"The Laws of Connection is the perfect antidote to modern-day isolation. With his trademark brilliance and nuance, David Robson offers a hopeful and entertaining take on why so many of us feel like islands in a sea of people and provides practical, evidenced-backed strategies for creating bridges, connecting to others, and living more socially fulfilled lives."

– Hal Hershfield, UCLA Professor and author of Your Future Self

 

"A brilliant book from a world class science synthesizer. The Laws of Connection is a masterful distillation of the latest research into the benefits of sociality. Robson unveils a series of practical, science-backed tips for forming and maintaining healthy relationships of all kinds; tips that will not just extend but possibly even save your life. Robson encourages us to be brave: talk to strangers, be quick to compliment, be vulnerable and honest, reconnect with lost friends, ask for help, forgive, apologize, and above all accept that social connection is as vital to our mental and physical health as food and water. It’s a roadmap to overcoming social timidity and a science-based cure for misanthropy."

– Justin Gregg, PhD, author of If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal

 

 

"Robson has distilled a vast amount of high-quality research into an engaging manual on what makes or breaks meaningful social connections. I was astonished at how many long-held assumptions we hold that are just plain wrong. In an era of increasing social isolation, The Laws of Connection is a necessary and timely book."

– Lauren Aguirre, author of The Memory Thief and the Secrets Behind How We Remember finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award

"David Robson is one of my favorite science writers. He strikes the perfect balance between scientific accuracy, engaging storytelling, and practical relevance. His latest book compiles the best advice to come out of the large body of research on interpersonal relations to offer a comprehensive roadmap for building connections and strengthening relationships. Whether you want to get better at small talk or at staying close to the important people in your life, this book provides tangible, scientifically vetted solutions."

– Vanessa Bohns, Cornell professor and author of You Have More Influence Than You Think

Praise for David Robson:

“As David Robson makes plain in this compelling book, the way we think about the world can profoundly shape how we navigate it. Based in science and packed with smart advice, The Expectation Effect will expand your mind?and maybe even extend your life.”

– Daniel Pink, New York Times bestselling author of When, Drive, and To Sell Is Human

"Highly readable. Strikes the right balance between illustrative vignettes and accessible translations of complex research, delivering a smart look at intellect and its shortcomings."

– Publishers Weekly

"An engrossing standout in the thinking genre that will appeal to anyone who has ever been wrongheaded."

– Kirkus Reviews

"The Intelligence Trap combines mesmerizing storytelling with groundbreaking new research about why having a high IQ can backfire. Essential reading for anyone who wants to think more clearly."

– Rolf Dobelli, author of The Art of Thinking Clearly

"I loved The Intelligence Trap. As fun to read as it is fascinating, it celebrates the power of humility and curiosity. Everyone, especially intelligent people, should read this brilliant and important book."

– Anna Rosling Rönnlund, coauthor of Factfulness

“A ceaselessly fascinating book written by one of our most consistently superb science writers. Its counter-intuitive argument, that intelligence is no inoculation against wrongness, explains so much about the fractious and baffling times in which we live."

– Will Storr, author of Selfie