To Sell is Human The Surprising Truth About Persuading, Convincing, and Influencing Others by Daniel Pink – Book Summary
Title: “To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others” – An In-Depth Summary and Analysis Introduction: The Book
Daniel H. Pink
Daniel H. Pink: Motivation, Timing, and the Science of Working Smarter
Daniel H. Pink is an American author and researcher whose work blends behavioral science with practical insights on motivation, timing, sales, and the changing world of work. A former White House speechwriter with a JD from Yale Law School, Pink is known for translating academic research into accessible frameworks for professionals and organizations.
His breakthrough book, Drive, challenged conventional incentive models by arguing that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are the primary drivers of high performance in complex tasks. In To Sell Is Human, he reframed selling as a universal human activity rooted in problem solving and empathy. When examined the hidden science of timing, offering evidence-based strategies for better decision making across the day and the lifespan. The Power of Regret explored how reflecting on missed chances can sharpen choices and meaning.
Pink’s TED Talks have garnered tens of millions of views, and his ideas are used by companies, schools, and governments to redesign incentives, improve learning, and build humane, productive workplaces. His writing is noted for clear prose, rigorous sourcing, and actionable takeaways.
Across books, talks, and newsletters, Daniel H. Pink helps readers work smarter and live more intentionally by applying social science to everyday decisions.