Too Dumb for Democracy? Why We Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make Better Ones

by David Moscrop (Author, Narrator)

Brexit. Trump. Ford Nation. In this timely book, David Moscrop asks why we make irrational political decisions and whether our stone-age brains can process democracy in the information age.

In an era overshadowed by income inequality, environmental catastrophes, terrorism at home and abroad, and the decline of democracy, Moscrop argues that the political decision-making process has never been more important. In fact, our survival may depend on it.

Drawing on both political science and psychology, Moscrop examines how our brains, our environment, the media, and institutions influence decision-making. Making good decisions is not impossible, Moscrop argues, but the psychological and political odds are sometimes stacked against us. In this readable and provocative investigation of our often-flawed decisions, Moscrop explains what's going wrong in today's political landscape and how individuals, societies, and institutions can work together to set things right.

9 hrs. 28 min.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Canada, Political Science, Psychology

10 pages, Audiobook

Published July 25, 2023

Reviews

[melhara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book, mostly because it was a bit dry and wasn’t really what I was expecting. I was hoping for a book with analysis and explanations on why people make certain political decisions while drawing examples from and focusing on the following case studies: Brexit, Trump and Ford (afterall, they were mentioned in the synopsis at the back of the book). But there were only two brief mentions of Brexit, a handful of Trump examples, and no mention of Ford at all... (this could be because this book was intended to be published prior to the 2019 Canadian federal elections, which means there wasn't enough time for the author to include any Ford examples in time for publication).

Too Dumb for Democracy mainly focuses on why and how voters and politicians make “bad” political decisions and what they can do to make “good” decisions. By good/bad political decisions, the author doesn’t mean the outcome, but the process that we go through to make that decision (such as making emotional decisions due to partisanship/party loyalty rather than rational decisions).

“Process matters. In some instances, when a group of people must decide on something, process may be the only thing that you can all agree on. And that is a start - an imperfect start that may lead to other issues down the road, but a start nonetheless. Agreeing on a process commits everyone to accept whatever outcome is reached, even if they do not like it. Without a good process, decisions will be driven by money, or influence, or even physical force. With a good process, you channel all the potential nastiness into a series of rules and norms that help manage disagreement.”

Good decision making must be rational (based on facts and reasons), autonomous (based on our thoughts, beliefs and personal choices), reliable (consistent and predictable) and shareable (can be easily communicated with others).

I felt like a lot of the information and examples provided were all over the place. The first part of the book had so many different analogies it left me confused.

Parts 2 and 3 of this book was more interesting though. There were some interesting analysis on different types of political decision makers (ways of thinking). And explanations as to why we make bad decisions and how to make good ones (I still wish this book focused only on using Brexit, Trump and Ford as case studies), Here’s a list of everything I found interesting in this book:

On the topic of voter ignorance -

...after the announcement that UK voters had elected to leave the European Union, the second most searched question on Google regarding the EU was “What is the EU?” And just ahead of the vote, one of the most common question was “What is Brexit?” Yikes.
These searches imply that an alarming number of voters had no idea what they were voting for and no clue what they had done after they had cast their ballot. The day after Donald Trump was elected president offered similar results. That day, the top three “How did…?” questions on Google were “How did Trump win?” “How did this happen?” and “How did Clinton lose?” In this case, the searched might speak more to shock or curiosity than ignorance. But perhaps not.

For example, in a poll, 46% per cent interviewed about health-care reform were against Obamacare and 37% percent were opposed to the Affordable Care Act… even though both legislation were one and the same. (Also, that quote was one of the few references made to Brexit and Trump.)

On the topic of declining voter turnout - “for instance, voter turnout in Canada skews older” but in 2015, youth turnout was at a all time high, with 57% of voters from 18 to 24 (me included), casting their ballot for Justin Trudeau. Even with the higher turnout of young voters, the views of the younger population are still underrepresented because most of the voters are still of the older population (which might explain the current Ontario Ford Government education budget cuts - a lot of youths are extremely unhappy with this).

On the topic of why we make bad decisions… Here are a few ways politicians and the media affect the way we make decisions:
1. Framing (aka wording matters). For example,

Would you prefer a policy that produced 90 per cent employment or one that resulted in 10 per cent unemployment? The first policy sounds more appealing, right? Who wants 10 per cent unemployement? The two statistics are implying the same thing, of course. But framing matters.

