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Personality

What Makes You the Way You Are

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About this listen

Written by Daniel Nettle - author of the popular book Happiness - this brief volume takes the listener on an exhilarating tour of what modern science can tell us about human personality. Revealing that our personalities stem from our biological makeup, Nettle looks at the latest findings from genetics and brain science, and considers the evolutionary origins and consequences of different personalities. The heart of the book sheds light on the "big five": Extraversion, Neuroticism, Conscientious, Agreeableness, and Openness. Using a stimulating blend of true-life stories and scientific research, Nettle explains why we have something deep and consistent within us that determines the choices we make and situations we bring about. He addresses such questions as: Why do members of the same family differ so markedly in their natures? What is the best personality to have - a bold one or a shy one, an aggressive one or a meek one? And are you stuck with your personality, or can you change it?

Full of human wisdom as well as scientific insight, this book illuminates the pluses and minuses of personality, offering practical advice about living with the nature you were born with. It even includes a questionnaire so that you can assess yourself.

©2007 Daniel Nettle (P)2020 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books European Literary History & Criticism Psychology Psychology & Mental Health World Literature Mental Health Health Human Brain Personality Psychology
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Unapologetically from an evolutionary perspective, Nettle explains why 'The Big 5' personality traits are probably 'real', in that they do exist, are probably separate from each other, are significant in our lives, and at least 50% is hardwired.

For each one, he goes into detail about how those traits show themselves, and there's a helpful illustration using self-descriptions and life stories from people who have been separately typed. At the end, there is then a chapter looking at some possible sources of the 'other 50%', given that there is strong evidence that the contribution of shared environment - e.g. the home, the preferred source for many or most people - is zero. Finally some thoughts on what people can change, which was again useful in terms of thinking of 3 layers, of which the Big 5 are merely the bottom one.

Nettle is a researcher, and sounds like he understands the subject, and tries to show evidence, and some sense of how strong it is. Quite short and succinct.

Excellent description of Big 5 personality traits

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After you are done with this book, I promise you, they way you see yourself and those around you will be quite different. A perfect tool for better self knowledge! Both: the content and the performance are excellent!

Entertaining and very highly informative!

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A must-read for anyone interested in modern vision on personality and behaviour. I was hoping though to see some more about the link between these 5 traits and other models.

Clear, well written, amazingly informative

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Really good take on understanding personality and what influences it. It is well written and well read book and I really enjoyed listening to it. Thanks

Really good take on understanding personality

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I was curious about my personality and this book has some great insight into may aspects of personality, plus it's not so wordy I have to keep rewinding to mostly get whats being said. I feel better off for reading and felt very affirmed by the end :)

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