Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

by Chip Heath, Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Psychology and Human Behavior
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  • ID: 3929
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781905211562
  • Publisher: Century
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Made to Stick explores the fascinating science behind why certain ideas capture our attention and linger in our minds, while others quickly fade. Through extensive research and engaging anecdotes, Chip and Dan Heath reveal the principles that make ideas memorable, from urban myths to advertising slogans. The book is packed with case studies, such as how a small airline used a catchphrase to boost its success and how a unique anti-littering campaign exceeded all expectations. It offers practical insights into how we can apply these principles to make our own ideas more effective and impactful. Beyond just theory, Made to Stick provides actionable advice on how to craft messages that resonate. The authors delve into the psychology of memory and communication, explaining why some sequences are easier to remember than others and how prior knowledge can sometimes hinder understanding. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and ensure their ideas stick with their audience.

Reviews
Medium - Counter Arts · 2025-10-20
excellent 4.50

The book is well-researched and powerfully argued, written in a casual yet thorough style. It effectively conveys complex ideas in an accessible manner.

This reviewer found the book to be impressively well-researched and concisely argued. The writing style is casual and engaging, which makes the content more approachable without sacrificing scientific thoroughness. They appreciate how the book simplifies complex ideas, making them easier to understand and remember. The reviewer also highlights the book's effectiveness in making ideas stick through its clear and powerful arguments.

Quick quotes

    It's well-researched, concisely and powerfully argued, and written in a pleasant casual style without relinquishing scientific thoroughness.

    The book effectively conveys complex ideas in an accessible manner.

    The writing style is casual and engaging, which makes the content more approachable.

Book Nomad Podcast · 2019-02-25
great 4.00

The informal tone and use of stories make the book clear and entertaining, with engaging anecdotes that help convey the ideas effectively.

This reviewer appreciates the informal tone of the book, which makes it easy to read and enjoy. The use of stories and anecdotes helps to convey the ideas in a clear and entertaining way. They found themselves chuckling at some of the examples, which made the learning process more enjoyable. The reviewer also highlights how the book's approachable style helps to make complex ideas more digestible and memorable.

Quick quotes

    The tone of this book is informal and the use of stories conveys their ideas in a clear and entertaining way.

    I found myself chuckling at some of the examples, which made the learning process more enjoyable.

    The book's approachable style helps to make complex ideas more digestible and memorable.

By Faith We Understand · 2016-08-01
good 3.50

The book may age quickly compared to timeless principles like Aristotle's persuasive modes, but it offers valuable insights into the art of persuasion.

The reviewer notes that while the book provides valuable insights into the art of persuasion, it might not stand the test of time as well as more timeless principles like Aristotle's modes of persuasion. They acknowledge the book's focus on making ideas stick, but suggest that some of its concepts may become outdated more quickly. Overall, they find the book useful for understanding how to make ideas more compelling and memorable.

Quick quotes

    I get the feeling that this book will feel its age more quickly than, say, the persuasive modes of Aristotle (logos, pathos, and ethos), which have stood the test of time.

    The book is more focused on the art of persuasion rather than making ideas stick that are hard to remember or that are revolutionary.

    The book offers valuable insights into the art of persuasion, but some of its concepts may become outdated more quickly.

Brand Genetics · 2014-03-25
informative 4.50

The book is a great read full of practical advice for innovators and communicators. The SUCCESs mnemonic is a particularly useful tool for making ideas stick.

The reviewer from Brand Genetics praises Made to Stick as a great read that is packed with practical advice for innovators and communicators. They highlight the SUCCESs mnemonic as a particularly useful tool for making ideas stick, which is a key takeaway from the book. The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on real-world examples and case studies, which make the concepts and principles more relatable and applicable. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and make their ideas more compelling.

Quick quotes

    Made to Stick, with its sticky SUCCESs mnemonic, is a great read that's full of great advice for innovators and communicators more generally.

    The book uses exciting real life stories and amusing anecdotes to aid the reader.

    The book is more focused on the art of persuasion rather than making ideas stick that are hard to remember or that are revolutionary.

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