2. Agenda-setting (what the media chooses to cover. ex. fake news)
3. Priming (how much weight the media chooses to put on a topic. ex. Hilary Clinton’s emails)

On the topic of how to make good decisions - be honest with yourself and know what you want from politics (don’t let character attacks in political ads distract you from making a good political decision), don’t let your emotions get the better of you (always make rational decisions, not emotional ones!), think diversely (consult others who think differently, refer to a variety of news sources, get of your comfort zone to help think more rationally), beware of ambiguous promises and slogans (like “make America great again”, “Stronger Together”, etc.), and finally, practice making good political decisions (because practice makes perfect).

Overall, this wasn’t the book I was looking for and couldn’t keep my interest for the most part. But if you’re interested in both psychology and political science, then this book would be perfect for you.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone had told me I would find a political science book that explains, through history and psychology, why we as humans aren’t great at democracy super compelling, I probably would have scoffed. I mean, yes I love history and psychology, but political science? No thanks. However, thanks to Dave’s conversational writing style, clear explanations and funny examples, I found myself really enjoying his book and inspired to be a better citizen.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a man enamored or fascinated with the psychology-sociology-anthropology side of politics, but it's a solid thesis and it explains its rationale with straightforward clarity. I just wish there was a bit more analysis of actual political situations, and a little less theoretical fun.

[Grace Spicer-Pilon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is basically How to make Good Political Decisions for Dummies - ok, not for dummies but people with limited amounts of time, attention, and motivation to devote to political matters.

Moscrop takes us through an in-depth examination of how our brains are wired and how this hardware fits in with the evolving democratic world around us, which is not very well. Essentially, our brains are not fit for this fast-paced, information heavy world, and this frequently leads to us making snap-decisions using helpful but damaging shortcuts known as heuristics. These are built on stereotype, bias, availability, previous experiences, manipulation, etc…but there is hope! Wittily written and exceptionally researched, Too Dumb for Democracy was a quick read that forced me to engage my System 2 at all times - a pleasant change from the usual.

[Siera · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure who the intended audience for this book is but it is a bit basic level politics for someone interested in it. I found it a bit boring and at times vague in it's statements. Perhaps it's more appropriate for a freshman in college than an avid reader or one interested in global affairs.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased because Dave is a friend but this is also an excellent book.

[Ann Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political books don’t always make for great summer reading. After all, isn’t this the time of year when you’re supposed to lose yourself in a thick, juicy novel that promises to transport you to some other place?

Well, in a sense, that’s exactly what Too Dumb for Democracy? attempts to do, except, in this case, that better place happens to be a better future: a future in which voters are wise, politicians truly listen, and democracy works for everyone.

It’s an inspiring destination, one well worth visiting in the midst of your summer vacation—or at least it was for me. I appreciated Moscrop's practical suggestions about what each of us as individual citizens can do to up our citizenship game, just as I appreciated his acknowledgment that it’s going to take all of us working together to restore the health of our democratic institutions and processes.

Highly recommended.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book with some history and background and ideas to ponder. If you are already thinking liberalism is a good thing, you will
Nod your head while reading. If populism, nationalism, far-right politics are your jam, this will
Challenge you.
I would’ve preferred peeling the onion back a bit further - if liberalism is preferred, how do we address the rise of far-right political thinking. It’s not enough to see it’s there.

[Brayden Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! I wouldn't say I enjoyed it as much as The Political Brain but this was another good foray into the minds of voters, people and political psychology. I would definitely read more works by the Author as I enjoy his Twitter feed and his podcast quite a bit.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read that helped me deal with the apathy I’m feeling towards Canadian politics. Tells why the system isn’t working, and explains why? Delivery at point can be a Hulberman podcast on Politics. Book is well researched, and a good length as not to get too dry.

[Phil Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlines the reasons people make bad political (and all) decisions. Decent book but I think it would have been better to focus on the last part about what we can do to make it easier for people to make better decisions. Maybe that could be a follow up book?

[Jake M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Moscrop outlines how our psychology and current context make democracy a precarious reality that is imperfect rather than stable and eternal. The text benefits from a tight structure that builds upon itself to suggest that we are capable of upholding democratic systems, yet hardwired to move in other directions for a myriad of social and psychological reasons. Not only does Moscrop discuss democracy's tumultuous birth, but also how today's interconnected, rapid-tempo world does not guarantee its survival, or resign it to the dustbin of history. This book is both analytical and cautionary with little political bias, and can serve as a primer for those wanting to avoid being complicit in bad political decision making.

