The best 100 Personality books

Quiet (2012) focuses on the strengths and needs of both introverts and extroverts. These blinks describe the situations in which both personality types feel comfortable and the ways in which each can use the potential of their personality to the fullest.

Mindset (2006) discusses the differences between people with a fixed mindset versus those with a growth mindset. Our mindset determines the way we deal with tough situations and setbacks as well as our willingness to deal with and improve ourselves. This book demonstrates how we can achieve our goals by changing our mindset.

Not all psychopaths are locked away in maximum-security prisons and mental hospitals. Many of them live among us, in the midst of society. Indeed, a great number of highly successful political and financial leaders exhibit psychopathic traits. This book investigates why they are so successful, what makes them different from psychopathic criminals and what all of us can learn from them.

You Are Not So Smart (2011) explores the many different ways we have of deluding ourselves. By delving into a wide range of psychological research, the author challenges the notion that we are logical, rational beings who see the world as it really is and makes a case that we mislead ourselves every single day, for better and for worse.

Emotional Intelligence (1995) outlines the nature of emotional intelligence and reveals its vast impact on many aspects of life. By presenting the ways emotional intelligence evolves and explaining how it can be improved, it offers an alternative to the overly cognition-centered approaches to the human mind that formerly prevailed in the psychological establishment.

Click (2010) delves into the miraculous topic of quick-set intimacy and explores what’s at work when we’re instantly drawn to some person or thing. It examines how and why clicking makes our life more meaningful and outlines the (very ordinary) factors that can make such “magical” connections more likely.

Anyone can see that people have different personalities, but what exactly causes this? This book examines the factors that influence personality based on the research of numerous psychologists. You’ll learn about the core traits that determine a person’s overall character, the different strengths and weaknesses they have, and how to get the most out of your own personality.

The Upside of Your Dark Side looks into the darkest depths of the human psyche, only to discover that the painful emotions that we often wish we could just make go away – anger, anxiety, guilt – are sometimes the key to our success. Backed by many fascinating scientific studies, The Upside of Your Dark Side makes it clear that psychological health means wholeness rather than happiness.

The Speed of Trust (2006) is about the importance of trust and how it can improve all aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to productivity in the office. Trust improves communication, and in doing so, speeds up efficiency and lowers cost at the same time. Throughout this book, the authors offer us tips on exactly what to do to increase trust in our lives.

59 seconds (2010) lays out some handy tips and insights backed by scientific research. Apply them today, and experience the change you want in your life.

The Road to Character (2015) explains how society’s focus on fame, wealth and status eclipses moral virtues and internal struggles. These blinks will show you how to reclaim qualities such as kindness, bravery, honesty and commitment.

Our world has changed enormously in recent years. We’ve developed amazing technology, but this technology has also taken a toll on many important aspects of our lives: our attention spans, our relationships and even our personalities. The World Beyond Your Head (2015) is all about the modern crisis of attention and how you can extract yourself from it.

A Curious Mind (2015) investigates a vital attribute that many of us simply don’t value highly enough: curiosity. These blinks explain the vital importance of curiosity, and outline the ways it can improve your relationships with your employees, customers or loved ones – and even help you conquer your fears.

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (2009) gives you expert insight into which skills you need to read others and build better relationships. It breaks down the four aspects of emotional intelligence, or EQ, and gives advice on what you can do to improve your own skills.

The Genius of Opposites (2015) sheds light on the potential for partnerships between seemingly incompatible personality types: extroverts and introverts. These blinks lay out five basic steps that can turn the most unlikely business partnerships into the most successful.  

In How to Stay Sane (2012), British psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry shows you how to better nurture relationships while using self-observation, “positive” stress and the power of stories to achieve and maintain your mental health.

In Defense of Selfishness (2015) exposes the dark side of an attribute most of us assume to be good: altruism. It explains why, despite common misconception, altruism is harmful, devaluing both individuals and societies at large – and why selfishness is the alternative that can provide us with liberation.

The 5 Love Languages (2015) is a contemporary guide to developing a relationships of lifelong love that can easily overcome the hurdles that modern couples face. These blinks detail the five ways people give and feel love, and how any couple can use this knowledge to make their relationship more nurturing, affectionate and compassionate.

