Fans pick 100 books like Unflattening

By Nick Sousanis,

Here are 100 books that Unflattening fans have personally recommended if you like Unflattening. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Doughnut Economics

By Kate Raworth,

Book cover of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author Of Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future from the Stanford d.school

From my list on help you design a better future.

By Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author

Why are we passionate about this?

We are the academic and creative directors at the Stanford d.school. Our students study design, but they really hope to navigate a world of unknowns and make their way to a better future. We believe the best way to do that is not to limit yourself to a single domain or area but to find new possibilities in the overlaps, patterns, and discoveries that linger between ideas. We love books that stretch us beyond the design domain and into new places of inspiration and investigation. The ones on our list have all delighted us with their ability to reframe our thinking about design, even though none are squarely about the topic.

Carissa and Scott's book list on help you design a better future

Book cover of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist Book cover of Thoughtless Acts?: Observations on Intuitive Design Book cover of Trust Book cover of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World Book cover of Unflattening

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Why did Carissa and Scott love this book?

Kate Rayworth speaks our language. This book explains how to develop an economy that takes human and planetary flourishing into account and, most importantly, explains how we might think differently to get there.

This is a 300-plus-page book about economics—to be honest, even we haven't finished it cover to cover—but we feel a little bit wiser and more hopeful every time we crack it open!

Doughnut Economics

By Kate Raworth,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Doughnut Economics as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Financial Times "Best Book of 2017: Economics"

800-CEO-Read "Best Business Book of 2017: Current Events & Public Affairs"

Economics is the mother tongue of public policy. It dominates our decision-making for the future, guides multi-billion-dollar investments, and shapes our responses to climate change, inequality, and other environmental and social challenges that define our times.

Pity then, or more like disaster, that its fundamental ideas are centuries out of date yet are still taught in college courses worldwide and still used to address critical issues in government and business alike.

That's why it is time, says renegade economist Kate Raworth,…

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Sand Talk

By Tyson Yunkaporta,

Book cover of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author Of Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future from the Stanford d.school

From my list on help you design a better future.

By Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author

Why are we passionate about this?

We are the academic and creative directors at the Stanford d.school. Our students study design, but they really hope to navigate a world of unknowns and make their way to a better future. We believe the best way to do that is not to limit yourself to a single domain or area but to find new possibilities in the overlaps, patterns, and discoveries that linger between ideas. We love books that stretch us beyond the design domain and into new places of inspiration and investigation. The ones on our list have all delighted us with their ability to reframe our thinking about design, even though none are squarely about the topic.

Carissa and Scott's book list on help you design a better future

Book cover of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist Book cover of Thoughtless Acts?: Observations on Intuitive Design Book cover of Trust Book cover of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World Book cover of Unflattening

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Why did Carissa and Scott love this book?

This is foundational work for anyone building, creating, or designing on the planet today.

If you care about the Earth, about other humans, or about other species, you need to read it. This book is about Indigenous thinking. We love that it is grounded in story, connection, and symbiosis with the natural world.

Sand Talk

By Tyson Yunkaporta,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Sand Talk as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner, Small Publishers' Adult Book of the Year, Australian Book Industry Awards 2020


This remarkable book is about everything from echidnas to evolution, cosmology to cooking, sex and science and spirits to Schrödinger’s cat.


Tyson Yunkaporta looks at global systems from an Indigenous perspective. He asks how contemporary life diverges from the pattern of creation. How does this affect us? How can we do things differently?


Sand Talk provides a template for living. It’s about how lines and symbols and shapes can help us make sense of the world. It’s about how we learn and how we remember. It’s about…

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  • Coming soon!

Trust

By Hernan Diaz,

Book cover of Trust

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author Of Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future from the Stanford d.school

From my list on help you design a better future.

By Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author

Why are we passionate about this?

