Summary of The Righteous Mind

Published in 2012, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion is a book by professor Jonathan Haidt. Through an exploration of morality, psychology, and neuroscience, the book examines how human beings are naturally predisposed to divide into tribes of like-minded individuals. Haidt examines the underpinnings of modern American politics, the current tribal atmosphere, and why, despite highly evolved brains, political discourse often draws people further apart. He discusses the influence of religion on morality, how moral systems can conflict, and the consequences of tribalism. The book ultimately offers several solutions, such as humility and compromise, for bridging these divides.