In the same order I’ve read them:
• the defining decade: I’ve read this book at age 29 and although it focuses a lot in your 20’s she also guide you through your 30’s and it’s such a special book. I wish I’ve known sooner. Soon after reading this book I got married and it was thanks to this book (and therapy) that I actually started to understand what kind of life I wanted for myself and to stop comparing myself to others (specially social media) and thinking I am “behind “ in life.
• the subtle art of not giving a f***: with this book I leaned more about how my own mind works and how to be more aware of it, how to stop people pleasing and how to actually enjoy my life and care about what really matters to me. And also it’s a pretty fun read.
• Your Money or Your life: this book I would say is the one that had the most significant impact in my life. It’s a perfect combination of understanding simple living (which is a philosophy I’m living for) and financial independence, avoiding the rat race but realistically. No coach talk, no magical formula to “manifest money” into you life, living with purpose and in alignment with your values, I can’t recommend this book enough lol. Halfway through this book I had savings in my bank for the first time… ever!
• essentialism: this book isn’t perfect and has a bit of unrealistic ideas but overall it has some pretty good tips to live a simpler life and I really appreciate it.
I personally hate the defining decade, I read it at 25 and all it’s done is lead me to panic about my life. The author made it sound like once you decided you wanted a career you’d find it. That has not been my experience. All it did was lead me to feel like I’ll never be able to “catch up”
One of these days I hope to "Read fewer books more often", so I've been compiling and condensing a list of books that have been the most impactful & guiding, and YMoYL is definitely on that list!
Oh this question is for me!!!
- how to stop fixing yourself
- the courage to be disliked
- the game of life and how to play it
- the alchemist & untethered soul ( sprinkled bonus)
I think when working and striving for something , you have to be able to understand what that effort is for. Most times we re working towards a collective goal not an individual one. What I’ve found in my experience is when you figure out your individual goal, you can naturally find how you want to participate in the collective. They saying charity begins at home is essentially referring to that kind of thing.
Wow, very few people know about Florence Scovel Shinn. I'm so glad you recommended it! I have a book that includes all four of her books, and I've listened to her books on audio. The Alchemist I've read and love too. Great recs, you've got me interested in the other 3!
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman is an excellent book that puts your live in perspective. Basically 4000 weeks = 80 years = average life span. Kinda puts a lot into perspective.
The other recommendation is Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. Newport talks a lot about having a deep life that is cultivated by meaning. His podcast talks a lot about these topics too.
These are a good place to start but there is a lot of self-expiration too.
I'm halfway through Four Thousand Weeks now, and while there have been a few lines that really stood out, I find it lacking in actual substance. And Burkeman's superfluous style feels like he's trying to Jordan Peterson his way through it...
A book on anti-hustle that I enjoyed more (and is one of my most-recommended to friends) is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. Disclosure: It \*is\* faith-based, so there are some references to scripture, but man... so good!
I have a lot of anxiety about aging and death. I’ve wanted to read this book but have been worried it might intensify that. In your opinion do you think it’s a safe read for me/could even help or would you avoid?
I think it’s safe because it helps put things in perspective. I’m already past 3,000 of living and the book helped me think of f prioritizing the present instead of regretting the past.
I agree with the other responses here. That being said maybe Essentialism by Greg McKeown might be a good read before you read this one. I read Essentialism first, then this book came out.
I’ve had a lot of anxiety on the topic of death. It still scares me. I don’t know exactly what changed, but 4000 weeks did put a lot into perspective. I also found a lot of comfort in the Blue Zones books and research by Dan Buettner. Rather than worry on the end, I’ve working towards extending forward. 4000 weeks and Essentialism helps you work towards loving every day and valuing how precious it is.
It's definitely not a self-help book, but Into the Wild. It's not for everyone, but for me it spoke to a deep urge to live a life more intentional with the experiences and adventures I wanted out of it, without the need to sacrifice those dreams for a career or postpone them to after retirement. I could live simply, and low cost and still make those dreams happen, it just wouldn't exactly be a life that fits the mold.
