Todd B. Kashdan Books
Todd B. Kashdan is a professor of psychology at George Mason University, a scientist known for his research on well-being, curiosity, and courage.
Known for: The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively, The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self—Not Just Your 'Good' Self—Drives Success and Fulfillment
Books by Todd B. Kashdan
The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
Most people like to think they would speak up when it matters. In reality, conformity is powerful, silence is often rewarded, and dissent can feel socially dangerous. In The Art of Insubordination, ps...
The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self—Not Just Your 'Good' Self—Drives Success and Fulfillment
This book explores the idea that embracing negative emotions and traits—such as anger, guilt, and self-doubt—can lead to greater creativity, resilience, and authenticity. Psychologists Todd Kashdan an...
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The Psychology of Conformity
One of the most unsettling truths about human behavior is that people do not need to be forced into conformity; often, they drift into it because belonging feels safer than standing apart. Kashdan begins by examining the psychological forces that make dissent so difficult. Human beings are deeply so...
From The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
Understanding Moral Courage
Courage is often romanticized as fearlessness, but Kashdan makes a more useful point: moral courage is acting in alignment with your values while fear is fully present. The people who challenge injustice, resist corruption, or confront harmful norms are rarely calm or comfortable. What separates the...
From The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
The Anatomy of Effective Dissent
Not all rebellion is useful. Kashdan argues that effective dissent is a discipline, not an emotional outburst. Many people assume that if they are morally right, their challenge will naturally be persuasive. In practice, dissent succeeds only when it is timed well, aimed clearly, and delivered strat...
From The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
Building Credibility and Influence
People are more willing to hear a hard truth from someone they trust. Kashdan stresses that dissent is not only about bravery; it is also about influence. A person may be completely justified and still fail if others perceive them as careless, hostile, uninformed, or self-serving. That is why credib...
From The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
Framing Dissent With Curiosity
One of the smartest ways to lower defensiveness is to replace immediate accusation with genuine curiosity. Kashdan, whose broader work often emphasizes curiosity as a psychological strength, shows how it can transform dissent from a threatening attack into an opening for reflection. This matters bec...
From The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
Creating Environments Where Dissent Helps
A culture that punishes disagreement does not create harmony; it creates hidden errors, fake consensus, and quiet resentment. Kashdan argues that while individual courage matters, sustainable dissent depends on environments that make truth-telling safer and more normal. In healthy groups, disagreeme...
From The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively
About Todd B. Kashdan
Todd B. Kashdan is a professor of psychology at George Mason University, a scientist known for his research on well-being, curiosity, and courage. He is also the author of several books on positive psychology and human potential.
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Todd B. Kashdan is a professor of psychology at George Mason University, a scientist known for his research on well-being, curiosity, and courage.
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