to mindfulness practices, where being present and aware of one's surroundings can lead to greater insight and innovation.
• Many famous thinkers, such as Steve Jobs and Charles Dickens, were known to take walks to stimulate their thinking and generate new ideas.
• Emotional responses triggered by unexpected changes can enhance memory and learning, making new perspectives more likely to be retained and utilized.
• Changes in the physical environment can serve as cues that trigger new ways of thinking, as they can subtly influence mood, energy levels, and cognitive processes.
• Encouraging change often involves integrating diverse perspectives, which can lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions by combining different viewpoints and experiences.

The increasing acceptance of dishonesty and the dangers that accompany this deception.

Tali Sharot and Cass R. Sunstein delve into the ethical implications of growing accustomed to certain behaviors, especially when it comes to the incremental slide into dishonesty. They contend that what starts as minor falsehoods can grow into more significant deceit because our minds become accustomed to the discomfort that comes with dishonesty.

The brain's desensitization to negative emotions can lead to a progression from minor untruths to more significant acts of deceit.

The authors designed an experiment that allowed participants the opportunity to act deceitfully for their own benefit. Initially, the study subjects exhibited a strong emotional response to dishonest behaviors, as evidenced by increased activity in the amygdala, an area of the brain associated with emotional processing. However, with each lie, this response diminished, signaling an increasing desensitization to the act of ethical violation. The internal restraint that typically curbs dishonest behavior diminished through this emotional adjustment, allowing individuals to deceive more effortlessly and often.

Practical Tips

• Create a "desensitization timeline" for a specific negative emotion you're dealing with. Plot out the expected intensity of the emotion over a period, such as days or weeks, and then record the actual intensity you experience each day. This visual representation can help you see the gradual decrease in emotional response, providing a practical affirmation of the brain's desensitization capability.
• Implement a "24-hour rule" for decisions that might lead to dishonesty. When faced with a situation where you might tell a lie, give yourself 24 hours before responding or making a decision. This time buffer can reduce the impulse to deceive and allow you to consider the long-term consequences of dishonesty.
• Monitor your physiological responses when facing ethical decisions by using a wearable device that tracks heart rate variability (HRV). Increased HRV can indicate stress or discomfort, which might be linked to the amygdala's response to dishonest behavior. By observing changes in your HRV when making decisions, you can become more aware of when you might be straying from your moral compass and take steps to realign with your ethical values.
• Volunteer for a local organization that works on social justice or ethical issues. Direct involvement with causes that address ethical violations can provide a tangible connection to the consequences of unethical behavior and strengthen your emotional response to such issues.
• You can create a "Honesty Jar" similar to a swear jar, where you must contribute a set amount of money every time you catch yourself in a dishonest act, no matter how small. This tangible consequence makes you more aware of your actions and reinforces the value of honesty.
• Engage in role-playing exercises with a friend where you practice scenarios that typically tempt you to be less than truthful. This can help you prepare responses that align with your commitment to honesty. Imagine you're selling a car with a minor defect; practice how you would disclose this information to potential buyers in a truthful yet positive manner.

Addressing minor instances of deceit swiftly is crucial to prevent the normalization and acceptance of unethical behavior.

To curb the progression of deceit, it is crucial to intervene swiftly at its early stages, as emphasized by Sunstein and Sharot. They contend that addressing minor transgressions, particularly with young people and employees, is essential to establish clear ethical boundaries and prevent the acceptance of immoral behavior as normal. The authors demonstrate how small untruths can escalate into significant deceptions with serious consequences, citing instances like the cases of Bernard Madoff and Belle Gibson. They advise establishing environments in which dishonest behavior, regardless of its extent, is promptly addressed to deter its normalization and to underscore the importance of integrity.

