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How Confidence Works

The new science of self-belief

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How Confidence Works

By: Ian Robertson
Narrated by: Ian Robertson
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Why do boys instinctively bulls--t more than girls?

How do economic recessions shape a generation's confidence?

Can we have too much confidence and, if so, what are the consequences?

Imagine we could discover something that could make us richer, healthier, longer-living, smarter, kinder, happier, more motivated and more innovative. Ridiculous, you might say.... What is this elixir?

Confidence.

If you have it, it can empower you to reach heights you never thought possible. But if you don't, it can have a devastating effect on your future. Confidence lies at the core of what makes things happen.

Exploring the science and neuroscience behind confidence that has emerged over the last decade, clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Ian Robertson tells us how confidence plays out in our minds, our brains and indeed our bodies. He explains where it comes from and how it spreads - with extraordinary economic and political consequences.

And why it's not necessarily something you are born with, but something that can be learned.

©2021 Ian Robertson (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Psychology Self-Esteem Human Brain
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Critic reviews

"A revelatory and practical new exploration of the science of confidence, which is important for everyone but crucial for women." (Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland)

"A brilliant and thought-provoking book - it will change how you think about confidence." (Johann Hari)

"Rich stories and change-inspiring examples for every kind of performer." (Pippa Grange)

What listeners say about How Confidence Works

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insights

the insights of tribalism and group dynamics are very interesting and reflect the current state of our changing society.

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A brilliant, brilliant book.

This is an excellent read. As a teacher I find this topic really interesting. Robertson's book is wide ranging and accessible and engaging. I have bought a couple of copies for friends. A great book.

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Incredible!

This book is a must read for anyone in education, who works with people or anyone who wants to understand their own confidence.

It is up to date and research within runs right up to 2021. It looks at things such as how confidence and self esteem are linked and impact on all aspects of life.

It looks at how politics can use confidence and lack of confidence in people to persuade (and dare I say manipulate!).

It is excellent deep research on a vital topic and I can’t recommend it enough.

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Feels like it got lost along the way

Feels like this book could have been half as long and would have benefited from it. It felt like it lost its way in the last few chapters.

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Flawed but important

Really interesting and particularly strong when it came to the challenges faced by women in a still male dominated world. But...it felt like it needed a Tim Harford chaser. There were a few examples of massive simplifications of complex issues (for example Brexit) that struck an off note when a few pages later he rails against populists giving simple answers to complex issues. I voted remain and a book like this couldn't not talk politics but little less of the authors politics would have made this a stronger book.

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Boring and lacking practical advice

This book feels like a collection of cliches about confidence dragged out through long boring chapters.
Also lacks scientific based practical information on how to increase confidence.
Watch a 10min youtube video on the subject and you’ll get better tips than in this book.

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Verbosely written

This book has some decent points but could have been written a lot more briefly

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