Popular psychology Books

Book SynopsisStatistical evidence and scientific proof might impress us, but when we read real life stories, we can feel inspired and moved. We can sense the genuine relief of a real person whose everyday life has improved. Accompanying the theoretical world of 'What if it really is...?', with its ideas, theories, analogies and anecdotes about the subconscious mind, 'What do you expect...?' follows the treatments and benefits enjoyed by four people who are keen for you to hear their stories. You might find a challenge here to change your expectations, and if so, will you take that challenge?

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Book SynopsisIs the ability to creatively tackle problems innate or can it be learned? Like most human traits, both answers are correct. Some people are inherently more innovative than others. But, just like maths, or writing, everyone can improve with practice. Tina Seelig, PhD teaches creativity every day in her courses on innovation at Stanford School of Engineering. After ten years of experience, she confidently asserts that not only can creativity be taught but that there are a clear set of tools, skills and approaches that can unlock anyone's creative potential. In InGenius, Seelig reminds us that creativity is not just something that you think about - it is something that you do. It is as natural as breathing, and just as necessary for leading a successful and fulfilling life. Creative solutions are required because the status quo is never good enough, and our goal should always be to push beyond the limits of what seems possible. Great ideas are needed to solve all the problems we face and to enrich our lives. Whether it is in the conference room, classroom or kitchen, new ideas open up a world of wonderful possibilities. With the tools presented in this remarkable book, we will learn how to pull out all stops to take on the challenges, big and small, that come our way, and to see that every word, every idea, and every moment provides an opportunity for creativity that will enhance our lives.InGenius is filled with concepts, tools, techniques and stories that reveal ways you can increase your creativity quotient, and that of your groups and organizations. The first half of the book focuses on the inside out - what you can personally do to increase your own creative aptitude and attitude. The second half deals with the outside in - how you can change the local and cultural environment to increase the creativity quotient of your community. InGenius reveals one of the great truths about ideas: it costs nothing to generate amazing ideas, and yet the results have the potential to be priceless.Trade ReviewTina invites us inside her Stanford University course to reveal that we all have creative potential waiting to be unleashed. -- Ori Brafman, coauthor of Sway and Click In a world that's in constant flux, creativity and innovation are essential qualities for successful executives and industry-leading companies. Tina has shown that we all have the ability to mobilize our creative spirit. -- Chip Conley, Founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Author of Emotional Equations Tina Seelig has written a provocative field guide to 21st century creativity, with her energy and enthusiasm bursting through on every page. We all could use a little extra spark of creativity, and this book helps show the way. -- Tom Kelley, author of The Art of Innovation Few people have done as much to champion innovative thinking as Tina Seelig. -- David Kelley, Founder IDEO Tina Seelig is one of the most creative and inspiring teachers at Stanford. -- Robert Sutton, Stanford University Professor and author The No-Asshole Rule Seelig is a sharp observer and a gentle and thoughtful writer. Miami Herald Tina Seelig has written a powerful and practical book, jam packed with keen insights for unleashing creativity in yourself and others. -- Peter Sims, author of Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries InGenius is a fascinating blueprint for any company that's serious about creating an environment where new ideas can thrive, and many of Seelig's students doubtless go on to do precisely that. Fortune Magazine Many of us believe that we're either born with creativity or we're not. Tina Seelig, author of inGenius: A Crash Course on Creativity, and award-winning educator at Stanford University, says that's wrong: Creativity can be easily taught and learned. USA Weekend

