Lifespan / The Rise of Superman

If you want trustworthy, science-led advice on living longer and performing better, this two-book pairing covers both bases: David Sinclair’s longevity manifesto and Steven Kotler’s deep dive into flow and peak performance. Together they answer the common search: how do I live healthier and perform at my best? ## What makes it worth it Sinclair’s Lifespan argues that ageing should be treated as a disease and compiles decades of lab work — published by Atria in 2019 — into a readable programme that explains NAD+, sirtuins and epigenetic reprogramming while offering practical lifestyle and drug-based interventions. Kotler’s The Rise of Superman decodes how extreme athletes use flow to do the “impossible”, turning neuroscience and reporting into a clear playbook for higher performance; it’s been a staple in conversations about applied flow and human optimisation. ## Where it falls short Both books are written for general readers rather than academics: Sinclair mixes enthusiastic prognosis and personal anecdote with the science, which some reviewers say leans optimistic, and Kotler focuses on extreme athletes so some examples feel hard to generalise to everyday life. Buy this set if you want an accessible, research-rooted primer on longevity plus a practical introduction to flow; skip it if you need only tightly peer-reviewed medical guidance or an academic textbook on ageing.

£17.99