We are the academic and creative directors at the Stanford d.school. Our students study design, but they really hope to navigate a world of unknowns and make their way to a better future. We believe the best way to do that is not to limit yourself to a single domain or area but to find new possibilities in the overlaps, patterns, and discoveries that linger between ideas. We love books that stretch us beyond the design domain and into new places of inspiration and investigation. The ones on our list have all delighted us with their ability to reframe our thinking about design, even though none are squarely about the topic.

Carissa and Scott's book list on help you design a better future

Book cover of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist Book cover of Thoughtless Acts?: Observations on Intuitive Design Book cover of Trust Book cover of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World Book cover of Unflattening

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Why did Carissa and Scott love this book?

This book is a work of fiction, but it lulls and twists you until you’re dizzy with reality. We love it because it brilliantly puts you through the same series of events but from a different character's perspective each time.

This is design–never forgetting that your lens is but one of many on the events in the surrounding world. And if you think reading fiction isn’t a great way to learn to design, stop thinking and start reading. Fiction is the ultimate tool for imagination.

Trust

By Hernan Diaz,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Trust as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Longlisted for the Booker Prize
The Sunday Times Bestseller

Trust is a sweeping, unpredictable novel about power, wealth and truth, set against the backdrop of turbulent 1920s New York. Perfect for fans of Succession.

Can one person change the course of history?

A Wall Street tycoon takes a young woman as his wife. Together they rise to the top in an age of excess and speculation. But now a novelist is threatening to reveal the secrets behind their marriage, and this wealthy man's story - of greed, love and betrayal - is about to slip from his grasp.

Composed of…

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Thoughtless Acts?

By Jane Fulton Suri,

Book cover of Thoughtless Acts?: Observations on Intuitive Design

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author Of Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future from the Stanford d.school

From my list on help you design a better future.

By Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Author

Why are we passionate about this?

We are the academic and creative directors at the Stanford d.school. Our students study design, but they really hope to navigate a world of unknowns and make their way to a better future. We believe the best way to do that is not to limit yourself to a single domain or area but to find new possibilities in the overlaps, patterns, and discoveries that linger between ideas. We love books that stretch us beyond the design domain and into new places of inspiration and investigation. The ones on our list have all delighted us with their ability to reframe our thinking about design, even though none are squarely about the topic.

Carissa and Scott's book list on help you design a better future

Book cover of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist Book cover of Thoughtless Acts?: Observations on Intuitive Design Book cover of Trust Book cover of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World Book cover of Unflattening

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley Why did Carissa and Scott love this book?

This book brings us joy and provokes our thoughts in equal measure. It's a picture book about looking, but the lack of words makes it even more profound for us.

Think of it as a field guide to not taking everyday things for granted. Each page is a life lesson in how the world we make makes us back with little, invisible nudges. (This one is out of print and can be hard to find, but remnants of it grace the interwebs. If you can’t find a copy, try doing an image search for “Thoughtless Acts.”)

Thoughtless Acts?

By Jane Fulton Suri,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Thoughtless Acts? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From IDEO, the global innovation and design firm responsible for such landmark products as Apple's first computer mouse, comes a primer in the observation method that keeps their practice human-centered and ever ingenious. People unconsciously perform ultraordinary actions every day, from throwing a jacket over a chair back to claim the seat, or placing something in the teeth when all hands are full. These "thoughtless acts" reveal the subtle but crucial ways people behave in a world not always perfectly tailored to their needs. Thoughtless Acts? is a collection of dozens of (often humorous) snapshots capturing such fleeting adaptations and…

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Negotiating While Black

By Damali Peterman,

Book cover of Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want

Elaine Lin Hering Author Of Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully

From my list on helping you realize you’re not the problem.

By Elaine Lin Hering Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve finally realized that you can’t outwork yourself out of systemic problems and that so many of the messages we receive have got the problem wrong. Growing up, I was taught to respect my elders. To defer to those who know what they are talking about. But just because someone says something with conviction doesn’t mean they are right. What we’ve been told is imposter syndrome could actually be imposter treatment, and it messes deeply with our sense of self. So even if I’ve taught at brand name institutions, at corporate heavyweights, and on six continents, I’m always seeking to learn.

