David Robson – författare

The life-changing toolkit to help you maximise your potential, from the author of The Expectation Effect.'Essential reading for anyone who wants to think more clearly.' - ROLF DOBELLI, multi-million copy bestselling author of The Art of Thinking ClearlyWe assume that smarter people are less prone to error. But education and expertise can sometimes make our mistakes worse and our blind spots bigger. Why did genius Steve Jobs make errors of judgement? Why do doctors misdiagnose 10-15% of their patients? Why do Nobel Prize winners spread fake news? This is the intelligence trap.Drawing on the latest behavioural science and great brains from Socrates to Benjamin Franklin, David Robson demonstrates how to apply our intelligence more wisely. He shows us how we can identify bias, read and regulate our emotions, fine-tune our intuition, navigate ambiguity and uncertainty and think more flexibly.Whether you are a NASA scientist or a school student, The Intelligence Trap offers a new toolkit to realise your full potential.

A WATERSTONES BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK OF 2024In the early 1960s scientists at the University of California, Berkeley set out to establish the key factors affecting health and longevity. Their results, known as the 'Alameda 7', you already know: don't smoke, drink in moderation, sleep seven to eight hours a night, exercise, eat regular meals, maintain a moderate weight, eat breakfast. Years later, however, the same team discovered an eighth factor, one that proved more important than all the others: social connection.When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, we shake off infections more quickly and our blood pressure drops. We are less likely to have Alzheimer's, heart attacks or strokes. When people feel that they have strong social support, they perform better on tests of mental focus, memory and problem solving. Greater connection can fuel creativity, increase our financial stability and enhance our work productivity. But making friends can also be daunting.In The Laws of Connection, David Robson does two important things: he takes us through the fascinating science behind the effects of social connection and he unpacks the research that shows that we are all better at being social than we might think. We meet ideas such as 'the liking gap' and 'the gratitude gap', learn to recognise 'frenemies' and discover a powerful conversational strategy known as the 'fast-friends procedure' that promotes instant rapport. Being social doesn't have to mean having dozens of friends, it can also mean having one true, deep connection with another person. As Robson shows, we can all benefit from the laws of connection.

A THE TIMES BEST SELF-HELP BOOK OF 2024A WATERSTONES BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK OF 2024In the early 1960s scientists at the University of California, Berkeley set out to establish the key factors affecting health and longevity. Their results, known as the 'Alameda 7', you already know: don't smoke, drink in moderation, sleep seven to eight hours a night, exercise, eat regular meals, maintain a moderate weight, eat breakfast. Years later, however, the same team discovered an eighth factor, one that proved more important than all the others: social connection.When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, we shake off infections more quickly and our blood pressure drops. We are less likely to have Alzheimer's, heart attacks or strokes. When people feel that they have strong social support, they perform better on tests of mental focus, memory and problem solving. Greater connection can fuel creativity, increase our financial stability and enhance our work productivity. But making friends can also be daunting.In The Laws of Connection, David Robson does two important things: he takes us through the fascinating science behind the effects of social connection and he unpacks the research that shows that we are all better at being social than we might think. We meet ideas such as 'the liking gap' and 'the gratitude gap', learn to recognise 'frenemies' and discover a powerful conversational strategy known as the 'fast-friends procedure' that promotes instant rapport. Being social doesn't have to mean having dozens of friends, it can also mean having one true, deep connection with another person. As Robson shows, we can all benefit from the laws of connection.

NOW WITH FAQS EXCLUSIVE TO THE PAPERBACKThere is one key factor affecting health and long life that is more important than any other: social connection.When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, our blood pressure drops and we are less likely to have Alzheimer's, heart attacks or strokes. We perform better on tests of mental focus, memory and problem solving. Strong social connection can even fuel creativity, increase our financial stability and enhance our work productivity. But making friends can also be daunting. In The Laws of Connection, David Robson unpacks the science behind this effect and introduces us to simple strategies to promote instant rapport and sustain lifelong, meaningful relationships.

