You Are Not So Smart by

In 'You are Not So Smart,' award-winning journalist David McRaney takes readers on a fascinating journey through the latest research in psychology, revealing the myriad ways we mislead ourselves every day. This engaging and humorous book is like a psychology course with all the boring bits taken out, offering a whirlwind tour of our irrational behaviors and the delusions that keep us sane. You'll learn why you've never kept a New Year's resolution, how to boost your productivity, and much more. The book is written with a healthy dose of humor and wit, making complex psychological concepts accessible and entertaining. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the inner workings of the human mind and eager to understand their own behavior better./n/nMcRaney's exploration is not just about pointing out our flaws but also about understanding why we have them. The book delves into the science behind our cognitive biases, self-deceptions, and social interactions, providing a comprehensive look at what makes us tick. Whether you're looking to improve your decision-making skills, understand your relationships better, or simply enjoy a good laugh at your own expense, 'You are Not So Smart' offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on human behavior.

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.

Backreaction Blog · 2013-09-23

accessible 3.00

The book is considered an easy read but lacks depth and originality. It is seen as a good introduction to cognitive science for those new to the subject.

The reviewer from Backreaction Blog found the book to be an easy read, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, they felt that it lacked depth and originality, making it somewhat uninspired for those already familiar with cognitive science. They suggest that the book serves as a good introduction to the topic but may not offer much new information for those well-versed in the field. Overall, it's a book that can be enjoyed for its simplicity and accessibility.

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

If you follow the popular cognitive science blogs, you will find very little new here.

It's a good introduction to the subject for those who are not familiar with it.

Appears in Lists

50 Must-Read Psychology Books