The Top 10 Psychology Books You Should

Read
Posted on August 2, 2012 by Susan Weinschenk 18 Comments
A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post about my favorite psychology and usability books.
Since then there have been more great psychology books to hit the bookstores, so I thought it
was time to update the list.Ive also decided to split the list, so this one is just psychology books.
Ill do another post on UX and Design books.
I do have an Amazon affiliate account, so Ive included a link to each book after the description
if you are interested in purchasing or just getting more info.
1. Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman, 2011 If you want to understand how people
think and how and why they react, then this is a must read. Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel prize
winner in Economics, but this book is all about how people think and react. Its very well
written, but I will warn you, its not an easy read. Plan to spend time reading this one. But it will
be worth it for the understanding you get into why we do the things we do.

2. Redirect, by Timothy Wilson, 2011 This is the second book of Timothy Wilsons on my list.
If you want to know how to make permanent and lasting change in your behavior, or the
behavior of someone you know, then this is the book to read. Wilson covers the recent and often
very surprising research on interventions and therapies that result in people actually changing.
Permanent behavior change is hard to come by. This book tells you what does and doesnt work
based on research.

3. Drive, by Daniel Pink, 2011 What really motivates people? This book covers the research on
human motivation in the last few years. Its well written, and an easy read, and will explode
some long-standing beliefs.

4, The Invisible Gorilla by Chabris and Simon, 2011 Chabris and Simon explain their research
that shows how what we think we are seeing and experiencing is not really whats out there. A
fun book about how we deceive ourselves.

5. Strangers to Ourselves: The Adaptive Unconscious, by Timothy Wilson, 2004 This is the
book that actually got me started seriously on the topic of the unconscious. I had read Blink
(Malcolm Gladwell) and although that was an interesting book, I wanted more depth and detail.
Gladwell referenced Wilsons book so I started reading it and light bulbs went off for me. This
one is a bit more academic and psychological, especially the first few chapters, but all in all, a
great book with lots of interesting insights and strong research.

6. Stumbling on Happiness by Dan Gilbert, 2007 This is a fun read. I dont think its really
about Happiness, so I dont totally understand the title. To me its mainly about memory of the
past, and anticipation about the future, and the research on how accurate or inaccurate we are
about both past and future. Its full of fascinating research, but is written in a very readable way.

7. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert Cialdini, 2006 This is a newer version
of the original book that came out several years ago. This book is the granddaddy of all the
other books on the topic of persuasion. A very worthwhile read. Interesting too, because at the
time he originally wrote this book each chapter had a section on how to RESIST the persuasive
techniques. He wasnt a proponent of using them; he wanted you to know about them so you
wouldnt fall prey. He did a turn-around on that mindset for his later work and writing.

8. Brain Rules: 12 Principles For Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School, by John
Medina, 2009 This is a somewhat misleading book. From the way its described you would
think its a very practical book, for everyone, not academic or research oriented. But actually its
quite a treasure trove of research, which I think is a good thing. He has this weird section at the
end of each chapter where he tells you how to apply the principles in that chapter to your
everyday life. I think those sections are the weakest, actually. But the material in the body of
each chapter is solid, well referenced and well written. If you want a basic book that explains
some basic brain functioning I would definitely read this book.

9. Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely, 2008. There is some great content in this book, but I
have a basic disagreement with the premise. If you have read my blog posts or books you know
that I believe that it is not that our decision-making or mental processing is irrational. Its
unconscious, but that doesnt mean irrational or bad. Our unconscious mental processing works
most of the time. Arielys view is that we are irrational and irrational means bad, and that we
should learn how to counteract our mental processing. I dont agree. But the research in the book
is still good (its his interpretations and recommendations I take issue with).

