Now, listen to Einstein, would you?
The best kind of books give you a deeper understanding and make you think (Source). And, with better thinking, comes better answers to life. Yes?
My favorite place to get book inspiration is: Derek Sivers’ list.
I love reading non-fictions, and go through 100+ books every year. At any given time, I would be in between at least 5 books. It’s difficult for me to stick to 1 book and finish it before starting a new one, because:
- I like reading various books on the same subject, to compare opinions;
- I like subject variety. Thinking and reading about just one subject for too long gives me headache;
- Some chapters are just irrelevant, ok? I skip to the part that interests me the most and then circles back (or not).
My suggestions on which book to read: choose a subject and then pick your authors wisely. Reading a book is like having a conversation with the writer. As you know, it makes a big difference whom you are having a conversation with. There are authors I just could not stand. For instance, the writer for Elon Musk‘s biography. That writer is insufferable. I read the book because of my overpowering admiration for Elon Musk, but it wasn’t a pleasant “conversation” and I regretted my choice. (If you want to know more about Elon, read this and this instead.)
Right now, my on-going unfinished books include the following 7 (don’t judge me). These 7 authors are my heroes. I love them as people, not just in their writings. They show me how they see the world, console me on my life choices, and inspire me to get better. I am grateful.
- Geography of Genius, by Eric Weiner
- Mansfield Park, by Jane Austin
- SuperBetter, by Jane McGonigal
- I’m Not For Everyone, Neither Are You by David Leddick
- A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume
- What Do You Care What Other People Think by Richard Feynman
- The Passionate Programmer by Chad Fowler
What are you waiting for? Go read a book. Get some new perspectives. Have some fun with ideas and with your brain. Start with Sivers’ List or my list.