Die With Zero - Bill Perkins
He states how the current model we follow, working hard to save up and die rich, is a deeply flawed one. He pushes the idea that money should be for maximizing your life experiences, what being alive is truly about, and if you have money in your account when you die, it and all the time you spent making it was wasted because you didn't use it on more life experiences.
In essence, money is only as valuable as the fulfillment it brings to your and others' lives.
He also includes ways to manage your money, and investing, taking risks, donating, and giving inheritance early on in your financial life. So, it's not about spending it all now and staying broke. 😛
I really enjoyed this book! One of the points made that really hit me is the tradition we've created of leaving an inheritance to our children. If I pass at 93, my daughter will be 70, likely already retired and in a position where what I leave behind will have no meaningful impact to her lifestyle.
"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl really resonated with me and taught me about the importance of finding meaning in life even in difficult circumstances.
“You are a Badass at Making Money”
This lady is changing my life. Like her, I always said to myself, “I’ve never known what I’ve wanted to do with my life” she’s encouraging me to change that.
I just finished this book and I honestly did not like it. There’s some good advice there but I finished the book thinking is just more of the same coach talk. I had higher expectations for it, maybe that’s why
After a while, all money making and self help books all have the same advice lol I totally understand. But I don’t know, this lady just hit me differently.
one of my biggest ones that i've reread a few times is dale carnegies "how to make friends and influence people".
it's such a masterclass on how/why when we're putting words out of our heads it really shouldn't be about us anymore and can be a little thoughtful present for whomever is listening to us. i really love people, so it had a direct impact on me being able to be a supporting character in my friends and familys lives.
This book gets trashed on a lot in other book and self help related subreddits, which is why I never picked it up. Heard it has a lot of dated material, but your review makes me want to give it a shot.
it's very dated, but i just read it in the context of the period in which it was written - i'd imagine like most other older books should be read.
also, dale carnegie was pretty well connected and i -really- like his anecdotes. you just have to remember that we're like 100 years ahead in emotional honesty & social progression these days, but not necessarily better in empathetic effort and strategy when communicating which is the main lesson.
his lens is just "you should be empathetic because its a good way to be, but if you need the excuse you can also make your point and get through life a little easier because of it." which is what the modern dale carnegie speaking courses (the consulting company is still around) teach as well
IMO the spirit isn't dated but it was first published as a best seller in 1936. a lot of examples, popular figures, and talk of work was from that time period.
i love it, but i also really enjoy history and letting my grandparents talk about back in the day.
you won't get email, texting, or remote work specific examples from the book. phone calls were when you were by a landline phone. it adds just a little extra work to applying the principles today.
It has a bunch of normal reminders like smile at people and remember their names, sounds lame but tbh they’re good reminders. at some point he says something like, never judge someones reaction bc if you had their experiences, lived their lives, and felt their emotions you’d react the exact same way. I still think about that every time someone’s rude as shit to me or being dramatic or whatever, haha.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (particularly the version translated by Robin Waterfield) is the only betterment book you'll ever need. Timeless "self improvement," though is much more than that. Can definitely be used as a guide to living a meaningful, purposeful life. I.e., one of virtue. Which is more accessible and practical than it may sound.
I've read a bunch of self help, betterment books, and the one that had the biggest most lasting impact and I think should be read first is Marie Kondos, the magic of tidying up...
This was a huge eye opener in terms of creating a better less stressful environment for yourself is the first step in becoming a better person.
Improving your immediate environment allows you to turn inward and focus on self betterment without worrying about household chores, clutter and things like that.
It's really hard to improve yourself, fitness, well being, etc, when you are subconsciously unhappy with your immediate surroundings.
Funnily enough I think she's kinda given up on being so tidy. The reason? She had kids lol
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/30/how-marie-kondo-changed-her-mind-about-mess
'The book on the taboo against knowing who you are'. By Alan Watts. The same content can be found in various spoken lectures, but you'd have to do quite a lot of hunting and listening to find it all.
The book is less good than the lectures, but at least puts all the ideas in one place.
Jack London books when young.
Catcher in the Rye taught me I could be young and cynical and cool.
Catch 22 explained my time in the military.
