12 Psychology Books That Will Change Your Life

The human mind is an enigma, one that has perplexed and fascinated people for centuries. Psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, offers insights into the complexities of human nature. Books on psychology can provide profound personal growth and understanding. Whether you're a seasoned psychologist, a student of human behavior, or someone looking for personal development, the following list of psychology books is curated to change your perspective on life.

1. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Kahneman reveals the extraordinary capabilities—and also the faults and biases—of fast thinking, and the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and behavior. This book will change how you think about thinking.

2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

In this iconic book, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory—known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos (“meaning”)—holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.

3. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

Robert Cialdini explains the psychology of why people say “yes”—and how to apply these understandings. This book is a comprehensive guide to the art and science of persuasion. Through compelling narratives and evidence, Cialdini outlines six principles of influence that will help you become a skilled persuader and defend yourself against manipulation.