The Selves of Others (book)

*The Selves of Others* by Daniel B. Smith explores how our understanding of other people’s inner lives—thoughts, feelings, and identities—is shaped by psychology, philosophy, and social science. The book examines the complex ways we interpret and sometimes misunderstand others’ motivations, highlighting the importance of empathy and perception. It also discusses how cultural, personal, and contextual factors influence the construction of selfhood in ourselves and in others, emphasizing that our insights into others are often constructed, nuanced, and subject to biases. Overall, it offers a thoughtful analysis of the human capacity to recognize and relate to the inner worlds of others.