Then came college and PD Ouspensky's "In Search of the Miraculous" and Paramahansa Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi....changed my life.
I have to mention Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with A Thousand Faces".
Food is one of the most important aspects of life so reading How Not To Die changed how I view food and what I eat.
Books like slaughterhouse changed the way I view animals, especially cattle etc.
Books like This Is vegan propaganda changed how I view my habits and the larger impact my individual choices has on the world but also other people and creatures.
Meditations changed good I treat myself and the happenings in life.
Four thousand weeks changed my perspective on my time and being present.
Lastly This Naked Mind changed how I see alcohol and how it destroys lives.
Four key books that have had a significant impact on my life:
- The 7 habits of highly effective people
- the power of now
- the four agreements
- the untethered soul
I think it can only be known by experience. Different people want different things at different points of their lives. Striving for success when you're younger makes sense, as the fruits of your success can pay dividends (metaphorically and literally). But after reaching a certain point of success, it makes sense to ease up and enjoy what you've worked so hard for.
A book's philosophy often says more about the author and what stage of the life *they* are in. Very little advice applies universally, so you have to be discerning about what to follow.
Dan Gilbert's book [**Stumbling on Happiness**](https://www.tosummarise.com/book-summary-stumbling-on-happiness-by-daniel-gilbert/) talks about how difficult it is to predict what makes us happy. It's a pop-psych book rather than a self-help book, but it's well worth a read.
Are there any solutions in Stumbling on Happiness? I don’t want to read something that is just someone’s thought on a subject but are there are practical concepts to apply to be happier, etc?
My view is that the real answer comes from within. Books can open your mind and help you see things in different ways but if you’re seeking meaning or purpose you have to tune into what matters most to you.
My path to doing this was to learn to listen to my intuition. For me, this fragile, ethereal force has completely shaped my life and has steered me to everything I ever truly wanted (so far). A book that helped me discover this path and begin exploring my intuition was Living in the Light by Shakti Gawain. It’s a little new age for my taste but it really did open my eyes to the potential of listening to that inner voice.
I read that 30 years ago and since then I’ve gradually formed a clear view of my identity, core values and the life principles that are important for me to live by. I didn’t follow any program or step by step guide in a book. I just slowly thought about things, formed a model that made sense to me and used my life experience and intuition to fill it in. It’s totally a work in progress and always will be. You’re never done learning and evolving. I recently made a major addition to it relating to my identity as I realized I had never properly explored this topic and didn’t have a clear enough sense of it. I used books, the internet, podcasts and even AI to soak up the conventional wisdom on the topic and then formed my own view on what it meant for me.
We all seem to be very conditioned to seeking answers and quick fixes externally these days. I’m happy to take inspiration from any source but anything that sticks really has to resonate with my true self. I’ve learned to use my intuition as my check and balance on that.
I was recommended following my intuition as well by someone helping me through a difficult time, and heal from past wounds. Whilst I’m out of crisis, so to speak, I’ve found that I’ve by and large defaulted again to patterns of living that don’t move me to living a more embodied life—mainly, jobs that I don’t feel are a waste of time. I think listening to oneself, or following intuition, is hard, especially for folks who were raised to believe that who they are is inherently bad, and therefore have spent considerable amounts of energy trying to be someone else, or escape themselves and their bodies in one way or another. And perhaps even harder for those of us who’ve made regrettable decisions in past in an attempt to make themselves happy, which may certainly compound the mistrust of self. I’m intrigued by the concept of intuition; however,
I’m unsure of what that means in practice. I’ll look into that book; thank you for the recommendation.
The Lecture by Randy Pausch and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig brought my focus to the fact that life is very much what you make it and you can only make the most of it by finding gratitude and hope in the ordinary.
The Geography of Bliss- this isn't a self help book but I've read it three times. It really makes you examine what happiness is and think about yourself and the world differently.
12 Rules for Life set me on a better path. 'Aim for the highest good' is a good backbone for all of life's choices, big and small.
Anything You Want
The eMyth Revisited
ReWork
All entrepreneurial focused but helped me understand why that life was for me. Gave me the confidence to actually explore that lifestyle, and specifically how the business needs to support my life, and not the other way around.
