The best 100 The Human Condition books

Originally published in 1946, Man’s Search for Meaning details the harrowing experiences of author and psychologist Viktor Frankl during his internment in Auschwitz concentration camp during the Second World War. It offers insights into how human beings can survive unsurvivable situations, come to terms with trauma, and ultimately find meaning.

Sapiens (2015) traces the evolution of our species – from the rise of our most ancient ancestors to our current place in the modern, technological age. How have we, a species of hairless, tailless ape, managed to completely dominate the entire planet? These blinks show you the developments and trends that have allowed Homo sapiens to rise to the top.

The Book (1966) is about the big questions in life. What’s the meaning of it all? Where do we really exist in the universe? Author Alan Watts guides the reader on a voyage of discovery that questions popular assumptions about what’s important in life, how the universe functions, and the nature of God.

No Bad Parts (2021) argues that we’re all made up of many distinct parts, like inner voices, that add different things to our lives. By engaging these parts directly, we can heal past traumas and transform the way we relate to ourselves and the world.

The No-Nonsense Meditation Book (2021) explores the science behind meditation. As the latest neuroscience research shows, you don’t have to be a monk in search of nirvana to reap the benefits of meditation. In fact, it’s a great solution to many distinctly modern problems like stress and chronic anxiety.

Four Thousand Weeks (2021) explores concepts of time and time management, arguing that our modern attempts to optimize our time leave us stressed and unhappy. Drawing upon the work of ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual leaders, this book proposes a path to cultivating a fulfilling life through embracing our limitations.

The Daily Laws (2021) is a compendium of 366 rules for life, covering everything from seduction and power to the discovery of your life’s great task. It distills the insights author Robert Greene has uncovered in a series of best-selling books spanning 22 years of word.

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 Power of Regret (2022) is a rebuttal of the “no regrets” worldview. Drawing from human psychology, it shares actionable steps for transforming emotion into action and using past disappointments to shape purposeful futures. 

Being You (2021) offers a new theory of consciousness. What does it mean to be you? Why do your experiences of the world, your selfhood, and your body feel the way they do? Combining neuroscience, philosophy, and a pinch of speculation, these blinks argue that consciousness is not as mysterious as it seems – it is deeply entwined with our living, breathing bodies.

Dopamine Nation (2021) explores the connection between pleasure and pain. Our modern world is filled with more dopamine-inducing stimuli than ever – including everything from drugs and sex to smartphones and shopping. Citing years of clinical experience and patients’ stories, this book helps to understand addiction and explains how to achieve a healthy balance in our lives. 

Don Quixote (1605) is widely regarded as the first modern novel. Its claim to fame extends beyond historical novelty. For many readers and critics, it remains the greatest novel of its kind. It tells the story of a man who becomes so enchanted by tales of chivalry that he decides to become a knight-errant – a wandering gallant in the style of Lancelot. The self-styled knight who calls himself Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza get themselves into all kinds of absurd mischief, but their foolish quest ultimately brings them something precious: an immortal friendship.

Imagine Heaven (2015) offers a peek into what the afterlife may look like. It tells the stories of near-death experiences of a wide range of individuals, from highly respected doctors to innocent four-year-olds, and shows how their accounts are consistent with the scriptures.

The Midnight Library (2020) centers around the infinite lives of one person, Nora Seed. In the Midnight Library, she’s able to choose lives that she might have led if she had made different decisions. But, as Nora soon finds out, the reality of life based on those decisions doesn’t always turn out the way it was imagined.

Beowulf is a masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon literature, set in sixth-century Scandinavia. The narrative poem recounts the heroic exploits of Beowulf, who battles monsters and eventually becomes king.

Crazy Joy (2022) dives deep into the nature of joy. Drawing from philosophy, humor, and faith, it helps you discover your own, unique joy, and how to cultivate it even in life’s hardest moments.

The 33 Strategies of War (2006) distills the essential lessons of military strategy into a series of memorable vignettes. Drawing on ancient and modern sources, this wide-ranging study of tactical masterstrokes and follies offers fascinating insights into human psychology and motivation.

Be the Love (2022) offers valuable insights on how to overcome the hardships of everyday life. It provides helpful tools and a mindset to thrive and become more resilient in the face of daily challenges. 

Do Hard Things (2022) explodes mythologies around the popular conception of toughness. It shows how traditional markers of toughness, like putting on a brave face and pushing past pain, can actually hinder physical and mental performance outcomes in the long term. Instead, real resilience comes from listening to your body and embracing your emotions.