Games People Play (1964) explores the fascinating and bizarre world of psychological games, where players unconsciously manipulate each other into acting in alienating and self-destructive ways. Eric Berne dissects the hidden dynamics beneath the games people play – and shows how to escape from them and find true intimacy.

The Gift of Fear (1997) provides insight into the mechanisms of fear, explaining how our instincts protect us from criminals by attuning us to universal signals and warning signs. Violence rarely comes out of the blue, and by recognizing some telltale signs, you will be better equipped to keep yourself out of harm's way.

The Ultimate Introduction to NLP (2012) offers a fascinating primer of Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, a novel approach to the ways your thoughts and language can “program” your emotions, behavior and communication. When you learn to master NLP, you’ll connect better with the people around you, have a healthier outlook on the future and lead a happier life, too.

Rethinking Narcissism (2015) provides fresh perspectives on what we typically understand as arrogance or vanity. These blinks situate narcissism both historically and culturally, explaining the spectrum of narcissism and its different forms; they also provide helpful strategies for recognizing and dealing with the narcissists you might know.

Me, Myself and Us (2014) is about what it is that makes you you. These blinks outline the different aspects of personalities, what influences them and how they determine our behavior.

How the World Sees You (2014) offers a window into yourself, helping you discover what fascinates you and how you can be fascinating to other people. Find out how to use your unique personality to improve your performance and your chances of success, and learn how to read those around you so you can put together the perfect collaborative team.

Mindsight (2010) introduces the reader to the many factors that shape the way we react to life’s challenges. Emotional responses are tied to our bodies, brains and childhood experiences. With mindsight, we can learn to manage our emotions in order to improve our relationships and well-being.

Beyond Willpower (2015) is a guide to achieving your deepest, most coveted goals. These blinks explain how to realize the dreams that’ll bring you true joy, happiness and love, while warning you about the obstacles people commonly encounter when doing so, and also pointing out a few shortcuts.

Ego is the Enemy (2016) outlines the dangers of egotism and the strategies we can use to rein in our pride, using historical and cultural examples. From finding a mentor to learning how to delegate tasks, these blinks show us why staying grounded can secure future success.

The Four Tendencies (2017) reveals the four personality types that dictate how people react to the expectations in their daily lives. Expanding on the first chapter to her book on habit Better Than Before, Rubin provides insight and advice to help you understand your own tendencies, as well as those of the people you live and work with.

Quiet Power (2016) explains why adolescents struggle with introversion and explores how an aversion to socializing can make it challenging to form friendships, complete schoolwork and fulfill social obligations. These blinks offer a number of different techniques that introverts can use to make these situations bearable and turn their so-called weakness into a straightforward advantage.

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck (2015) is your definitive guide to freeing up your time, money and energy. These blinks teach you how to stop caring about the things that don’t serve you so you can focus your attention on the parts of life that bring you joy.  

Dangerous Personalities (2014) is a guide to the dark side of the human psyche. It offers a look inside the minds of some of the world’s most dangerous people, exploring the kinds of personalities that have taken the most lives, as well as taken the biggest toll on society. Learn the traits of serial killers and those who wouldn’t think twice about stealing your life savings. Who knows, you might be able to spot trouble before it has a chance to strike.

Experiments With People (2003) is a survey of social psychology throughout the twentieth century, and everything we have come to learn from it. These blinks will teach you about yourself, the hidden sides of human nature, why we make the choices we do and how altruistic humans really are.

Getting Naked (2010) is about vulnerability and the incredible power it holds. These blinks explain how to build trust with clients and overcome the three most common fears that prevent you from showing your true vulnerability.

The Leading Brain (2017) dismisses the trends and gimmicks surrounding productivity in favor of hard science about how the brain really works in the everyday stress of a nine-to-five job. There is plenty of research and scientific data on how to create productive habits, build the perfect team and keep staff working at their best.

Walden (1854) is the result of the two years Henry David Thoreau spent in the woods on the north shore of Walden Pond, a lake in Massachusetts. It is both a practical and philosophical account of how he sustained himself through farming and by building his own house, and what he learned about human nature by living a simpler life. Although it was a deeply personal experience, Thoreau’s approach to society teaches us how we, too, can approach the modern world.