Elaine's book list on helping you realize you’re not the problem

Book cover of But You Look So Normal: Lost and Found in a Hearing World Book cover of Decentering Whiteness in the Workplace: A Guide for Equity and Inclusion Book cover of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking Book cover of Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want Book cover of Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included)

Elaine Lin Hering Why did Elaine love this book?

So many books on negotiation and communication basically say, “Imitate me!” And then, if the author’s advice doesn’t work for you, you must be the problem. Damali’s book and approach are the ones I wish I had existed when I was at Harvard Law School and in the years after when I was teaching well-regarded negotiation frameworks but feeling like something was missing.

Reading Damali’s observation that what makes you different might just become your superpower was the “finally!” moment I’d been waiting for. Instead of telling you to be more like someone else, Damali models and lays out a way for you to be most effective—by being yourself. 

Negotiating While Black

By Damali Peterman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Negotiating While Black as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A real-world, one-of-a-kind resource for anyone who has ever been underestimated, overlooked, or misunderstood at the negotiating table.

There’s no shortage of negotiation books that advise you to “get to yes,” urge you to “never split the difference,” and push you to “ask for more.” But these one-size-fits-all negotiation techniques disregard the reality of our complex, multifaceted, multicultural world, where snap judgements are made based on perceived differences. When bias lies behind every negotiation, the only constant is you. Learn to leverage who you are—and gain the upperhand.

Negotiating While Black is the indispensable guide that lawyer and mediator Damali…

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Chatter

By Ethan Kross,

Book cover of Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It

Norman Farb Author Of Better in Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life

From my list on overcoming stress and getting unstuck in life.

By Norman Farb Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto who studies the social neuroscience of the self and human emotion, with a focus on how biases in self-representation shape emotional reactions that determine well-being. I am particularly interested in how cognitive training practices such as mindfulness meditation and yoga foster resilience against stress, reducing vulnerability to disorders such as depression. I’ve always wished we had better ways of communicating fascinating and important discoveries in neuroscience and mental health to a wider audience, so we combined our teaching experience in the fields of mindfulness, yoga, sports, and clinical psychology to write this book.

Norman's book list on overcoming stress and getting unstuck in life

Book cover of Infinite Jest Book cover of Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness Book cover of The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love - Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits Book cover of Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It Book cover of Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life

Norman Farb Why did Norman love this book?

Prof. Ethan Kross already had a strong reputation in the world of academic psychology for his work on that little voice inside our head and how it both gives us a sense of purpose but also drives us to despair at times. This book is essential reading for those interested in how to better understand the connection between mental habits and one’s state of well-being.

We so often forget when the voice inside our head recites criticisms and worries; we can easily be in the driver’s seat and direct these conversations. The voice inside our head is part of us, even if it seems deeply informed by the collection of critics we have met in the past. Our challenge, then, is to be a bit more intentional about how we cultivate this inner voice, when do we give it our attention, and how do we respond to the inevitable negative…

Chatter

By Ethan Kross,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Chatter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An award-winning psychologist reveals the hidden power of our inner voice and shows how to harness it to combat anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and deepen our relationships with others.

LONGLISTED FOR THE PORCHLIGHT BUSINESS BOOK AWARD • “A masterpiece.”—Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit • Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel H. Pink’s Next Big Idea Club Winter 2021 Winning Selection

One of the best new books of the year—The Washington Post, BBC, USA Today, CNN Underscored, Shape, Behavioral Scientist, PopSugar • Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness starred reviews

Tell a…

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Just Listen

By Mark Goulston,

Book cover of Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone

Kymberly Dakin-Neal Author Of Head, Heart, and Hands Listening in Coach Practice: The Listening Coach

From my list on our quietest superpower: listening.