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Book Synopsis'Through the lens of her personal experience as a poker player, Alex O'Brien reveals the tricks that can help each of us navigate a world beset with uncertainty and misinformation' ANGELA SAINI 'It's thrilling' PHILIP BALL 'Deserves to be widely read' ALOM SHAHA SHORTLISTED FOR THE GLOBAL POKER INDEX AWARDS This is a book about getting to the truth. At the poker table you need certain skills to win. The more Alex O'Brien played competitively, the more she realised those skills are essential in everyday life too. From reading body language to calculating risk, dealing with uncertainty and separating emotion from facts, her toolkit will help you make better decisions and understand what's happening around you. Offering insights from the latest psychology, neuroscience, game theory and more, you'll encounter new ideas and ways of thinking from pioneering researchers and experts in their field. With O'Brien as your guide, you'll learn to see clearly, think carefully and cut through the noise of a complex world.Trade ReviewThrough the lens of her personal experience as a poker player, Alex O'Brien reveals the tricks that can help each of us navigate a world beset with uncertainty and misinformation. I gleaned such useful advice from this heartfelt book - and came away also wanting to learn how to play poker! -- Angela Saini, journalist and author of 'Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong' and 'The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule'The Truth Detective is the kind of timely popular science that captures people's attention and deserves to be widely read -- Alom Shaha, author of Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines, Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder and Why Don’t Things Fall Up I was gripped from the outset by The Truth Detective. No doubt because, as a competitive poker player, Alex O'Brien has skin in the game, she has made this exploration of how to read and understand human behaviour thrillingly alive. You might not emerge from the book as a poker champ, but you'll be astonished, enthralled, and - who knows? - even enriched by what you'll learn. -- Philip Ball, broadcaster and author of Bright Earth, Critical Mass, The Modern Myths and How Life WorksNow, more than ever, it is vital that we all think critically about the news we're reading, the media we're consuming, and the opinions being easily thrown around. O'Brien's book takes us back to the basics of such critical thinking with the insightful premise of making decisions when clouded by uncertainty. A brilliant poker player, she brings her experience from the game and shows us how to apply this to everyday life. I will definitely be applying some of the lessons I've learnt! -- Roma Agrawal MBE, engineer, broadcaster and author[The Truth Detective] got me thinking about the life skills we've acquired through playing games... risk is an important skill to learn in life [and the book] explores how the games rules and strategies help us to better navigate the world and make better choices -- Jessica Creighton * BBC Woman's Hour *The Truth Detective is a belter and [the] perfect Christmas present for those awkward relatives who don't want jumpers, mints or Annuals -- Nicholas Booth, former technology editor of The Times and author The Search for Life on MarsEngaging ... Alex O'Brien holds all the aces here [with] first-hand experience at the table and a good grip on the latest science and psychology. Follow suit to boost your odds at winning in that great game we call life -- Roger Highfield, Science Director of The Science Museum and author of Virtual YouA fascinating book that uses poker to discuss philosophy, magic, strategy, cognitive science, game theory, deception, biases, risk management, and much more. Who knew one book could teach you so much about poker and the best scientific research in so many fields? -- Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, New York Times bestselling author of Everybody Lies and Don't Trust Your GutA wise, mind-expanding guide for living in uncertain times. In The Truth Detective, Alex O'Brien draws on her experience at the poker table to provide a whole new lens on the world. A perspective-changing book that will help you make smarter, more informed choices when navigating life's unknowns -- Richard Fisher, author of The Long ViewThe Truth Detective is both a riveting read and a call to action. Alex O' Brien intertwines lessons from the poker table with cutting edge scientific research on human behaviour and the brain, showing us how to understand the world better, and to understand ourselves better. I found myself thinking about The Truth Detective long after I read it. Even if you've never played poker, you will be richly entertained and educated by this beautifully written gem of a book -- Jennifer Shahade, author of 'Chess Queens' and two time US Women’s Chess ChampionFrom the first page to the last, The Truth Detective captivates the reader with a new perspective on an age-old game. Steeped in stories and research, which both inspire and educate, O'Brien has crafted a 'poker book' that belongs on every bedside table, even if you have never played the game. It's that good. And it matters that much -- Erin Lydon * President, Poker Power *I can't imagine a book more perfectly suited to its time than The Truth Detective. The challenge of knowing 'what is the truth' goes far beyond the poker table. By using the game of poker to explore truth and deception, O'Brien makes the topic not just accessible but also truly entertaining. The interviews and well-documented research woven throughout give scientific backbone to a much-needed look at a very important topic. This is an exhortation for us all to be more careful consumers of 'truth'. -- Kara Scott, broadcaster and World Series of Poker anchorCaptivating, gripping and the best book I've read since 'Thinking Fast and Slow' O'Brien doesn't pull any punches, and examining the bluffs we seek and the bullshit we find in life, [she] combines a number of studies, sources and complex thoughts into a case for critical thinking. This is a book that should be read and savoured in full; it pulls many of the great concerns of the day such as AI, climate change, fake news, pandemic issues, and the power of social media into a riveting page turner. As soon as I started reading The Truth Detective I literally couldn't stop ... do someone you love a favour and give them the gift of this book. -- Dara O’Kearney, former ultra runner and author of The Poker Solved SeriesAlex O'Brien picks up where Kenny Rogers left off with this approachable set of essential lessons for opening your eyes to the game that is our society. -- Subhadra Das, author of Civilised: Ten Lies that Made the West

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