I’m an avid reader and if you’ve gotten to know me a bit, you know I’m obsessed with this topic! Here are 5 books I love about the mind, creativity, and what science and history can teach us about them. I hope these intrigue you and you dive in to learn something new and become inspired!
Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind by Scott Barry Kaufman & Carolyn Gregoire.
‘Revealing the latest findings in neuroscience and psychology, along with engaging examples of artists and innovators throughout history, the book shines a light on the practices and habits of mind that promote creative thinking. Based on the authors’ wildly popular Huffington Post article “18 Things That Creative People Do Differently” (which generated five million views and 500,000 Facebook shares in one week), this well-researched and engaging audiobook uncovers what we know about creativity, and what anyone can do to enhance this essential aspect of their lives and work.’
Your Creative Brain: Seven Steps to Maximize Imagination, Productivity, and Innovation in Your Life by Shelley Carson, Phd.
‘The author Shelley H. Carson, a Harvard psychologist, explains that creativity isn’t something only scientists, investors, artists, writers, and musicians enjoy; in fact, all of us use our creative brains every day at home and at work. Carson explains seven brain states or “brainsets” and their functions as related to creativity, productivity, and innovation (Connect, Reason, Envision, Absorb, Transform, Evaluate, and Stream).’
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
‘Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent.’
Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration, and the Artistic Process by Joe Fassler
‘What inspires you? That’s the simple, but profound question posed to forty-six renowned authors in LIGHT THE DARK. Each writer begins with a favorite passage from a novel, a song, a poem—something that gets them started and keeps them going with the creative work they love. From there, incredible lessons and stories of life-changing encounters with art emerge, like how sneaking books into his job as a night security guard helped Khaled Hosseini learn that nothing he creates will ever be truly finished. Or how a college reading assignment taught Junot Díaz that great art can be a healing conversation, and an unexpected poet led Elizabeth Gilbert to embrace an unyielding optimism, even in the face of darkness.’
Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking is the Beginning & End of Suffering by Joseph Nguyen
‘In this book, you’ll discover the root cause of all psychological and emotional suffering and how to achieve freedom of mind to effortlessly create the life you’ve always wanted to live. Although pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. This book offers a completely new paradigm and understanding of where our human experience comes from, allowing us to end our own suffering and create how we want to feel at any moment. No matter what has happened to you, where you are from, or what you have done, you can still find total peace, unconditional love, complete fulfillment, and an abundance of joy in your life.’
PS. These selections are 100% my own, and sincerely my favorites, but fyi, the links are a part of the amazon affiliate program like most things I recommend.
