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Positivity Bias
Through a mix of nature, nurture, social conditioning and free will, we each possess a personalized lens that frames, forms, clouds and distorts the way we see ourselves and the world around us. In order to live in the most meaningful and effective way possible, each of us needs to continually assess and adjust the default frames we have developed.
In Positivity Bias, we learn that life is essentially good; that positive perception is applicable and accessible to all; that it derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wishful imagination, and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance.
An inspiring and life-enriching tapestry woven from hundreds of stories, letter, anecdotes, and vignettes - Positivity Bias highlights how the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, considered the most influential rabbi in modern history, taught us to see ourselves, others, and the world around us.
In Positivity Bias, we learn that life is essentially good; that positive perception is applicable and accessible to all; that it derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wishful imagination, and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance.
An inspiring and life-enriching tapestry woven from hundreds of stories, letter, anecdotes, and vignettes - Positivity Bias highlights how the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, considered the most influential rabbi in modern history, taught us to see ourselves, others, and the world around us.
404 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2019
188 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2019
An amazing book, even for those who are not Jewish.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to distill the essence of the beloved head of the Chabad Jewish community, Rabbi Menacham Schneerson, into an easily understood and internalized book.
Positivity Bias, at it's heart, is a way to recontextualize or reframe one's paradigm in order to adapt to adversity and operate more efficiently amidst the stress from that adversity. Rabbi Kalmenson has taken broad and specific subject areas, and addressed each in fascinating detail, one subject per chapter, so that they are easy to read, and can be read or bypassed to focus on any specific issue.
While some of the chapters and topics are specific to the Jewish community, "Who is a good Jew" for example, the vast majority are applicable to humanity in general "Fight Evil, Do Good" and "Youth and Rebellion" are as applicable to society today as they were when the Rebbe Schneerson commented on them decades ago. I ended up buying copies for some friends who are not Jewish.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to weave the Rebbe's commentary on various social, psychological, political, and moral issues together with psychological perspectives, that re-enforce and help illuminate the concepts for readers who are more scientifically minded in their approach. In addition, the text is never "dry" due to the interweaving of personal anecdotes from the trove of letters, conversations, and personal stories of both the Rebbe, and those that interacted with him.
I personally found the "Youth and Rebellion" fascinating considering the current "OK Boomer" phase that is making the press currently. By analyzing the underlying causes of generational friction in a society undergoing a paradigm change, the chapter sets perspectives, and potential solutions to our approach, that are quite novel, yet based on a history of this issue recurring again and again. Today's "OK Boomer" was yesterdays "Never trust anyone over 30." so even though the discussions were specifically about generational divide in the 1960s, the fundamental principles and social dynamics are shown to be constant, and that is something Rabbi Kalmenson has done an excellent job in concisely bringing to the forefront of the discussion.
Finally, throughout all the chapters on diverse subjects, the constant that binds the book to it's central, and important theme, is that by understanding the fundamental nature of the problems, and recontextualizing our perceived role within that dynamic, we can improve not only our overall mental health, but the potential outcomes from interaction under times of duress. The authors choice of Rebbe Schneerson's own life helps to put things into perspective.
In the authors own words; "positive perception is applicable and accessible to all. . . it derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wishful imagination, and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance."
I know keep a copy with me on my travels, and highly recommend this book to my Jewish and non Jewish friends, or anyone that faces adversity in life, which is really all of us.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to distill the essence of the beloved head of the Chabad Jewish community, Rabbi Menacham Schneerson, into an easily understood and internalized book.
Positivity Bias, at it's heart, is a way to recontextualize or reframe one's paradigm in order to adapt to adversity and operate more efficiently amidst the stress from that adversity. Rabbi Kalmenson has taken broad and specific subject areas, and addressed each in fascinating detail, one subject per chapter, so that they are easy to read, and can be read or bypassed to focus on any specific issue.