Stop Self-Sabotage (2019) outlines a six-step guide to identifying and overcoming behaviors that counteract people’s ability to reach goals of all kinds. The clinically proven process includes exercises, practical advice, and real-life examples of how people have used the method to change their lives.

War and Peace (1869) is a novel that follows the lives of several aristocratic families during the French invasion of Russia and the Napoleonic Wars. It explores themes of love, war, politics, and the human condition, and is considered one of the great works of literature.

A Little Life (2015) follows the lives of four friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, moody painter JB, quiet architect Malcolm, and the brilliant, mysterious litigator Jude. Over the years, the four friends grow together, drift apart, find love and success, and struggle with loss and addiction. As enigmatic Jude gradually moves into the center of the narrative, the full extent of his unbearable burden begins to reveal itself. 

Romeo and Juliet (c. 1591-1597) is the iconic tragedy of two youths who fall in love amid the feud raging between their two families. The many themes it explores include love and hate, fate and free will, and dream and reality.

Antigone (c. 441 BC) is a tragedy by Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights. After a civil war, two brothers – the leaders of rival factions – are dead. One is remembered as a patriotic hero; the other, as a treacherous usurper. The king of Thebes, Creon, has forbidden anyone to bury the traitor – an order the man’s sister, Antigone, can’t square with her conscience. The stage is set for a conflict pitting the individual against the state, justice against law, idealism against realism, and a defiant woman against a male-dominated world.

East of Eden (1952) is a sweeping epic that centers around three generations of the Trask family. Growing up, Adam Trask competed with his brother for his father’s love – with jealousy and vengeance leading to violent consequences. When Adam has children of his own, he struggles to spare them the same fate.

Frankenstein (1818) is a Gothic horror classic that tells the tale of ambitious young scientist Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with the idea of creating life, Frankenstein assembles a freakish human-like monster. But when he animates it, he’s shocked at the horror he’s created. Although the monster seeks affection at first, it’s continually rejected and eventually seeks revenge on humankind.

Hamlet (c. 1509-1601) is widely regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest play. A tragedy in five parts, it tells the story of Prince Hamlet, a thinker who must turn to action to avenge his father. It’s not only the finely crafted plot that’s fascinated readers and theatergoers down the centuries, though – Hamlet is also a penetrating study of the meaning of life and death.

The Prophet (1923) follows the prophet Almustafa during his departure from the fictional city of Orphalese. As the community bids Almustafa farewell by the harbor, they petition him to share some final nuggets of wisdom from the deep well of his mind. What follows is a collection of profound insights into various aspects of life and the human condition.

The Worry Trick (2016) is a no-nonsense guide to dealing with worry and anxiety. Drawing from acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, it breaks down where worry comes from and offers concrete steps on how to face and ultimately overcome it.  

The Cask of Amontillado (1846) is a chilling tale about one man’s expertly plotted revenge on another who has insulted him. It is a story of deceit, detachment and coolly premeditated murder.  

The Book Thief (2006) is a story about a young girl living in Nazi Germany who makes her way in the world by stealing books. With Death as the narrator, it follows her coming of age in the most difficult of times and places. 

Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883) is a philosophical novel by Friedrich Nietzsche that explores the themes of religion, morality, culture, and society. It follows the journey of Zarathustra, a prophet who leaves his cave to share his wisdom with humanity. Along the way he encounters various characters who test his vision, and grapples with his own shortcomings.

Phaedo (written around 360 BC), discusses the immortality of the soul, life after death, and true philosophy. It showcases Socratic dialogues, where Socrates, on his deathbed, debates these subjects with his disciples.

The Trial ( 1925 ) tells the distressing story of Josef K. who wakes up one morning to find he’s under arrest for an unnamed offense. As cryptic legal proceedings unfold around him, K. struggles to make sense of his predicament or convince others of his innocence. It’s a  disturbing parable that raises philosophical questions about personal dignity and free will when pitted against entrenched bureaucracies.

The Birth of Tragedy (1872) interprets Greek tragedy’s birth and death. The narrative advocates the re-emergence of tragic arts and rejects the societal shift towards rationality and science during the time when it was written.

Electra (410 BC) is a deep dive into the power of emotions and the thirst for justice. It outlines the severe grief and anger of Electra, a character in ancient Greek mythology, who yearns to avenge her father’s murder.

The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886) tells the compelling story of Ivan Ilyich, a high-ranking official residing in the comforts of societal norms. The unexpected blow of a terminal illness derails his predictable routine, dragging him into a journey of profound self-reflection. The narrative forces Ivan to confront his mortality head-on, thereby shedding light on universal themes of human existence.

