Episode · The Mel Robbins Podcast · 2025-09-29
Books mentioned on This Shocking Truth About Other People Will Change Your Life
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.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Collective Illusions
Todd Rose's Collective Illusions examines the hidden disconnect between what people privately believe and what they publicly conform to, using data and sociological insights to explain how cultural myths persist.
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
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Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a comprehensive self-help book by Nathaniel Branden that outlines core practices for building and maintaining personal self-worth.
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
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The Power of the Powerless
The Power of the Powerless by Václav Havel is a profound anti-communist manifesto exploring how everyday individuals can challenge collective illusions and overcome oppression through personal truth and responsibility.
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
“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.”