Apr 15, 2025

8 books that help understand and master human behaviour

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Books to understand behaviour and psychology

Human behaviour has forever been a part of topics, discussions, debates, and even conflicts. Why do people choose something, what influences them, what triggers them, and much more. And here we mention 8 books that help understand and master human behaviour.

canva

‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ by Daniel Kahneman

One of the most recommended books when it comes to understanding human behaviour is this one. By discussing the two systems of the brain, one that is fast and automatic, and the other which is slow and logical, Kahneman shows how people succumb to cognitive biases.

PENGUIN-UK

‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari

A book that travels through time is ‘Sapiens’. It gives a big-picture view of human behaviour, and talks about how humans evolved from simple hunter-gatherers to modern societies. Be it stories, beliefs, money, religion, or politics, Harari explains how it influenced people.

Penguin-Random-House

‘Behave’ by Robert Sapolsky

Written by a neuroscientist, ‘Behave’ tells all about how some behaviour were shaped, how we react to things and situations the way we do, and what influenced these reactions and behaviours through timelines.

Penguin-Press

​‘Predictably Irrational’ by Dan Ariely

An amazing book when it comes to human behaviour in spending and finances is this one. It talks about how people make irrational choices in very predictable ways, be it the overspending spree or why free or ‘discount’ deals attract us.

Harper-Perennial

‘The 48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene

Another recommended book when it comes to understanding human behaviour is ‘The 48 Laws of Power’. It talks about relationships, business, politics, and much more, and Greene explains how power dynamics shape human behaviour.

Profile-Books

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‘The Social Leap’ by William von Hippel

‘The Social Leap’ by William von Hippel is often described as a ‘heavy’ book owing to its concepts and the leap it makes when describing human behaviours. Hippel talks about how behaviours, from eating to collective living, were shaped because of evolution.

Harper-Wave

‘Drive’ by Daniel H. Pink

If you think that money, fame, and riches are the only things that drive human behaviour to excel, this book will make you rethink it. ‘Drive’ talks about what truly motivates people, be it autonomy, purpose, or recognition.

Riverhead-Books

‘Influence’ by Robert Cialdini

Another classic in the genre, ‘Influence’ explains why people say ‘yes’ and what influences them to do something. The book uses real-life examples to explain situations, be it saying yes to a sales pitch, or a daily life decision.

Harper-Business

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