By Kymberly Dakin-Neal Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been curious about people and the way they interact. When I was a small child, all our neighbors had their back doors wide open to catch the summertime breeze; they’d get the sense they were being watched… by my small face pressed against the screen door, listening and learning. My parents would get called..” She’s doing it again.” As an introvert, a performing artist, and a coach, I’ve learned to tune my ears to the messaging beneath the words—the unspoken truth in the interaction. And I truly believe that if we can learn to be more effective and compassionate listeners—our world will change for the better.

Kymberly's book list on our quietest superpower: listening

Book cover of Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project Book cover of How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen Book cover of The Empathy Exams: Essays Book cover of Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone Book cover of You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters

Kymberly Dakin-Neal Why did Kymberly love this book?

For anyone tempted to label good listening as “soft skills,” this book will prove you wrong! Even though the book was published in 2010, Goulston positions listening as a vital skill all the more needed in today’s fractious times.

Each chapter is structured with a high-stakes story, “Usable Insights,” and “Action Steps,” with excellent, researched info in between. From the chapter titled “Nine Core Rules for Getting Through to Anyone,” I personally learned so much from this book that I could apply to my daily interactions—particularly those with my very argumentative teenage daughter!

Just Listen

By Mark Goulston,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Just Listen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Getting through to someone is a critical, fine art. Whether you are dealing with a harried colleague, a stressed-out client, or an insecure spouse, things will go from bad to worse if you can't break through emotional barricades and get your message thoroughly communicated and registered.

Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist, business consultant, and coach, author Mark Goulston combines his background with the latest scientific research to help you turn the "impossible" and "unreachable" people in their lives into allies, devoted customers, loyal colleagues, and lifetime friends.

In Just Listen, Goulston provides simple yet powerful techniques you can…

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The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

By Carmine Gallo,

Book cover of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience

Brian Ahearn Author Of Influence People: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical

From my list on helping you influence people and hear “yes!”.

By Brian Ahearn Author

Why am I passionate about this?

My career and life were changed by Robert Cialdini’s work on influence. There are only a dozen people in the world who have been personally trained, certified, and endorsed by Cialdini to teach his methodology on influence and persuasion. I’m fortunate to be in that very select group. I’ve authored three books and given a TED Talk on influence. My LinkedIn Learning courses around influence in sales and coaching have been viewed by more than 500,00 across the globe. I take Cialdini’s influence concepts and marry them with my 35+ years of business experience to give organizations practical ways to ethically influence people. 

Brian's book list on helping you influence people and hear “yes!”

Book cover of How to Win Friends and Influence People Book cover of Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade Book cover of Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery Book cover of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience Book cover of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Brian Ahearn Why did Brian love this book?

Robert Cialdini’s work on influence changed how I go about trying to influence people. Gallo’s revelations radically changed how I present to audiences.

Throughout the book Gallo shows why Steve Jobs was such a masterful influencer from the stage. As I read, I found myself continually taking notes on how I would change my presentations. By the time I was done, I’d taken seven pages of type-written notes!

The change in audience reaction was immediate! If you’re serious about improving your presentation style, there’s no better resource than The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

By Carmine Gallo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs reveals the operating system behind any great presentation and provides you with a quick-start guide to design your own passionate interfaces with your audiences."
Cliff Atkinson, author of Beyond Bullet Points and The Activist Audience

Apple CEO Steve Jobs's wildly popular presentations have set a new global gold standard-and now this step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to use his crowd-pleasing techniques in your own presentations. The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs is as close as you'll ever get to having the master presenter himself speak directly in your ear. Communications expert Carmine Gallo…

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Human-Centered Communication

By Ethan Beute, Stephen Pacinelli,

Book cover of Human-Centered Communication: A Business Case Against Digital Pollution

Brittany Hodak Author Of Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong Advocates

From my list on turning your customers into superfans.

By Brittany Hodak Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about customer experience because it’s the number-one reason businesses succeed or fail. Regardless of the size (or budget!) of your company, you can set yourself apart—and create superfan customers!—by focusing on being exceptional in the areas that really matter. I grew up watching my dad prioritize customer service, first as a fast-food restaurant manager and then at a car dealership, and I know firsthand that how you treat your employees and your customers makes all the difference! 

