6+ Favorite Books on Critical Thinking and Decision-Making (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on critical thinking and decision-making (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
$10.99

In Predictably Irrational, Dan Ariely dives into the quirky ways our brains influence our decision-making, showing that we often act less rationally than we think. I found his insights about how we perceive value and the impact of free offers particularly eye-opening. The book is a fantastic introduction to behavioral economics, packed with relatable examples that make complex ideas easy to grasp. While some of his experiments might be a bit questionable, the overall message is clear: our irrational tendencies aren't necessarily bad, just something to keep in mind when making important choices. I truly enjoyed it!
Pros:
The book provides a great introduction to behavioral economics.
It helps readers understand the hidden forces behind their decisions.
The writing is easy to understand and very readable.
Cons:
Not a whole lot.
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01/27/2026 10:01 am GMT
Think by Simon Blackburn
$20.34

In Think by Simon Blackburn, the author tackles the big questions in life, like knowledge, consciousness, and justice, making philosophy accessible to anyone curious about these topics. I appreciated how Blackburn breaks down complex ideas and introduces key philosophers like Descartes and Kant, showing why their thoughts matter today. The book feels friendly and easy to follow, making it a solid choice for newcomers to philosophy. Honestly, I couldn't find anything I disliked about it—it's just a great read for those wanting to explore life's big questions without getting lost in jargon.
Pros:
Very approachable introduction to philosophy
Explores significant questions in life
Provides background on key philosophers
Cons:
Nothing - solid read.
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01/27/2026 10:02 am GMT
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
$13.15

In Blink, Malcolm Gladwell explores how quick judgments shape our decisions. He introduces the idea of thin-slicing, where our brains instinctively recognize patterns and assess situations, often without us even realizing it. While I found the stories and writing engaging—typical of Gladwell’s work—he also highlights the tricky side of intuition and how our unconscious and conscious minds can clash. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, and while it doesn’t have many flaws, it’s a solid addition to Gladwell’s impressive catalog.
Pros:
Engaging stories and writing style
Sets a new standard for non-fiction
Explores the power of intuition and decision-making
Cons:
Not a whole lot - solid Gladwell book.
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01/27/2026 05:03 pm GMT
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
$18.90

In The Road Less Stupid, Keith Cunningham focuses on practical tools for better thinking and decision-making in business. He emphasizes the importance of planning and minimizing risks to achieve lasting success. I appreciated how the book is packed with actionable advice rather than just theories. Cunningham outlines key concepts like identifying risks, creating effective systems, and setting aside time for thoughtful reflection. However, he does come off a bit self-important, which can be distracting. Overall, it’s a solid read for anyone looking to sharpen their decision-making skills.
Pros:
The book provides practical tools for effective decision-making.
It emphasizes the importance of thinking, planning, and minimizing risk.
The structure of Thinking Time helps reduce emotional reactions in decision-making.
Cons:
The author has a strong personality, which may detract from the reading experience.
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01/27/2026 01:02 am GMT
How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer
$19.09

In How We Decide, Jonah Lehrer dives into the science behind our decision-making processes, blending biology with psychology. He shakes up the idea that we always make choices rationally, showing how our emotions play a crucial role alongside logic. I appreciated how Lehrer uses real-life stories and experiments to illustrate his points about biases and the brain's reward systems. The book is a quick, engaging read, packed with practical insights on improving our decision-making skills. Honestly, I found nothing to criticize—it's a solid, enjoyable exploration of a fascinating topic.
Pros:
Explores the science of decision-making
Challenges focus on rational decision-making
Provides useful takeaways for improving decision-making skills
Cons:
Nothing - very well done.
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01/27/2026 04:00 am GMT
Farsighted by Steven Johnson
$20.44

In Farsighted, Steven Johnson tackles the tricky world of decision-making, exploring why it's so challenging and often unpredictable. I found his insights on how diverse perspectives can lead to better choices especially compelling. Johnson emphasizes that good decisions stem from a mix of viewpoints, which is a refreshing take on how teams operate. What really struck me was his focus on the quality of decisions over outcomes—something we often overlook. Overall, I loved this thought-provoking book; it left me feeling grateful for past decision-makers and eager to be more mindful in my own choices.
Pros:
Thought-provoking insights on decision-making
Provides helpful tools for better decisions
Emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making
Cons:
Nothing - great read
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01/27/2026 07:03 am GMT
Thinking, Fast and Slow

$12.99

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01/27/2026 01:03 pm GMT
Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading

$9.99

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01/27/2026 08:00 am GMT