David Robson author photo

David Robson

David Robson is a British science writer focused on psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and human behaviour. A former New Scientist editor and BBC journalist, he wrote The Intelligence Trap, The Expectation Effect, and The Laws of Connection. His work has won science-journalism honors, and The Intelligence Trap has been translated into fifteen languages. ((https://us.macmillan.com/author/davidrobson))

传记与作者历程

David Robson is a British science writer whose work sits at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, health, and behavior. His interest in the subject began early: he has traced part of it to the IQ test he took for entry to secondary school, an experience that later fed his scrutiny of how societies define intelligence. After reading mathematics at Cambridge University, he spent five years as a features editor at New Scientist and another five as a senior journalist at BBC Future, before broadening his bylines across outlets including the Guardian, the Atlantic, Aeon, Men’s Health, and the Washington Post. ((https://davidrobson.me/the-intelligence-trap-post/?utm_source=openai))

展开更多

名言

quote
It gives me the freedom to explore cutting-edge research and to discuss some mind-blowing ideas with some of the world’s most inspiring scientists, and to meet people with some truly extraordinary (and sometimes heart-breaking) experiences
-Welcome!
quote
Having written a book about our most common reasoning errors, I would argue that Twain was being rather uncharitable – to monkeys
-How to win a political argument
quote
But psychological science has revealed many other reasons that people fail to use their intelligence – and by knowing them we can all learn to avoid them
-What is the intelligence trap? A taxonomy of stupidity
quote
While others diligently follow the same convoluted path, people with the strategic mindset are constantly looking for a more efficient route forwards
-The Strategic Mindset, the Batman Effect, and more
quote
In the long-term, these expectations can become a powerful self-fulfilling prophecy – people with the “stress is enhancing” mindset are less likely to die of heart disease, even if they experience a high amount of stress in their daily lives, than people with the “stress is damaging” mindset
-Thinking like a Norwegian
quote
Humbler people learn quicker, and are better communicators and decision makers — and inspire better problem solving in their teams too
-Five ways to boost “collective intelligence”
quote
By outsourcing their “thinking” in this way, they are capable of much more complicated behaviours than you would expect from a typical invertebrate
-The mind in the web
quote
Whether you are trying to master a language, a sport, or a musical instrument, psychological research shows that your learning will benefit from so-called “desirable difficulties” and moments of confusion
-How to become a super-learner – whatever your IQ
quote
But the harsh truth is that unless you happen to be a famous film star, you are probably the last thing on their minds. And depending on how you feel about yourself, that fact is either depressing or deeply reassuring
-The psychological study to cure shyness
quote
Although recent scientific research hasn’t explicitly examined “misology”, Socrates’s term perfectly describes the growing distrust of expert judgement and reasoned debate
-Misology: the hatred of reason and argument

发现更多

The Science of Self-Control
学习计划

The Science of Self-Control

In an age of constant distraction, mastering the biological and psychological drivers of behavior is essential for personal growth. This plan is designed for professionals and students who want to move past impulsive reactions and build lasting discipline through neuroscientific principles.

37 m3 章节
The Neuropsychology of Self-Mastery
学习计划

The Neuropsychology of Self-Mastery

This plan bridges the gap between brain science and personal agency, offering a biological blueprint for self-regulation. It is essential for high-performers and leaders looking to overcome subconscious barriers and master their internal landscape.

30 m3 章节
Explore Neuro, Behavior & Memoirs
学习计划

Explore Neuro, Behavior & Memoirs

This learning plan bridges the gap between hard science and personal storytelling, offering a holistic view of what makes us human. It is ideal for curious minds, aspiring writers, and professionals seeking to understand the neurobiological roots of behavior and the art of narrative.

4 h 15 m4 章节
Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer
学习计划

Bio, Memoir, Neuroscience & Tech Explorer

This plan bridges the gap between human experience and scientific advancement, offering a unique look at how personal stories and neural architecture shape our world. It is ideal for curious minds, tech professionals, and lifelong learners eager to understand the future of the mind and machine.

5 h 7 m4 章节
Mind, Behavior & Life: Science & Stories
学习计划

Mind, Behavior & Life: Science & Stories

This plan bridges the gap between biological hardwiring and the narratives we tell ourselves. It is ideal for curious minds, leaders, and communicators looking to master the hidden drivers of human behavior through a scientific lens.

5 h 42 m4 章节
Neuroscience, Memoirs & Creative Inspiration
学习计划

Neuroscience, Memoirs & Creative Inspiration

This plan bridges the gap between biological science and personal narrative, offering a unique path to self-mastery. It is ideal for creative professionals, writers, and curious minds looking to optimize their brain's potential through the lens of neuroscience and storytelling.

4 h 7 m4 章节
Self, Health, Tech & Human Behavior Insights
学习计划

Self, Health, Tech & Human Behavior Insights

In an era of digital distraction and health misinformation, understanding the intersection of biology and psychology is essential for peak performance. This plan is designed for high-achievers and curious minds looking to optimize their physical health while mastering the behavioral triggers that drive human choice.

5 h 2 m4 章节
Self-Improvement, Science & Human Connection
学习计划

Self-Improvement, Science & Human Connection

This plan bridges the gap between biological science and personal development for anyone seeking a logic-based approach to growth. It is ideal for individuals who want to understand the 'why' behind their behavior and use neuroscience to improve their mental health and social connections.

4 h 51 m4 章节

社区声音

"Science writer David Robson has encouraging news for those who struggle to create meaningful bonds with others"

The Wall Street Journal

"David Robson offers a hopeful and entertaining take on why so many of us feel like islands in a sea of people"

Hal Hershfield

"David Robson uses science and stories to show the extent to which we are shaped by our beliefs"

Dr. Monty Lyman

"David Robson is one of my favorite science writers"

Vanessa Bohns

"And David Robson manages to take this research and organize it into a compelling playbook for a better life"

Gayle Allen

"David Robson makes a very persuasive case that what we expect has a significant material impact on our lives"

James Wallman

"As David Robson makes plain in this compelling book, the way we think about the world can profoundly shape how we navigate it"

Daniel Pink

"We’re six days into 2022 and The Expectation Effect by David Robson is already threatening to be book of the year"

Will Storr

"David Robson seamlessly and engagingly explores how what we expect to happen has a much larger role than we might have previously believed"

Melissa Hogenboom

关于此页面的常见问题

由哥伦比亚大学校友在旧金山创建

BeFreed 汇聚了全球超过 1,000,000 求知若渴的学习者

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
1.5K Ratings4.7
开启你的学习之旅,就是现在