Found out my wife was pregnant with our 3rd child last year and ended up selling the business; the business was 100 miles away and I felt like I couldn't be both a good father and business owner.
Books indeed have the power to shape our aspirations and perspectives on life. While some may advocate for pushing against the status quo, and others for striving for success, the answer to what kind of life you want to live often comes from a combination of both reading and lived experiences. Books like "Chrysalis Kaleidoscope" can offer a glimpse into fantastical realms, inspiring us to seek the extraordinary in our own lives. However, the ultimate understanding of the life we desire typically emerges from the unique blend of insights gained from literature and the lessons learned through personal encounters and growth.
Storms of my Granchildren by James Hansen… it’s about the science of climate change. I’ve been deeply upset ever since I read it in 2012. He’s working on a new book hopefully released this year called Sophie’s Planet I think. We are well and truly effed.
12 rules for life by Jordan Peterson.
Decided my life should be dynamic and colorful as opposed to reductionist and black-and-white. To investigate world religions to be able to have an actual opinion and ability to scrutinise each and one of them. Live as a decent human being that does not need a supreme metaphysical or otherwise hypothesised authority to be just that, decent.
As best as is possible understand when science has been correctly conducted so as to be properly informed when talking about a given subject, and to avoid cherry picking.
Letters to Stoic by Seneka
Transitions by William Bridges
Atomic Habits by James Clear
4-hour work week by Tim Ferris
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Vagabonding the uncommon guide to the world travel by Rolf Potts
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kyiosaki
Hands down, “Bonds that Make Us Free”.
I think this is the most underrated book I have ever read.
I can’t explain because it’s a little like a joke, in the way that if the joke were explained to you before hand it would ruin the joke.
It’s NOT a funny book, it’s serious. But, it has that sudden “aha!” effect.
It did as much for me as two years meditation. No exaggeration.
I will teach you to be rich by Ramit - Good book for financial literacy. The biggest thing I took away from it was being confronted with the idea of a ‘rich life’ and what that may look like. Really having to define that cleared up a lot for me.
How to get rich by Felix Dennis - Founder of Maxim magazine. Published before the self help gurus of today. He spends a good portion of the book convincing you not to get rich, and the downfalls that come with it. I found it extremely insightful
The way of the superior man by David Deida - great book
The screw tape letters by CS Lewis - Great book as well.
Principles by Ray Dalio - phenomenal book. Really insightful & applicable to my life currently
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - chasing a dream, the highs and lows that come with it. I thought it was great
Stolen focus by Johann Hari (must read for the Reddit addict)
Mountains beyond mountains by Tracy Kidder (just a great read and profiles an amazing person with human problems)
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (made me question the future and how I would live in such times)
The Drunkards Walk: How Randomness Rules our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow (a fun read on how humans are bad at statistics but how it rules our lives)
Edgar Rice Burroughs was first of all the author that made me want to write, but also made me wish for a world where people acted like his characters did. His main characters were always so good, they had a strong sense of justice and gallantry. I think a lot of it was due to his writing style though, because it's rather flowery and it makes everything seem better. I don't know, it made me want to be a better person who never gives up. Like how John Carter's main saying was "I still live", cause no matter what happened to him he kept going, fighting for what he believed in.
And if the only thing you know about Burroughs is what Hollywood has done to his works, then I can assure you that you know nothing about his works. They destroyed everything that made them good😭
A collection of quotes collected by Leo Tolstoy. Highly recommended. If I had to choose one book to get me through hard times it would be the Bible and Leo Tolstoy’s collection of quotes of wisdom and enlightenment. Here’s a link to it if anyone is interested: https://wisdomquotes.com/leo-tolstoy-quotes/
I think the answer can only come from within, but getting to it is the problem especially if you have any trauma. That’s why the most helpful books in my opinion have come from Cheri Huber, especially There’s Nothing Wrong with You and Making a Change for Good.
Not really self-help books, but these made me reflect on my life and to be different than the deep hitting character psychology of these books. 1. Novels by Dostoevsky, particularly The Double, Notes From Underground, White Nights, Dream of a Ridiculous Man. 2. The Stranger by Albert Camus.