While some of the chapters and topics are specific to the Jewish community, "Who is a good Jew" for example, the vast majority are applicable to humanity in general "Fight Evil, Do Good" and "Youth and Rebellion" are as applicable to society today as they were when the Rebbe Schneerson commented on them decades ago. I ended up buying copies for some friends who are not Jewish.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to weave the Rebbe's commentary on various social, psychological, political, and moral issues together with psychological perspectives, that re-enforce and help illuminate the concepts for readers who are more scientifically minded in their approach. In addition, the text is never "dry" due to the interweaving of personal anecdotes from the trove of letters, conversations, and personal stories of both the Rebbe, and those that interacted with him.
I personally found the "Youth and Rebellion" fascinating considering the current "OK Boomer" phase that is making the press currently. By analyzing the underlying causes of generational friction in a society undergoing a paradigm change, the chapter sets perspectives, and potential solutions to our approach, that are quite novel, yet based on a history of this issue recurring again and again. Today's "OK Boomer" was yesterdays "Never trust anyone over 30." so even though the discussions were specifically about generational divide in the 1960s, the fundamental principles and social dynamics are shown to be constant, and that is something Rabbi Kalmenson has done an excellent job in concisely bringing to the forefront of the discussion.
Finally, throughout all the chapters on diverse subjects, the constant that binds the book to it's central, and important theme, is that by understanding the fundamental nature of the problems, and recontextualizing our perceived role within that dynamic, we can improve not only our overall mental health, but the potential outcomes from interaction under times of duress. The authors choice of Rebbe Schneerson's own life helps to put things into perspective.
In the authors own words; "positive perception is applicable and accessible to all. . . it derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wishful imagination, and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance."
I know keep a copy with me on my travels, and highly recommend this book to my Jewish and non Jewish friends, or anyone that faces adversity in life, which is really all of us.
April 19, 2020
An essential book regardless of the times but especially relevant now. Whatever challenges we are facing, the Rebbe provides an answer and ways to face the negativity in our lives and see the positive instead. I was especially moved by all the frontline work the Rebbe did even while he was fleeing Nazi Europe.
November 3, 2022
This book's theme is best summarized in the first chorus of an old popular song:
"You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between"
The theme is illustrated by quoting from replies to numerous letters from distressed people seeking counsel. But these are not letters sent to Dr. Phil and other head shrinkers. The pleasant surprise is that these were all letters sent to the leading Chasidic Rabbi of his generation: Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, a.k.a the "Lubavitcher Rebbe". What clearly differentiates the Rebbe's responses, from that which would be expected from the Prozac peddlers, is his use of Biblical quotes and precepts as illustrations. These make the Bible come alive in unexpected ways. For example, in reply to someone grieving the loss of a loved one, the Rebbe noted that the bereaved should also consider that the departure of the soul from the body is actually a great advantage and ascent for the soul, i.e. "accentuate something positive". But now the soul must depend on its relatives and friends to do good deeds on its behalf, and that doing so brings "true gratification for the soul and helps it ascend to even greater heights." So good deeds performed by mourners not only are actions that fill the void created by the mourners' grief, but also are actions that benefit the departed soul, providing another layer of comfort for the bereaved. The entire book is a series of exerpts from letters and responses, many of which are even more ingenious .
"You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between"
The theme is illustrated by quoting from replies to numerous letters from distressed people seeking counsel. But these are not letters sent to Dr. Phil and other head shrinkers. The pleasant surprise is that these were all letters sent to the leading Chasidic Rabbi of his generation: Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, a.k.a the "Lubavitcher Rebbe". What clearly differentiates the Rebbe's responses, from that which would be expected from the Prozac peddlers, is his use of Biblical quotes and precepts as illustrations. These make the Bible come alive in unexpected ways. For example, in reply to someone grieving the loss of a loved one, the Rebbe noted that the bereaved should also consider that the departure of the soul from the body is actually a great advantage and ascent for the soul, i.e. "accentuate something positive". But now the soul must depend on its relatives and friends to do good deeds on its behalf, and that doing so brings "true gratification for the soul and helps it ascend to even greater heights." So good deeds performed by mourners not only are actions that fill the void created by the mourners' grief, but also are actions that benefit the departed soul, providing another layer of comfort for the bereaved. The entire book is a series of exerpts from letters and responses, many of which are even more ingenious .