This is a story of two brothers, Geoffrey and Bevis, and their exquisite gardens, Brief and Lunuganga, set in the lush tropical landscape of Sri Lanka. It begins with a largely photographic overview of the country’s natural features, showing the varied palette of landscapes that inspired Bawa’s sensitive treatment of architecture. At the very heart of the book is an intimate portrait of two gloriously detailed gardens and the personalities that brought them into being. But it is also a story about the nature and landscape of an island of exceptional beauty. As such, the book has something to offer followers of Geoffrey Bawa, tropical-garden enthusiasts and to all those seeking a photographic portrait of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and the buildings he created have become legendary in the region and influential around the world. Few architects achieved his harmonious fusion of local building traditions with modern forms and sensibility Bawa's early works were houses that artfully married vernacular styles and responses to climate and site with a modern architectural vocabulary. Soon his talents were applied on a larger scale, to the Sri Lanka parliament, a number of carefully situated and designed hotels, schools, offices and other public buildings. The summation of his oeuvre is symbolized by his own two residences – a house in Colombo and a residential complex in Lunuganga – whose evolution eloquently reflect Bawa’s career and personality. This ambitious publication is a comprehensive documentation and appreciation of Geoffrey Bawa and his work and includes a rich portfolio of his most important works, including some rarely published projects. An exhaustive reference section includes a complete chronology.

Humanity is entranced by the idea of Heaven and Hell; two places that guide our behaviors if we value what they represent. Hell''s domain is ruled by the character that evokes horror in the imagination. This book explores whether the devil exists, and how cults and the occult work to manifest the devil and its powers.

This beautifully illustrated book showcases the work of one of Sri Lanka's most influential architects, Anjalendran, an ethnic Tamil architect, designer and visionary artist.Working throughout decades of profound change in Sri Lanka, Anjalendran created an architecture that has attracted admiration across South Asia and beyond. In Anjalendran, architectural historian David Robson explores the life, work and unique vision of this remarkable architect. Anjalendran's buildings possess a simple directness and quiet elegance. While thoroughly modern in spirit, they draw deeply from Sri Lanka's rich architectural traditions. Whether designing private residences, hotels or community projects such as SOS Children's Village orphanages, his work extends beyond architecture to encompass landscape design, furniture and interior details.Equally fascinating is the way Anjalendran practices. Working from home with a small team of assistants, he has built an influential career outside the conventions of modern architectural practice. His highly personal approach and close relationships with clients have become an integral part of his creative process.Featuring stunning color photography by Waruna Gomis, architectural plans and behind-the-scenes insights, this landmark volume—the first and only book devoted to Anjalendran—offers an intimate look at one of South Asia's most distinctive architectural voices and the enduring legacy of contemporary Sri Lankan design.

The brutal abduction and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till on August 28, 1955, shocked the country and brought national attention to the racial injustice prevalent in Mississippi. This book details the investigation into the Emmett Till murder. Students will learn about the specialists involved and the techniques they used to solve case. Includes sidebars containing first-person accounts.

The Pew Research Center states that about six-in-ten African-Americans believe that race relations are generally bad. A majority, 88 percent, of these Americans think that the country needs to make further changes towards equality, but about half of those same Americans are skeptical that there will be forward movement. This necessary edition tackles the varied issues surrounding racism. Chapters discuss what motivates racism, how to fight it, and how to prevent it in the future.

For decades, television news remained dominated by white, male faces. But over the last 20 years, American broadcast journalism has increasingly reflected the diversity of the nation itself. Soledad O''Brien, biracial daughter of an Afro-Cuban mother and Australian father, first found fame as one beautiful TV reporter among many. But the Harvard graduate wanted to be taken seriously. From her early career at NBC to her star-making turn on CNN''s American Morning, Soledad has exuded a sharp intelligence and a determination to ask the right questions and share the most intriguing stories of her generation. Yet for all her professionalism and promise, Soledad''s career in the fickle world of TV news has sometimes met with tragedy and disappointment. The death of colleague David Bloom in Iraq and, later, her sudden firing from CNN''s American Morning put her career in a temporary tailspin. Through it all, she has remained a vital media force by taking on special projects that make a difference, including Children of the Stormy Black in America, and Black in America 2. This new biography offers an in-depth portrait of one of today''s most valued TV journalists.