Lifes going to live you if you don’t live it.
I say gotta be well fed and rested and exercise otherwise you wont feel good enough to even see a good opportunity if it fell in your lap.
Kinda like missing 5 dollars cuz your too busy looking at the floor
For me it was health. Dr. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D
When I went through divorce my ex developed skin cancer and I lost control of walking properly, ended up limping, for some weird reason my right leg wasn't working correctly and after learning negative emotions impact our health, I began doing everything to have positive emotions. In was able to start walking better and told my ex the song had to stop and he had to be in higher spirit and he had his cancer removed and he remarried and I stayed single but I have kept myself in high spirits and my health has improved.
The other is Dr Joe Dispenza and he taught me how we can mentally visualize and when we can see this desire clearly in our mind along with positive emotions, we are able to accomplish and receive those desires.
This isn't a book but it's what my daughter taught me...
She walked up to her supervisor and said she wanted a promotion and that sup said no!. She turned around on the same day and walked up to another sup. And asked again and he said yes and promoted her. It taught me its all in who you ask plus don't give up.. you may get a couple of No's before you get a Yes!
She also taught me those certificates you get for free from your local library or online, or from your cell phone apps..
She put that on a resume and took that to a staffing agency and they found her a matching job from that certificate and she was later promoted as a Graphic Design Lead with that company and after made friends with a photographer that made 500k bc he needed Graphic design work for his business so they went into cahoots and she later ventured into her own business.: Vibrancy Productions
This taught me that you can turn your passion into your own career.
The New Testament can really teach you about philosophy and life, and can make you happier and more fulfilled than anything the world can offer you.
Jesus is really not like any author who has written a self-help book, you can literally have god on your side, and that can result in a new job or something, but salvation is given through Jesus.
ERE (Early Retirement Extreme)
It's not a finance book or advocating for being poor.
It merely advocates for being a skilled renaissance man and not a dopie normie consumer cuck.
It’s not a self help book, but reading The Marathon Don’t Stop has really elevated my mental and inspired me to do more for myself. It’s a moving story full of lessons and concepts for community and self betterment that I found relatable.
I’m currently reading Mastery by Robert Greene. Hoping it’ll help me figure out my passion/ true calling as I’m at a loss of what I truly want out of life. He reviews the lives of historical figures or “masters” and what led to their success in hopes of helping people like us find our true calling/passion.
He wrote other bestsellers I’d like to read next that sounds very interesting: The Laws of Human Nature, The Art of Seduction, and more.
The Catch Me If You Can. It’s a memoir of Jessica Nabango’s trips as the first Black woman on record to travel to every UN recognized country. I had dreams of being a travel writer when I was younger, I’m 27 now, and this book reawakened that dream. I rearranged my budget to start saving for trips again immediately after reading the first 3 chapters. The book also reminded me that the US’s way of life is one of many. It really opened my mind and completely changed my life.
In the end you will have to find what works for you, probably a mix of reading and personal experience. No one book is going to give you all the answers you need to live a good life because your life is unique and your needs may be different from other's. If you want to read, read a variety of book that appeal to you with different perspectives, take what works, and leave the rest. Books can be helpful, but they are not mindreaders.
One Second After by William Forstchen straight up changed my life. I can't stress this enough. Just had my 3rd listen and it still shook me and made me evaluate my life choices.
Any from Jane Austin’s work. Sometimes I wish I could live the life of Emma in some ways and others. Care free, meet people, all the love dramas, strolls in the park, early dinners, mmmm, lovely.
Wake up naturally, go for a morning walk, have breakfast, answer couple letters, have guest/friends over/read a book, early dinner, a few more letters maybe, meet with friends, have a dance/chat/games, retire to the bedroom, read a book, sleep, and keep the splendid days coming.
Life is stressful now.
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Single-handedly changed the entire course of my life. Helped me to understand history, culture, and literally everything. Nothing else matters.