Other Perspectives

• The approach of swiftly addressing minor deceit does not take into account the intent behind the action, which is an important factor in ethical considerations.
• There is a risk that swift interventions could be misapplied or abused, leading to unfair treatment or a lack of due process for those accused of deceit.
• The concept of what constitutes a "minor transgression" can be subjective and culturally dependent, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing such behaviors may not be appropriate or effective in all situations.
• Not all small untruths necessarily escalate into significant deceptions; many people tell minor lies without ever progressing to more serious deceit.
• It is possible that Madoff and Gibson had a propensity for deceitful behavior from the outset, which means their cases might not illustrate an escalation from minor to major deceit but rather a consistent pattern of dishonesty.
• Establishing such environments may inadvertently create a culture of fear and surveillance, which could stifle creativity and open communication.
• Overemphasis on deterrence could potentially stigmatize individuals for minor mistakes, leading to a lack of trust and open communication within organizations or societies.
• Focusing solely on integrity could overlook the importance of other virtues such as compassion, understanding, and forgiveness, which are also essential in a well-rounded ethical framework.

Concerns related to the well-being and protection of individuals.

The difficulty lies in noticing and reacting to environmental changes that occur slowly.

The authors emphasize the difficulties in noticing and reacting to gradual environmental shifts, including the rise in pollutants and the continuous progression of global warming. Our cognitive faculties excel in noticing sudden shifts and novel inputs, but they sometimes overlook the gradual and nuanced changes around us.

People frequently fail to notice incremental changes in their surroundings, like the steady increase of air pollution or the gradual rise in temperatures, because they grow used to these changes as they occur over time.

The authors liken the event to the scenario in which a frog in a pot does not recognize the danger while the water temperature gradually rises, eventually succumbing to the gradual escalation of warmth. They argue that humans, like the proverbial frog, can become desensitized to creeping environmental threats, adapting to progressively worsening conditions without experiencing the alarm that would trigger protective action. The authors highlight that our perception of normality is influenced by our past experiences, noting that students who come from areas with less pollution are often more conscious of and vocal about the air quality issues in Los Angeles than long-time residents.

Practical Tips

• Create a change journal to become more aware of your surroundings. At the end of each day, write down any small changes you've noticed in your environment, interactions, or routines. This practice can sharpen your observation skills and help you become more attuned to gradual developments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• You can track your personal consumption habits to become more aware of your environmental impact. Start by keeping a daily log of your energy and water usage, waste production, and travel methods. This will help you notice patterns and identify areas where you can reduce your footprint. For example, if you find that you're taking long showers, you could set a timer to shorten them and save water.
• Create a "normality map" by listing areas of your life such as work, relationships, and hobbies. Next to each, write down what you consider normal and then challenge these norms by trying new approaches or behaviors in these areas. For instance, if you normally work out alone, try joining a group class to see how this changes your perception of a normal fitness routine.

Creating environments with clean air can help people become more aware of environmental hazards.

By disrupting our habitual inattention, we can heighten our consciousness of ecological dangers, as proposed by Sharot and Sunstein. The writers introduce the idea of designated areas known as havens that provide protection from environments contaminated with pollutants. A brief encounter with fresh air can heighten our awareness of air quality issues upon returning to places with less pure air. They underscore the necessity of basing both individual and policy-level decisions and actions on solid, evidence-based research, and they also highlight the need to heighten awareness about the dangers of growing too comfortable with environmental decline.

Other Perspectives

• Focusing on the creation of clean air environments might divert resources and attention from more impactful environmental actions, such as reducing emissions at the source or implementing wide-scale renewable energy solutions.
• There is a risk that havens could be seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, which could undermine the political will to make clean air accessible to all.
• Habituation to poor air quality might be so strong that a short experience of clean air does not significantly alter perception or concern.
• The quality of evidence-based research can vary greatly, and poor-quality research can lead to misguided decisions if not critically evaluated.
• Focusing solely on the dangers of environmental decline might lead to fear-based messaging, which can sometimes result in apathy or desensitization rather than proactive engagement.

Effectively adjusting to potential hazards is essential when dealing with incidents and safety issues.

