Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)

Second reading. My first was in 2007, before I was on Goodreads. I remember thinking then, boy are we fucked; nine years later an orange cockroach made it into the White House and this book helped me understand why. Also why the vast majority of those who supported the cockroach still do and can never be cured. This book helped me understand antimaskers, antivaxxers, and the mind-boggling hypocrisy of many so-called “christians.” It helps me understand so much about people.

More importantly, this book has helped me understand myself. In the years since I first read it, knowing this material has helped me think better when faced with moral questions. Act better. Be better. It's much harder to self-justify yourself when you're aware that you're doing it.

This third edition (2019) has relevant timely updates, mostly in the examples but also one addition on resolving one's inner conflicts. I consider that a welcome and important addition. (There's also a whole chapter on the cockroach. I skimmed it and find it unnecessary. Maybe it was cathartic for them to write it.)

How I wish everyone would read this book and take it to heart. Because if we don't learn this, boy are we fucked.