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Hidden Brain · September 15, 2025 · 50m

Mind Reading

Psychologist Nicholas Epley on why we think we know what others are thinking — and why we're usually wrong. The illusion of insight into other minds.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

We overestimate our ability to read other people's minds
Epley's research: people consistently overrate their ability to detect lies, read emotions, and predict others' thoughts. Accuracy barely exceeds chance.
Perspective-taking fails — perspective-getting works
Epley: trying to imagine what someone else thinks (perspective-taking) is unreliable. Actually asking them (perspective-getting) is far more effective but we rarely do it.
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