The authors, Cass R. Sunstein and Tali Sharot, examine the phenomenon where repeated exposure to a threat without negative consequences leads individuals to underestimate the associated risks. This complacency often results in careless actions and accidents that could have been avoided. The writers emphasize their point by recounting the distressing story of Joe Burrus, an illusionist who met a tragic fate while performing a trick that evoked memories of the renowned magician Houdini's classic acts.

Individuals often become desensitized to hazards they've frequently faced, which can result in careless actions and avoidable occurrences.

Burrus had a history of successfully escaping from various confined spaces, each successful attempt reinforcing his belief that he could push the boundaries further. His escalating disregard for danger led to an underestimation of the deadly hazards associated with entrapment in a concrete enclosure, a misjudgment that ultimately led to his death.

Practical Tips

• Challenge yourself to learn a new skill that's outside your comfort zone, like a new language or a musical instrument, and track your progress weekly. Doing so will give you tangible evidence of your ability to overcome initial limitations, reinforcing your belief in pushing boundaries.
• Develop a "safety swap" habit with a friend or family member where you discuss one activity each week that could have hidden dangers. By exchanging stories and perspectives on seemingly harmless activities, you'll gain insights into risks you might have overlooked and learn to approach similar situations with caution.

Digital simulations that are immersive can successfully disrupt the reduced sensitivity towards hazards, thus improving adherence to safety measures.

The authors highlight the widespread issue of growing accustomed to risks, as shown by various events such as traffic collisions and occupational dangers. They emphasize the importance of methods that interrupt this tendency by altering how we view potential dangers and promoting actions that increase safety. They explore the advantages of immersive simulations that enable people to safely encounter the outcomes of hazardous behaviors. These simulations can evoke strong emotions, shattering apathy and prompting us to acknowledge the perils associated with becoming too comfortable with risk.

Other Perspectives

• Immersive simulations require significant resources and technology, which may not be accessible or cost-effective for all organizations, potentially limiting their widespread adoption.
• In some cases, becoming accustomed to risks may lead to the development of expertise and the ability to manage these risks more effectively, rather than leading to negligence or unsafe practices.
• The prevalence of traffic collisions and occupational dangers might reflect issues with infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, or training rather than a general societal desensitization to risk.
• Some risks are so infrequent or minor that the effort to constantly refresh sensitivity towards them may not be justified, and resources could be better allocated to more significant hazards.
• In some cases, altering how we view potential dangers might not be feasible due to cognitive biases that are hard to overcome, such as optimism bias where individuals believe they are less at risk than others.
• While promoting actions that increase safety is important, it can sometimes lead to overregulation, which may stifle innovation and personal freedoms.
• Simulations are typically predefined scenarios, which may not cover the full scope of potential real-life situations, leaving gaps in preparedness.
• Relying on strong emotional responses may not be the most effective way to promote long-term behavioral change, as emotions can be fleeting and may not lead to sustained adherence to safety measures.
• Some people might not find digital simulations realistic or engaging enough to have their apathy disrupted.
• Over-reliance on simulations could potentially desensitize individuals to actual dangers if the simulated experiences are repeated too often.

Addressing the multifaceted nature of recompense for endured anguish, suffering, and diminished abilities.

Sharot and Sunstein delve into the intricacies of assessing and compensating for intangible losses within the legal sphere, with a particular emphasis on emotional suffering and the deprivation of life's enjoyments. The authors note that when determining compensation, juries and judges frequently fail to consider the effects of habituation, resulting in awards that can be erratic and at times insufficient.

Legal adjudicators and the wider public often misjudge the capacity of individuals to withstand difficulties, leading to awards of damages that may be overly abundant or inadequate.

People often overestimate the lasting impact of hardships and harm, but they overlook the tendency for the emotional significance of these events to diminish as they grow accustomed to them over time. Our tendency to focus on the negative elements of a loss can lead us to exaggerate the ensuing discomfort and difficulties, potentially resulting in an overly generous award for damages. In contrast, they contend that the seriousness of enduring ailments like ongoing backaches or migraines might be undervalued by legal adjudicators and panels. They argue that failing to acknowledge the enduring characteristics of these conditions could result in inadequate compensation.