Brittany's book list on turning your customers into superfans

Book cover of Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking Book cover of Human-Centered Communication: A Business Case Against Digital Pollution Book cover of Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention Book cover of Never Lose a Customer Again: Turn Any Sale into Lifelong Loyalty in 100 Days Book cover of I'll Be Back

Brittany Hodak Why did Brittany love this book?

Human-Centered Communication has had a huge impact on my speaking career and business strategies. Among many lessons in this book, authors Ethan Beute and Stephen Pacinelli drive home the power of video to connect in a more personal and intentional way. Since becoming friends with Ethan, I’ve started incorporating videos at strategic moments along my client journey: I respond to leads with personalized videos, I embed video messages in proposals, and I record custom videos for companies to promote the event on their social platforms. The tactics outlined in Human-Centered Communication have helped me break through the digital noise and convert more leads, while improving my presentation skills on stage. 

Human-Centered Communication

By Ethan Beute, Stephen Pacinelli,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Human-Centered Communication as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We're spending more time than ever in virtual environments. That will only increase, as will the amount of noise we encounter there. The seemingly endless series of unwelcome digital distractions range from frustrating to dangerous. As individuals and businesses, we not only spend time and energy managing this digital pollution, we often create it. At risk are relationships and revenue.

The only viable way forward is to be more thoughtful, intentional, and personal. Human-Centered Communication provides a philosophy and practice to help you connect in more meaningful and effective ways with prospects, customers, team members, and every stakeholder in your…

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Conversational Capacity

By Craig Weber,

Book cover of Conversational Capacity: The Secret to Building Successful Teams That Perform When the Pressure Is On

Liz Davidson Author Of Money Strong: Your Guide to a Life Free of Financial Worries

From my list on gaining a mental edge in business, and in life.

By Liz Davidson Author

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books that shift my perspective, expand my thinking, and ultimately, change the way I work, lead, parent, and live for the better. That said, I am not usually drawn to self-help books because they can be very prescriptive in a “one size fits all” kind of way, and not necessarily backed up by a lot of research or evidence. In running a financial coaching company, I’ve seen what happens when you change a person’s perspective—almost inevitably, they end up following suit by proactively doing the work necessary to improve their lives. These books all have the power to do that for readers who are open to it.

Liz's book list on gaining a mental edge in business, and in life

Book cover of My Sister's Keeper Book cover of The Big Short Book cover of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Book cover of Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard Book cover of Conversational Capacity: The Secret to Building Successful Teams That Perform When the Pressure Is On

Liz Davidson Why did Liz love this book?

This book gave me such a huge epiphany that it changed how I communicate. I think about it every single day and consciously try to apply it in all areas of my life.

The author reveals that people tend to have one of two communication styles: candor, where they are very opinionated and generally dominate conversations, doing more talking than listening, and curiosity, where they tend to step back, question themselves, and become easily swayed by the more dominant personalities in a meeting or on a team.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the key is finding balance, both within yourself and within your teams. When you figure that part out, you can achieve things you never thought possible.

Conversational Capacity

By Craig Weber,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Conversational Capacity as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

OPEN, BALANCED DIALOGUE--THE KEY TO PEAK TEAM PERFORMANCE

In a world of rapid-fire change, it's more important than ever to build teams that work well when the pressure is on-and quality communication can mean the difference between success and failure.

Conversational Capacity provides the communication tools you need to ensure that your team remains on track even when dealing with its most troublesome issues, that it responds to tough challenges with agility and skill, and performs brilliantly in circumstances that would incapacitate less disciplined teams.

Praise for Conversational Capacity:

"This book blows the lid off everything you have learned about…

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  • Coming soon!
Book cover of Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist
Book cover of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World
Book cover of Trust

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Interested in communication, visual perception, and epistemology?

Communication 75 books
Visual Perception 22 books
Epistemology 49 books