August 27, 2025
Preface: I am Jewish but not Chasidic or Orthodox
This book was recommended to me a long time ago when I actively attended my university’s Chabad house for Shabbat. I am happy that I read it because I think connecting to the Rebbe and his teachings of the Torah is an essential part of Jewish life. I also do like how the book connects faintly to theoretical orientations from psychology (like Frank, Freud, etc.).
Overall, it’s a good book. Yes, reading about the Torah and Chasidic teachings can be temporarily boring and pedantic, but I do think it is important for Jewish life to understand the foundational teachings of the Torah and Talmud.
Did it make me more religious? No. Am I connecting more of my Jewish cultural roots and Jewish law to my life as a therapist in training? Yes.
This book was recommended to me a long time ago when I actively attended my university’s Chabad house for Shabbat. I am happy that I read it because I think connecting to the Rebbe and his teachings of the Torah is an essential part of Jewish life. I also do like how the book connects faintly to theoretical orientations from psychology (like Frank, Freud, etc.).
Overall, it’s a good book. Yes, reading about the Torah and Chasidic teachings can be temporarily boring and pedantic, but I do think it is important for Jewish life to understand the foundational teachings of the Torah and Talmud.
Did it make me more religious? No. Am I connecting more of my Jewish cultural roots and Jewish law to my life as a therapist in training? Yes.
September 4, 2025
Alright! To be honest, I never finished this one! I still probably should. I read half of it. Not cause it’s bad! Cause I lack the motivation to read although I love reading. Odd dichotomy. Anyways, this is a spectacular read. I can safely say this book changed the way I think. If you’re a negative person this book will make you at least a realist leaning positive if not a positive person. Beautiful blend of age old Chassidic philosophy and psychology. Truly a remarkable and practical guide on thinking positively.
March 14, 2023
One of the best, if not the best, Jewish leaders of our lifetime. The Rebbe gives wisdom that changes my life for the better and completely makes me rethink things. A very good book and well written.
August 24, 2022
There’s good stuff in this book. I just wish it were less of a hagiography of the Rebbe. We don’t have saints in Judaism.
July 16, 2023
Michoel, you walked in abruptly and left in the same fashion. Thanks for the perspective. And the mixed drinks.
May 4, 2025
Wonderful and inspiring! A great call to action to make positive changes in this world. I can't wait to share this with as many people as I can. I highly recommend this book!
August 25, 2023
I had to give up on this account of the Rebbe's good works. The lessons in positivity could have been distilled to what is outlined at the eventual end of the book; every conversation the Rebbe conceivably had is recounted in detail at the expense of the reader's time. Self-help books need not be this meandering.
December 8, 2019
An amazing book, even for those who are not Jewish.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to distill the essence of the beloved head of the Chabad Jewish community, Rabbi Menacham Schneerson, into an easily understood and internalized book.
Positivity Bias, at it's heart, is a way to recontextualize or reframe one's paradigm in order to adapt to adversity and operate more efficiently amidst the stress from that adversity. Rabbi Kalmenson has taken broad and specific subject areas, and addressed each in fascinating detail, one subject per chapter, so that they are easy to read, and can be read or bypassed to focus on any specific issue.
While some of the chapters and topics are specific to the Jewish community, "Who is a good Jew" for example, the vast majority are applicable to humanity in general "Fight Evil, Do Good" and "Youth and Rebellion" are as applicable to society today as they were when the Rebbe Schneerson commented on them decades ago. I ended up buying copies for some friends who are not Jewish.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to weave the Rebbe's commentary on various social, psychological, political, and moral issues together with psychological perspectives, that re-enforce and help illuminate the concepts for readers who are more scientifically minded in their approach. In addition, the text is never "dry" due to the interweaving of personal anecdotes from the trove of letters, conversations, and personal stories of both the Rebbe, and those that interacted with him.
