Why do people become divided? What steps can we all take to reduce hostility and bring about
understanding? Poles Apart has the answers. In Poles Apart an expert on polarisation a
behavioural scientist and a professional communicator explain why we are so prone to be drawn
into rival often deeply antagonistic factions. They explore the shaping force of our genetic
make-up on our fundamental views and the nature of the influences that family friends and
peers exert. They pinpoint the economic and political triggers that tip people from healthy
disagreement to dangerous hostility and the part played by social media in spreading
entrenched opinions. And they help us to understand why outlooks that can seem so bizarre and
extreme to us seem so eminently sensible to those who hold them. Above all they show what
practical and effective steps we can all take to narrow divisions build respect for others
and create a greater degree of common understanding.
____________________________________________________ 'Poles Apart is an extraordinary
achievement: fresh deeply authoritative and entertaining on every page. Everyone talks about
polarisation but no one does it like Goldsworthy Osborne and Chesterfield. You'll finish
this book wiser kinder and more hopeful than when you started it.' Jamie Susskind author of
Future Politics 'A fascinating and thought-provoking analysis of the divisions between us how
we bridge them how we reshape the world - and ourselves too. Essential reading.' Cathy Newman
presenter of Channel 4 News and author 'Asks the best question I have ever heard. And
critically offers solutions. A must read.' Rory Sutherland Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and
author of Alchemy 'Technology may have connected the world but it's now being exploited to
divide and polarise us. This is a pivotal moment for this book to be written read and
understood.' Peter Gabriel musician