Psycho-Cybernetics (1960) is about human self-image, how it’s crafted and how it can drastically affect your happiness and success. These blinks describe how to use machine principles to feed your mind the right data and steer yourself toward a fulfilling life.

Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies (2015) is an introduction to the basic principles behind NLP. If you’ve ever struggled to say what’s on your mind, NLP may be of use to you. Discover the human traits that can keep us from understanding each other and the helpful methods that can lead to clear and effective communication.

Captivate (2017) is your guide to human behavior and social success. Whether you’re trying to connect with others at home, at work or out in the world, Van Edwards set about breaking down the mechanics of how to capture people’s attention and engage in meaningful interaction.

The Blank Slate (2002) is about the huge role that evolution and genetics play in making us who we are. Steven Pinker makes a strong case against the belief that everyone is born a blank slate and influenced only by their upbringing, arguing instead that biology is a far more important factor in shaping our behaviors and personalities.

Social (2013) is a whistlestop tour led by noted psychologist Matthew Lieberman through the latest neuroscientific research into our social lives. Foregrounding the deeply human need for connection, these blinks examine how evolution has molded the ways in which we navigate complex social situations. Packed full of original research conducted in the Lieberman’s UCLA lab, Social shows that getting along with others is a primary driver in all our lives.

The Fear Factor (2017) examines the multifaceted role that fear plays in our lives. Though commonly perceived as a purely negative emotion, fear is in fact linked to several virtuous human characteristics, such as empathy and altruism.

The Laws of Human Nature (2018) takes an in-depth look at the many aspects of the human condition that often go overlooked or unacknowledged. As author Robert Greene explains, we are all a bit narcissistic, irrational, short-sighted and prone to compulsive and aggressive behavior. But once we accept and start to understand these aspects of human nature, we can begin to control and even benefit from them.

Originally written in 1938, Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil (2011) remained an unpublished manuscript for over seventy years. Edited and annotated by Sharon Lechter, who contextualizes the content for contemporary readers, Hill’s book is a compendium of advice on how to succeed in life. Readers now have full access to Hill’s personal beliefs on the forces that are holding us back from leading a successful life and the principles that will enable us to overcome those forces.

Selfie (2017) takes a hard look at today’s internet-driven age of self-obsession. Asking where our ideal of the perfect person came from, acclaimed British journalist Will Storr traces the history of the self from ancient Greece to the social-media-heavy world of selfies and Instagram brunch pics. Along the way, he picks out a multitude of fascinating facts about the political, cultural and economic factors that have shaped the Western world’s notion of who we should be and what we should look like.

Do What You Are (1992) is a classic career guide, updated in 2014 to even better suit today’s constantly changing job market. By becoming more aware of their unique personality types, millions of people have found more fulfilling and satisfying careers doing work that better coincides with their natural strengths, interests and temperaments.

Best Self (2019) is a self-help manual for everyone who’s sick of simply surviving and is ready to start thriving. Life coach Mike Bayer argues that it’s essential to dump your toxic anti-self and put your best self in the driver’s seat. It’s not easy, but it’s possible – just ask the thousands of clients whose lives have been changed by Bayer’s insistence that they start being honest with themselves and learn to face down their deepest fears. Packed full of actionable tips and insights, these blinks will help you do just that.

The Personality Brokers (2018) explores the origins and enduring appeal of the preeminent personality test. Drawing on detailed historical research, as well as recent psychological insights, these blinks detail the origins of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and what the test can really tell us about the nature of human beings.

Insight (2017) takes you on a journey from self-blindness to self-awareness – a highly valuable, but surprisingly absent skill. Author Tasha Eurich explains what self-awareness is and why it’s a crucial quality to have. She identifies various obstacles to becoming self-aware and provides strategies to overcome them.

The Road Back to You (2016) uses the ancient personality type system, the Enneagram, to teach the importance of self-awareness. It outlines the characteristics of each character type, and encourages you to identify and explore the positive and negative aspects of your own.