I personally found the "Youth and Rebellion" fascinating considering the current "OK Boomer" phase that is making the press currently. By analyzing the underlying causes of generational friction in a society undergoing a paradigm change, the chapter sets perspectives, and potential solutions to our approach, that are quite novel, yet based on a history of this issue recurring again and again. Today's "OK Boomer" was yesterdays "Never trust anyone over 30." so even though the discussions were specifically about generational divide in the 1960s, the fundamental principles and social dynamics are shown to be constant, and that is something Rabbi Kalmenson has done an excellent job in concisely bringing to the forefront of the discussion.
Finally, throughout all the chapters on diverse subjects, the constant that binds the book to it's central, and important theme, is that by understanding the fundamental nature of the problems, and recontextualizing our perceived role within that dynamic, we can improve not only our overall mental health, but the potential outcomes from interaction under times of duress. The authors choice of Rebbe Schneerson's own life helps to put things into perspective.
In the authors own words; "positive perception is applicable and accessible to all. . . it derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wishful imagination, and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance."
I know keep a copy with me on my travels, and highly recommend this book to my Jewish and non Jewish friends, or anyone that faces adversity in life, which is really all of us.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to distill the essence of the beloved head of the Chabad Jewish community, Rabbi Menacham Schneerson, into an easily understood and internalized book.
Positivity Bias, at it's heart, is a way to recontextualize or reframe one's paradigm in order to adapt to adversity and operate more efficiently amidst the stress from that adversity. Rabbi Kalmenson has taken broad and specific subject areas, and addressed each in fascinating detail, one subject per chapter, so that they are easy to read, and can be read or bypassed to focus on any specific issue.
While some of the chapters and topics are specific to the Jewish community, "Who is a good Jew" for example, the vast majority are applicable to humanity in general "Fight Evil, Do Good" and "Youth and Rebellion" are as applicable to society today as they were when the Rebbe Schneerson commented on them decades ago. I ended up buying copies for some friends who are not Jewish.
Rabbi Kalmenson has managed to weave the Rebbe's commentary on various social, psychological, political, and moral issues together with psychological perspectives, that re-enforce and help illuminate the concepts for readers who are more scientifically minded in their approach. In addition, the text is never "dry" due to the interweaving of personal anecdotes from the trove of letters, conversations, and personal stories of both the Rebbe, and those that interacted with him.
I personally found the "Youth and Rebellion" fascinating considering the current "OK Boomer" phase that is making the press currently. By analyzing the underlying causes of generational friction in a society undergoing a paradigm change, the chapter sets perspectives, and potential solutions to our approach, that are quite novel, yet based on a history of this issue recurring again and again. Today's "OK Boomer" was yesterdays "Never trust anyone over 30." so even though the discussions were specifically about generational divide in the 1960s, the fundamental principles and social dynamics are shown to be constant, and that is something Rabbi Kalmenson has done an excellent job in concisely bringing to the forefront of the discussion.
Finally, throughout all the chapters on diverse subjects, the constant that binds the book to it's central, and important theme, is that by understanding the fundamental nature of the problems, and recontextualizing our perceived role within that dynamic, we can improve not only our overall mental health, but the potential outcomes from interaction under times of duress. The authors choice of Rebbe Schneerson's own life helps to put things into perspective.
In the authors own words; "positive perception is applicable and accessible to all. . . it derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wishful imagination, and that positive living is a matter of choice, not circumstance."
I know keep a copy with me on my travels, and highly recommend this book to my Jewish and non Jewish friends, or anyone that faces adversity in life, which is really all of us.
February 23, 2020
“We can not control what happens to us or what life throws our way, but we can control the way we relate and respond to it.”
August 5, 2019
Excellent. Every page had something quotable and inspiring. Action items at the end were very accessable and easy to accomplish. Love my tribe so much and hope to be someone who is "willing to live as jew not just die as one" (paraphrased :)
December 22, 2019
I love getting insights from and about certain rabbis, especially the late great Lubavitcher Rebbe ztzl. This was a lovely exploration and presentation of one of the outstanding features of the Rebbe ztzl., his positivity approach.
January 1, 2021
didn't like
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews