In "The Thing Which Has No Name," Rory Sutherland delves into the hidden influences of human behavior that shape our decisions beyond logic and reason. With a blend of wit and insight, he challenges conventional wisdom, revealing how our emotions and subconscious desires often override rational thought. Drawing on psychology and marketing, he illustrates the significance of understanding the unseen forces at play in our daily lives. This thought-provoking exploration invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of value and choice. Can understanding the intangible help us navigate a world dominated by the tangible?
By Rory Sutherland
Published: 2019
""In a world filled with measurable metrics, sometimes the most profound truths lie in the unquantifiable. The things which have no name often hold the greatest power over our hearts and minds.""
To be brilliant, you have to be irrational Why is Red Bull so popular - even though everyone hates the taste? Why do countdown boards on platforms take away the pain of train delays? And why do we prefer stripy toothpaste? We think we are rational creatures. Economics and business rely on the assumption that we make logical decisions based on evidence. But we aren't, and we don't. In many crucial areas of our lives, reason plays a vanishingly small part. Instead we are driven by unconscious desires, which is why placebos are so powerful. We are drawn to the beautiful, the extravagant and the absurd - from lavish wedding invitations to tiny bottles of the latest fragrance. So if you want to influence people's choices you have to bypass reason. The best ideas don't make rational sense- they make you feelmore than they make you think. Rory Sutherland is the Ogilvy advertising legend whose TED Talks have been viewed nearly 7 million times. In his first book he blends cutting-edge behavioural science, jaw-dropping stories and a touch of branding magic, on his mission to turn us all into idea alchemists.
Showing 8 of 26 similar books
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.
Vinod Khosla is an Indian-American venture capitalist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, one of the companies that helped drive the development of the internet. Khosla is the founder of Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology and energy. He is known for his bold approach to investing, often backing companies working on breakthrough technologies in areas like renewable energy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Khosla is a vocal advocate for using technology to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. His visionary approach to investing has made him one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley.
Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for his best-selling books The Tipping Point, Outliers, and Blink. Gladwell’s work often explores the hidden patterns behind success, decision-making, and social phenomena, using storytelling to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. He has written extensively for The New Yorker and hosts the popular podcast Revisionist History, where he reexamines overlooked or misunderstood events in history. Gladwell is known for his ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provoke new ways of thinking about human behavior and societal trends.
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.
Sam Altman is an American entrepreneur, programmer, and investor, best known as the former president of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has launched numerous successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Reddit. Altman himself is a co-founder of OpenAI, an organization focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. He has been a leading voice in the tech world, advocating for responsible innovation and the ethical use of AI. Under his leadership, Y Combinator grew into one of the most influential organizations in Silicon Valley, helping to fund and mentor early-stage startups. Altman’s blog and writings are widely read in the tech community, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of AI. He has also been involved in several philanthropic ventures and continues to influence the tech world through his investments and thought leadership. His work at OpenAI has put him at the forefront of discussions about the future of artificial intelligence.
Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.
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.
Raoul Pal is a British economist, investment strategist, and co-founder of Real Vision, a financial media company that provides in-depth analysis of global markets and economies. Pal is known for his insights on macroeconomics, cryptocurrency, and investment trends, often sharing his expertise through interviews, reports, and documentaries. Before founding Real Vision, Pal worked at Goldman Sachs and managed a global macro hedge fund. He is a strong advocate for decentralized finance (DeFi) and frequently discusses the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. His forward-thinking perspectives on finance have earned him a large following among investors and financial professionals.
Showing 8 of 10 related collections
“"In a world filled with measurable metrics, sometimes the most profound truths lie in the unquantifiable. The things which have no name often hold the greatest power over our hearts and minds."”
