"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one."

— George R.R. Martin

Remarkable Ideas

Learning from others.

I love being able to dive into some of the most incredible minds that ever existed. Somebody remarkable out there spent a significant portion of their life studying something. Then they organized their thoughts and put them into print. And now you and I can take lifetimes of research and experience and feed it to our minds within a few days. There’s no major problem any of us can experience in life that hasn’t been written about.

 

Learning from others.

Book List

Here is my list of book recommendations below.
Take what works for you, discard what doesn’t, and adapt in your own way.

To Explore Life

  • The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts

    — Description:
    This is a great brain teaser. It’s one of those books that forces you to view things from a completely new perspective, so it’s not for the weak of heart.

    The fundamental thesis of the book is that our quest for a solid, definite sense of self really stands in the way of our ability to comprehend who we truly are. Watts contends that our true nature is considerably more fluid and dynamic and that the notion of the self as a distinct, independent entity is only a cultural construct that we have been trained to believe.

    But don’t let that abstract, philosophical stuff scare you off – Watts writes in a way that’s actually really accessible and engaging. He’s funny, too, in a wry, British kind of way, and he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

    Overall, if you want to test some of your beliefs about yourself and the world and broaden your mind, I’d say this book is absolutely worth reading. Be ready to have your mind blown, though!

  • Psychotherapy East and West by Alan Watts

    — Description:
    This one’s a real trip – and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s a book that brings together Eastern philosophy and Western psychology in a way that’s both insightful and humorous.

    Watts examines the contrasts between Western and Eastern methods for understanding the mind and treating psychological issues in the book. He argues that although Eastern philosophy is more interested in studying the root causes of suffering and figuring out ways to transcend it, Western psychology typically focuses on treating particular issues or symptoms.

    Don’t let that make you think this is a dry, academic book – far from it! Watts writes in a way that’s witty, entertaining, and downright goofy at times. He’s not afraid to make fun of himself or take a lighthearted approach to some heavy topics.

    I’d recommend that anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, or just a good, old-fashioned mind-expanding experience should read this book. Just be prepared to have your ideas about how reality works completely debunked!

  • Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz

    — Description:
    You will be inspired and motivated by this book to realize your full potential and lead the greatest possible life. It discusses how our perception of ourselves—how we view ourselves in our own minds—affects our success and happiness and offers us methods for enhancing our perception of ourselves and altering our behavior. Maltz gives exercises and tactics that we can use to enhance our self-image in addition to sharing examples of real people who have utilized these methods to overcome challenges and realize their goals. This is a must-read if you want to improve your life for the better and accomplish your goals.

  • The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama

    — Description:

    You’ll finish reading this book with a sense of inspiration and hope for the future. One of the most revered spiritual figures in the world, the Dalai Lama, offers his advice and insights on how to achieve long-lasting happiness and fulfillment in life.

    The nature of happiness and the many elements that go into it, such as relationships, work, and personal fulfillment, are discussed in the book. Additionally, it looks into how our mental health affects our happiness and provides doable methods for fostering a happier outlook on life and cultivating pleasant feelings.

    The Dalai Lama’s warm and compassionate voice, which comes through on every page, is one of the things that distinguishes this book. He writes with humour and humility, and his words are infused with hope and possibility.

    Read this if you’re facing challenges or simply looking to find more joy and meaning in life.

  • As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

    — Description:

    This timeless classic explores the influence of our ideas and thoughts on our reality. According to “As a Man Thinketh,” our beliefs and ideas have a significant impact on our circumstances and level of achievement in life.

    The book examines the connection between our thoughts and emotions as well as how our emotions may affect the ideas and beliefs we hold. It states that by changing our perspective, we can manifest the life we want and that we are the architects of our own reality.

    This is an insightful book that inspires readers to take charge of their ideas and utilize them to improve their own lives. It is written in a formal, yet approachable way.

  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

    — Description:

    This one examines people’s search for life’s meaning and purpose. The book, written by a Holocaust survivor and well-known psychiatrist, mixes Victor Frankl’s personal accounts of escaping the death camps with his academic knowledge of the human psyche.

    According to Frankl, seeking meaning is a core human desire and what gives us the willpower to persevere through even the most trying situations. He contends that relationships, work, and values are all ways in which we may get meaning and purpose from life, and that it is possible to obtain satisfaction and pleasure by living in accordance with our values and fulfilling our lives’ purposes.

    The book’s message is clear: we all have the capacity to find meaning and purpose in life, no matter what challenges we face.

  • Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
    — Description:

    This classic treatise of philosophy provides insights into both the nature of the cosmos and the human experience. The book is a collection of philosophical reflections and observations written by a Roman Emperor who was also a well-known philosopher. It covers a wide variety of philosophical topics, including ethics, virtue, wisdom, and the essence of reality.