Women Who Run with the Wolves (1989) is a profoundly influential work of Jungian psychology that has shown countless women how to connect with the wise, abiding, and untameable presence of the Wild Woman archetype in their own psyches.

Visual Thinking (2022) offers an authoritative view on different ways of thinking, and how those differences have been crucial to many of our biggest creative advancements. It shows how society tends to be biased toward verbal thinkers – and how visual thinkers, albeit typically underserved in society, bring an array of crucial skills to various domains.

Ethics (1677) is Spinoza’s enigmatic masterwork that changed philosophy. One of only two published works by the author, with the other published anonymously, the text became a flashpoint for divisions around the nature of god, religion, and nature, as well as a foundation for traditions of western mysticism and spirituality ever since.

Being and Nothingness (1943) is a seminal work of existentialist philosophy. It explores the major themes of existentialism, such as the intricacies of human consciousness, free will, and the interplay of objectivity and subjectivity.

The Porn Myth (2017) offers a secular rebuttal to pro-pornography advocacy, drawing on research in neuroscience, sociology, and psychology. With insightful analysis of the latest scientific findings on addiction and harm, the book dispels myths, exposes porn's negative impacts, and provides advice on overcoming porn addiction. 

The Bhagavad Gita is a self-contained episode of the Mahabharata, an epic poem about the devastating rivalry between two clans for control of the kingdom of Bharata in ancient India. Composed around the third century BCE, the 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita explore questions of social and religious duty, the nature of human action, and our relationship to God. For many readers, scholars, and believers, it is the quintessential religious text in Hinduism. 

The Polyvagal Theory (2011) introduces a groundbreaking understanding of the autonomic nervous system, emphasizing its role in social behavior, emotional regulation, and mental health. The theory posits the existence of three neural circuits within the autonomic nervous system, each of which plays a crucial role in shaping our psychological and physiological responses. Through this lens, it explores the neurobiological foundations of emotions, social connections, and health – offering new insights and implications for therapy, research, and interpersonal relationships.

How to Know a Person (2023) challenges us to set aside our egos and look beyond people’s superficial traits to really get to know them: their stories, their passions, their motivations, and more. It acknowledges that being able to see someone and make them feel seen is hard –⁠ and yet it’s essential for cultivating healthy relationships. Fortunately, with some dedication, we can all learn how to have healthier, deeper conversations; give people quality attention; and see people in all their delightful complexity.

Feeling Good (1999) offers an uplifting perspective on managing conditions like anxiety, guilt, pessimism, and depression, emphasizing that they can be effectively addressed through scientifically proven techniques. Filled with practical strategies, it provides tools to enhance mood, build self-esteem, and better navigate the challenges of negative emotions.

The Language of Emotions (2010) presents a transformative approach to emotional intelligence that reframes difficult feelings as vital messengers rather than problems to be solved. Through practical tools for emotional awareness and concrete strategies for decoding emotional messages, this influential work shows how developing a deeper relationship with our full emotional spectrum can lead to more authentic relationships, clearer boundaries, and a more fulfilling life. 

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (1841) looks at how social manias and mass delusions sweep through societies, revealing the underlying patterns that drive everything from financial bubbles to witch hunts. Through vivid historical examples, it shows how normally sensible people can be swept up in collective madness, leading to devastating real-world consequences. 

Candide (1759) is a famous satire by French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. The novella follows a naive young man’s journey through a world of misfortunes, challenging his unwavering belief in optimism. This timeless tale is a critique of the philosophical notion that all suffering serves a greater cosmic purpose, delivering with razor-sharp wit and provocative insight. 

A Treatise of Human Nature (1740) is a seminal work of philosophy that seeks to understand human nature through reason. With razor-sharp skepticism, it dissects the origins of our ideas, the nature of causality, and the concept of personal identity, arguing that humans are guided by passion over reason. Laying bare the limits of human knowledge and morality, this philosophical classic forever altered the landscape of Western thought. 

The Age of AI (2021) examines the evolution of artificial intelligence, how it’s increasingly integrated into all facets of life, and profound questions surrounding AI’s relationship to ethics, security, economics, and the human experience itself.

The Burnout Society (2010) delves into the contemporary epidemic of exhaustion and mental overload, revealing how your pursuit of success and productivity in a hyper-connected world might be leading to a state of collective burnout. It challenges you to rethink societal norms and personal values, offering insights into navigating the pressures of modern life. 