Other Perspectives

• Some legal systems use structured settlement options to provide long-term financial support rather than a single lump sum, which can address the concern of misjudging an individual's capacity to cope over time.
• While it's true that emotional significance can diminish over time, this is not a uniform process and can vary greatly from person to person, with some individuals experiencing prolonged or even permanent psychological effects from trauma.
• The legal system often employs experts and uses established guidelines to assess damages, which aim to mitigate the risk of overly generous awards.
• There may be instances where the seriousness of enduring ailments is not undervalued but rather accurately assessed based on the available medical evidence and the individual's specific circumstances.
• The legal process often includes mechanisms for appeal or review, which can correct instances where the initial compensation may have been inadequate.

The legal system should focus on the restoration of impaired capabilities instead of merely concentrating on mental states, acknowledging the significant transformation this entails.

The authors propose an alteration to the legal framework that takes into account not just emotional distress but also reduced capabilities. They argue that even those who have emotionally adjusted to their physical or mental limitations should still be compensated for their diminished ability to engage in everyday activities. The writers suggest that when deciding on compensation that truly reflects both the immediate psychological impact and the lasting material consequences of injury, a comprehensive evaluation of reduced capabilities should guide judicial decisions.

Other Perspectives

• Prioritizing the restoration of capabilities could lead to inconsistencies in compensation, as different individuals will have varying potential for improvement, which may not align with the principle of equal justice under the law.
• Focusing on everyday activities might lead to a narrow interpretation of impairment, potentially overlooking the broader impacts on a person's life, including their ability to participate in cultural, educational, or leisure activities.
• The proposal could shift the legal system away from its traditional role of determining liability and punishment, and towards a more therapeutic or social welfare function, which may not align with the legal system's established purposes and principles.

Society, Law, and Societal Change

The incremental acceptance of practices that are oppressive and discriminatory.

Sunstein explores the repercussions of societal norms becoming ingrained, especially in the way they perpetuate discrimination and bias. The authors argue that discriminatory actions, when frequently experienced, tend to blend into normalcy, becoming less noticeable and more easily embraced.

Individuals subjected to discrimination typically become accustomed to such unfair treatment at a slower pace than onlookers, which bolsters their ability to recognize and confront unjust actions.

People who experience discrimination often require more time to integrate such treatment into their self-concept and life aspirations, a task that may prove more difficult than observers might anticipate. The book delves into the experiences of a journalist who changed his skin tone to directly experience racial prejudice in the southern United States, revealing the extensive and complex nature of discrimination. Griffin struggled to adapt to the ongoing discrimination and partiality that infiltrated daily exchanges, highlighting the significant gap between the experiences of underprivileged groups and the perspectives of those who benefit from the current societal structure.

Other Perspectives

• Onlookers who are empathetic and educated about discrimination might recognize and confront unjust actions quickly, challenging the idea that direct victims are always faster to do so.
• The journalist's experiment, although well-intentioned, could be criticized for appropriating the struggles of those who face racial prejudice daily, as the journalist can ultimately return to his original skin tone and potentially escape the discrimination.
• Griffin's experience, while enlightening, might inadvertently overshadow the voices and experiences of actual members of the discriminated community, who may have more nuanced perspectives on adapting to discrimination and partiality in daily exchanges.
• The gap in perspective does not necessarily imply a lack of awareness or concern; some individuals who benefit from the current societal structure actively work to understand and bridge these differences.

Entrepreneurs who disrupt established norms are pivotal in propelling societal advancement.

