Derren Brown (born 27 February 1971) is an English mentalist painter, illusionist, and author. He is known for his television shows in which he performs mind-reading, hypnosis, and magic.
He has also written books on the subjects of psychology, persuasion, and trickery. He often begins live performances by stating that his results are achieved through “magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection, and showmanship”.
In this article, we will be discussing some of the books that Derren Brown has recommended.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson
In his book, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, Donald Robertson explores the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most successful rulers in history.
Aurelius was able to maintain a sense of calm and detachment in the face of great adversity, and Robertson argues that we can learn from his example.
The Stoics believed that reason was the highest faculty of the human mind, and that by using it correctly, we could maintain our inner equilibrium regardless of what happened to us externally. This is what Aurelius did so effectively throughout his life.
Robertson provides clear and concise explanations of key Stoic concepts such as apatheia (emotional detachment), prohairesis (decision-making), and eudaimonia (the good life).
The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff
In “The Coddling of the American Mind,” Greg Lukianoff sets out to explore the reasons behind the recent wave of campus protests sweeping across America.
He argues that the trend can be traced back to a culture of over-protectiveness that has taken root in society, and which has led to young people becoming increasingly unable to deal with adversity.
Lukianoff’s book is sure to provoke debate, and will likely be required reading for anyone looking to understand the current state of affairs on America’s college campuses.
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
The Happiness Hypothesis is a book by Jonathan Haidt that explores the idea that people are happiest when they live in accordance with their natural tendencies and instincts.
The book draws on a variety of research to support this claim, including studies on animals and humans and offers practical advice for how to achieve greater happiness in life.
Haidt begins by discussing the different ways that animals and humans seek pleasure and avoid pain. He then reviews research on happiness, which shows that people are generally happier when they are living in accordance with their natural tendencies.
Finally, he offers practical advice for how to apply the happiness hypothesis to one’s own life.
The book has been well-received by critics, who praise its insights into the nature of happiness and its practical recommendations. The Happiness Hypothesis is a valuable resource for anyone interested in achieving greater happiness in their life.
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt
In his book, The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt explores the origins of morality and its impact on modern politics. He argues that morality is not simply a product of reason, but is shaped by emotions and intuitions.
Haidt draws on a wealth of research to support his claims, including studies of neuroscience, anthropology, and history. His work has been praised by both conservatives and liberals for its insights into the moral psychology of each side.
Whether you agree with Haidt’s conclusions or not, The Righteous Mind is sure to challenge your assumptions about morality and leave you thinking about the role it plays in your own life.
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