Dr. Daniel Crosby: The Psychology of Client Decision-Making Explained

In 'The Soul of Wealth', Dr. Daniel Crosby presents 50 short essays that delve into what wealth really is, emphasizing that true wealth encompasses friends, family, health, vocation, time, leisure, and other important aspects of life. The book offers practical advice on how to balance monetary wealth with soulful wealth, covering topics such as how spending reveals values, the role of money in buying happiness, creating a good financial plan, the limitations of willpower, and mastering delayed gratification. It is designed to challenge readers' thinking, rekindle forgotten truths, and empower them to adopt a new relationship with money.

Shankar Vedantam's "Useful Delusions" explores the power and paradox of self-deception in human behavior. The book examines how our brains often construct narratives that are not entirely accurate, yet serve important psychological functions. Vedantam delves into the ways in which these self-deceptions can both benefit and hinder us, influencing our decisions, relationships, and overall well-being. He uses scientific research and real-world examples to illustrate the complexities of self-perception and the role of self-deception in navigating the world. The book ultimately encourages a more nuanced understanding of the human mind and its capacity for both self-deception and self-awareness.

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].

In 'The Behavioral Investor', Dr. Daniel Crosby delves into the sociological, neurological, and psychological factors that impact investment decisions. The book is structured into four parts, starting with an exploration of the foundational biases and external pressures that affect investors. It then identifies four primary psychological tendencies related to ego, conservatism, attention, and emotion that drive investment behavior. The book provides practical measures to overcome these biases and introduces 'rules-based behavioral investing' (RBI) as an alternative to passive and active investing. Crosby emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature to make informed investment decisions and improve both financial and psychological wellbeing.

In this highly acclaimed book, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini explains the psychology behind why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically. The book outlines six universal principles of influence: Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity. The new and expanded edition includes a seventh principle, Unity, along with new research, insights, and examples. Cialdini uses memorable stories and relatable examples to make the subject accessible and easy to understand, helping readers become more skilled persuaders and defend themselves against unethical influence attempts.

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.