How to Be Right audiobook cover - In a World Gone Wrong

How to Be Right

In a World Gone Wrong

James O’Brien

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Communication SkillsPolitics

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How to Be Right
Core Premise+
Islam & Media Fear-Mongering+
Brexit & Immigration+
Homosexuality & Religion+
Political Correctness+
Feminism & Tradition+
The 'Nanny State'+
Trump & Post-Truth+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
How does James O’Brien most commonly dismantle the misguided opinions of his callers on his radio show?
  • A. By citing complex, peer-reviewed academic studies.
  • B. By asking them to defend their positions with specific details and facts.
  • C. By cutting off their calls when they become angry.
  • D. By bringing on expert guest speakers to debate them.
Question 2 of 7
What analogy did O’Brien use to show a caller named Richard the absurdity of demanding that all Muslims apologize for the Charlie Hebdo attack?
  • A. He asked if Richard would apologize if a terrorist committed an act in the name of 'Richards everywhere.'
  • B. He asked if all Christians should be forced to apologize for the historical violence of the Crusades.
  • C. He asked if British citizens should have to apologize for the actions of the IRA.
  • D. He asked if Richard felt personally responsible whenever a British politician was caught in a scandal.
Question 3 of 7
During a conversation about Brexit, a caller named Andy claimed Britain needed to leave the EU to 'control our own laws.' How did this argument ultimately conclude?
  • A. Andy provided a list of restrictive business laws, but O'Brien proved they were actually British laws.
  • B. O'Brien agreed with Andy but argued that the economic cost outweighed the benefit of legal control.
  • C. Andy shifted his argument to the fishing industry, which O'Brien proved was largely unaffected by EU laws.
  • D. Andy admitted he couldn't name a single EU law and eventually confessed his real issue was a dislike of 'mobs of people.'
Question 4 of 7
How does O’Brien counter callers who cite the Book of Leviticus to argue that homosexuality is a sin?
  • A. He points out that the Book of Leviticus also condemns eating seafood without fins and scales, and wearing garments made of mixed threads.
  • B. He argues that the translation of Leviticus from ancient Hebrew to English is historically inaccurate.
  • C. He notes that Jesus explicitly preached against the strict, outdated teachings found in Leviticus.
  • D. He focuses exclusively on the legal separation of church and state in modern British society.
Question 5 of 7
According to the book, what is the true origin of 'Winterval,' a term tabloids frequently cite as 'political correctness gone mad' for supposedly replacing Christmas?
  • A. It was a mandate from the EU aimed at secularizing British public holidays.
  • B. It was a term coined by a city planner to save money by grouping multiple months of festivities under one promotional banner.
  • C. It was a campaign by left-wing activists to make winter celebrations more inclusive of non-Christian religions.
  • D. It was a marketing gimmick created by a major retail chain to sell non-denominational greeting cards.
Question 6 of 7
What underlying sentiment does the book suggest is often cloaked by complaints about a 'nanny state' (such as opposing a tax on sugary drinks)?
  • A. A deep-seated distrust of medical professionals and scientific data.
  • B. A legitimate fear that the government is overstepping its constitutional boundaries.
  • C. A feeling of elitism, selfishness, and a lack of empathy for the less fortunate.
  • D. A libertarian desire to completely dismantle the public education system.
Question 7 of 7
According to O’Brien, what is the primary function of Donald Trump's use of simple catchphrases like 'Fake News'?
  • A. To provide a concise summary of his complex geopolitical strategies.
  • B. To allow his supporters to shut off their brains and easily dismiss factual evidence.
  • C. To bypass traditional media and communicate directly with foreign allies.
  • D. To legally protect his administration from defamation lawsuits.

How to Be Right — Full Chapter Overview

How to Be Right Summary & Overview

How to Be Right (2018) looks at some of today’s most divisive issues through the unique lens of author James O’Brien. As the liberal host of a radio call-in show, O’Brien has gotten into plenty of arguments with people who’ve tried to convince him of one point or another. Using some particularly memorable conversations as examples, O’Brien shows how many of today’s popular opinions can be dismantled by applying some scrutiny and sticking to the facts.

Who Should Listen to How to Be Right?

  • Anyone trying to cope with opinionated friends
  • People with Trump-supporting family members
  • Fans of liberal-leaning news programs

About the Author: James O’Brien

James O’Brien has been the host of his own current affairs radio call-in show on the London-based talk radio station LBC for over 14 years. He’s also had his own daily talk show on ITV and has been a presenter on BBC Two’s Newsnight. As a journalist, he’s contributed to a variety of news outlets, including the Daily Mirror and TLS.

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