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b'Can self-deception be useful? During the pandemic, it has been fashionable to say that we\\u2019re \\u201cfollowing the science,\\u201d and that our behavior is determined by verifiable facts. We are, after all, self-declared rational beings, and that\\u2019s clearly useful in guiding our reaction to a pandemic. It\\u2019s true that fear and suspicion have caused some to make contrary choices such as declining vaccines, but that behavior is considered irrational.\\xa0But are there situations when delusional thinking can help you thrive? Why are we not as rational as we think?\\nGuests:\\xa0\\n\\n\\nSteven Novella\\xa0\\u2013 Neurologist and professor at Yale University School of Medicine. Host of the Skeptics Guide to the Universe podcast.\\n\\n\\nShankar Vedantam\\xa0\\u2013 Host of the Hidden Brain podcast and radio show, and co-author of \\u201cUseful Delusions: The Power & Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain.\\u201d\\n\\n\\xa0\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'