Joyful (2018) embraces aspects of color, shape, playfulness and whimsy that surround us in everyday life. These blinks make a positive case for the role that design and architecture can play in making lives more happy and joyful.

Surrounded by Idiots (2014) offers insight into the four main personality types and provides methods and tips for how to use this insight in order to be more effective in getting your message across to each of them. Different people require different considerations when you’re trying to work alongside them or sell them on an idea. The more you know about each person’s personality type, the more effectively you’ll be able to communicate in your work life and private life.

Reading People (2017) is a study of the different lenses you can use to understand personality – both your own and those of others. It sheds light on concepts like introversion and extroversion, as well as introducing readers to famous personality type indexes like the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. 

Weird (2020) takes a look at why some people are perceived as different, and explores how they experience life as outsiders. Through scientific studies and dozens of interviews, author Olga Khazan shows that while weirdness can be incredibly destabilizing, it is also a wonderful asset.

The Origin of Everyday Moods (1996) explores the complex relationships between the biological and psychological factors that create and influence human moods. It also challenges common misconceptions, like the myth that moods are caused by thoughts. With a greater understanding of mood science, we can better manage and control our everyday moods.

Personality Isn’t Permanent (2020) debunks the myths surrounding personality that get in the way of a life of personal growth, development, and success. The biggest misconception according to psychologist Benjamin Hardy is the notion that our personalities are innate and fixed. Correcting this error isn’t just a scientific advance, though – as we’ll see in these blinks, it also opens up a path to personal reinvention.

Sizing People Up (2020) explores the subtle behavioral clues that reveal someone’s true character and intentions. From divining people’s mindset to analyzing their language to understanding common behavioral patterns, these blinks reveal who you can trust – and who you definitely can’t. 

Connect (2021) lays the groundwork for exceptional relationships. Drawing on social science research and the authors’ personal experience, it shares core behaviors and actionable advice to cultivate meaningful connections – leading to personal fulfillment and professional success.

The Virtue of Selfishness (1964) is an argument in favor of self-interest and capitalist economics. At the time of its publication, it was a bold and original assertion of a new moral creed. This daring work is sure to challenge many deeply held ideals.

The Law of Success (1928) covers 15 valuable lessons that you can use to get motivated about turning your plans and dreams into reality. You can put these practical lessons into practice today. They’re designed to help you turn words into action, gain self-confidence, and thrive in any environment.

The Scout Mindset (2021) explores two very different mindsets: that of the soldier and that of the scout. It explains that most of us have a soldier mindset – we cling to our beliefs and often ignore evidence that might prove us wrong. But we can all learn to be scouts, seeking out truth and improving our “map” of the world.

What Happened to You? (2021) is an in-depth exploration of trauma and how it affects the brain. Long before we can make rational sense of traumatic experiences, they become etched into our neural circuits. They influence how we respond to stress, form relationships, and make meaning. Unfortunately, trauma is often misunderstood. By understanding trauma as both a brain issue and a societal issue, we can start to support trauma survivors with the tools they need to heal. 

How to Change (2021) is a simple guide to overcoming the obstacles that prevent you from achieving your goals. It diagnoses our most persistent problems, from laziness to impulsivity, and presents a number of research-backed solutions to each one.

You Are What You Risk (2021) explains how your relationship with risk defines your life in a unique way. Countless factors influence both how you perceive risk and how you respond to it.

The Nine Types of Leader (2021) reveals the strengths, assets, and pitfalls of different leadership styles and personalities. Using case studies, it explores how different types of leaders operate, and which business landscapes they’re best suited to, so that they and their companies can thrive.

The Enneagram at Work (2021) reveals how applying the Enneagram – an emotional intelligence metric – can elevate leadership in the modern workplace. It explores the different Enneagram types and shows how tapping into self-awareness can make teams stronger and spark innovative solutions. From managing conflict and building mentorships to giving and receiving criticism, it provides the tools to foster personal growth and long-lasting success in the office.

How to Meet Your Self (2022) is a practical guide to self-discovery. These simple exercises can help you to become more conscious, and more in touch with your own body and emotions, ultimately allowing you to discover your true self.