The Thing Which Has No Name
By Rory Sutherland
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Rory Sutherland is a British advertising executive, author, and influential thinker known for his work in behavioral economics and creativity in marketing. As the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, he has developed innovative campaigns that blend psychological insights with creative strategies. Sutherland is the author of 'Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life,' which explores the unconventional approaches to problem-solving and challenges conventional wisdom in business. He is known for his engaging writing style that combines wit, humor, and keen observation, making complex ideas accessible to a wider audience.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman unveils the dual systems of thought that shape our decisions: the instinctive, rapid “fast” thinking and the deliberate, analytical “slow” thinking. Through captivating anecdotes and groundbreaking research, he reveals how these systems can lead us astray, clouding our judgment and fueling cognitive biases. Kahneman delves into the profound implications of our mental shortcuts, exploring how they influence everything from consumer behavior to economic choices. As he navigates the intricate landscape of human thought, readers are challenged to confront the hidden algorithms that govern their lives. Prepare to reconsider your everyday decisions as you uncover the fascinating interplay between intuition and reasoning.
In "The Psychology of Money," Morgan Housel unravels the complex relationship between our emotions and financial decisions. Through captivating anecdotes and profound insights, he reveals that wealth isn't just about numbers, but about behavior and mindset. The book challenges conventional wisdom, urging readers to understand the subtle psychological forces that influence our spending and saving habits. Housel's reflections highlight the power of patience, humility, and a long-term perspective in building true financial success. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about money and its role in your life!
In "Nudge," behavioral economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein unveil the subtle art of influencing choices and shaping outcomes without restricting freedom. They explore how small, seemingly insignificant changes in the way options are presented can lead to drastically improved decisions in health, finance, and overall happiness. With compelling real-world examples and engaging insights, the authors demonstrate how understanding human psychology can empower individuals and policymakers alike. Dive into a world where choice architecture transforms lives and reshapes society's approach to welfare. Discover the hidden nudges that could change everything about the way we choose!
In 'Good to Great', Jim Collins explores what it takes for companies to surpass mediocrity and achieve enduring greatness. Through rigorous research, he identifies key principles that distinguish successful businesses from their less successful counterparts. The book introduces the concept of the "Hedgehog Concept" — a simple, yet profound idea that lies at the heart of each great organization's success. Readers will be fascinated by the surprising findings on leadership, discipline, and cultural alignment that drive greatness. This insightful guide challenges conventional wisdom and offers transformative lessons that can be applied to any endeavor.
In 'Originals', Adam Grant explores the traits and habits of those who dare to challenge the status quo. He delves into the psychology behind innovation, revealing how creative thinkers cultivate ideas that can reshape industries. The book is packed with research-backed insights and compelling stories of nonconformists who made a difference. Grant's engaging narrative encourages readers to embrace their originality and take calculated risks. Will you be inspired to unleash your inner original and change the world?
In "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion," renowned psychologist Robert Cialdini unveils the hidden forces that drives our decisions. Through captivating anecdotes and groundbreaking research, he introduces six key principles of persuasion that shape everyday interactions. From the power of reciprocity to the allure of authority, Cialdini reveals how marketers, salespeople, and even friends subtly manipulate our choices. As you navigate the complexities of influence, you'll discover how to recognize and harness these tactics for your own benefit. Prepare to question your instincts and master the art of persuasion—are you ready to see behind the curtain?
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace awakens alone on a spaceship, the sole survivor of a mission to save humanity from an impending disaster. With no memory of how he got there, he discovers he must engage with a mysterious alien species to find a solution. Each twist presents harrowing challenges that test his ingenuity and resolve. As he unravels the secrets of the universe, he must race against time and the odds to secure mankind's survival. This gripping sci-fi tale blends suspense and humor, inviting readers to join an adventure that is as much about friendship as it is about science.
In 'The Social Animal', Joshua and Elliot Aronson explore the psychological and social forces shaping human behavior through rich anecdotes and groundbreaking research. The authors take readers on a journey through the intricacies of love, hate, and the powerful influence of social contexts on individual decisions. Juxtaposing captivating storytelling with scientific insights, they unravel the complexities of conformity, prejudice, and self-identity. This thought-provoking exploration challenges our understanding of what it means to be human in a social world. Prepare to question your beliefs and see the connections between psychology and everyday life like never before.