10. And please forgive me if I put one of my books on the list! my latest: How To Get People
To Do Stuff
25 Best Books on Self-Improvement You Need to Read Before You Die
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I remember the first time I got my hands on a self-improvement book. I was baffled. At that
moment I realized my fate was not set in stone. I could become my own drill master and coach.
The books I read would set out the training course for me to overcome. All I had to do was listen
to that voice that aspired to climb higher and higher. Every time I committed to a new challenge
I knew it was going to be outside my comfort zone, but after enough iterations, I also knew it
will not just be part of my repertoire, it will be part of me. I just turned 25, and while I
acknowledge some inherent dangers in the concept of self-improvement, I still believe in the
beauty of self-directing your life. This is why I am sharing with you 25 Best Books on SelfImprovement You Need to Read Before You Die!
These are affiliate links to Amazon.com, using these will support
HighExistence, thank you.

1. Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other

Provocations Seth Godin

This book is a masterpiece, and unlike most self-improvement books, this one targets an infinite
array of areas in which you can, and ultimately must, improve. With its ruthless honesty and

genuine inspiration, Godin makes you ponder the difficult questions you wouldnt ever dare to
ask yourself. The result is a completely new perspective of the world- a fresher, more
vibrant perspective, packed with new and bold possibilities. If you need a friend that
understands, a boss that forces you to venture deep in your non-comfort zone, a wise guru that
tells you what needs to be left behind and a sage that proclaims the coming of a new age, then
look no further; you will find these shrewd voices all tied together in this magnificent book.
Make sure to get this one.

2. Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life

and in the Markets Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Perhaps it is the fact that randomness played such a significant role in my

years as a poker player that I find this book utterly important. We often attribute skill where there
is only luck; we confuse correlation with causation and we underestimate the incredible effect
small changes can have. This book and my time at the tables gave me a perspective I
unfortunately rarely encounter in others: you can do everything right and still lose, or do
everything wrong and still win. It is thus not about the outcome; it is about your actions that
have lead you there. This important message is central to many of my decisions I make in my life
and this book by Taleb helps you develop such a perspective so you will be able to live in a
world one cannot fully understand, where the results are not always clear markers of
performance and where chance seems to play games with our fates. Stop being fooled by
randomness!

3. The 48 Laws of Power Robert Greene

I read this book in a time where I thought power was something I should
attain. Power for powers sake. And while I disagree with my former self on this point, the fact
remains that power is very real, it forms the invisible scepter of all hierarchical relations
around us. I still recommend this book; I believe it is important to know how people use power
for their own benefit and what to do to protect yourself from certain abuses of power. Besides the
fact that all stories in this book gravitate around power, it contains many life lessons, amazing
historical anecdotes and, if read in a certain light, the ability to use power for good. From Caesar
to Goethe, Sun-Tzu to Machiavelli, this eye opening book spans a wide range of human
development. If you, like me, would rather be interested in something less egotistical, perhaps
Greenes latest book Mastery will suffice (I havent read that one myself). Another great book in
the same style, but this time around, covering a wider scope, and, perhaps, something that will
make the world make a better place.

4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in

Personal Change Stephen. R. Covey

The title of this book doesnt capture it all. Covey shares with us seven
habits one should adapt to become truly effective in whatever you would like to achieve. Of
course, it is not as easy as it sounds. He stresses the fact that we need to go through a paradigm
shift a fundamental change in how we perceive the world and ourselves. This book can be read
as a guide, with practices and everything, to go through the stages in order to make such a shift
happen. Part shock-therapy, part ageless spiritual wisdom, Coveys book is packed with
wisdom that actually makes a difference. And, as I mentioned, dont let the title of the book

fool you; it is about much more than just becoming more effective. It is about becoming a whole
integer person who not only seeks the best in oneself, but also in the people around her. A must
read for anyone who feels there is always something left to learn.

