Willpower
Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength
About the book
Psychologist Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney, a New York Times journalist, make the case that self-control, long eclipsed by the notion of self-esteem, is arguably the single strongest indicator of success. Among its topics is Baumeister's work on ego depletion. He found that willpower has a physical basis and behaves like a muscle: practice strengthens it and overuse tires it, which is why eating and sleeping, or failing to do either, affect self-control so much. The authors survey why people lack effective self-control and describe techniques for improving it, with stories that run from Victorian explorers and entertainers to modern homemakers and college students pulling all-nighters. The advice also draws on David Allen and Ben Franklin.
Steven Pinker endorsed it as a rewarding book full of inventive research and wise advice, and Dan Ariely praised its research and its simple tricks for drawing on willpower.
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This book has 3 recommendations
Steven Pinker (Author)
The psychologist Roy F. Baumeister has shown that the force metaphor has a kernel of neurobiological reality. In Willpower, he has teamed up with the irreverent New York Timesscience columnist John Tierney to explain this ingenious research and show how it can enhance our lives. . . . Willpower is an immensely rewarding book, filled with ingenious research, wise advice and insightful reflections on the human condition.
Dan Ariely (Author)
Willpower affects almost every aspect of our lives. From procrastination, to saving for retirement to exercising, Tierney and Baumeister have given us a wonderful book in which they not only share fascinating research on the subject but also provide simple tricks to help us tap into this important quality.
Daniel Gilbert (Author)
Willpower is sinfully delicious - once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. A fascinating account of the exciting new science of self-control, told by the scientist who made it happen and the journalist who made it news.
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Steven Pinker, Dan Ariely, Daniel Gilbert
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Roy F. Baumeister, John Tierney
Often recommended alongside
- The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups by Erika Christakis (2 shared recommenders)