Either/Or (1843) contrasts aesthetic and ethical approaches to life through a series of fictional letters between two characters. Their dialogue explores themes of existential anxiety, subjectivity, and the search for meaning, and became foundational for 20th century existentialism.

Beyond the Pleasure Principle (1920 marks a pivotal turn in Sigmund Freud’s theoretical approach to psychology and psychoanalysis. In this work, Freud introduces the concept of the “death drive,” a fundamental tension between the life instincts that aim for survival, sexual reproduction, and pleasure, and the death instincts, which strive towards inanimate rest and a return to a state of non-existence.

The Nicomachean Ethics (around 340 BC) explores the question of what makes a good life. It argues that achieving a balanced, virtuous life through rational activity is the essence of human happiness.

Notes from Underground (1864) is a stark exploration of the human condition. It delves into the innermost recesses of a deeply introspective protagonist's mind, unearthing radical thoughts on reason, free will, and suffering.

13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don’t Do (2023) identifies thirteen common pitfalls that couples should avoid in order to nurture healthier and more resilient relationships. It provides concrete advice for improving communication, managing conflict, and ultimately fostering stronger mental fortitude – both individually and as a team.

Gut Check (2023) explores the critical role that our gut bacteria play in determining our overall health. It argues that nurturing a healthy microbiome can lead to a longer, more vibrant life, against the backdrop of conventional dietary beliefs.

Languishing (2024) delves into the often-overlooked state between mental well-being and mental illness: languishing. It offers a comprehensive analysis of how individuals can find themselves stuck in this state of stagnation and emptiness and presents a compelling guide for recognizing and addressing this state. Through an exploration of strategies for enhancing well-being, it empowers readers to transform their mental health landscape, advocating for a proactive approach to emotional and psychological resilience.

Practical Optimism (2024) offers actionable strategies for fostering well-being and resilience in everyday life. Through nurturing relationships, forming positive habits, and cultivating self-compassion, individuals can enhance their mental and physical health while thriving amidst life's challenges.

The Anxious Generation (2024) argues that the decline of play in childhood and the rise of smartphone usage among adolescents are the twin sources of increased mental distress in Generation Z. Grounded in psychological and biological research, this eye-opening text explores how the profound shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods has disrupted adolescent development – and offers practical advice to address this crisis.

The Divine Comedy (c. 1321) is an epic narrative poem that stands as one of the most celebrated works in Western literature. It tells the tale of a man who is taken on a journey through hell, purgatory, and finally to heaven. In doing so, it shows the path of one man’s soul toward God and reveals a philosophy that continues to be relevant today.

The Stranger (1942) is widely considered a classic in twentieth-century literature. It tells the tale of a murder in Algiers, and the unusual trial that follows. While there’s no mystery as to who did the killing, the story raises many questions about what makes a person guilty in the eyes of their community.

Dancing in the Streets (2008) explores the deep-rooted origins of communal celebration in human biology and culture, highlighting universal elements like carnival, music-making, and dance. It reveals how such practices were integral to Western traditions – from the ancient Greek worship of Dionysus to medieval Christianity as a “danced religion”. 

When Panic Attacks (2006) provides insights and techniques for managing anxiety and panic attacks using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It offers a drug-free approach to treating anxiety disorders by identifying and challenging distorted thoughts, conducting behavioral experiments, and utilizing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

The Light Eaters (2024) explores the astonishing capabilities of plants, examining how plants communicate, recognize kin, adapt their form, and respond to stimulus. By highlighting current research and debates in botany, it challenges our understanding of plants and their roles in the ecosystem, urging us to reconsider humanity’s relationship with the natural world. 

The Art of Reading Minds (2019) explains how we unconsciously reveal our thoughts and emotions through nonverbal cues, and provides practical tips rooted in cognitive psychology to decipher those cues and influence others’ thoughts and beliefs. By mastering the techniques outlined, we can heighten self-awareness, improve persuasion skills, and gain insights into what others are truly thinking and feeling.

Good Energy (2024) explores the connection between metabolism and a wide range of health conditions, from depression to heart disease and cancer. These diverse ailments, it argues, can often be traced back to the same underlying issue: metabolic dysfunction. The upshot? One of the best things you can do for your health is to boost your metabolism – and that’s much simpler than you think. 

Purpose (2024) presents a provocative exploration of human evolution, challenging the notion that life is devoid of inherent meaning. By integrating insights from various scientific disciplines, it argues that there is a universal purpose rooted in the dualities of being human and our ability to exercise free will, suggesting a profound connection between our biological nature and the existence of a higher purpose.