5. The Psychedelic Explorers Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and

Sacred Journeys James Fadiman

While finding a book on psychedelics in a list of books on selfimprovement might come as a surprise, I believe any metaphysical distinction between tools
such as books, meditation or molecules hold no ground and they should all be solely judged on
their merits. And the merits of certain chemical keys, used in a constructive way, are perhaps
bigger than any book in this list. The Psychedelic Explorers Guide will teach you how to
prepare yourself and your surroundings, what and how much to take, and what do do when
something goes wrong, so you can safely enhance your thinking, creativity, introspection and
emotional balance. This book contains everything you need to know about using psychedelics
as a tool for self-improvement while drawing on extensive scientific literature and personal
wisdom. A must have for the beginning and experienced psychonaut alike.
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6. Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and

Get More Done in Less Time Brian Tracy

We all know how that destructive downward spiral feels. We have to do

some big task, of which the thought alone triggers resistance, not sure how and where to begin
and feeling overwhelmed before we start; we get easily distracted to get rid of that feeling, only
to suddenly realize that hours went by- precious hours- and then find ourselves in the same
position as before, still not knowing where and how to begin, but now, feeling guilty on top of it
which expresses itself in more craving for distraction. Ad infinitum. To break this spell
of procrastination before it paralyzes us, Tracy advises us to Eat That Frog, to set our priorities
straight, deconstruct larger tasks into smaller ones, learn when to tackle the big frog first or to
start out with something else. Tracy is truly a motivational writer, and while I wished he had
gone a bit deeper into the psychological reasons why people procrastinate, it is still a must have
for anyone who wants to break the spell and get shit done.

7. Think and Grow Rich: The Original 1937 Unedited Edition

Napoleon Hill

A from 1937, this book by Hill is a masterpiece. Dont bother with the
edited versions since they all omit important and controversial information: some historical, and
some pertaining to the goal of the book, which is to think and grow rich. The word rich might
imply that this book is all about material gain, and while it certainly covers that area, it is about
much more than that. Perhaps the first explicit mention of positive thinking, on how to care not
just about the cash in your pocket, but also the thoughts in your head, this book has been able to
withstand the destruction of time. It covers all the basics from planning, decision making and

persistence, to the more advanced techniques as auto-suggestion, transmutation and what we can
learn from fear. This is not a grow rich book, but a timeless guide to find out what actually
matters. As it says clearly in the beginning Riches cant always be measured in money!

8. The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the

Focused Mind Alan Wallace

In a world that is dominated by ever stronger technologies designed to

grab hold of your attention, a way to empower yourself is to bring that attention back to where
you want it to shine. This book offers just that; in The Attention Revolution, Wallace describes
the path to attaining Shamatha, a buddhist meditation state of mind that is free from any
flickering of distraction. It is a hard and long path, probably not possible for us to reach in this
lifetime. However, even getting to stage two or three will make everything in life easier. A
wonderful introduction to meditation, The Attention Revolution will inspire you to take on the
challenge and see what training your mind can actually achieve. Once you have achieved such a
level of focus you can put it to use to open your heart with the practice of The Four
Immeasurables or deepen the practice with this wonderful commentary by Dudjom Lingpa, both
by Alan B. Wallace.

9. The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health

John Durant

In the last 10,000 years or so it seems we have been propelled into an

ever faster paced world forged by our own hands and minds. Only recently have we been able to
reconstruct our journey and reflect back upon our humble origins. This amazing book is such a

reflection. It goes back to the paleolithic searching for answers to health and longevity. Between
science and his personal experiments, Durant weaves a mind blowing story that will convey the
importance of an evolutionary perspective on how to live well. It covers everything from
nutrition to exercise, from sleep to fasting, from ancient practices to modern biohacking and even
has an outline for a vision of the future where depression and obesity have become obsolete. If
you only have room for a couple of books on this list, make sure this one is included.

10. Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation

Daniel J. Siegel

As my Burmese meditation teacher often proclaimed, Mindfulness alone

is not enough! Siegel seems to have taken this to heart and made an unique synthesis between
meditation, psychoanalysis and neuroscience which he calls Mindsight, as he says himself, a
potent combination between emotional and social intelligence. All of us deal with some disorder
or another, something that seems to disturb the very core of our being at ease, and while it
might not always be the best strategy to want to get rid of it, it certainly helps to understand and
have compassion for that little aspect that upsets that perfect image of ourselves. Brimming with
techniques, insights and epiphanies, this book contains everything you need to know to
reprogram your brain and to optimally use its capacity of neuroplasticity. A great book for
spiritual seekers and scientists alike.

