“You don’t have to choose between being scientific and being compassionate.”
Have you ever wondered what drives human behaviour or how our brains shape our thoughts, emotions and desires? Neuroscience and psychology hold the key to unravelling the mysteries behind the human mind, offering fascinating insights into how he views the world, interacts with others, and makes decisions. If you’re eager to learn more about how the brain works or looking to understand the complexities of human behaviour, the right book can be a complete game-changer. At What We Reading, we’ve pulled together a list of the best books about neuroscience and human behaviour – mind-bending reads that are sure to expand your understanding of the brain and its influence on our lives. From accessible introductions to the science of cognition, these human behaviour books are guaranteed to change the way you see yourself and the world!
Thinking, Fast And Slow – Daniel Kahneman
First up on our list of the best books about human behaviour is Daniel Kahneman’s acclaimed work, Thinking, Fast and Slow. The book introduces two models of thinking: System 1, which is fast, intuitive and emotional, and System 2, which is slower, more deliberate and logical. These systems work together to shape human behaviour, but they also lead to predictable errors in judgement and decision-making.
Kahmen delves into cognitive biases such as the availability heuristic, anchoring and loss aversion, demonstrating how these mental shortcuts can mislead us in everyday life. He also examines the role of optimism bias and overconfidence in moulding our choices, from personal decisions to social trends. Accessible but also thought-provoking, Thinking, Fast and Slow reveals how understanding these systems can improve decision-making and help us to identify the hidden forces driving our actions.
The Body Keeps Score – Bessel Van Der Kolk
Drawing on decades of research in neuroscience, psychology and human behaviour, Bessel van der Kolk reveals how traumatic experiences can reshape brain functionality, influencing memory, emotions and even physical health in The Body Keeps Score. The book explores the biology of trauma, explaining how the brain’s fear and stress responses can become overactive, leading to conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and chronic stress. It also highlights the connection between mind and body, showing how trauma can manifest in behaviours and health issues.
Van der Kolk discusses innovative treatment methods, from talk therapy and mindfulness to yoga and neurofeedback, providing hope for recovery and resilience. Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of the human brain or exploring ways to heal from trauma, The Body Keeps Score provides essential insights into the science of behaviour and emotional healing.
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Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us – Daniel H. Pink
In Drive, Daniel H. Pink challenges traditional notions of motivation, offering a perspective that truly drives human behaviour that is grounded in real-world science. Pink argues that the traditional ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach – using rewards and punishments to influence behaviour – is outdated, and often counter in today’s world.
Leaning on research in psychology and behavioural science, Pink introduces a new framework for motivation centred around three core elements: autonomy, the desire to direct our own lives; mastery, the urge to improve at something meaningful; and purpose, the need to contribute to a cause larger than ourselves. He explains how these intrinsic motivators are more effective than external incentives, especially for tasks requiring creativity and innovation. Whether you’re a leader, teacher or simply curious about the science of motivation, Drive reveals how to unlock potential and inspire lasting change.
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference – Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point explores the fascinating science behind why certain ideas, trends or behaviours explode in popularity, whereas others fade away. Gladwell identifies the ‘tipping point’ as the critical moment when a small change or action unleashes a larger-scale social phenomenon. The book outlines the factors behind these shifts: The Law of the Few, the influence of key individuals; The Stickiness Factor, how impactful ideas capture and hold attention; and The Power of Context, which emphasises the role of the environment in shaping human behaviour.
With engaging case studies ranging from the rise of Hush Puppies to the drop in New York City crime rates, Gladwell’s work remains one of the best books about human behaviour for understanding the subtle forces that drive decision-making and social norms.
The Power Of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business – Charles Duhigg
Utilising the latest research from neuroscience and psychology, Charles Duhigg introduces readers to the habit loop – a process consisting of a cue, routine and reward – and how it drives us in his human behaviour book, The Power of Habit. He demonstrates how understanding and reshaping this loop can lead to healthier habits, greater productivity and success. The book also explores the role of habits in organisations, showing how companies harness their knowledge to improve efficiency and employee behaviour.
