Publishers Weekly
04/08/2024
“Social connection is one of the most important predictors of physical and mental health,” yet “few of us are getting enough of it,” according to this persuasive study from science writer Robson (The Intelligence Trap). Explaining how these health benefits arise, Robson notes that social connections form when two people establish a “shared reality” where each believes the other ”thinks and feels and interprets in broadly the same way as us.” He goes on to suggest that a “sense of being understood by others—and understanding them in return” underlies “the link between social connection and health.” With this theory as a springboard, Robson provides advice for strengthening one’s social network by bonding over “the... ways that your thoughts and feelings coincide” rather than superficial similarities. He also encourages readers to trust that others, “on average, will like you as much as you like them,” and maintain civility in moments of disagreement by displaying genuine interest in the other person’s viewpoint. Robson skillfully traces the benefits of social connection down to their psychological and neuroscientific roots without getting too mired in the science, and concludes chapters with specific “action points,” such as asking “why questions—which encourage broader insights—rather than how questions” in moments of conflict. Those struggling to reestablish social bonds in the wake of the pandemic will find Robson’s insights especially valuable. (June)
Hal Hershfield
"The Laws of Connection is the perfect antidote to modern-day isolation. With his trademark brilliance and nuance, David Robson offers a hopeful and entertaining take on why so many of us feel like islands in a sea of people and provides practical, evidenced-backed strategies for creating bridges, connecting to others, and living more socially fulfilled lives."
Rolf Dobelli
"The Intelligence Trap combines mesmerizing storytelling with groundbreaking new research about why having a high IQ can backfire. Essential reading for anyone who wants to think more clearly."
Lauren Aguirre
"Robson has distilled a vast amount of high-quality research into an engaging manual on what makes or breaks meaningful social connections. I was astonished at how many long-held assumptions we hold that are just plain wrong. In an era of increasing social isolation, The Laws of Connection is a necessary and timely book."
Vanessa Bohns
"David Robson is one of my favorite science writers. He strikes the perfect balance between scientific accuracy, engaging storytelling, and practical relevance. His latest book compiles the best advice to come out of the large body of research on interpersonal relations to offer a comprehensive roadmap for building connections and strengthening relationships. Whether you want to get better at small talk or at staying close to the important people in your life, this book provides tangible, scientifically vetted solutions."
Daniel Pink
Praise for David Robson:
“As David Robson makes plain in this compelling book, the way we think about the world can profoundly shape how we navigate it. Based in science and packed with smart advice, The Expectation Effect will expand your mind—and maybe even extend your life.
The Wall Street Journal
"Science writer David Robson has encouraging news for those who struggle to create meaningful bonds with others. In The Laws of Connection, he insists that people like and respect you more than you might think and that they are keenly interested in your deepest thoughts and feelings. Mr. Robson isn’t just being kind, although the book’s tone is upbeat. His claims are rooted in recent studies in psychology and neuroscience that social connection is vital to mental health and longevity."
Justin Gregg
"A brilliant book from a world class science synthesizer. The Laws of Connection is a masterful distillation of the latest research into the benefits of sociality. Robson unveils a series of practical, science-backed tips for forming and maintaining healthy relationships of all kinds; tips that will not just extend but possibly even save your life. Robson encourages us to be brave: talk to strangers, be quick to compliment, be vulnerable and honest, reconnect with lost friends, ask for help, forgive, apologize, and above all accept that social connection is as vital to our mental and physical health as food and water. It’s a roadmap to overcoming social timidity and a science-based cure for misanthropy."
Anna Rosling Rönnlund
"I loved The Intelligence Trap. As fun to read as it is fascinating, it celebrates the power of humility and curiosity. Everyone, especially intelligent people, should read this brilliant and important book."
Will Storr
A ceaselessly fascinating book written by one of our most consistently superb science writers. Its counter-intuitive argument, that intelligence is no inoculation against wrongness, explains so much about the fractious and baffling times in which we live."
Salon
A fascinating exploration of the ways in which our brains can sabotage or save us in our most challenging moments.
Gaia Vince
"A fascinating and enjoyable investigation of what intelligence is and isn’t, by one of the most exciting new voices in science writing. This thought-provoking and brilliantly researched guide to achieving true wisdom shows us how to be smarter—and how to protect ourselves from the cleverest fools."
New York Journal of Books
If you’re looking to make major or minor changes in your life, this book will help you leave the starting gate with positive expectations of success.
Gayle Allen
Made me realize that I’m leveraging far fewer of my brain’s features than I could be. What scientists are learning about the connections between the human brain and performance is incredible. And David Robson manages to take this research and organize it into a compelling playbook for a better life.
Gaia Vance
"A fascinating and enjoyable investigation of what intelligence is and isn’t, by one of the most exciting new voices in science writing. This thought-provoking and brilliantly researched guide to achieving true wisdom shows us how to be smarter—and how to protect ourselves from the cleverest fools."
