Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

by Chip Heath, Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Chip and Dan Heath
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die cover
Good Books rating 4.19
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
The Storygraph · 2025-12-10
useful 4.25

Enjoyable and useful. The book offers lots of 'aha' moments, helping clarify the 'why' of effective communication.

The reviewer from The Storygraph found the book both enjoyable and useful, highlighting the numerous 'aha' moments that helped clarify the principles of effective communication. They appreciated the practical tips and the way the book makes complex ideas accessible and memorable. The reviewer also noted that the book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.

Quick quotes

    Enjoyable and useful.

    I found a lot of helpful tips about what makes a good idea stick.

    The book offers lots of 'aha' moments, helping clarify the "why" of effective communication.

Salvador Briggman · Salvador Briggman · 2025-12-10
practical 4.00

The book is more focused on the art of persuasion rather than making ideas stick that are hard to remember or that are revolutionary. It provides practical insights into how to make ideas more compelling and memorable.

Salvador Briggman's review highlights that the book is more about persuasion than just making ideas stick. He appreciates the practical advice and the way the authors use real-life stories to illustrate their points. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills. Briggman also notes that the book is more focused on practical applications rather than groundbreaking theories, making it accessible and useful for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

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

    It provides practical insights into how to make ideas more compelling and memorable.

    The authors use real-life stories to illustrate their points.

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.

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