10 books to read to understand human behaviour

Unlocking the secrets of human behavior can be as thrilling as any detective story, and if you're on a quest to understand why people do the things they do, you're in luck! Here's a curated list of ten must-read books that dive deep into the psyche, complete with a dash of wit to keep your neurons entertained and engaged.

1. The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

Dive into the complexities of human nature with Robert Greene's penetrating insights. This book serves as a masterclass in understanding the motives behind people's actions, helping you navigate the social jungle with finesse. Think of it as your personal roadmap through the thicket of interpersonal relationships.

2. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

Forget what you thought you knew about motivation—Daniel H. Pink's 'Drive' turns it all on its head. Pink proposes that autonomy, mastery, and purpose fuel us more than money could ever do. It’s perfect for anyone looking to shift gears and find what drives them!

3. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

This groundbreaking book argues that our emotional quotient (EQ) might just trump our intelligence quotient (IQ) in life’s success equation. Goleman's compelling case for emotional intelligence reshaping our personal and professional lives is a game-changer.

4. Social Engineering: The Art of Human Hacking by Christopher Hadnagy

Christopher Hadnagy details how human psychology can be manipulated for social hacking. If you ever wondered why phishing emails are still a thing, this book will show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.

5. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil by Philip Zimbardo

Are you puzzled over how ordinary people commit atrocious acts? Philip Zimbardo’s exploration of his infamous Stanford Prison Experiment offers chilling insights into the transformation of human nature under pressure.

6. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli

Rolf Dobelli tackles the cognitive biases and irrationality that frequently cloud human judgment. It's like having a mental filter to sift through the fog of daily decisions.

7. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

In this profoundly moving memoir, Viktor Frankl recounts his survival in Nazi concentration camps and describes how finding meaning in all forms of existence can help us endure great suffering. It’s a profound reminder of the human spirit’s resilience.

8. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

Ever wonder why you ended up buying something you didn't need? Cialdini’s principles of persuasion explain the psychology behind saying "yes" and how to apply these understandings ethically in daily life.

9. The Social Animal by Elliot Aronson

Elliot Aronson's exploration of social psychology is as entertaining as enlightening. Aronson provides a captivating look into how social influences shape our actions, often without our conscious awareness.

10. Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships by Eric Berne

Eric Berne unveils the dramas and dynamics played out in everyday interactions, helping readers recognise the games in their relationships and, hopefully, how to stop playing them.

Special Mentions

For those who thirst for more, "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman and "Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely offer further fascinating forays into the quirks of human reasoning and decision-making.

Whether you're looking to decipher the enigmas of your conduct or unravel the motivations of others, these reads are your toolbox for understanding the what, why, and how of human behavior. Happy reading, and remember, the journey to understanding human behavior is no less twisted than the plot of a good thriller novel!