Toward a Psychology of Being (1962) expands on famed psychologist Abraham Maslow's pivotal theories of motivation and self-actualization, which were first introduced in Maslow's 1954 book, Motivation and Personality. It presents a series of hypotheses about the human condition, dealing with important questions about people’s innate desires, the nature of well-being, and the process of psychological growth.

The Neuroscience of You (2022) is an accessible primer to the human brain that explores how our individual quirks arise. Packed with practical tests and cutting-edge insights into why you think differently from others, it invites you to take a closer look at your brain and discover what makes it unique– and how to understand others and their quirks better. 

The Cactus and Snowflake at Work (2021) offers a brand-new take on workplace relationships. It suggests that everyone falls into one of two personality types, the Cactus or the Snowflake, and that our types drive the way we think, feel, act, and collaborate. Learning your type – and how to deal with other types – can set you up for professional success.

Humor, Seriously (2021) explores the value of a human-centered approach to business, and of the funny that can be found and created in any environment. It relies on science, psychology, and humorous anecdotes from experts in the field to show how using humor can create a culture of levity, build trust, and unlock creativity.

Be Your Future Self Now (2022) is a guide to defining your future self – and making sure you get there. It walks readers through the seven threats to your future self, the seven truths about your future self, and the seven steps you can take to be your future self today. 

You Owe You (2022) leaves you with no doubt as to who is responsible for changing the trajectory of your life. It implores you to identify your purpose and then turn your unique talents into assets that will make you achieve unbridled success.

Surrounded By Narcissists (2022) is a guide to recognizing narcissists and understanding how they operate. Erikson suggests simple, effective methods for dealing with any narcissists you know, whether it’s your partner, a relative, someone you work with, or possibly all three – you may be surrounded.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go (2015) is a comprehensive survival guide for those in a relationship with a narcissist. Dr. Ramani breaks down what narcissism is, highlights the red flags to look out for, and offers two concrete roadmaps – one for deciding to stay, and one for deciding to go. 

Procrastination (1983) is a deep dive into procrastination – and why people struggle with it. Drawing on personal and professional experience, it offers a tested program and tips on how to conquer procrastination tendencies.

How Am I Doing? (2022) helps you dive deep into your thoughts and find yourself. It features 40 introspective questions designed to prompt you to mend yourself and discover the path to the person you want to become.

Dirty Laundry (2023) is an honest and humorous glimpse into the daily chaos that is life with ADHD. Whether you’re diagnosed, undiagnosed, or just trying to better understand a loved one, these real-life stories and practical advice can help you learn from and live with the struggles of this chronic disorder.

The Imposter Cure (2019) provides strategies for increasing confidence, overcoming fears and doubts, and learning to see oneself through the eyes of others.

The Highly Sensitive Person (1996) improves our understanding of that one-fifth of the population whose nervous systems pick up signals the average person can’t register. With greater self-awareness and society’s understanding, people with heightened sensitivity can flourish.

Making a Psychopath (2020) is a thrilling foray into the disturbed workings of the psychopathic mind. With the help of a series of case studies, it addresses many of the misconceptions about psychopaths that we often see in the media. Taking an empathetic approach, it humanizes the people who have this disorder and considers their prospects for recovery.

Mindreader (2022) explains how to read and understand people. Written by an FBI instructor and lie-detection expert, it delves deep into how to understand situational subtext, interpret language, and determine whether a person is being honest.

The Mountain Is You (2020) can help you recognize the negative patterns in your life and what they are really telling you. Changing those patterns will be like climbing a mountain and the reward will be unlocking your own potential.

The Rational Male (2013) implores men to adopt a pragmatic view of intersexual relationships founded on evolutionary and behavioral concepts. Waking up to the evidence, it argues, will set men on a course to prioritizing their needs over the survival instincts of women who currently (covertly) rule the roost.

Reinventing Your Life (1994) is a manual on how to pull yourself out of negative habits and improve your life. By identifying key stumbling blocks to growth – or “lifetraps” – and presenting ways to overcome them, it guides you toward sustainable personal growth and happiness.

