What are the top five books you must-read?
Dec 16, 2012 04:06 am | Eric Barker

I post about a *lot* of books. Most people don’t have the time to read them all but a number of readers have requested a post where I break down my must-reads.
I have a number I want to cover so I’ll do it over a few posts. Obviously I’m posting only books related to the blog’s usual subject matter — don’t be upset there’s no James Joyce on here.
What is it?
Most consider it the single best book on the psychology of persuasion.
What did I learn from it?
There are universal principles that make something influential: scarcity, authority, social proof, liking, reciprocity, and consistency.
This video is a great introduction to Cialdini’s research:
Check out the book here.
What is it?
The best, most accessible research-based book on what motivates us.
What did I learn from it?
For jobs that require creativity and problem solving, research shows we’re motivated by a desire for autonomy, mastery and purpose. Money is really only a motivator for work that does not inspire passion or deep thought. The single best motivator is progress, and the best predictor of success is “grit.”
My notes from the book are here. Watch Dan Pink’s TED talk here.
Here’s a great animated video about the book, narrated by author Dan Pink:
Check out the book here.
What is it?
An engaging read that explains the science of how habits can work — and how we can change them.
What did I learn from it?
Here’s a great interview with author Charles Duhigg about the book:
Don't have time to watch the full 40 minute interview? Here's a 4 minute version.
Check out the book here.
What is it?
They studied over 1000 people for the duration of their lives – from childhood until old age — giving them regular physical and psychological tests and tracking the results.
What did I learn from it?
The authors discuss the study, the book and the counterintuitive things they learned in this video:
Check out the book here.
What is it?
A Harvard researcher’s very practical book on how to be happier and how happiness can improve your life.
What did I learn from it?
Here’s author Shawn Achor’s TEDx talk:
Check out the book here.
Again, they are:
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