The authors highlight the importance of those who challenge the status quo and disrupt the habitual acceptance of harmful traditions, serving as agents of transformation. They highlight the pivotal roles of individuals such as Rosa Parks and Catharine MacKinnon, who courageously confronted and reshaped the existing norms of racial segregation and, in a different realm, revolutionized the approach to dealing with issues of gender in the workplace. The authors emphasize the need for these individuals, who possess the courage, clarity, and sometimes legal expertise to shine a light on ingrained injustices and trigger shifts in societal perceptions. They advocate for the adoption of immersive technologies such as simulated environments to offer direct encounters with prejudice, thereby enhancing empathy and highlighting the urgency for societal transformation.

Other Perspectives

• The glorification of entrepreneurs as heroes can create a narrative that overlooks the importance of policy, regulation, and democratic processes in societal progress.
• While individuals like Rosa Parks and Catharine MacKinnon have indeed reshaped norms, it's important to recognize that societal advancement is often the result of collective action and movements, not just the work of prominent figures.
• While courage, clarity, and legal expertise are valuable, they are not the only qualities necessary for driving societal change; strategic thinking, the ability to build coalitions, and effective communication skills are also crucial.
• Immersive technologies could create a false sense of accomplishment in understanding others' experiences, leading to complacency rather than active engagement in societal transformation.

The slide into authoritarian governance occurs progressively.

The book delves into the troubling consequences of becoming desensitized within political frameworks, emphasizing the slow decay of democratic principles and the shift towards authoritarian rule. They argue that authoritarian regimes solidify their power as individuals grow increasingly familiar with the incremental suppression of their liberties, which is a critical factor in the gradual habituation to the loss of freedom and rights. They cite past events from Nazi Germany, emphasizing the gradual normalization of authoritarian measures, as documented by another chronicler.

Individuals often become so accustomed to the slow diminishment of their freedoms that it hampers their ability to identify and oppose the emergence of authoritarian rule.

The authors emphasize that the Nazis' rise to power was characterized by increasingly harsh actions and restrictions, which culminated in the formation of a fearsome authoritarian state. The authors illustrate that the gradual adaptation to changing conditions made the gravity of the situation less apparent to numerous German citizens, to the point where altering the trajectory of events became an impossibility. The authors emphasize how individuals frequently conceal their true convictions and choices because of apprehension or a tendency to align with others, contributing to the perception that tyranny is more tolerable. When dissent is suppressed and alternative viewpoints are overlooked, individuals often find it easier to conform to new circumstances despite harboring personal doubts.

Practical Tips

• Engage in "Role Reversal" debates with friends or family where you argue from the perspective of someone whose freedoms are being eroded. This could be a hypothetical situation or a real-world example. By actively defending a position that opposes your initial beliefs, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the value of freedoms and the subtleties of their erosion.
• Start a personal journal to track and reflect on instances where you observe authority being exercised in your daily life. This could range from workplace dynamics to family decisions. The goal is to become more attuned to the nuances of power and control, which can help you recognize patterns that might lead to authoritarian behaviors.
• Create a "challenge the norm" group with friends or family where each person brings up a commonly accepted idea or practice and then, as a group, you discuss reasons why it might not be the best or only way to think or act. This can foster an environment where questioning the status quo is normalized and encouraged.
• Create a 'challenge coin' to carry in your pocket as a physical reminder to voice your opinion when you feel the urge to conform. Whenever you're in a situation where dissent is being suppressed, touch the coin to remind yourself to speak up. The coin serves as a tangible commitment to valuing your own perspective.

Recognizing the process of becoming accustomed can aid in pinpointing and countering the incremental actions that result in the erosion of democratic principles.

The authors stress the significance of acknowledging that a habitual acceptance of specific traditions can undermine the pillars of democratic institutions, an essential step to prevent such occurrences in the future. They advocate for constant awareness and the active questioning of even the slightest infringements upon our freedoms and rights. The authors stress the importance of engaging in open conversations, expressing disagreement, and taking proactive steps to prevent the establishment and eventual entrenchment of oppressive norms. They advocate for increased public awareness to guard against indifference and support the concept of individuals taking an active role as pioneers who challenge the erosion of democratic values.

