Books That Shaped My Journey: A Personal List
The 4-Hour Workweek - Tim Ferriss
When I first read 4HWW I was in a 9-to-5 office job and found the ideas of location-independence and freedom from the routine-and-grind exhilarating. The ideas stuck with me for many months and were difficult to get out of my head. I ended up quitting my job and have been travelling almost continuously for the last 18-months. I've visited many old friends and family and have had many amazing experiences. I've travelled through East Africa, Russia, Iran and Central America and continued to work remotely doing a part-time consulting job. This book has had the biggest effect on my external life and it is difficult to imagine going back to my previous life-style.
The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
Some others have mentioned Atlas Shrugged. For me The Fountainhead, in particular the character of Howard Roark, had a more lasting effect. It made clear to me the idea of individuality and the importance of the act of creation, instead of being a constant consumer of other people's ideas and objects. It has made me veer less from my own way of living in order to match other's expectations.
The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
I've long been interested in Eastern spirituality, especially Buddhism, but The Power of Now was revelatory to me. The language and explanations from the Power of Now were so clear and practical. I believe it has had a subtle but pervasive affect on my life because it has affected a subtle adjustment in viewpoint, where I am now more an observer of that around and inside me, rather than always getting caught up in it. I have also found the idea of the 'pain body' very useful, and am able to now recognize it in myself and others, and sometimes can even make it dissolve under the light of attention.
The Doors of Perception - Aldous Huxley
I had taken psychedelic drugs as a young adult. I knew they had a profound affect on me, and had opened my mind to many possibilities that were never recognized by many around me. Reading The Doors of Perception helped to validate and put into context some of these experiences, described by one of the 20th century's finest writers.
Manufacturing Consent - Noam Chomsky
I read this book many years ago. At the time widespread cynicism to mass-media was perhaps not so pervasive at it is now. For me it cracked the facade of the view-point presented by mass-media - and there was no going back. The book explains in great detail how the mass media can be used a tool for indoctrination and control of the public by those in power.
The 48 Laws of Power & The Art of Seduction - Robert Greene
These books illuminated aspects of human interaction and relationships that I was previously only vaguely aware of. I do not consciously use any of the techniques detailed in the books but am now much more aware when I see them and adjust my behavior accordingly.
Eight Weeks to Optimum Health - Andrew Weil
Before reading this book I had a diet consisting in a large part of fast food and soft-drinks. The book made me conscious of just how much what I eat affects my mood, energy and overall happiness, and has changed my eating habits forever.
The Prince – Niccolo Machiavelli
The classic book on power and strategy. Machiavelli’s writing is ruthless and politically incorrect by today’s standards. But his thoughts on achieving power and maintaining it stand in stark contrast to any self-help book you’ve glanced at before.
“Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries – for heavy ones they cannot.”
Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Pirsig
This book has been called the most widely read contemporary book on philosophy. Although it touches on many themes in self-help, what sets this book apart is its method of reaching those themes. This book is an exercise in thinking as many self-help titles are heavy on conclusions and light on process.
“You are never dedicated to something you have complete confidence in. No one is fanatically shouting that the sun is going to rise tomorrow. They know it’s going to rise tomorrow. When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or any other kinds of dogmas or goals, it’s always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt.”
The Art of War – Sun Tzu
I’ve been told this book is now mandatory reading in some business schools. Being the classic in military strategy, I can certainly see why. This book suggests how to outsmart your opponent, and although it was written for war, it can also be a useful metaphor for many other obstacles you encounter in life.
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.”
The Selfish Gene – Richard Dawkins
Evolution doesn’t just apply to our genes, but also to our ideas. Dawkins argues that unconscious, self-replicating processes can lead to incredibly complex results. It is in this book that he coins the term “meme”, an idea or technology that replicates itself through human minds. Evolution is an invaluable perspective when trying to make sense of the complex systems of life.
“The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry.”
Tao Te Ching – Lao Tzu
Concise, beautiful and profound. The Tao Te Ching encourages the reader to reexamine closely guarded assumptions. Power is found through weakness. Leadership comes from serving. Progress is illusory. If you were born in a western country, I would strongly recommend this book since it departs greatly from the Judeo-Christian perspective.
“To live until you die is to live long enough.”
Must read these books :’)