    Aurelius considers the lessons he has acquired through his life experiences, his studies of philosophy, and his time as a king. He advises readers to create a sense of inner peace and satisfaction by focusing on the present moment and recognizing the impermanence of life and the things of the world in addition to providing helpful advice for leading a life of virtue and knowledge.

    Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, has specific knowledge of the difficulties and obligations of leadership, and his comments on these subjects are particularly painful and current. Regardless of one’s background or line of work, “Meditations” is a must-read for anybody looking to live a more meaningful and satisfying life due to its wisdom and universal appeal. 

  • Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard P. Feynman
    — Description:

    This book is a collection of witty and humorous stories from the life of Nobel Prize–winning physicist, Richard P. Feynman. Feynman shares his personal and professional life, including tales of his time spent as a young man in Brazil, his work on the Manhattan Project, as well as his career as a professor and scientist. Definitely check this one out if you enjoy physics or are just looking for a funny yet educational read.

  • The Warrior Within: The Philosophies of Bruce Lee by John Little
    — Description:

    The teachings of Bruce Lee, a martial artist and movie actor, are examined in this book. It digs into Lee’s ideology and explores how his ideas have impacted a variety of industries, including film, psychology, and martial arts. The book makes the case that Lee’s philosophy may inspire and encourage people to realize their greatest potential and that it is relevant to anybody looking to live a more meaningful and satisfying life. Fans of Bruce Lee or anyone interested in eastern philosophy and personal growth will find it to be a thought-provoking and motivating read.

  • Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
    — Description:


    This is a book that delves into the principles of Zen Buddhism. The book revolves around the concept of the “beginner’s mind,” which refers to approaching life and learning with an open, enquiring, and receptive mindset. Suzuki contends that cultivating a beginner’s mind is necessary for attaining enlightenment because it allows us to see things as they truly are, rather than through the lens of our prejudices and biases.

    Suzuki provides advice on how to build a beginner’s mind throughout the book, including the importance of meditation, the need of discipline in spiritual practice, and the benefit of facing trials and sufferings. He also explores how Zen Buddhism may be implemented in daily life and how its principles can help us become better people.

  • Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
    — Description:

    This book chronicles Yogananda’s life, from his early years in India through his time spent in the United States sharing his spiritual and yogic teachings. In the book, Yogananda discusses his interactions with various spiritual instructors as well as his views on religion, meditation, and inner calm. He further clarifies that anyone can become enlightened through yoga and meditation and that spirituality is not just for adherents of particular religions. A excellent read for those interested in yoga, spirituality, and personal development, the book offers a personal and inspirational account.


     

  • The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
    — Description:

    There are 26 poems on the different aspects of life, love, labor, and the human experience collected in this book. The significance of living in harmony with nature and one’s inner self is one of The Prophet’s central themes. Gibran inspires readers to embrace their own special life path and discover their own mode of self-expression. He delves into the complexity of love and relationships, urging readers to accept both their joys and their difficulties.

To Explore Business

  • The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
    — Description:


    The premise of this book is that most small businesses fail because their owners are overly preoccupied with the technical details of their jobs and undervalue the company as a whole. The author makes the case that adopting a systems-based strategy, in which the company is considered as a living organism with its own unique requirements and goals, is the key to success for small firms. He lays out a step-by-step procedure for establishing a successful company, including generating a distinct vision, designing a business model, and assembling a group of competent and devoted employees. Gerber provides helpful tips and examples from real-world situations throughout the book to assist small business owners in overcoming typical obstacles and achieving long-term success.

  • This is Marketing by Seth Godin
  • Influence by Robert Cialdini
  • Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
  • How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
  • The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss
  • The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime by MJ DeMarco
  • Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

To Explore Achievement

  • Law of Success: In Sixteen Lessons by Napoleon Hill
  • Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success by Napoleon Hill
  • Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
  • The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
  • The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
  • The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
  • Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss
  • Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

To Explore Relationships and Social Life

  • The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
  • The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
  • Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins
  • No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover
  • How to Not Die Alone by Logan Ury
  • The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh
  • King Warrior Magician Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine by Robert Moore

FOR Fun

  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  • Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
  • Will by Will Smith
  • The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
  • Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
  • The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
  • In My Own Way by Alan Watts

Wired for Success

practical philosophies to master entrepreneurship and live life on your terms

This is a book that explores philosophy and entrepreneurship. It’s one that challenges modern-day cultural conditioning and exposes widespread limiting beliefs that cause people to struggle in business and in life. In it, you’ll find eastern philosophy and western psychology employed to describe how the human being experiences reality, and why some people see a world others don’t. You’ll uncover the values and beliefs that can influence your behavior to be consistent with both happiness and success, and you’ll discover how to get an advantage in playing the role of the entrepreneur. Wired for Success is all about practical ways of getting an edge against the worst enemy you’ll face in business—yourself.

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