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The Science Of Sin: The Psychology Of The Seven Deadlies (and Why They Are So Good For You) (2012)

by Simon M. Laham(Favorite Author)

3.6 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0307719340 (ISBN13: 9780307719348)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Harmony

review 1: Easy to read, addictive, well-written, simple, fun, interesting, amazing. There's a lot we can learn about the most demonized parts of natural human behavior. Not only they are not bad or even evil, they are most often than not, good in every sense of the word. Increasing our knowledge about sin and becoming conscious of it can enhance our life. Indulging in lust makes you more charismatic, wiser. In gluttony, more intelligent. Greed makes you tougher. Anger, stronger. Envy will make you smarter. Pride will make you more successful. These are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Indulge in all seven and only God knows what will happen.
review 2: This is a fun, lighthearted look at why behaviors we are supposed to think of as "sinful" may in fact be good and ... moreproductive! Each chapter explores one of the seven deadly sins and its many facets through discussing the often surprising results of numerous psychological experiments and studies. There are both productive and unproductive sides to each sin. For example, we can either use envy to motivate ourselves in a positive way (envying a role model to improve ourselves or achieve a goal) or in a negative/relative way (envying another's car or diamond ring, which does not bring happiness when achieved). Using anger cautiously in negotiations can be a powerful way to get what you want (except in Asia where it will backfire), to see yourself with more control over your future, or even to open your mind to new ideas. Who knew?Another entertaining aspect of this book is the descriptions of the creative and strange experiments the scientists devised to test their theories. Those poor test subjects were often completely misled as to the object of their participation! I confess, I found this rather funny.As the author concludes, there is simply no black and white in human behavior and society. The sins can work for or against you and the world, depending on how you use them. I certainly enjoy an irreverent book now and then that questions traditionally-held beliefs, whether or not I end up agreeing. I think it's perfectly healthy to spend an occasional weekend in sloth, being completely lazy - or to use greed or envy to get you off that sofa to work hard on your life's goals! less

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