11. How to Win Friends & Influence People Dale Carnegie

This is the first self-improvement book I have ever read and it is also
probably one of the oldest in this category. Written in 1937, mainly for the door to door salesman

of that era, this book by Carnegie can truly be called a classic. It shows what we all intuitively
know: it doesnt matter what your line of work is or what you want to achieve- if you are doing
business of any kind, you need to make it about the other person. Being nice helps, a lot. And
while I might not fully defend the premise of this book, because it doesnt distinguish between
genuine interest and faking it to get what you want, it still contains a treasure chest full of
timeless wisdom. Everybody wants to feel appreciated, and rightfully so. Learning to take a
small effort to make someones day will make the world run smoother, no matter what your goal
is. I still spontaneously remember some of his guidance, and perhaps this quality is the reason
why this book still draws millions of readers to this day.

12. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy David D. Burns

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective therapy used by

psychologists today; it consists of identifying thought patterns that have a detrimental effect on
your self-image and mood, and deconstructing these in order to break out of these destructive
cycles. If you want to know how this works, which moods are central in your life, what
thought patterns are causing your depression, how to overcome self-judgment and guilt,
how to defeat approval and love addiction and how your self-perfectionism is hindering
you, then dont look further; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped millions of people and
it can help you, and this is the best book for the job. Packed with scientific research, exercises
and examples, this is the best improvement your self is going to get.

13. Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living

Out of Life Maxwell Maltz

What can a plastic surgeon tell us about happiness? By dealing with his patients, Dr. Maxwell
Maltz experienced firsthand that having your expectations come true doesnt automatically result
into a more positive life experience. Their outward appearances did indeed change but their inner
insecurity remained. This caused him to find other means to help his patients, resulting in
visualization techniques. He found a persons outer success can never rise above the one
visualized internally. This book carries a very honest and humbling story, loaded with
fundamental truths about our psychology and how our own philosophy affects us, all told by a
very compassionate writer. Of some books it can be said that it will be valuable for years to
come, and I am absolutely positive that this is one of them.

14. Thinking, Fast and Slow Daniel Kahneman

This brilliant book by Nobel prize winner Daniel Kahneman is a lucid

account of all the amazing research he has done over the years. He is the founder of behavioral
economics the way our psychology affects our decisions and explains in simple prose
how our thinking is divided in two systems: one fast and one slow. The fast one is almost
instant; it consists of the hardwired instincts that govern emotions, a remnant of an evolutionary
past, an unconscious irrational machine. The slow one is deliberate, self-reflexive and logical,
but can easily be distracted and takes a lot of effort. Both play a large role in our lives and
Kahneman explores when the fast system fails and why the slow system is often not utilized.

Packed with mind blowing examples and sharp analyses, this book teaches you how to learn to
make sound judgments, and use the best of both systems.

15. An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space

Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being
Prepared for Anything Chris Hadfield

A few extraordinary people journey to the edge of our world and come
back with a unique story to tell. Colonel Hadfield is such a person, and his story is perhaps the
most important one in this list. While the other books in this list teach you to be independent,
visualize your future and dream big, this astronauts guide turns these all upside down. A truly
remarkable book, overflowing with mind-blowing stories that illustrate the life lessons he
learned as one of the most accomplished astronauts that ever lived. Full of compassion,
warmth and genuine self-reflexive humor, he conveys to us to be prepared for the worst and
never let yourself be swayed from enjoying every moment. Part action story, part no-nonsense
hard truth and part timeless spiritual wisdom, this book makes you feel like you stepped onto a
rocket ship and experienced what he did while learning these most valuable lessons on the way.