The Courage to Be Disliked (2018) takes a look at the psychology of Alfred Adler, the famous twentieth-century Austrian psychologist. Adler argued that we should care less about what other people think and the authors show how this philosophy can benefit us today.

The Introvert’s Way (2012) is a guide to living well as an introvert in what feels like an extrovert’s world. Introverts should aim to accept themselves as they are, while using strategies to manage their energy and navigate tricky social situations.

This is Why You Dream (2024) explores the science behind dreaming. It explains why dreams occur, and how they impact our waking lives. It also offers insights into the benefits of dreaming – like improved problem-solving and cognitive performance – and provides advice on harnessing the creative power of dreams based on the latest neuroscientific research.

Good Judgment (2024) explores the science of personality within the context of organizational psychology to enhance decision-making in business environments. It offers strategies for accurately reading and understanding people, which helps companies hire suitable employees, improve workplace relationships, and resolve conflicts effectively.

Psychological Types (1921) presents a groundbreaking theory of human personality and cognition, exploring the concepts of introversion and extraversion, alongside four cognitive functions—thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding individual differences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.

Consciousness Explained (1991) offers a revolutionary perspective on the nature of human consciousness. The book challenges traditional notions of a unified self, proposing instead that consciousness emerges from multiple competing processes in the brain, shaped by language and narrative. It invites readers to reconsider fundamental ideas about free will, personal identity, and the nature of subjective experience.

The Meaning of Life (2007) explores how the way we use language shapes our search for meaning. Rather than offering a straightforward answer, it challenges you to think about whether the question of life’s meaning is even the right one to ask. Through the lens of thinkers like Wittgenstein and Nietzsche, you’ll uncover how our words and ideas might create the very puzzles we struggle to solve.

Autism (1989) presents pioneering theories on how individuals with autism perceive and process information, revolutionizing our understanding of the autism spectrum and paving the way for more effective support and intervention strategies. 

The Power of Not Thinking (2020) explores the concept of embodied knowledge – information unconsciously stored by our bodies. It explains how this tacit knowledge influences our decision-making and actions across various aspects of life, challenging readers to trust their instincts and physical intelligence.

The Human Condition (1958) invites you to explore how action, labor, and work shape your life and the world you live in. Through these core activities, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what freedom truly means, see how your daily choices impact society, and reflect on your role in the ongoing story of human experience.

Four Ways of Thinking (2023) explores how mathematical concepts shape the way we approach problems and make decisions in everyday life. It delves into four distinct modes of thinking – statistical, interactive, chaotic, and complex – revealing how each perspective offers uniquely valuable insights. Through practical examples, it demonstrates how combining these methods can deepen our understanding of the world.

Hope For Cynics (2024) explores the widespread cynicism in modern society and its detrimental effects. It argues that this pessimistic worldview is often misplaced, as people tend to underestimate the kindness and generosity of others. It proposes “hopeful skepticism” as an antidote to cynicism, encouraging you to think critically while recognizing human strengths.

The Parasitic Mind (2020) examines how certain ideologies have infiltrated modern society, threatening reason, freedom, and intellectual diversity. It explores how these “idea pathogens” spread from universities to politics, business, and culture, leading to emotional thinking and intellectual conformity. It argues for a return to critical thinking, science, and free speech to combat these harmful beliefs.

Raising Securely Attached Kids (2024) is a parenting guide that teaches strategies to foster secure, trusting relationships with children through connection-focused methods. It provides actionable advice to help parents overcome their own past traumas, build emotional resilience in their kids, and create lasting bonds based on empathy and trust.

Becoming What You Are (1995) is a collection of essays that explore the intersection of Eastern philosophy and Western thought. The book offers a refreshing perspective on life, encouraging readers to embrace their true nature and live in harmony with the universe by letting go of societal constructs and finding peace in the present moment. 

Blind Spots (2024) examines how modern medicine sometimes gets crucial issues wrong, leading to widespread public harm. It explores the consequences of medical groupthink, highlighting failures like the opioid crisis and misguided dietary advice, while advocating for a more transparent and evidence-based healthcare system. Through critical topics such as nutrition, childbirth, and the microbiome, it sheds light on the gaps in medical knowledge that continue to affect patient outcomes

Confidence (2024) explores how to navigate today’s tumultuous world through the lens of Buddhist teachings. It examines the concept of the Eight Worldly Winds, offering insights into your relationships with yourself and others, and includes meditation exercises to help you access your innate wisdom and cultivate confidence.