The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control is about understanding your perfectionist traits and making them work for you, not against you. It details different types of perfectionists and explains how all of them can adapt to their perfectionism.

No More Mr. Nice Guy (2000) is the Nice Guy’s guide to recovery. Learn how to stop seeking the approval of others, live your life the way you want to, and ultimately get the love, life, and sex that you crave but that your Nice Guy Syndrome actually stops you from achieving.

The Clutter Connection (2019) explains the root cause behind your cluttered space. It delves into the four different organizing personality styles and offers easy-to-follow, tailored suggestions for organizing your home based on your distinct style.

Love Unfu*ked (2022) is a no-nonsense, in-your-face guide to identifying and fixing the one thing that’s stopping you from having a meaningful and fulfilling relationship: you. By accepting hard facts about yourself and your habits, you can begin making the changes necessary to be the best version of yourself and stop being the problem that you don’t even know you are.

The Procrastination Cure is a practical and motivational guide to overcoming procrastination. It offers strategies and personal insights to diagnose and address the root causes of this behavior, enabling readers to balance productivity and relaxation without guilt.

Selfless (2023) explores the concept of the self as an entity formed by relationships and society in general. It tackles the roles of family, social groups, the country, and technology in shaping the self. 

You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For (2008) lays out the secret for finding happiness and intimacy in modern romantic relationships. Using the established Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, it shows that true contentment and compassion come from understanding and trusting the Self – your compassionate center of peace and clarity. By adjusting your perspective and completing some practical exercises, your relationship can start to flourish like it never has before.

Reset (2023) is a guide to change for anyone who feels stuck. Drawing on Scripture and her experience as a counselor, Debra Fileta unpacks the psychology behind behavioral patterns and presents simple yet effective daily habits to kickstart change and healing. 

Read People Like a Book (2020) unravels the complex tapestry of human behavior, guiding readers to decipher verbal and non-verbal signals broadcast by people 24/7. Marrying scholarly wisdom to sly real-world tales, the book presents the art and science of people-reading with both flair and finesse. Dive in, and soon you'll be navigating human interactions like a seasoned anthropologist.

The Power of a Graceful Leader (2021) offers an immersive journey into a radical reimagination of your leadership approach. Focusing on aligning your core values with your actions, it provides insightful steps for self-evaluation and reflection, demonstrating how to handle any situation with grace. As you traverse this transformative path, you'll discover the secret ingredient for sustained happiness, fulfilling work, and a profound impact on the world.

You Lead (2021) argues that, no matter who you are, you already have the attributes of a great leader – you simply need to draw them out. Delving into the evolving dynamics of leadership in the contemporary world, it posits that embracing your whole self is the key to leading authentically and inspiring trust in your clients and colleagues. Through a series of insights and examples, it guides you through the importance of vulnerability, purpose, and self-awareness when leading teams in the modern workplace.

The Borderline Personality Disorder Workbook (2019) is a practical guide to taking control of your BPD. Through expert advice and actionable exercises, this empathetic resource illuminates a path beyond unhealthy beliefs and destructive behaviors. With these proven techniques, anyone with BPD can begin to improve their emotional patterns and rebuild healthy relationships.

How to Be a People Magnet (2001) offers specific techniques for attracting friendships and romantic partners by overcoming social anxieties. Though ostensibly focused on the socially awkward, it will resonate with even the most confident extrovert who is seeking stronger connections with those around them.

The Highly Sensitive Person’s Guide to Dealing with Toxic People (2020) sheds light on why empathetic individuals tend to attract those with toxic personalities and harmful behaviors. It provides a practical guide to recognizing, mitigating, and recovering from the manipulative tactics of toxic people.  

The Power of Neurodiversity (2011) explores how reframing neurological differences as diversity rather than disorder can empower those with atypical minds. It covers the strengths of neurodivergent thinking, finding one's niche, positive adaptations, and envisioning a more inclusive world. It invites us to celebrate the brilliance found in all human brains.

The Winner Effect (2012) reveals how intrinsic motivation and resilience can drive individuals to remarkable success. It explores the transformative power of grit and the nuanced influences of power, offering insights into balancing confidence and humility. Delve in and discover how your efforts and tenacity shape your destiny.