[Geoffrey Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitated between giving this book three or four stars. Author David Moscrop looks at all the obstacles to effective citizen participation in politics and public policy debates. He makes interesting points about information overload; the speed with which debates are held; the tendency to rationalize a decision rather than subject it to a process of reasoned analysis; and, efforts by media and political parties to manipulate information to avoid reasoned debate.
These points and others make the case for increased citizen participation in public life. However, as a former elected official, I found the author’s view of the political arena simplistic and overly negative. Having spent hundreds of hours in parliamentary commissions or meeting with constituents, to reduce politics to an operation of manipulation is unfair. The book would have been stronger if Moscrop would have interviewed politicians and their views on the question. I know how difficult it is to ensure that all views are heard, how difficult it is to hear from the “ silent majority” of citizens who do not have an axe to grind so may not participate in town hall meetings or other consultative processes. In addition, he points to municipal experiences in citizen participation in how public money is spent. These are worthy experiences, but are incomplete. How do you get citizen participation in the thorny issue of raising revenues ( taxes!) to pay for these projects? The two must go hand-in-hand in my experience.

[Wolfgang Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have no fear if the title seemingly forebodes an insult. Moscrop does not leave you wondering where he stands and he has respect for your struggles. What the book does, is offer in-depth research on biology, philosophy, psychology, political science and a thorough understanding of a changing news and media culture and technology (and how they, together, gang up on democracy).
So, yes, you are looking at the book because you believe, as do I, that democracy is threatened’ it keeps taking a beating because of an interwoven set of reasons: self-serving politicians, good old selfishness and greed of individuals, and human biology that want us to rush into solutions. Add to that, social media that have abandoned truth and hard work in exchange for speed and flash, which in turn feed the hungry beast of human desire for speed and simplicity. Once you worked through the first half of the book, you will get the big picture and may feel a little discouraged. Then comes the second half where you get the reward of seeing a clearer, while still scarily complex, picture about what is especially hard to fix, and what is more easily (never easy!) achievable with Moscrop’s guidance.
Wolfgang Linden, Author of "The Illusion of Control: A practical Guide to avoid futile struggles"

[Digitally Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily:

Too Dumb for Democracy by David Moscrop, a @goose_lane publication, is an amazing book!!

Making political decisions is no small task, yet being informed and making rational decisions is more important than ever. This book highlights how different influences in our lives can change our political opinions, and how working together to make good decisions can have a massive impact on humanity.

David Moscrop writes a really good book. He makes big ideas in politics, history, and other subjects seem small, bite sized, and easier to comprehend. I was very surprised at just how well David Moscrop can explain hard concepts and ideas. He dives through so many different aspects involved in politics in this one small book, from fake news to how right before elections can really swing the voters.

I love politics. Honest to god. But sometimes, when I’m reading a book on politics and it’s referencing 3 different stories and scandals that I’ve never heard of, it can be very hard to read. David Moscrop fully explains what he’s talking about, and gives background on the references he’s making, which is just another thing to love about this book.

[Byron Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book looking for some ideas about how we can change the world and make better political decisions. I should clarify, I was looking for easy ways to change the world that we can impose from the top down or sideways. A solution of some sort that I could see happening in the next say five years.

Unfortunately David's prescription for better political decisions relies on all of us wanting to make better political decisions. If we as individuals put in the effort we can individually make better decisions.

The only group level suggestion was greater involvement of citizens in decision making. Thus making us more involved and considerate of political issues. It's a good idea, but again I see no easy path for implementation when a significant subset of politicians seems to lean towards suppressing citizen involvement rather than encouraging it.

This is a good book and well worth reading. It just didn't give me easy out I was hoping for.

[Carolyn Whitzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. I really like Moscrop’s opinion pieces and Twitter feed, but this book read like a collection of 800 word articles. The idea of how brain science influences political choices is good. The way the book does a Reader’s Digest summary of recent popular books on the topic (eg Thinking Fast and Slow) reminds me of a business book, and not in a good way. The last third is the weakest - surely there is more out there than participatory budgeting and citizens assemblies (both have been tried in Toronto in the last couple of decades- neither outlasted a change of government). How about education for media literacy? Examples of successful, mind-changing organising (heck, Jorts the Cat!). Countries that have developed consensus that lasts on things that matter (eg Finland in Housing First). Pretty meh.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars...
Some of this is relatively intuitive or meandering. The considerations of how we got to modern democracies and how governments and brains work felt tedious. Although much of it is probably necessary in terms of reminders (I'm hoping much of it wouldn't be entirely new information for most voters?).