In a music industry where one-hit wonders come and go, Prince, son of a black father and a white mother, is a long-running exception. With his monster guitar work, suggestive songs, and a fashion sense that is all his own, this biracial achiever has spent over thirty years as a pop culture icon. His albums Purple Rain, Sign "O" the Times, and Musicology set new standards for pop music showmanship. His work in filmmaking and multimedia proved him to be one of the more progressive artists in the business, all the while earning him millions of dollars and legions of avid fans. Yet Prince''s prodigious talents have sometimes fallen victim to his excesses and obsessions. Explicit lyrics and squabbles with record executives are but two of the more controversial chapters in a long and rich career. Through it all, Prince has forged an extraordinary musical legacy and brought fans of all races together to enjoy his unique combination of rock, funk, and R&B. This new biography offers an in-depth look at a living legend and explores his genius through interviews as well as his timeless music.

This beautifully illustrated book showcases the works of one of Sri Landa''s most influential architects—Anjaledran, an ethnic Tamil and visionary artist. During the past 25 years of civil war in Sri Lanka, Anjalendran has stayed on, creating architecture that has attracted interest across the entire Indian subcontinent. In Anjalendran, David Robson explores this unique man and his uncommon vision. Anjalendran''s buildings have a simple directness, and although totally modern in spirit, they acknowledge the rich design traditions of Sri Lanka. Whether working with ample budgets or at rock bottom cost (like his SOS Children''s Village orphanages), his work focuses not only on creative buildings, but—a la Frank Lloyd Wright—also their landscaping, furniture and decoration.Just as interesting as the architecture is the process by which Anjalendran works—:from home, never employing more than four student assistants, with no office, no secretary, no car and no cell phone. He operates without a bank account and has never signed a contract with either a client or a builder. With stunning color photographs, plan details and behind-the-scenes insights, Anjalendran sheds light on the works of this exceptional man.

The Nazi campaign against Jewish people living in their territories began slowly, with the gradual erosion of their rights to own property, hold a job, or marry non-Jews. These indignities intensified over time, eventually culminating in the establishment of work camps, also known as concentration or death camps such as Auschwitz. Full-color photographs, a detailed timeline, and excerpts from primary sources offer an in-depth look at the Nazis’ rise to power, allowing readers to think critically about the warning signs of a society on the brink of crisis.

This book answers some important questions about Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s pre-eminent architect, and his legacy. A sizeable introductionto Bawa’s world, life, education and work is reviewed by eminent Bawa scholar, David Robson. This precedes a site-by-site tour of 45 of his buildings scatterd throughout Sri Lanka, Many are considered 'pilgrimage sites' by up-and-coming architects, designers and lay people interested in his extraordinary and enduring talent. Insightful texts, contemporary and archive photographs and a plethora of drawings illustrate the individual buildings that range from private dwellings to public buildings, schools and hotels. Each is representative of Bawa’s pioneering work on tropical modernism. The book ends with a brief section on buildings that have been transformed, lost or are at risk for one reason or another

WINNER OF THE BRITISH PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY AWARD 2022A SUNDAY TIMES BEST PAPERBACK OF 2023 A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEKA FINANCIAL TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2022: HEALTH AND WELLBEINGA WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2022: POPULAR SCIENCE---People who believe ageing brings wisdom live longer.Lucky charms really do improve an athlete's performance.Taking a placebo, even when you know it is a placebo, can still improve your health.Welcome to The Expectation Effect.David Robson takes us on a tour of the cutting-edge research happening right now that suggests our expectations shape our experience. Of course, you can't just think yourself thinner, happier or fitter, but using this book you can reframe many different facets of your life. These easy-to-use skills will help you on your way to becoming the person you want to be, living the life you want to live.