This book opens with the line that 'there is no point having a mind if you never change it'. In a world that is increasingly polarised and blind to anyone else's opinion, this is a much needed look at how healthy it is to admit that you are sometimes, if not often, wrong. A personal journey into therapy following the ill-health of a loved one, this is an honest account of one man's ability to be proved wrong by other people's lived experiences. Tackling subjects such as discrimination, obesity, corporal punishment and issues of gender, it is written with candour and a refreshingly open mind in a world that is too often more concerned with proving others wrong, then reflecting on why those blinkered opinions are held in the first place. As we are bombarded with opinion from every media source, and as the world becomes divided as never before, How Not To Be Wrong is a voice of reason that is much needed. We need to listen more. We need to question those in power without being accused of being snowflakes, or be accused of threatening 'freedom of speech' when actually all we are doing is scrutinising those who hold influence over society. By examining our own opinions, fears and prejudices, we often learn that hate stems from fear or shame. It is only by looking inwards that we can change the world for the better. It is okay to admit we all get it wrong sometimes. The world needs more of that.

We all have prejudices, predefined ideas, easy solutions to complicated problems. We all know that the world's issues could be solved by some simplistic idea that starts with "why don't they just...". In this book, Mr O'B relates some of his simplistic solutions to complex problems. He talks about his opinions on topics of which he knew very little, and explains how he cam to realise that he was wrong, didn't understand or was prejudiced. His education, his upbringing brought him to accept concepts and ideas. Meeting and talking to real people, made him understand the complexities of the issues and how the simple solutions proposed only made the problem worse. I highly recommend this book challenge yourself. Question your ready-made solutions. Don't believe everything you believe. Truth is complicated, people are suffering because of prejudices, just like yours.

Courageously faces up to problems caused by abuse and upbringing. Brilliantly written.

Holding up a mirror to middle class views and how we have formed bias conscious and unconscious from our family, education and social setting. This is then fed into by the popular press and social media. James makes for uncomfortable reading at time but challenges beliefs and where they come from. If you cannot agree to see an opposing side of a discussion this is not the book for you. Expands the thought process and hopefully gives you things to think about.

Holding up a mirror to middle class views and how we have formed bias conscious and unconscious from our family, education and social setting. This is then fed into by the popular press and social media. James makes for uncomfortable reading at time but challenges beliefs and where they come from. If you cannot agree to see an opposing side of a discussion this is not the book for you. Expands the thought process and hopefully gives you things to think about.