Other Perspectives

• Constant vigilance and questioning can lead to a heightened state of skepticism or paranoia, which might undermine social trust and cohesion, potentially destabilizing democratic institutions.
• Not all habitual acceptance is detrimental; it can provide stability and predictability, which are also valuable in a democratic society.
• The strategy may not account for the complexity of political processes, where some erosion of rights might be a necessary compromise for greater societal benefits or stability.
• Proactive steps to challenge oppressive norms can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, including the polarization of society or the provocation of a harsher clampdown by those in power.
• Increased public awareness alone may not be sufficient if it does not translate into actionable steps or policy changes.
• The concept of individuals as pioneers may overlook the need for collective action and the power of organized groups, movements, and political parties in safeguarding democratic principles.

Investigating various lifestyles is essential in expanding perspectives and initiating change.

The writers underscore the significance of exploring a variety of lifestyles, a concept initially put forth by the philosopher John Stuart Mill, to expand the perspectives of both individuals and societies. They argue that exposure to diverse beliefs, cultural practices, and ways of life prompts us to question our inclination to adhere to traditional norms, resulting in a reevaluation of our assumptions and an exploration of alternative ways of life and governance. Being exposed to diverse environments sharpens our perception of specific elements within them, allowing us to more effectively evaluate their benefits and limitations.

Exposure to diverse beliefs, cultural practices, and ways of living prompts people to critically examine their usual patterns of thought and to comprehensively reevaluate their assumptions.

The authors mention the travels of Marco Polo to the East, which upon his return, exposed Europeans to a profoundly different culture through his detailed narratives, prompting them to reconsider their perspectives and giving rise to new ideas and beliefs. They underscore the power of immersing oneself in different environments, either by traversing new physical spaces or by interacting in the digital realm, to serve as catalysts for breaking free from our habitual viewpoints, thereby challenging us to recognize and question the inherent prejudices and constraints within our customary thought processes.

Other Perspectives

• The process of critically examining one's patterns of thought is complex and requires more than just exposure to diversity; it also demands a willingness to change and the ability to engage in introspection, which not all individuals may possess or be willing to undertake.
• While Marco Polo's travels did introduce Europeans to new cultures, it is important to note that his accounts were not the sole or even the first source of information about the East for Europeans; there were other travelers, traders, and missionaries who also contributed to the European knowledge of the East.
• Immersing oneself in different environments does not automatically lead to the breaking of habitual viewpoints; it requires an active, open-minded approach, and some individuals may resist change despite new experiences.

Technological progress frequently serves as an impetus, prompting people to explore territories beyond their familiar surroundings into realms yet to be discovered.

The authors propose that contemporary tools, especially online platforms, facilitate exposure to a breadth of experiences never before available. They envision these technologies being utilized to create powerful "dishabituation machines" that can immerse individuals in unfamiliar realities, challenging their assumptions and fostering greater empathy and understanding. The authors express a hopeful perspective regarding a future enriched by the increased availability and prevalence of varied lifestyles. A broader spectrum of diversity is believed to cultivate individuals who are more analytical in their thinking and contribute to a society that is more self-aware and adept at adapting.

Context

• Technology can reshape social structures by altering how people communicate and interact, leading to new forms of social organization and community building.
• Online tools enable people to work together across distances, exposing them to different work cultures and practices, which can enhance adaptability and innovation.
• In educational settings, dishabituation machines can be used to teach students about different cultures, histories, and social issues in an engaging and impactful way, promoting a deeper understanding of global diversity.
• In a globalized world, understanding and empathy towards different cultures and lifestyles are increasingly important for international cooperation and conflict resolution.
• Understanding and appreciating diverse lifestyles can reduce prejudice and social tensions, promoting inclusivity and harmony within communities.
• Diversity can lead to increased creativity by introducing novel ideas and approaches, encouraging individuals to think outside conventional frameworks.
• Diverse societies can experience economic growth as they attract a wider range of talents and ideas, leading to more robust and dynamic markets.