by Kat Timpf
Published
September 10, 2024
Pages
208 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Threshold Editions
Kindle
$14.99
Hardcover
$26.99
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
Not found
In this whip-smart follow-up to the “ruthlessly honest exploration of comedy and cancellation” (Dr. Drew) You Can’t Joke About That , New York Times bestselling author Kat Timpf examines the dangers of binary thinking, and how it threatens to take over our institutions, relationships, and even our freedoms. For some reason, when it comes to complex issues, we’ve largely limited ourselves to just two options, resulting in a society of non-thinkers.
After all, once you’ve picked a side, all the thinking has already been done for you. As an independent, libertarian voter who has spent the last ten years at Fox News, Kat has faced this issue too many times to count. She’s learned that surprising things can happen when you refuse to choose a team, especially when you work at a place some people call an existential threat to America.
Binary thinking is much more than just the enemy of critical thinking, it’s also an immediate danger to our political discourse, our institutions, our way of consuming news, our relationships, our creativity, and even to our freedoms. All too often, we will let a single difference in viewpoint, an assumption, or an association be enough to write off another person entirely, even if we know nothing else about them. We miss out on opportunities to connect or even collaborate, all while the people in power over us benefit from our division.
Through humorous examples from her own life and insight only someone in her bizarre position can possess, Kat reminds us that the world doesn’t have to be so black and white. In her signature witty voice, Kat inspires us to lean into thoughtful consideration, genuine conversation, vulnerability, and only hating people when they really deserve it.
Delve into a world where once-simple opinions and beliefs have seemingly driven a wedge between individuals and societies at large. In "I Used to Like You Until...," the book paints a poignant picture of how binary thinking, marked by an increasingly divisive mindset, can erode the fabric of effective communication, understanding, and unity. Through enlightening perspectives and thought-provoking narratives, the reader is invited on a journey to unravel the interactive play between black-and-white thinking and the complex hues of real-world scenarios.
As people and communities face growing polarization, exploring the book’s insights is critical to mending the rifts that keep us from truly connecting with those around us.
Binary thinking often oversimplifies complex issues limiting understanding and connection between individuals and groups. Exploring nuanced perspectives fosters more enriched and meaningful relationships in both personal and societal contexts. Recognizing and challenging our biases in thinking can pave the way for greater dialogue and inclusivity.
I Used to Like You Until... tackles one of the most challenging aspects of human communication today: binary thinking. Through vivid anecdotes and reflective analysis, the book explores how adopting oversimplified perspectives can inadvertently lead to misunderstandings and animosities.
By examining scenarios where binary thinking prevails, it opens a dialogue on the ramifications of having a polarized lens. This thought-provoking book breaks down the psychological underpinnings of our tendency to categorize thoughts as black-and-white. By shedding light on personal stories and global movements, it reveals how these mental shortcuts affect our interactions.
Readers are urged to see beyond the binary and embrace perspectives that nurture empathy and collaboration. By bringing to light the importance of context and complexity in our conversations, I Used to Like You Until... suggests solutions for rebuilding fractured relationships.
It encourages reasoning that transcends simplistic dichotomies and promotes coexistence amid a sea of differences. The book empowers readers to resist the trap of binary thinking and explore the nuanced middle ground for solutions. The author's insightful commentary offers a guide through the contemporary maze of social divides.
With an engaging narrative, readers are motivated to seek balance by understanding underlying biases, improving dialogue, and striving for inclusive discussions. Ultimately, the book inspires readers to champion a more harmonious path forward.
I Used to Like You Until.. stands out for its compelling narrative style that combines personal anecdotes with compelling scientific research Its relatable prose makes complex ideas accessible and engaging The book distinguishes itself by its balanced exploration of contemporary issues providing both critical analysis and actionable advice that resonates with readers seeking practical solutions to overcome divisive thinking This work engages readers with its hope-driven approach emphasizing the power of empathy and listening in bridging divides It encourages readers to foster positive change within their communities and beyond.
1668067277
978-1668067277
6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
2.31 pounds
Based on 53 ratings
This is a must read. It delves into how our society is so divided and how we should listen to other people's opinions. We should stop writing people off just because you think they are a label (conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican). If we could see beyond the labels and the emotion we would be a better world. There will never be a person or a book that you totally agree with everything about them or it, but there are wonderful things that you miss out on if you are unable to get beyond the labels society has placed on us or it.
Kat hits the nail on the head in this book. Great read and highly recommend
I bought this book because I wanted to learn more about the smart libertarian Gutfeld! show regular panelist, whose opinions I don’t always agree with, but whose opinions I also find to be well thought out whether I happen to agree or not. What makes this author fun on the Gutfeld! show is that she is not predictable, and this book wasn’t either. This book is written like the author talks. As I read the narrative, I could hear it in her voice. Each of the eleven chapters is like a structured, entertaining public speech with both comedy, self-disclosure, and a moral to the story. These aren’t rants, but rather what I would expect from an experienced public speaker who does stand-up comedy. Recent news events are mentioned, but unlike most political books which just fold them into a big, long rant where the author is trying to convert me to his or her opinion, in this case they are used to illustrate how this author learned a lesson about people, specifically about how treating people like individuals is far more healthy to the individual, and beneficial to society, than stereotyping people in a “binary” way (her term) and using “hate as a shelter” (a main book theme) to avoid serious thought about issues, self-examination and change. I’m glad I read this book. I’ve noticed in my boring life how politics seems to be making people crazier and crazier and far less human than they were in my younger years, and finally someone who makes their living in the political arena is coming forward and saying that it’s gone way too far, and that we’d all be better off in our day-to-day lives to step back a ways, and that there are powerful entities working behind the scenes that are benefiting from the crazy that is occurring at our expense. When we become tribal over politics, we lose, and powerful people we don’t know, and never will, win.
The best parts of this book, for me, were the personal stories that were shared. I find Kat to be intelligent and captivating because her way of thinking and expression is unique. The least favorite parts for me were the studies she cited that I got quickly annoyed by. The overall premise of the book is absolutely true and people from all sides will benefit by reading it. I can't wait for her next book and hope it is all about her and nothing else is needed.
Great thought points Made a lot of good arguments for discussions with a variety of people Will recommend to friends
I have lost friends because they didn’t like how I voted. In one case it was a friend for over 50 years. I wish he had read this book. It might have made a difference. It makes me sad how divided we have become, and it makes it impossible to fix what needs fixing. This book is very well written, insightful, and oh so relevant. Kat shares a lot of life experiences I am sure she never thought she would. For background, I am a male, in my 70’s, who has never been registered in a political party. I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans, and I have good friends on both teams. I recommend this book without reservation. I read it in one day.
A great read from a very sharp mind. Kat Timph is fearless in turning the mirror on herself. But her life experiences, even from one so young, are clear, concise, humorous, and relevant today. It makes you think about yourself and how you deal with others.
Have lost friends because of politics. Forced to have a fake FB page because of politics. Currently have my Trump 2024 political signs INSIDE my house for fear of retribution. This book was just what I needed right now. Great insight followed up with facts and figures about how judgmental and narrow minded we all are when it comes to viewing people outside of our "group." Kat is honest, funny, a bit crass (LOL) and just herself on every page. I also can't believe how much she and I have in common. Maybe it's a Detroit thing. Maybe it's losing our moms at such a young age. There is something in this book for everyone. Keep and open mind and heart and you will benefit.