John R. Hibbing

This is a book that should be read by everyone who is interested in politics, especially if you are strongly Liberal or Conservative. This book is surprisingly neutral in its treatment of the political divide, and makes it very clear that neither Liberals nor Conservatives are inherently better, they are just different. In fact, due to underlying biological and genetic differences, Liberals and Conservatives actually see a different world from each other. This goes far in explaining why it is essentially impossible to reason across the divide and change the mind of the opposing side--it is more about predispositions than facts. This book will not likely help lessen the partisan divide, but it should at least help people understand why those on the other side think and believe the way they do. They are not stupid or lacking in common sense, they just respond differently to many stimuli and see the world as a different place. Fascinating and challenging ideas.… (mehr)