The Truth-Seeker’s Handbook: A Science-Based Guide Kindle Edition

We all imagine that our beliefs, decisions, and actions are based on a sound foundation. Unfortunately, that rosy opinion of ourselves is often false. Our own brains have a tendency to take convenient shortcuts, such as "gut reactions" and a reliance of "cognitive biases" that lead us astray.

Shortcuts save time and energy - that's why we use them - but occasionally they create personal or societal disasters. If we could only remember to search for the truth before major decisions, we'd all be better off. Dr. Gleb Tsipursky has written a wonderful book to help us cut through misinformation, emotional traps, and hone in on the truth.

I found lots of practical information, stuff that we might (or might not) learn through the hard knocks of life. The "Individual Truth-Seeking" section was my favorite part of the book. I've figured out some of this on my own, but if such a clear presentation had been available a couple of decades ago, the road would have been smoother and I'd be a happier person.

The second section, "Truth-Seeking & Other People" is also useful. I plan to study this material and try to use it habitually. I am strongly drawn to Chapter 28 "Collaborative Truth-Seeking" and Chapter 29 "Having Trouble Resolving Disagreements? Here Are Some Effective Techniques."

I'm a bit burned out politically, so the final section "Truth Seeking & Civic Life" was less enjoyable for me. But that says more about me than Dr. Tsipursky's writing. It doesn't matter if we are Liberal or Independent or Conservative. It's important that politicians base their policies on real facts and rational thinking. We voters must recognize (and resist) when politicians are trying to manipulate us through our biases and emotions. And above all, we must recognize good journalism and avoid being fooled by fake news.

Again, our political viewpoints aren't nearly as important as HOW we arrive there. The third section of this book helps a lot.

Finally, unlike a lot of "non-fiction" books on the market, this one is meticulously researched and referenced. Buy the e-book version and you will find links to every claim made. Look up the hard facts and scientific research for yourself. You should expect no less from book about Truth. Gleb Tsipursky delivers his premise and backs it up.

This book is worth multiple readings.

Dr. Gleb Tsipursky has written a timely and essential book for all who are fed up with the current post-truth times we live in and are looking for ways to put real, verifiable truth back into public discourse. Using easy to follow scientific methods and data Dr. Tsipursky demonstrates how to make all our interactions more meaningful when we rely on verifiable, fact-based truth rather than emotionally charged rhetoric. ensuring that our beliefs are aligned with reality. He gives examples of how to recognize false information and how to help others do the same in a non-contentious, rational manner. Well worth your time to read and share with others. Highly recommended

The Truth Seekers Handbook is a collection of articles written and collected by Gleb Tsipursky.

It introduces the reader to the various biases modern people may suffer from, keeping them from accurately perceiving the truth, as well as the tools to overcome them.

The methods are based in science and well documented, and the author gives examples of use as well as anecdotes from his own experiences while explaining how they work.

Gleb also uses real world situations when pointing out the different biases and obstacles to truth in modern life, but commendably stays as neutral as humanely possible when it comes to the political scene.

He ends the book with a “call to arms” against lies, alternate facts and fake news, in the form of the Pro-Truth Pledge, a grass root movement to further truth in politics, and keep politicians and public figures honest, something that strikes me as a useful, and seriously needed, measure in the current political climate.

I found the book to be an interesting read, and though I pride myself on some insight in both the human psyche and fact seeking in general, I still found several new tools.

I recommend reading the book from start to finish, and then use it as reference, when the need arises. This is an easy task, since the chapters are in article form and each deals with a separate term or tool.

All in all I really recommend this book to anyone seeking a bit more clarity in their everyday lives, while navigating fellows, news and politics.

If you are looking to step away from all the confusion with fake news and find a place to stand grounded in facts this book is a "must." It is, IMO, a foundational book that is a great reference for determining where to begin when building a comprehensive, focused approach to assessing one's own approach to facts and opinions as well as examining statements/claims made by others. The breadth of concepts covered is good. The one shortcoming I found is an occasional lack of connectivity or flow in some of the presentations, e.g., some of the questions asked at the end of a chapter. It's important to emphasize, though, I view this as very minor. The book is a keeper.
A companion book to consider is Jay Henrichs, "Thank You For Arguing," which dives directly into rhetorical flaws often used to disseminate illogical, misleading arguments.

This book helped me focus my thoughts and gave me confidence in convincing others. It provide quick actionable suggestions on how to think and express myself clearly and get past bickering to real understanding. I'll have to read it again in a few months to reinforce the tactics.