Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It

A well-known psychologist explains what power our inner voice has, what science says about conversations with ourselves, and how we can influence these “dialogues” to become happier, smarter, and more effective.

Tell someone that you talk to yourself and you’ll be seen as a weirdo. But the truth is: everyone of us has a voice in our head. Our inner voice helps us move toward goals, avoid mistakes, and enjoy happy moments in life. But it can also become our enemy—scolding us for mistakes and reminding us of embarrassments.

Even before we realize it, our thoughts are taken over by the inner critic, producing negative and harmful chatter. How does that happen? Why does this voice appear? And how can we control it?

The phenomenon of the “inner voice” has been studied for twenty years by one of the leading experts in the field, Ethan Kross, to find answers to these questions. In his book, he shows the full power of the inner voice and explains how to put it to practical use for your own good. The tools for doing so are often right at hand—words we use, relationships we participate in, the journals we keep, conversations with loved ones, and the culture around us.

This scientifically grounded book, filled with captivating life stories and concrete tools, will change the way you talk to yourself. And it will help you become happier, smarter, and more productive.