The Expectation Effect by David Robson Summary
Your mind literally creates your reality. "The Expectation Effect" reveals how beliefs reshape health outcomes, performance, and aging. Reframe your thoughts and watch your world transform - the placebo effect isn't just medical magic, it's your brain's superpower waiting to be unleashed.
About the author
David Robson, award-winning science writer and author of *The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World*, specializes in psychology, neuroscience, and human performance. A mathematics graduate from Cambridge University and former senior journalist at BBC Future, Robson bridges rigorous research with accessible insights into how mindset shapes health, productivity, and longevity. His work has been featured in *The Guardian*, *The Atlantic*, and BBC Radio 4, where *The Expectation Effect* was named Book of the Week. Robson’s exploration of cognitive science builds on his bestselling debut, *The Intelligence Trap: Why Smart People Do Stupid Things*, which examines decision-making pitfalls, and his latest work, *The Laws of Connection*, on social relationships. Recognized by the UK Medical Journalists’ Association for his COVID-19 risk communication, Robson’s books have been translated into over 20 languages and endorsed by global institutions. *The Expectation Effect* was a Financial Times Book of the Year, solidifying his reputation for transforming complex science into actionable wisdom.
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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
12117"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
12108"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
25417"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
964.5K"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
20116"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
37483"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
12117"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
12108"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
25417"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
964.5K"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
20116"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
37483"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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