Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts

by Carol Tavris

Willy Loman introduces his sons Biff and Happy to his older brother Ben, their impressively rich uncle, who represents the American dream. WILLY:[to his sons]: Boys! Boys! Listen to this. This is your Uncle Ben, a great man! Tell my boys how you did it, Ben! BEN: Why, boys, when I was seventeen I walked into the jungle and when I was twenty-one I walked out. And by God I was rich! WILLY:[to the boys]: You see what I been talking about? The greatest things can happen! “What the hell happened in the jungle?” Elliot would ask his students. “That’s where the story is! That’s Act 2! How did Ben do it? How did he solve his problems? How did he get rich? Did he help people? Did he kill people? Did he lie, steal, cheat? What did he learn, and was it a lesson he can now offer his nephews?”