Michael Rousell - The Power of Surprise: How Your Brain Secretly Changes Your Beliefs

Dr. Michael A. Rousell is a teacher, psychologist, and professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University. Rousell studied life-changing events for more than three decades and established his expertise by writing the internationally successful book Sudden Influence: How Spontaneous Events Shape Our Lives (2007). His pioneering work draws on research from a wide variety of brain sciences that show when, how, and why we instantly form new beliefs. He lives with his spouse in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

This book contains brilliant ideas, discoveries, and theories by those mentioned in my references. To all of them, I offer my utmost regards for their hard work, creativity, and influence. I synthesized their efforts within my conceptual framework to produce the book you are about to read.

Special thanks to those who told me their stories of influence about how surprise played a role in their formative moments. These stories breathe life into science.

This book took an inordinately long time to move from conception to print. Literary consultant Elizabeth Lyon stayed with me through countless rewrites. Her skills in editing played an instrumental role in this work. She frequently referred to me as a poster boy for perseverance. Thanks also to my editor Suzanne Staszak-Silva at Rowman & Littlefield who encouraged and nurtured me through the publishing process.

On a personal note, my wife and children indulged me and allowed me to spend thousands of hours on research and writing. I tried not to cheat them out of the important things in life. That said, I could have cleaned, painted, mended, and cooked more often. I love you and appreciate your patience and support.

I dedicate this work to my grandchildren: Paige, Lauren, Kaitlin, and Nathalie. They inspire me to be better every day. I have not met that mark, but they love me nonetheless.

To Laura, to whom I owe everything, and to my daughters Leanne and Kary, who know courage.

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