Will Storr author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Will Storr

Will Storr is a British author and journalist whose work explores storytelling, psychology, identity, belief and status. His notable books include Selfie, The Science of Storytelling and The Status Game. A Sunday Times bestselling writer, he has also won Amnesty International and One World awards for his human-rights reporting.

Biography & Author's Journey

In public biographies, Will Storr’s formal education is not foregrounded; the version of his early formation that emerges instead is of an English writer shaped less by an advertised academic pedigree than by practical apprenticeships in photography, reporting and longform journalism. Before becoming best known as an author of ideas, he worked as a photographer and reporter, publishing in outlets including the Guardian, the Sunday Times, the Observer, The New York Times and The New Yorker. That reporting took him across Latin America, Africa and remote Aboriginal communities in Australia, and it brought major recognition, including Amnesty International and One World awards for work on sexual violence against men, as well as an AIB award for a BBC documentary. ((https://janklowandnesbit.co.uk/authors/will-storr))

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Quotes

quote
Humans are innately driven to want to connect with other humans
-The Deal for Connection
quote
The human umwelt is story. We are the only species on Earth who process reality in the form of narrative
-Umwelt
quote
The core function of storytelling is to create a sense of shared reality
-Superorganism
quote
Storybeing simply recognises that a story isn’t something that we just tell; story is what we do
-Storybeing and Leadership
quote
That identity, our sense of morals, is of massive importance to us. People will often die on behalf of it
-Identity and Morality
quote
Brains are these prediction machines; they’re always trying to predict what’s going to happen next in the story of our lives
-How to Be a Better Storyteller
quote
Our storytelling brains are not interested in finding out what the truth is, they’re interested in defending the story that we tell about the world
-In Conversation with Will Storr
quote
The toxic lie that our culture gives us is that we can be anyone we want, do anything we want, but that’s never been true
-Selfie: new book explores how we became so self-obsessed
quote
I always want to become invisible to them
-Writing Revealing Stories Based on Unreliable Sources

Discover more

The Science of Self and Social Influence
LEARNING PLAN

The Science of Self and Social Influence

This plan bridges the gap between evolutionary biology and modern social psychology to help individuals regain control over their minds. It is ideal for professionals and leaders who want to master their internal emotional state while navigating complex social dynamics.

1 h 12 m3 Sections
The Will to Power and Self-Mastery
LEARNING PLAN

The Will to Power and Self-Mastery

This plan is essential for individuals seeking to break free from societal conditioning and reclaim their personal narrative. It is designed for those who want to master their internal impulses and transform their lives through the lens of existential philosophy and self-determination.

1 h 12 m3 Sections
Storytelling
LEARNING PLAN

Storytelling

In an information-dense world, the ability to craft a narrative that resonates is a critical professional advantage. This plan is designed for writers, business leaders, and creatives who want to move beyond basic plots to master the architecture of emotional connection.

5 h 3 m4 Sections
status game
LEARNING PLAN

status game

Status dynamics affect every interaction we have—from career advancement and leadership effectiveness to personal relationships and social confidence. This learning plan is essential for professionals seeking leadership roles, entrepreneurs building influence, and anyone wanting to understand and navigate the invisible social hierarchies that shape our world. Whether you're looking to advance your career, improve your social skills, or simply understand human behavior at a deeper level, mastering status dynamics gives you a crucial advantage.

5 h 9 m4 Sections
Study narrative theory & story history
LEARNING PLAN

Study narrative theory & story history

This learning plan is essential for anyone who wants to understand the profound power of storytelling—from writers and content creators to educators, marketers, and leaders. By combining historical context, psychological insights, and practical techniques, you'll gain a comprehensive framework for both analyzing existing narratives and crafting compelling stories that truly resonate with audiences.

5 h 19 m4 Sections
Best Self: Stoicism, CBT & Dark Psych Podcast
LEARNING PLAN

Best Self: Stoicism, CBT & Dark Psych Podcast

This plan bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern clinical psychology to build an impenetrable mindset. It is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their emotional intelligence, protect their mental boundaries, and achieve peak psychological performance.

5 h 20 m4 Sections
The Inner Citadel: Stoic Resilience
LEARNING PLAN

The Inner Citadel: Stoic Resilience

In an era of constant digital noise and uncertainty, this plan offers a practical framework for mental sovereignty. It is ideal for professionals and individuals seeking to build emotional stability and focus through the timeless principles of Stoic philosophy.

2 h4 Sections
The Architecture of Your Internal Fictions
LEARNING PLAN

The Architecture of Your Internal Fictions

This plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the neurobiological roots of perception and selfhood. It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, creatives, and self-trackers who want to bridge the gap between brain science and personal narrative.

1 h 30 m3 Sections

Community Voices

"Will Storr is one of our best journalists of ideas"

The Times

"Will Storr is an unusually talented and insightful writer, and his book is about to change the way you communicate"

Adam Grant

"I've come to consider Will Storr the best writer out there on human experience and psychology"

Sophie Scott

"Will Storr is one of my favourite writers. He's whip smart, insightful and ridiculously entertaining"

Jimmy Carr

"Will Storr crafts an entertaining history of the self, from Narcissus to Kardashian to Trump"

Observer

"Will Storr has written a masterful guide to writing"

Big Think

"Will Storr is a genius. I would happily read a shopping list by him"

Rory Sutherland

"Will Storr has written an essential book for understanding, and coping with, the 21st century"

Nathan Hill

"Both veteran and budding storytellers will learn a great deal from Will Storr's pages"

Kirkus

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