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Copyright © 2022 by Todd Kashdan, Ph.D.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Kashdan, Todd B., author.
Title: The art of insubordination: how to dissent and defy effectively / by Todd B. Kashdan, PhD
Description: New York: Avery, [2021] | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: LCCN 2021017338 (print) | LCCN 2021017339 (ebook) | ISBN 9780593420881 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780593420898 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Conformity. | Dissenters. | Creative thinking. | Diffusion of innovations. | Persuasion (Psychology). | Interpersonal communication.
Classification: LCC HM1246 .K38 2021 (print) | LCC HM1246 (ebook) | DDC 303.3/2—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021017338
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021017339
Book design by Silverglass Studio, adapted for ebook by Estelle Malmed
Cover design: Jess Morphew
Cover images: (balloon over waterfall) Lightspring / Shutterstock; (dark clouds) Sabphoto / Shutterstock; (blue sky) DaniLana / Shutterstock; (paper boats) Nora Carol Photography / Moment / Getty Images
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To my three daughters, Raven, Chloe, and Violet.
My hope is you are empowered to rebel against every norm, rule, order, and authority figure that warrants insubordination, and you live life on your own terms.
One of my life ambitions is to ensure this happens.
Contents
Preface: Is This Book for You?
PART I IN PRAISE OF INSUBORDINATION
1
The Critical Importance of Cartwheeling in the Library
2
The Strange Things We Do to Be Liked
How we’re wired to fit in
3
Renegades Rock
Why principled rebellion matters so much
PART II THE NON-CONFORMIST’S COOKBOOK
4
Talk Persuasively
How to win over an audience of skeptical conformists
5
Attract People Who’ve Got Your Back
How to off-load some of the pressure while defying the status quo