Whether you’re looking to break a bad habit, adopt a new one or understand the psychology behind habitual behaviour, The Power of Habit offers insightful strategies for changing behaviour and enhancing both personal and professional growth.
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The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided By Politics And Religion – Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt explores the deep psychological roots behind political and religious divisions in The Righteous Mind. Haidt argues that our moral judgements are largely driven by intuition and emotion, rather than reason and that these deeply entrenched moral foundations shape how we view the world and interact with others. Drawing on research in psychology, sociology and neuroscience, Haidt identifies six moral foundations – care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity and liberty – that influence human behaviour.
These moral values vary across political and religious groups, contributing to the polarisation seen across contemporary society. Haidt explains that understanding these differences can encourage empathy and improve dialogue between people with opposing views. One of the best books for understanding human behaviour, The Righteous Mind is a work that challenges readers to examine their own moral instincts and consider how we can bridge our divisions.
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Madness And Civilization: A History Of Insanity In The Age Of Reason – Michel Foucault
Michel Foucault traces the shifting perceptions of madness from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment in his book on human behaviour, Madness and Civilization, revealing how the treatment of the mentally evolved from compassionate care to institutionalisation and control. Drawing on historical records, the acclaimed French philosopher critiques the role of power and authority in defining those deemed ‘mad’.
He explores how institutions like asylums, hospitals and prisons, have shaped social norms and influenced human behaviour, especially when it comes to defining what is ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’. Foucault’s analysis uncovers the hidden dynamics between reason, power and mental illness and remains a keyword in understanding the psychology of institutionalisation and the societal forces that shape human behaviour.
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions – Dan Ariely
Through engaging experiments and real-life examples, Dan Ariely reveals how factors like social norms, emotions and expectations shape our choices, often ways in which we don’t realise in his human behaviour book, Predictably Irrational. From pricing strategies to the way we perceive value, the work shows how our decisions are often far from rational, but are also remarkably predictable.
Ariely challenges the assumption that humans are always rational decision-makers, offering insights into how understanding these patterns of behaviour can lead to better personal choices, more effective business strategies and improved policy-making. Predictably Irrational is an illuminating look at the psychological forces behind human behaviour, demonstrating that understanding our irrational tendencies can help us make smarter and more informed decisions.
The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources Of Love, Character And Achievement – David Brooks
Another one of the best books about human behaviour comes from David Brooks in The Social Animal. Through a combination of storytelling and social science, Brooks examines how emotions, instincts and unconscious decisions influence our choices in life. The book follows the lives of two fictional characters, Harold and Erica, exploring how their experiences, social environments and innate characteristics shape their development and accomplishments.
Brooks uses these characters to illustrate how our lives are shaped by both rational thought and powerful, often hidden, social and emotional factors. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience and sociology, The Social Animal shows how much of human behaviour is driven by social connections and the unconscious mind. Brooks uncovers the complexities of love, ambition and character, and the inner workings of the human experience, showing how understanding these forces can lead to greater fulfillment.
Behave: The Biology Of Humans At Our Best And Worst – Robert M. Sapolsky
Behave by Robert Sapolsky offers a comprehensive exploration of the biological and environmental factors that influence human behaviour. Through a multidisciplinary approach, Sapolsky examines the complex interplay between genetics, neurobiology and social environments, demonstrating why we act the way we do, from action acts of immense kindness to unimaginable cruelty.
The book delves into the brain’s intricate functions, discussing how hormones, neural pathways and evolutionary history shape our impulses, decisions and actions. Sapolsky explores both the biological underpinnings of moral behaviour and the darker aspects of human nature, such as aggression and prejudice. He also emphasises the role of society, culture and individual experiences in shaping our actions. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with insights into psychology, Behave is the human behaviour book for you if you’re on the hunt for a fascinating look at the biological roots of our actions.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
