Daniel S. Levine's Common Sense and Common Nonsense: A Conversation about Mental Attitudes, Science, and Society observes human decision making, ethics, and social organization as illuminated by the scientific disciplines of neuroscience, experimental psychology, neural network theory, and dynamical systems theory. The “common nonsense” of the book’s title refers to widespread popular beliefs that are harmful to human welfare and artificially limit human potential. The “common sense” refers to other popular beliefs that promote positive growth and are largely supported by the emerging results of psychology and neuroscience. The book’s reviews of scientific findings are interspersed with recommendations for improving social interactions and institutions. These suggestions are based on encouraging “common sense” attitudes and discouraging “common nonsense” attitudes. The book’s ultimate goal is to use an understanding of our brains and minds to better operationalize Aldous Huxley’s admonition to “try to be a little kinder.” Its examples are drawn from sociology, politics, economics, religion, literature, and many other fields but all these examples fit into a few common themes.