Top 20 social psychology books
Predictably Irrational
What is Predictably Irrational about?
What if we can explain and predict human irrationality? In “Predictably Irrational”, the author demonstrates some little-known levers of influence on people and gives examples of using these techniques. Despite the innate unpredictability of human behavior, the book argues that there are patterns that we can understand and use to our advantage.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
What is Thinking, Fast and Slow about?
In “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, Daniel Kahneman invites us on a journey through the complex landscape of our minds, revealing how two distinct systems govern our thought processes. Using psychological insights and engaging examples, Kahneman unveils the hidden impacts of cognitive biases and heuristics on our perceptions, decisions, and beliefs.
The Power of Habit
What is The Power of Habit about?
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg is about the impact of habits in our lives. It explores habit formation, the role of cravings, the concept of keystone habits, and other intriguing aspects. The valuable knowledge you’ll gain after reading this book might help you transform your work, relationships, and life in general.
Talking to Strangers
What is Talking to Strangers about?
There is rarely a day in our lives when we don’t have to deal with other people. Often, those people are complete strangers to us, making dealing with them even more challenging. What problems do we encounter when approaching a stranger, and how does it limit us? “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell will tell you all about it.
The Tipping Point
What is The Tipping Point about?
A global idea and an epidemic – what do they have in common? Malcolm Gladwell will answer you with ease: the tipping point. His best-selling book “The Tipping Point” reveals the secrets behind worldwide trends and explains how people of our time look at selling and spreading ideas.
Drive
What is Drive about?
“Drive” by Daniel H. Pink illustrates what success and satisfaction from life and work are all about. You will learn why autonomy is so important in your decisions and actions. The author will teach you strategies to improve your motivation and abilities and to transform your life.
Quiet
What is Quiet about?
The book “Quiet” by Susan Cain shows the power of introverts in a world where extroversion is often favored. It provides strategies and tips for introverts on how to behave, raise children, and succeed. Overall, the book seeks to help introverts better understand the world around them.
Nudge
What is Nudge about?
Have you ever wondered why we misjudge and make wrong choices so often? Understanding the concept of nudges will help you not only be aware of your flaws but also take control of them. “Nudge” explains how to make better choices and how our decisions are pre-determined by the government and corporations.
Blink
What is Blink about?
Discover the Power of Snap Judgments with “Blink”. In this captivating book, Malcolm Gladwell explains intuitive decision-making and our choices. “Blink” will change how you see your mind and empower you to make better decisions instantly.
Games People Play
What is Games People Play about?
“Games People Play” by Eric Berne is an accessible primer to human behavior and the inner world that explores how we play social games. The author gives many examples of such games so we can recognize and avoid them. Let's find out what games people play and their impact on our lives!
How to Know a Person
What is How to Know a Person about?
“How to Know a Person” by David Brooks advises on how to understand individuals, their personalities and behaviors through different psychological aspects. You’ll learn how to develop empathy, foster interpersonal relations, and build stronger connections with others. This book will help you learn how to appreciate the diversity of personalities and how to enhance your overall well-being.
The Paradox of Choice
What is The Paradox of Choice about?
“The Paradox of Choice” offers valuable insights into the process of making choices. This book explains why the abundance of options in the modern world complicates our lives. It also gives advice on how we can make choices that will satisfy us.
Read People Like a Book
What is Read People Like a Book about?
Do you find it difficult to understand the behaviors of others and want to improve your communication skills? "Read People Like a Book" shares psychological insights that will help you relate to people more easily, interpreting their emotions. It also provides guidance on non-verbal communication, ways to make a good impression, and have high-quality interactions.
Blindspot
What is Blindspot about?
The word «blindspot» is a metaphor to describe the part of our mind that houses hidden biases. Through the groundbreaking Implicit Association Test, the book reveals how our perceptions of social groups shape our judgments, often without our awareness. By turning these hidden biases into visible ones, Banaji and Greenwald argue, we can counteract them, align our behavior with our intentions, and be fairer to those around us.
The Lucifer Effect
What is The Lucifer Effect about?
Do you ever wonder why good people do bad things and how someone good and kind turns evil? The creator of the Stanford prison experiment, Philip Zimbardo, explains why we all are attracted to the "dark side." With the book "The Lucifer Effect," you'll come closer to understanding the reasons behind tortures, abuses, and genocides.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
What is How to Win Friends and Influence People about?
The book "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by famous American writer Dale Carnegie is a valuable guide to understanding people. By applying the fundamental principles outlined, you can win popularity and approval. The teachings of Carnegie remain as relevant today as ever, with timeless wisdom and practical information to enhance your people skills.
The Elephant in the Brain
What is The Elephant in the Brain about?
“The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life” by Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson studies the fascinating and often concealed motivations that drive human behavior. Simler and Hanson explain subconscious desires and social dynamics that influence our everyday actions, as well as choices in relationships and careers. This book is a great blend of psychology, evolutionary theory, and behavioral economics.
Awkward
What is Awkward about?
"Awkward: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome" is an engaging read that reveals how being socially awkward can be a source of strength and creativity. Ty Tashiro provides a comprehensive analysis of the neurological and psychological factors contributing to social awkwardness. It is highly recommended for anyone who's ever felt out of place in social situations, or their loved ones.
Behave
What is Behave about?
“Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst” by Robert Sapolsky describes the nature of human behavior and explains why we act a certain way. You will find out how the brain affects the body, and how culture influences our behavior.
Influence
What is Influence about?
“Influence” (1984) explores the deep-seated instincts that drive human behavior, from reciprocity to the allure of scarcity. The book highlights how we are influenced by different factors such as social proof, authority, and subtle signals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed choices in our lives.
Find out how to learn quickly and efficiently with our app!
Incorporate the habit of reading into your daily life.
Start your free trial