Supersense: Why We Believe in the Unbelievable

Psychologist Bruce Hood examines why humans are predisposed to believe in supernatural phenomena, from lucky charms to spiritual forces. His research demonstrates that these beliefs arise from fundamental patterns in how our brains process information and make sense of the world around us. Through scientific studies, historical examples, and contemporary cases, Hood explains how supersense - our natural tendency toward supernatural thinking - emerges in childhood and persists into adulthood. The book presents evidence that even highly educated, rational people maintain some form of supernatural beliefs, whether they acknowledge them or not. Hood explores topics including magical thinking, the perception of mind-body separation, belief in the soul, and concepts of destiny. He draws from cognitive science, developmental psychology, and neuroscience to reveal the biological and cultural origins of these universal human tendencies. The book raises questions about the role of supernatural thinking in human cognition and whether complete rationality is either possible or desirable for our species. Its findings suggest that supersense may be an inextricable part of human nature rather than a flaw to be overcome.

Readers find Hood's exploration of supernatural beliefs engaging but sometimes repetitive. They appreciate his clear explanations of psychological experiments and research that illuminate why humans develop supernatural beliefs. Liked: - Accessible writing style for complex cognitive science concepts - Real-world examples that demonstrate supersense in daily life - Balance between scientific evidence and storytelling - Focus on children's development of supernatural thinking Disliked: - Too many anecdotes that make similar points - Some readers wanted more depth on religious beliefs - Final chapters lose focus compared to strong opening - Limited practical applications or solutions offered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,247 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Sample review: "Hood explains complex cognitive processes without dumbing them down. But by the end, I felt he had made his main point several times over without breaking new ground." - Goodreads reviewer

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🧠 Author Bruce Hood conducted a fascinating experiment where he offered people $20 to wear a cardigan, but when he revealed it belonged to a serial killer (it didn't really), most refused—even knowing it had been thoroughly cleaned. 🔬 The book explores how even highly educated scientists often hold superstitious beliefs, with 39% of physicists admitting to some form of supernatural thinking despite their rigorous training in rational thought. 👥 Hood demonstrates that supernatural thinking begins in infancy, with babies as young as 3 months showing signs of believing in "invisible forces" that make objects move. 🎭 The term "supersense," coined by Hood, refers to our natural predisposition to believe in invisible patterns and forces—a trait that may have evolved as a survival mechanism in our ancestors. 🧪 Research cited in the book shows that people are far more reluctant to drink from a glass that contained sterilized cockroach juice than one containing regular juice, demonstrating how our supersense overrides rational knowledge about contamination.