I'm Right and You're an Idiot - 2nd Edition The Toxic State of Public Discourse and How to Clean it Up

This fully updated 2nd edition grapples with the desperate state of current public discourse. Through interviews and wisdom from outstanding thinkers, it shows that deliberately polluted conversations can discourage people from taking action on critical issues, and demonstrates how we can become more powerful communicators.

The public square has been polluted by industry-funded propaganda when it comes to matters like climate change and what to do about it. Read James Hoggan's I'm Right and You're an Idiot for some ideas on how to fix that.
— MICHAEL E. MANN, Distinguished Professor of Atmosphere Science, Penn State University and author, The Madhouse Effect

A must-read for anyone trying to break the climate impasse, or indeed, make progress in any domain of social conflict.
— NAOMI ORESKES, Professor, History of Science, and Affiliated Professor, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University

In this fully updated second edition of I'm Right and You're an Idiot, James Hoggan grapples with a critical issue — the desperate state of current public discourse— through interviews with outstanding thinkers and drawing on wisdom from highly regarded public figures. Featuring a new, radically revised prologue, afterword, and a new chapter addressing the changes in the public discourse since the 2016 United States election, his comprehensive analysis explores:

• How political will is manipulated
• How tribalism shuts down open-minded thinking, undermines trust, and helps misinformation thrive
• Why facts alone fail and how language is manipulated and dissent silenced
• The importance of dialogue, empathy, and pluralistic narrative reframing arguments to create compelling narratives and spur action.

Our species' greatest survival strategy has always been foresight and the ability to leverage intelligence to overcome adversity. For too long now this capacity has been threatened by the sorry state of public discourse. Focusing on proven techniques to foster more powerful and effective communication, I'm Right and You're an Idiot will appeal to readers looking for deep insights and practical advice in these troubling times.

This is a must-read for anyone tired of the bullying, the propagandizing, the screaming, and the bullsh*t.
— Dr. SAMANTHA NUTT, author, Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid

This is a text which should be thought, not just read, by all who seek reconciliation.
— Professor TIM O'RIORDAN OBE DL FBA

James Hoggan is president of the Vancouver PR firm Hoggan & Associates, past chair of the David Suzuki Foundation board, and founder of the influential website DeSmogBlog. He has also served as a member of Shell Global's External Review Committee and is author of Climate Cover-up and Do the Right Thing. He lives on Salt Spring Island, Canada.