16. Perfect Health Diet: Regain Health and Lose Weight by

Eating the Way You Were Meant to Eat Paul Jaminet & ShouChing Jaminet

No self-improvement list is complete without a nutrition book and the

Perfect Health Diet is arguably the best diet book on the market now. If you are overweight or
not, feel sick, or just looking for an extra boost in health (and keep it this way), then look no

further. From reading decades of studies the authors construct the optimal way to eat,
destroying popular food fads in the process. They explain in sufficient detail the optimal
macro-ratios, which starches are safe, which vitamins and supplements to take and what foods,
or what they call toxins, to avoid. This book is a great supplement to the Paleo Manifesto as it
shares its basic evolutionary perspective; we were evolved to eat non-toxic, high fat, moderate
protein and carbohydrates. And, sometimes, going around with no food at all, can be a very
healthy thing. If your body is not in optimal health, then it is almost no use to read the other
books. Make this your priority number one.

17. Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for

Success John C. Maxwell

At one time or another, we will all fail. What matters most is how you
deal with it once you do. Will you give up? Or will you use it as a stepping stone for success? I
recently read an article about new start-ups in silicon valley. Its hypothesis was the more you had
failed in the past, the more likely you were going to get funding. Why? Because failing teaches
you invaluable lessons, and if you decide to continue after you hit the pavement, the more you
have it in you to deliver. Now, this is not in anyway our instinctual reaction to failing. Most of us
dread it, avoid it or refuse to fail at all costs. All three are by far sub-optimal. It is far better to
accept failure where it arises, to accept responsibility and use it as a way to learn about yourself
and your weaknesses. Only when you are absolute honest with yourself with respect to failure
can you hope to grow. This wonderful book will teach you how to do exactly this. A honest book
for everyone searching for a clean mirror.

18. The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now hardly needs any introduction. It is perhaps the

book that has had the most impact on our collective consciousness in recent years. It inspired
millions of people all over the world to live a more fulfilling and compassionate life, all through
the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness consists of moment to moment non-judgmental
awareness. It is a technique that alleviates depression, increases emotional intelligence and
develops compassion- and only recently has come to the west, which remained weary and
skeptical until science had validated a wide array of its claims. The brain can be trained. The
Power of Now teaches you how to release your attachment to certain thoughts and states of
mind, thereby clearing the mind to fully embrace the present moment. If you already have read
this book and are looking for deeper understanding, read Wherever You Go, There You Are.

19. The Last Lecture Randy Pausch

At some point or another, almost all of us has come across The Last
Lecture by Randy Pausch. (If you havent, watch this powerful message here.) What would you
say when you only have a few months left to live? This was probably Pauschs question he posed
to himself when he had to deliver his lecture a week later. But being confined to an academic
setting and short time frame he felt he had more to share, thus marking the birth of this book.
Filled with stories about his childhood, it is a very down to earth exploration of what it means to
chase your dreams, to be a good person and live a life that gives value to others. A beautiful
mixture of humor and optimism, his tender voice will be a source of inspiration for everyone
who will take the time to listen, something he tried to impart on his readers. A very lovely read.
And dont forget, Its not about the cards youre dealt, but how you play the hand.

20. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable

Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Bren
Brown

I love Bren Browns books. She writes about an insight that I have
found to be scary but true at the same time. Vulnerability, unlike we have been taught, is not a
weakness, but a power to be tapped. Growing up with the idea that we have to hide certain
parts of ourselves, to look strong and persevere at all costs always seemed a facade to me. And
now she has the research to back that up. From that place of vulnerability comes a sense of
worthiness, which for most of us, needs to be cultivated every day. Only if we get in touch with
that tender spot of our hearts can we connect with others and develop genuine compassion,
which are prerequisites, Brown tells us, for living a wholehearted life. The reality, however, is
that we often close down, feel neglected and misunderstood, and rather want the vulnerability
and perhaps even ourselves to disappear. This book is an amazing antidote for that common
instinct. Want to be truly convinced? Check out her amazing ted talk here.
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21. The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Carl Sagan

