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When Prophecy Fails cover

When Prophecy Fails

Leon Festinger

Psychology

A classic social-psychology study of a doomsday cult and what happened when its prediction failed. It introduced the theory of cognitive dissonance, showing how disconfirmation can paradoxically strengthen belief.

Endorsed By

2 People
  • David Heinemeier Hansson
    “Once a person has been ensnared by a false in-group belief, disconfirmation often lead to more fervent beliefs.”

    Cited on cognitive dissonance and entrenched belief.

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  • Marc Andreessen
    “Chronicles the experience of a UFO cult that believed the end of the world was at hand”

    Andreessen highlighted this classic study of cognitive dissonance.

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