The ideas about HOW to do democracy well are considered if not somewhat pie-in-the-sky. Many rely on individual commitment-- to listening and making reasoned decisions rather than falling back on cognitive biases or relying on heuristics-- and others suggest ways to increase engagement and participation. These things certainly seem like they would work if they were done. I'm not all that optimistic. Nor, I think, is Moscrop. But we can hope and do our best, I suppose.

[Steve Tripp · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a semi-regular listener of David Moscrop's podcast where he comes across as practical and insightful and generally full or irreverent humour. So I was expecting better; not that the book was awful but it just read too much like a textbook (probably why it took me 2 weeks to read a 220 page book!. There were some interesting points and some thoughtful analysis but I was expecting more use of modern day examples of bad political decisions (Trump, Brexit, Ford.......etc) to illustrate his central themes. I won't hold it against the author .. I'll still listen to his podcast.

[Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the premise of the book, that a citizenry capable of making decisions they can justify with reasons (rational) made with full and unbiased information under no duress or compulsion (autonomous) is a good thing. I found the book to be vague, lacking evidence-backed examples of bad political decision making in action, as well as the negative consequences. The writing is also contains a bizarre mix of academic phrasing and quotes, alongside slang and idiomatic expressions. Altogether, not a bad book, but the core message could have been distilled into far fewer pages.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't read this expecting irreverent political commentary similar to Moscrop's journalism contributions. This is closer to his scholarly works. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a political theorist with education in philosophy and psychology, the author rather discusses the evolutionary drivers of decision making and bias. While inspired by recent political developments (mostly Brexit and Trump), there is not much discussion of current events.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really important book for our times. The author discusses both the institutional and individual cognitive factors that go into making good political decisions, and the things that can hijack good decision-making (some unconscious, some used deliberately by bad actors). The book is written in an accessible style, with suggestions for both systemic reform and for improving one's own political thinking and decision making.

[Scott Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moscrop has merged his interest in politics, neuroscience and psychology to discuss both the evolution of, challenges to and challenges with the exercise of modern democracy. His insights ring true to lived experience, with examples of some of the human tendencies we have experienced in ourselves and others. Underneath the analysis reveals unsettling questions about the validity and sustainability of democracy and the urgency of engaging differently as individuals and institutions.

[Potatohead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read and we'll laid out. Good background - humans are big irrational meat bags. While we're capable of deliberative decision making we don't usually take the time, and even when we do, there's probably various biases that creep in.

One of the proposed solutions is increased direct democracy, like citizen assemblies, which he admits to being a tough sell. Heck I'd take making voting day a holiday and making voting mandatory as first steps.

[Mark Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very dry if you’re already tuned in of engaged in politics. He’s does advocate for objectivity and checking our personal bias which I appreciate and I’m thankful that he’s written something that hopeful gets people to question their line of thinking.

Learned about the Dukakis and Chrétien ads in this one which I enjoyed.

[Francine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll admit that I'm probably not being fair because I just finished reading it in such a charged political time that I can't see any of the normal political solutions he suggested working. We've gone past the too dumb phases here.

Overall it's okay but gets very repetitive. As he said, parts were from his PhD thesis and it shows.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

The World must be free to think like Moscrop. And if possible, there should be an army to kill those people who oppress those that are free to think exactly like Moscrop. This book is the final warning, Moscrop is trying to bring you ignoramuses to the true light of freedom.

[Richard Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Too often we see the same destructive patterns in elections, government, civic engagement, and it's refreshing to know that there are still people that are ckear-headed enough to provide sensible solutions.

[Kbeckermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing on history, theory, behavioural science and current events, Moscrop makes a good case for why we need to invest time and energy to maintain our democracies. If not, we will become too dumb for democracy. The content is familiar to me but in this readable book I am reminded of the urgency.

[Julia Menard · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Moscrop is a clear, crisp and illuminating voice in what is often a much-too-serious subject matter: politics, the important of our future, affairs of the human heart. Well worth the read and a writer worth listening to!