The Righteous Mind (2012) explores how moral decisions are made, concluding that moral judgments stem from intuitions, not logic. The author draws on his background in social psychology and 25 years of groundbreaking research to explain how morality both binds us and divides us and how religion and politics create conflicting communities of shared morality.

On Freedom (2024) challenges us to rethink what it means to be truly free in a world increasingly dominated by political and economic tyranny. It weaves together history, philosophy, and urgent contemporary issues, illustrating how our pursuit of freedom is intertwined with the structures that support it. It inspires people to reflect on their role in safeguarding democracy and creating a more equitable future. 

What Kind of Creatures Are We? (2015) takes you on an exhilarating journey into the depths of human consciousness, revealing how language shapes thought and defines our species. Through clear, precise explanations of groundbreaking research in linguistics and cognitive science, you'll discover why your mind can effortlessly create infinite meanings from finite elements – a unique capability that emerged suddenly in human history. 

The Science of Evil (2011) seeks to understand what causes people to be cruel to one another. Doing away with the unscientific concept of “evil,” it suggests that the deeds we commonly associate with that word can be better explained by an absence of empathy. Cruelty, it argues, becomes possible when we lose sight of others’ humanity and treat them as mere objects. 

How to Think Like Socrates (2024) reveals how the ancient philosopher’s methods for finding truth and wisdom remain powerful tools for navigating modern challenges. Through carefully documented historical examples from Socrates’s life in war-torn Athens, the book shows how his approach to questioning assumptions, defining terms clearly, and maintaining integrity under pressure can help readers make better decisions and live more examined lives.

The Happiness Cure (2023) explores how adopting an evolutionary perspective on life can fundamentally shift our understanding of happiness. Drawing on the latest neuroscientific research, it shows that true contentment comes from resetting our expectations and focusing on longer-term meaning rather than immediate gratification. It suggests that understanding our biological and psychological wiring can help us better navigate our quest for happiness in a modern world that differs vastly from the environments our ancestors adapted to.

Eclipse of Reason (1947) uncovers how the very rationality that was once meant to free humanity became a tool of oppression and alienation. It charts the evolution of our ideas about what is right and wrong, and how these ideas have gotten twisted by the deep contradictions in modern society. This thought-provoking work invites a critical reevaluation of reason itself, offering a path toward true liberation and social transformation.

Think Like a Psychologist (2021) delves into the intricate dynamics of human behavior, emotions, and decision-making. By unpacking key psychological principles and uncovering the motivations driving actions, it offers practical tools and techniques to foster self-awareness, cultivate empathy, and strengthen your understanding of others.

How to be a Failure and Still Live Well (2020) challenges the pervasive cultural consensus that success is synonymous with material attainment and social status. Failure is not merely the opposite of achievement; it’s an inevitable part of the human experience, intertwined with loss and vulnerability. By embracing these realities, you can walk a path toward richer values, like relationships, generosity, and genuine flourishing.

5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life (2018) explores high-conflict personalities – those with borderline, narcissistic, paranoid, antisocial, or histrionic traits – who create chaos and harm through volatile emotions, aggression, and blame. It provides actionable advice for protecting yourself, building healthier relationships, and even addressing your own tendencies toward high-conflict behavior.

Ritual (2022) explores the profound role rituals play in human life, from everyday celebrations to dramatic rites of passage. Using insights from cutting-edge research, it uncovers how rituals shape behavior, foster connection, provide meaning, and define our common humanity.

Supremacy (2024) takes you inside the high-stakes race to build Artificial General Intelligence. From groundbreaking innovations to the hidden dangers of AI monopolies, you can see how the quest for smarter machines can reshape the world – for better or worse. It raises the important question, are we on the verge of a technological utopia, or heading toward a future full of unforeseen risks?

The Sovereign Child (2025) explores Taking Children Seriously, a parenting philosophy based on the idea that children think, feel, and reason just like adults. It challenges traditional parenting methods by arguing that enforcing rules and limits undermines a child’s ability to learn and grow. Instead, it advocates for a non-coercive approach where children are treated as autonomous individuals, capable of making their own decisions and understanding the world through experience rather than control.

Start Making Sense (2025) explores the human need for meaning and purpose using cultural and social psychology to engage philosophical questions about the meaning of life. Weaving together history, literature, Existential psychology, and the history of science, it serves as a guide for crafting a meaningful life even in unsettling times.