Paul Bloom

Clear and Simple as the Truth by Francis-Noël Thomas and Mark Turner

When I’m stuck and hate myself and my work, I pick up Francis-Noël Thomas and Mark Tuner’s short and wonderful book

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 13 May 20242yr

On Writing by Stephen King

But Stephen King has good war stories, and his book really is bullshit-free.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 13 May 20242yr

The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker goes deep, showing how understanding the science of memory, social understanding, and syntactic structure can really pay off in making one a better writer.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 13 May 20242yr

The Writing Workshop by Barbara Sarnecka

I highly recommend this for graduate students and postdocs, but it’s useful for the rest of us as well.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 13 May 20242yr

Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life by Rory Sutherland

If I were teaching a course in decision-making and had to assign one book, it would be this one.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr

The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova

The Biggest Bluff is a highly enjoyable book that chronicles Konnikova’s journey from a novice at poker to a world champion—but it’s not just that.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr

The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience by Matthew Cobb

This is a great book for anyone interested in learning about neuroscience—and I’d recommend it as well for many of my more neuro-crazed psychology professor colleagues.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr

The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't by Julia Galef

In her wonderful first book, The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't, Julia Galef appreciates where this Soldier Mindset comes from

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr

Transformative Experience by L. A. Paul

This is a fascinating book on a fascinating topic—how we choose (and how we should choose) whether or not to make radical life changes, such as becoming a parent.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr

Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity by Edward Slingerland

This delightful book isn’t so much about how to decide what to do; it’s more about how to be cool while doing it.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr

Wild Problems: A Guide to the Decisions That Define Us by Russ Roberts

This is a humane book—there is a warmth and wisdom to Roberts’ writing; he has a real affection for and curiosity about everyday decision makers—but it carries real bite.

on smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net · 8 Apr 20242yr