Increase Your IQ
While there isn’t a single book that can magically add 20 points to your IQ, the right kind of reading can expand your mental capacity, sharpen your reasoning skills, and improve the way you process information. From neuroscience to problem-solving to critical thinking, these books are designed to challenge your brain and stretch your perspective.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
A Nobel Prize winner in economics, Kahneman explores the two systems of thought: fast, intuitive decision-making and slow, logical reasoning. This book strengthens your awareness of cognitive biases and helps you think more clearly in business and life.
- Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
Written by billionaire investor Ray Dalio, this book shares the mental frameworks he used to build Bridgewater Associates into one of the world’s largest hedge funds. It teaches you how to create decision-making systems that eliminate emotion and maximize logic.
- Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction by Philip E. Tetlock and Dan Gardner
Want to get better at predicting future trends in markets, business, or world events? This book reveals the habits and mental models of “superforecasters,” people who consistently outperform intelligence agencies and experts.
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
IQ isn’t everything. Persistence, resilience, and the ability to stick with difficult tasks are essential to long-term success. This book shows how grit plays a bigger role in achievement than raw talent.
- Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
A fascinating dive into memory training and mental performance. Foer explains how ordinary people can master extraordinary feats of recall, using techniques that date back to ancient Greece. A great read if you want to strengthen your memory.
- The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
Written by a chess prodigy turned martial arts champion, this book explores how to accelerate learning in any field. It’s about breaking down complex skills into manageable parts and mastering the process of improvement.
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Your brain power doesn’t just come from knowledge—it comes from focus. Newport explains how to cultivate “deep work,” the ability to concentrate intensely on cognitively demanding tasks, a superpower in today’s distracted world.
Final Thoughts
Boosting your IQ isn’t about memorizing trivia—it’s about strengthening your ability to think, focus, and adapt. These seven books provide mental workouts that sharpen your decision-making, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.
