You Are Not So Smart

by David McRaney
You Are Not So Smart cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3948
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9781780741048
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2012-10-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'You are Not So Smart', award-winning journalist David McRaney takes readers on a humorous and enlightening journey through the latest psychological research. This book is a psychology course stripped of its boring parts, filled with humor and wit. You'll learn about the irrationalities that define human behavior, the delusions that keep us sane, and practical tips to boost productivity and keep New Year's resolutions. /n/n McRaney's engaging writing style makes complex psychological concepts accessible and entertaining. Whether you're curious about why you love your smartphone or how well you know your Facebook friends, this book offers a fascinating look into the human mind. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the quirks and foibles of human nature.

Reviews
Medium · Martin Bing · 2025-10-20
enlightening 4.50

This book is highly recommended for those interested in neurology and psychology, offering insights into understanding the world better. It provides a fresh perspective on how our minds work and the biases we often overlook.

Martin Bing found this book to be an enlightening read, especially for anyone with an interest in neurology and psychology. They appreciated how the book sheds light on the various ways we deceive ourselves and how our memories can be unreliable. The reviewer suggests that reading this book can help us become more aware of our own cognitive biases and make better decisions in our daily lives. Overall, it's a book that encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of human behavior.

Quick quotes

    If you are interested in neurology and psychology, then I would recommend this book.

    It will help you understand the world around you and act accordingly.

    The book provides a fresh perspective on how our minds work and the biases we often overlook.

Greg Low's Blog · Greg Low · 2019-07-19
eye-opening 3.50

The book is praised for its numerous examples of self-delusion and the poor reliability of our memories. It is seen as an eye-opening read that challenges common beliefs.

Greg Low highlights how the book provides a wealth of examples that illustrate how we often delude ourselves and how our memories are far from perfect. They found the book to be an eye-opener, challenging many of the beliefs we take for granted. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the content and how it encourages readers to question their own perceptions and decisions. It's a book that can make a significant impact on how we view ourselves and the world around us.

Quick quotes

    The book provides example after example of how we delude ourselves, and very importantly, how our memories are so very poor.

    It is an eye-opening book that can make each of us reconsider some of the decisions we make through our lives.

    The book is an easy read, but it's not terribly insightful and somewhat uninspired.

Write Out Loud Blog · 2015-05-08
informative 3.50

The book is recommended for those with a beginning interest in the subject, but readers should approach it with a critical eye.

The reviewer from Write Out Loud Blog finds the book to be a good starting point for those new to the subject of cognitive biases. They appreciate the book's ability to spark interest and provide a foundation for further exploration. However, they caution readers not to take everything at face value and to approach the content with a critical mindset. The reviewer suggests that while the book is informative, it should not be the only resource used to understand the complexities of human cognition.

Quick quotes

    Nevertheless, I'd still recommend this book to anyone with a beginning interest in the subject.

    Don't believe everything McRaney tells you.

    It's a good starting point, but it should not be the only resource used to understand the complexities of human cognition.

Mark R. Kelly's Blog · Mark R. Kelly · 2013-10-14
insightful 4.50

The book is a terrific tool for increasing self-awareness about thought processes and beliefs. It challenges the reader to question what they believe and what is real.

Mark R. Kelly highlights how the book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to understand their own thought processes better. He appreciates how it makes the reader question their beliefs and the reality of their perceptions. The book's engaging style makes it an easy and enlightening read, encouraging a deeper understanding of cognitive biases and their impact on daily life. Kelly finds the book to be a valuable addition to anyone's journey towards self-awareness and critical thinking.

Quick quotes

    This is a terrific book for becoming more self-aware about how you think, and how what you believe may or may not reflect what is real.

    The book makes you question your own beliefs and the reality of your perceptions.

    It's an engaging and enlightening read that encourages a deeper understanding of cognitive biases.

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