Plot Summary

You Are Not So Smart

David Mcraney
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You Are Not So Smart

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011

Book Brief

David Mcraney

You Are Not So Smart

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney explores over fifty cognitive heuristics and logical fallacies that contribute to flawed human decision-making processes, drawing from an eponymous blog. McRaney argues that while these biases are rooted in evolutionary needs, they persist and affect modern thinking, often to detrimental effects. He examines phenomena like confirmation bias and the impact of social media on mental health, proposing rational pragmatism and slower thinking as remedies.

Informative

Humorous

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

38,022 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney offers an engaging dive into cognitive biases and logical fallacies, making psychology accessible through witty writing and relatable examples. However, some readers find the repetitiveness in examples and the tone occasionally patronizing. Overall, it's an enlightening read for those curious about human irrationality. You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney offers an engaging dive into cognitive biases and logical fallacies, making psychology accessible through witty writing and relatable examples. However, some readers find the repetitiveness in examples and the tone occasionally patronizing. Overall, it's an enlightening read for those curious about human irrationality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read You Are Not So Smart?

Readers who enjoy You Are Not So Smart by David McRaney are curious about human psychology, cognitive biases, and self-deception. Fans of Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow will appreciate McRaney’s accessible exploration of how we mislead ourselves and how these errors shape our lives.

4.2

38,022 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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