Breaking Bias

Breaking Bias by Anu Gupta is a transformative journey that delves deep into the mechanics of bias—how it is learned, perpetuated, and, most importantly, how it can be unlearned. Set in the contemporary landscape where conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion are more critical than ever, this book offers readers an immersive exploration into the nature of human prejudices and the mechanisms behind them.

Imagine a world devoid of bias—a place where every individual is free to express their true selves and unleash their full potential. How would you feel in such a world, beyond just thinking about its feasibility? This proposition is the starting point for Breaking Bias, inviting you to embark on a transformative journey that promises to alter your understanding of bias profoundly and equip you to reshape the world around you.

Anu Gupta, a seasoned lawyer, scientist, and educator, draws on twenty years of pioneering research and experiences from training thousands of individuals. Her comprehensive and accessible guide makes this a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and dismantling both conscious and unconscious biases. Whether you are an educator, engineer, artist, or parent, this book offers valuable tools to instill greater awareness and transform biases in everyday life, including your own perceptions and beliefs.

Fusing ancient Buddhist wisdom with cutting-edge scientific research, Gupta leads readers on a journey through time to probe the roots of human identities and the biases associated with them. By understanding that our biases are significant contributors to various global crises—from racism and sexism to burnout and climate change—Gupta argues that dismantling these biases is essential for solving these issues.

The book introduces the PRISM toolkit, a meticulously designed set of contemplative and somatic tools. These science-backed techniques help readers dismantle learned biases within themselves and their surroundings. The book is interactive, with probing questions and writing prompts that encourage readers to put these tools into practice immediately.

Breaking Bias stands out as one of the rare books that not only explore the history and origins of bias but also provide practical methods for its reduction. Gupta’s unique perspective—a confluence of her identities as a gay brown immigrant with Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu roots, along with her professional expertise as an American lawyer and scholar—adds a rich, intersectional dimension to this work. This is a book poised to transform not only the way we think but the way we live, offering real hope for a more inclusive and unbiased world.