Reading is the ultimate life hack. Distilled knowledge, which typically takes years to accumulate, maybe ingested in a matter of hours.
And the more you understand social psychology and human behavior, the better off you will be. Reading good books on psychology allows you to get a head start on your education by absorbing what researchers, professors, and authors have spent years compiling.
Several highly smart people have committed their lives to understanding how the mind works. Best of all, they have documented their findings for our benefit.
Continue reading to learn about 9 intriguing and illuminating books on psychology that reveal the intricacies of the human brain, teaching us how to make the most of this incredible organ that we’ve all been given.
The man who mistook his wife for a hat and other clinical tales
Sacks discuss several fascinating and bizarre instances that he saw while working as a neurologist in this classic book.
The book takes its title from one of these cases: the man who mistook his wife for a hat suffered from visual agnosia. This is a condition in which people cannot comprehend visual information and, as a result, are unable to recognize objects or faces. From this to a case with a patient who couldn’t recognize his own leg, Sacks deals with the most unusual situations.
It’s a fascinating and easy-to-read book that will make you realize how much may go wrong in our minds.
The Social Animal
The best broad overview of social psychology ever written, in my humble opinion. This book appears to be in such high demand that Amazon prices are frequently exorbitant.
The popularity is understandable; few books on psychology provide a more in-depth, fascinating, and well-written exposition of social psychology than Elliot Aronson’s classic. If you can get your hands on it, it’s a must-read; we think it’s the best explanation of social psychology 101 ever published.
The Happiness Hypothesis
Starting with my personal favorite on the list, Jonathan Heidt deftly brings to old light ideas and subjects them to modern scientific scrutiny. Heidt communicates his outstanding knowledge of psychology and neuroscience in a funny yet thorough manner and compares it to his grasp of such ancient systems. Heidt demonstrates the errors and misconceptions of numerous systems and practices and their truths while providing a real remedy to the many vices and privations that plague the modern human.
Civilization and Its Discontents
Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis In one of his most renowned works, Freud exposes society and our interactions with others for the primordial and savage constructs that they are. This is for those who aren’t put off by a little heavier, more complex read. That being said, if you can get through this book and understand its significance, you will be able to navigate our culture much more efficiently. Who it’s for: Those who want to know why our civilization exists. You’ll need perseverance and thick skin.
Also Read, Love Psychology We All should be aware of
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey To Optimal Performance
What about this for credentials: Josh Waitzkin, the author of The Art of Learning, is a former child prodigy, a recognized novelist, a chess tournament champion, and a martial arts champion! It’s safe to say you can put your trust in this man to teach you the principles of learning, which he does brilliantly in The Art of Learning, showing you how to conquer even the most difficult hurdles in pursuit of your goals.
What to do when you’re new
Even though it was a long time ago, most of us remember how it felt to be the new kid at school. It’s no different as grownups. Whether it’s a new job, a conference, or a party, social anxiety (or, in some cases, outright dread) returns, and we feel like we’re youngsters all over again. Thankfully, altering your mentality is all it takes. With the tactics outlined in What to Do When You’re New, you’ll never feel awkward among strangers again.
The seven sins of memory
Our memory is one of our most valuable possessions, yet it is a constant cause of pain for some. That should not be the case! Even if you frequently misplace your house keys or forget people’s birthdays, this is a normal part of how memory works. The Seven Sins of Memory, by going deeply into the mechanisms of memory, will not only assuage your concerns about being too foggy but will also show you how to conquer your handicaps.
Flow: The Psychology Of Happiness
Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced cheek sent me high) shows through decades of research how the work we give ourselves to affects our happiness in an unexpected yet mind-blowing approach to happiness. He contends that happiness is attained through a mental state known as Flow, in which the individual’s high skill level is met with a hard task. Consider a mathematician solving a difficult issue or an artist bringing their vision to life with seemingly perfect brush strokes. What occurs to the brain during this stage appears to be contradictory! Who it’s for: Anyone who works in a skilled career or enjoys a hobby regularly.
Authentic happiness
Martin Seligman, one of the world’s most renowned psychologists, shows the route to happiness in this light and delightful book. This book demonstrates that pleasure is more a product of internal conditions than external situations. It tells us how to cultivate the various parts of life that we frequently ignore. This is for everyone who wants to become a more well-rounded version of themselves.
Who is it for People who want to improve their relations with others?
