Talking to Strangers
In 'Talking to Strangers', Malcolm Gladwell delves into the complexities of human interactions and the misunderstandings that often arise when we connect with those we don't know. Through compelling stories and case studies, he reveals how our assumptions about strangers can lead to misjudgments, including in critical situations. Gladwell uncovers the psychology behind trust, deception, and the often flawed perceptions we have of others. This thought-provoking exploration challenges readers to reconsider how they engage with unfamiliar people in their lives. Are we really as adept at reading strangers as we believe, or are we only fooling ourselves?
By Malcolm Gladwell
Published: 2019
Start Listening
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
You might also like →
The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel
The Undoing Project
Michael Lewis
Confidence Game
Christine S. Richard
Swimming Across
Andrew S. Grove
Invisible Cities
Italo Calvino
More from Less
Andrew McAfee
That's What She Said
Joanne Lipman
The Elephant in the Brain
Kevin Simler, Robin Hanson
The Other Side of Silence
Philip Kerr
Symmetry
Hermann Weyl
The Social Leap
William von Hippel
Behave
Robert M. Sapolsky
Wonder
R. J. Palacio
The Blank Slate
Steven Pinker
Hold 'em Poker for Advanced Players
David Sklansky, Mason Malmuth
Lost and Founder
Rand Fishkin
Letters to a Young Poet
Rainer Maria Rilke
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big
Scott Adams
The Gay Science
Friedrich Nietzsche
The Warmth of Other Suns
Isabel Wilkerson
Foucault's Pendulum
Umberto Eco
My Body
Emily Ratajkowski
The Origins and History of Consciousness
Erich Neumann
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
John Kenneth Galbraith
User Story Mapping
Jeff Patton, Peter Economy
Clean and Lean for Life
James Duigan
Book Collections you might like →
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations
Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View Collection
Andrew Lokenauth's Book Recommendations
Andrew Lokenauth is a distinguished author and financial expert known for his insightful contributions to personal finance and investment literature. With a career spanning over a decade, he has written extensively on topics such as wealth management, financial planning, and market analysis. Lokenauth's works are celebrated for their clarity and practical advice, making complex financial concepts accessible to a broad audience. He has been featured in numerous financial publications and has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. Beyond his writing, Lokenauth is also a sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise at various seminars and workshops.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations
Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, where he gained fame for his satirical take on news and politics. Stewart transformed The Daily Show into a critical voice in American media, blending humor with hard-hitting commentary on political and social issues. After stepping down from the show, Stewart has continued to advocate for causes like 9/11 first responders and veterans' rights. He is also a filmmaker, directing the political satire film Irresistible. Stewart remains a significant figure in American culture, known for his wit, activism, and influence on political discourse.
View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations
James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.
View Collection
Elizabeth Warren's Book Recommendations
Elizabeth Warren is an American politician, author, and former law professor, serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Known for her advocacy of consumer protection, economic reform, and progressive policies, Warren has been a leading voice in American politics, particularly on issues related to income inequality and Wall Street regulation. She was a key architect of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and has authored several books on economic policy. Warren ran for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election and remains a significant figure in the progressive movement.
View Collection
Emily Ratajkowski's Book Recommendations
Emily Ratajkowski is a renowned model, actress, and author, who gained prominence in the entertainment industry through her work in fashion and film. She made a significant literary contribution with her debut book, "My Body," published in 2021, which explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment. The book received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid examination of her experiences in the public eye. Ratajkowski's writing has been praised for its depth and honesty, shedding light on the complexities of body politics and personal agency. Beyond her literary endeavors, she continues to use her platform to advocate for women's rights and social justice.
View Collection
Patrick Bet-David's Book Recommendations
Patrick Bet-David is an Iranian-American entrepreneur, author, and CEO of the media company Valuetainment. He is best known for his books "Your Next Five Moves" and "Drop Out and Get Schooled," which offer strategic insights and motivational guidance for aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs. Bet-David's work has garnered a large following due to his practical advice and inspirational personal story, from fleeing Iran as a child to building a successful career in the United States. Through his writings and YouTube channel, he has influenced countless individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and improve their strategic thinking. His contributions to literature and media have made him a prominent thought leader in the business community.
View Collection
David Kadavy's Book Recommendations
David Kadavy is an author, podcast host, and creativity expert, best known for his books The Heart to Start and Design for Hackers, where he explores the intersection of creativity, productivity, and design. Kadavy's work focuses on helping creators overcome procrastination, build meaningful habits, and find motivation to pursue their creative projects. He is also the host of the Love Your Work podcast, where he interviews high-performing individuals across various fields about their creative processes and productivity techniques. Kadavy’s insights stem from his own experiences as a designer and entrepreneur, offering practical advice on how to break through mental blocks and create with intention. His work emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, creativity, and a minimalist approach to both design and life. Kadavy’s books and podcast have garnered a global audience, positioning him as a thought leader in the realms of personal development and creative success.
View Collection
Brendon Burchard's Book Recommendations
Brendon Burchard is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, best known for his books High Performance Habits and The Motivation Manifesto. He helps individuals and organizations achieve peak performance through strategies focused on clarity, energy, and productivity. Brendon’s work emphasizes the importance of personal growth and developing habits that lead to sustained success. He has coached Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympians, and other high-achieving individuals. Brendon is also the founder of the High Performance Academy, where he trains people to lead more impactful and successful lives.
View Collection
Alex Hormozi's Book Recommendations
Alex Hormozi is a celebrated entrepreneur, author, and founder of Acquisition.com, a company dedicated to helping businesses scale efficiently. He gained prominence with his best-selling book "Gym Launch Secrets," which provides a blueprint for fitness entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Hormozi is also known for "The Million Dollar Offers" book, where he shares strategies on creating irresistible offers that drive sales. His work has significantly impacted the business community, providing practical insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Through his books and business ventures, Hormozi continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their journey to success.
View Collection
Eric Schmidt's Book Recommendations
Eric Schmidt is an American business executive, software engineer, and former CEO of Google and its parent company, Alphabet. With a PhD in computer science, Schmidt brought a wealth of technical knowledge to his leadership roles, guiding Google through its transformation from a startup to a tech giant. Schmidt joined Google in 2001 when the company was still in its early stages, and under his leadership, Google expanded its products and services, from search engines to Android, YouTube, and cloud computing. Schmidt was instrumental in shaping the company's culture, focusing on innovation, and allowing engineers the freedom to explore new ideas. After stepping down as CEO in 2011, he served as Google's executive chairman and later Alphabet's, contributing to strategic decisions and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Schmidt is also a philanthropist, focusing on technology education, sustainability, and global policy issues. His work on artificial intelligence and its impact on society continues to be influential.
View Collection
Daniel Kahneman's Book Recommendations
Daniel Kahneman is a renowned psychologist and Nobel laureate, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field of behavioral economics. He co-authored the seminal book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," which explores the dual systems of thought and has profoundly influenced both psychology and economics. Kahneman's research, particularly his collaboration with Amos Tversky on prospect theory, challenged the traditional rational model of decision-making and earned him the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002. His contributions have reshaped our understanding of human judgment, decision-making, and the nature of happiness. Kahneman continues to be a leading voice in the study of cognitive biases and heuristics.
View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View CollectionFrequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.