We all find UFOs fascinating. We all really want to believe in magic or

visiting aliens (surely the crop circles are conclusive proof!) and some of us believe the

government is poisoning us with chemtrails. At the same time we are fascinated by the progress
made by science, by all the new technology and medicines and the fascinating discoveries being
made on a daily basis. Clearly, for the average person, it is quite hard to make a distinction
between one claim or another most of us are scientifically illiterate. Carl Sagan fought his
whole life against such unreason and claimed that missing this ability to distinguish valid claims
from hogwash could plunge us back into the dark ages. This book is perhaps his best on this
subject, filled with examples and his eloquent mesmerizing voice, The Demon-Haunted World is
a How To guide to arm you against manipulation masked as information. A must read for
anyone who still feels the temptation to click sensationalist sophistry.

22. Philosophy for Life Jules Evans

As philosopher Sloterdijk puts it; philosophy is a beautiful child of an

ugly mother. Philosophy first arose when the old Greek polis states were at the brink of
destruction. Philosophy, according to Sloterdijk, was not just a way to make sense of the world,
to come to knowledge or truth, but to serve as a psychological immune system. This book is an
amazing expression of this perspective. From the stoics to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Jules
Evans writes about some of the amazing philosophical techniques we can use to train and
improve our cognitive immune systems. He weaves ancient stories with modern applications,
from heroism to cosmic contemplation, Philosophy for Life a beautifully written book that makes
it easy to understand the practical nature of philosophy. Perhaps the book would have been better
if he would have gone deeper into the subject matter, but nonetheless he captures the essence of
what philosophy can mean for the modern person. A must read.

23. Mans Search For Meaning Victor. E. Frankl

If I had to pick one book from this list for mandatory reading I would
choose this one. For three years Viktor Frankl labored in four different Nazi concentration
camps, including Auschwitz. He tells us about his experience and that of his fellow prisoners.
Both chilling and uplifting, confronted with the idea that they would be trapped there for the rest
of their lives, he gives us an account of those who found meaning and those who succumbed to
nihilism. A blend between a memoir, a psychological investigation and a self-help book, Frankl
delivers a powerful message: finding meaning lies at the core of being human. From his own
experience as a psychiatrist combined with anecdotes from his time in the concentration camps,
he tells us how important it is to find meaning in our own lives and what we can become if we
dont. Suffering, he conveys to us, is inevitable. But as to how we cope with it is dependent on
ourselves. If we can find meaning, even in the worst acts our species has ever inflicted upon
his fellow man, we will be able to move forward with renewed purpose.

24. Simplify Joshua Becker

This is a fun little book written by Joshua Becker, a big proponent of

minimalist living. We all know that quote from Fightclub: Advertising has us chasing cars and
clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we dont need. Well, this is ending. Slowly
we are outgrowing an era where the unquestioned mantra more is always better dictates our
behavior. Rather, we now find ourselves, our lives and our homes cluttered with too much
information, too much stuff and just too much shit we dont need. This simple book helps you
become aware of the freedom gained from living with less. It is a small book, easily read under
an hour, but it carries a persuasive punch to start living live in a very different way.

25. Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It Kamal

Ravikant

The fundamental ground upon which all true self improvement is build is
called self-love. Because in the end, no matter which way you turn, if you dont love yourself,
you will sabotage yourself at one point. You will think that, for some reason or another, you are
not worthy. And if you think that, why would you truly want to achieve anything? And this is not
just about achievement. This is about how you approach yourself every day; this is what you see
when you look in the mirror. We make so many snap-judgments about ourselves- often without
being conscious of them- that are filled with negativity, haltering us before we can even begin to
heal. This powerful book shows you the antidote. Self love. Not to be confused with creating
some narcissistic image of ourselves that some previous books in this list implicitly endorse, but
self love, that inner gratefulness that no external condition can take away. Self love, that infinite
source you can share with others.