Episode · The Mel Robbins Podcast · 2025-09-29

Books mentioned on This Shocking Truth About Other People Will Change Your Life

3 books · With Dr. Todd Rose · Listen · Watch on YouTube

What if the world became a better place by becoming better, more authentic versions of ourselves? Despite what the headlines and social media might suggest, we’re not as divided as we think.

Mel Robbins discussed Collective Illusions by Todd Rose. Todd Rose recommended The Power of the Powerless by Václav Havel, and discussed Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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  1. Collective Illusions

    Todd Rose · at 11:56

    Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions by Todd Rose explores the psychological and social mechanisms that drive people to suppress their true beliefs in order to conform to perceived group norms.

    Discussed
    “One of the terms I'd love to have you talk a little bit about is this uh term collective illusions. It's the title of your best-selling book.”
    Where to get it
  2. Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

    Nathaniel Branden · at 56:09

    Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden is a comprehensive psychological guide that outlines foundational practices for building and maintaining healthy self-esteem.

    Discussed
    “And I happened upon a book called the six pillars of self-esteem by Nathaniel Brandon said self-esteem is not something you can directly act on.”
    Where to get it
  3. The Power of the Powerless

    Václav Havel · at 1:16:18

    The Power of the Powerless by Václav Havel is a profound political essay and manifesto examining life under totalitarian systems, the mechanics of ideological illusions, and how ordinary individuals can reclaim personal dignity through living in truth.

    Recommended
    “He wrote a manifesto about this called the power of the powerless. That is will chill you to the bones.”
    Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Plugged Collective Illusions
“So where I want to start is you write a lot in your bestselling book, Collective Illusions, about the fact that we are fundamentally wired to conform.”