A THE TIMES BEST SELF-HELP BOOK OF 2024
A WATERSTONES BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK OF 2024

In the early 1960s scientists at the University of California, Berkeley set out to establish the key factors affecting health and longevity. Their results, known as the 'Alameda 7', you already know: don't smoke, drink in moderation, sleep seven to eight hours a night, exercise, eat regular meals, maintain a moderate weight, eat breakfast. Years later, however, the same team discovered an eighth factor, one that proved more important than all the others: social connection.

When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, we shake off infections more quickly and our blood pressure drops. We are less likely to have Alzheimer's, heart attacks or strokes. When people feel that they have strong social support, they perform better on tests of mental focus, memory and problem solving. Greater connection can fuel creativity, increase our financial stability and enhance our work productivity. But making friends can also be daunting.

In The Laws of Connection, David Robson does two important things: he takes us through the fascinating science behind the effects of social connection and he unpacks the research that shows that we are all better at being social than we might think. We meet ideas such as 'the liking gap' and 'the gratitude gap', learn to recognise 'frenemies' and discover a powerful conversational strategy known as the 'fast-friends procedure' that promotes instant rapport. Being social doesn't have to mean having dozens of friends, it can also mean having one true, deep connection with another person. As Robson shows, we can all benefit from the laws of connection.

About the Author

David Robson is an award-winning science writer. His first book, The Intelligence Trap, has been translated into 15 languages and his second, The Expectation Effect, won the British Psychological Society Book Award and was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. Previously an editor at New Scientist and a senior journalist at BBC Future, Robson now writes for the Guardian, Observer, The Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

@d_a_robson | davidrobson.me

Reviews
In this rigorous and clearly written blend of research and practical tips, Robson makes the case that social contact is not just a nice-to-have in life, it is essential for our survival. The book offers reassurance to those who do not consider themselves to be a "people person". . . Full of wisdom and practical suggestions, the book is packed with useful information I had not read before * * The Times * *
In a world where we're inundated with articles telling us how to optimise our lives, The Laws of Connection is packed with practical, achievable and science-backed tips to help enhance our social worlds * * iNews * *
A fresh reminder of what most of us know but too quickly forget: there are few things more important in this life than how we forge ties to other humans -- NATASHA LUNN * * Red * *
Science writer David Robson has encouraging news for those who struggle to create meaningful bonds with others. The book's tone is upbeat [and] his claims are rooted in recent studies in psychology and neuroscience * * Wall Street Journal * *
The Laws of Connection is a beautiful trip through the science of human belonging, it is also profoundly useful for everyone and not just those who consider themselves lacking in social connection. David's book is both brilliantly fascinating and hugely recommended -- WILL STORR
This fascinating book will genuinely make you a better friend and colleague - and could even improve your social life. David Robson seamlessly weaves in interesting anecdotes and powerful take homes, which will help the loudest extrovert or quietest introvert build a better social world. A vital read for anyone who wants to get along with others in an ever-polarised world -- MELISSA HOGENBOOM
Robson dismisses the idea that it is possible to not be a "people person". It is our fear of not being liked that holds us back. So go to that party this weekend it might save your life -- MARIANNE POWER, 'Best Self-Help Books of 2024' * * The Times * *
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. It's a roadmap to overcoming social timidity and a science-based cure for misanthropy -- JUSTIN GREGG
David Robson is one of my favorite science writers. He strikes the perfect balance between scientific accuracy, engaging storytelling and practical relevance. 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 -- VANESSA BOHNS
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 -- LAUREN AGUIRRE



Book Information
ISBN 9781805300304
Author David Robson
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Canongate Books
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 525g
Dimensions(mm) 242mm * 155mm * 30mm