Business

Daniel Pink: 6 Bestselling Books by Author Daniel H. Pink

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 3 min read

With his many bestselling books and media ventures, author Daniel Pink offers a fresh look into the business and science of human motivation. His work inspires readers to rethink salesmanship, framing it as a vital tool that can empower people to take control of their own lives.

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A Brief Introduction to Daniel Pink

Daniel H. Pink is a bestselling author and expert in business and social science. He is an
authority when it comes to motivation and persuasion, offering unparalleled expertise on everything from getting a raise to pitching a product.

Dan’s career began in politics and government, where he held a number of positions including chief speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore from 1995 to 1997. When he left in 1998, Daniel wrote an article for Fast Company inspired by his decision to leave politics and work for himself, which led to his first book, Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself. Since then, he has written six books—four of which are New York Times bestsellers.

Daniel has contributed to The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and Slate, and has appeared as a regular guest on PBS, ABC, and CNN. In the last 15 years, he’s delivered more than 1,000 lectures to companies, universities, and nonprofits on six continents. His speech on the science of motivation is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time, with more than 36 million views across multiple platforms.

6 Bestselling Books by Daniel Pink

In his out-of-the-box motivational literature, Daniel coaches his readers on sales and persuasion tools, helping them to take charge of their personal and professional lives. Here are Daniel’s six books:

  1. 1. Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself (2001): In his first book—Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself—Daniel Pink breaks down the benefits of working for yourself, and gives you a step-by-step guide to getting there. He describes different kinds of free agents—from mommy entrepreneurs to technology contractors—and how they’ve forged new paths that are changing the workplace economy.
  2. 2. A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future (2005): In this book, Daniel argues that creatively inclined, right-brained people will have competitive advantages in the future. This book was on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.
  3. 3. The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need (2008): Daniel breaks the rules of “professional guides” in this graphic novel telling the tale of uninspired, fictional working stiff Johnny Bunko, who encounters a crisis and is challenged to rethink his approach to his life and career. As we watch Johnny turn his career around, Daniel gives his readers practical advice on building their own careers. The Adventures of Johnny Bunko was a Business Week bestseller.
  4. 4. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (2009): Drive investigates the fundamental need for humans to take charge of their own lifes, and has become a bestseller many times over—landing on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times. In the book, Daniel unpacks the three main elements of motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—and outlines how to integrate them into your life for professional and personal success.
  5. 5. To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others (2012): In this New York Times best-selling book, Pink outlines ways that sales tools can be harnessed for success in every part of your life, from helping you understand different perspectives to clearer communication.
  6. 6. When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (2018): Spending four months on The New York Times Best Seller list, When is a guide to harnessing good timing in ways that can help you thrive in your personal and professional life.

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