Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson uses a colour-based system to outline different personality types. Take this quiz to find out which colour you relate to most.
When he was in high school, future author Thomas Erikson first realised that he found it easier to get along with some people than others. ‘It was easy to talk to some of my friends . . . with other people, however, everything just went wrong,’ he writes.
This interest lit a spark in him, and in 2019 he published his first book, Surrounded by Idiots, which breaks down personality types to help you understand yourself and others better. Perhaps most importantly, the book outlines methods for getting along with personality types different from your own, whether during conflict or awkward water cooler chat.
The wisdom offered by Erikson in Surrounded by Idiots is indispensable for a myriad of reasons, the least of which is that it will allow you to recognise your own blind spots.
By understanding your personality type, Erikson posits that you’ll be able to interact with the people and world around you better.
To make the most of the tips in Surrounded by Idiots, however, you must first understand your personality type, presented in the book as a colour. Based on the DISC system, the book explores four personalities:
- Analytical: Blue
- Dominant: Red
- Stable: Green
- Inspiring: Yellow
While the official DISC assessment from TTI Success Insights will provide the most accurate personality assessment to go alongside the book, this quiz uses examples from Surrounded by Idiots to give you a quick estimate of which colour you might relate to most.
Download and print your very own Father’s Day cards, perfect for accompanying any books you plan on gifting Dad.
We caught up with productivity expert Ali Abdaal to get his best advice for smashing our 2024 goals, overcoming challenges and enjoying each step of the process.
Advice from Shannah Kennedy and Colleen Callander that will help you kick-start change.
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a powerful book that will teach you how to transform your life through tiny habits. Check out some of the best quotes from the book.
If you're spending all your waking time thinking about the Roman Empire (as many of us are), why not read about it too?
Arthur C. Brooks co-authored ‘Build the Life You Want’ to inspire readers to live their happiest lives through the power of science. Read what he has to say about the book and the inspiration behind it.
We caught up with the co-authors of Elevate to learn more about their work, their goals for 2024, and their best advice for getting out of a slump.
Check out some of the incredible books honoured at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Book Awards.
Take this quiz to find out which YA thriller should be your next read!
Check out some of the hottest YA books in stores now, from epic romantasy to sweet, unexpected romance.
Finished The Let Them Theory and wondering what to read next? Check out this list of 20 suggested picks that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
