“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” If you were to guess this quote came from a religious leader or a scientist, which would you choose? If you chose the former, you would be right—it was the Buddha.
But if you chose the scientist, you’re onto something important. Because it turns out that the Buddha’s words aren’t entirely metaphorical; science is showing more and more that our brains have the power to change our lives in myriad, surprising ways. To find out more about the wonders of the human mind, start with the five excellent reads below.
The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again
By Catherine Price
If you’re not having fun, you’re not fully living. The author of How to Break Up with Your Phone makes the case that, far from being frivolous, fun is actually critical to our well-being—and shows us how to have more of it. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Catherine Price, in the Next Big Idea App
The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World
By David Robson
Melding neuroscience with narrative, a science journalist takes readers on a deep dive into the many life zones the “expectation effect” permeates—like how associating aging with wisdom can add seven plus years to your life. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author David Robson, in the Next Big Idea App
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
By Carol Dweck
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. Listen to our professionally-read Book Bite summary in the Next Big Idea App
The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward
By Britt Frank
Bringing together research-backed solutions and empowering personal stories, this book is a hands-on road map for moving forward with purpose, confidence, and the freedom to become who you’re truly meant to be. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Britt Frank, in the Next Big Idea App
Emotional: How Feelings Shape Our Thinking
By Leonard Mlodinow
We’ve all been told that thinking rationally is the key to success. But at the cutting edge of science, researchers are discovering that feeling is every bit as important as thinking. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Leonard Mlodinow, in the Next Big Idea App
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