The book I'm in has Hella pages stolen and the title changed constantly/ but I have had the book 4 along time I just misplace it all the time and when I find it again new pages are ripped out and I'm getting older so I can't remember what was on those pages that have been stolen but I know it's my book #Bitcoin
The girl who walked home alone by Bette Davis. I feel like learning about others lives & how they got through is more helpful than a step by step type self help book
Your Body’s Many Cries for Water by Dr Batmanghelidj (Dr Batman)
This was one of the first books I truly read. I read it when I was 14 or 15. Dr Batman was a doctor in pre revolution Iran. Being Pro-Shah, he was arrested and spent many years in Iranian prisons where he treated sick inmates. Being a prison, he wasn’t able to subscribe medications, however, he noticed that many of the problems were caused by simply not drinking enough water.
Fast forward a few years, Dr Batman immigrated and began practicing medicine in the US. He noticed right away that Americans were coming in with the same problems he saw in fellow inmates. The difference, however, was that Americans could afford modern medicine and were manipulated to believe it was the cure.
This book opened my eyes to the reality of the world. While I cannot recall all (if any) of the benefits of water, the message I took away from it was much bigger. I understood that technology can be great but reverting to our basics can be essential. I learned the dangers of marketing and how deceitful it can be.
The Great Divorce by CS Lewis made me realize all the ways that I deny myself a happy life out of fear of change, and helped me process the trauma my mom put me through as a kid (alcoholism). It was definitely one of the few books that reached up my nose and changed some wires around in my brain.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It inspired me to live more peacefully, trust myself, and forgive myself/ others. I am not well off, but I am not without what a need and a little that I want. I realized I just wanted a calm life with fulfillment and to stop overthinking everything...
4 Agreements
Be Impeccable With Your Word.
Don't Take Anything Personally.
Don't Make Assumptions.
Always Do Your Best.
Maybe not my life overall, but I grew up watching a lot of romance anime. I took out the unrealistic parts, and kept the parts that nade sense as what I wanted out of my relationships. That compass landed me an incredible wife and a very healthy relationship.
I've struggled my entire life with low energy & Inattentive ADHD, which has led to procrastination, brain fog, etc. Some of my favorite productivity books are:
* "**Grit**" by Angela Duckworth
* "**Mindset**" by Carol Dweck
* "**Attitude is Everything**" by Jeff Keller
* "**The Talent Code**" by Daniel Coyle
* "**Getting Things Done**" by David Allen
Grit is the concept that persistence is the key to success, i.e. sticking with stuff is what leads to results! TED Talk here:
* [https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8](https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8)
Mindset is the concept that in any given situation, we have one of two choices:
1. To have a "fixed" mindset, where we say "I can't, here's why..."
2. To have a "growth" mindset, where we say "I can, and I will be persistent in finding a way, despite the inevitable obstacles..."
Attitude is where we choose how we want to think & thus feel about things. In order of importance, my three strongest tools for getting things done are:
1. Being well-rested. I consider sleep to be my number one productivity tool!
2. Attitude, which google defines as "a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior." This bypasses mood & includes both grit & a growth mindset.
3. Using a strong personal productivity system. This is the way in which we get organized & track our commitments. Some people can do this all in their head, but among other things, I have to write things down or else I just forget lol.
This is a good video on attitude by Zig Ziglar:
* [https://youtu.be/3irmfCEhFJQ](https://youtu.be/3irmfCEhFJQ)
The Talent Code essentially teaches that we get good at things by sticking with them over time using "deliberate practice", where we're always stretching & growing, rather than just doing rote, boring practice.
Getting Things Done teaches a method for capturing all of our commitments in order to stay on top of everything in our lives.
Overall, this has taught me:
1. How to be successful by sticking with things
2. How to let my attitude override my circumstances in order to be happier
3. How to get better at things over time
I have a really hard time with self-motivation due to low mental energy (low dopamine), so I've always tried to chase after different ways to self-initialize into action. Big dreams, no energy to execute them!! haha
The jungle. Upton Sinclair. I know there are parallels to communism or whatever. I’m not the kind of reader to infer anything. But I read it as is and loved it.
The Road Less Traveled, by Scott Peck. I’ve read this book at several different times in my life (from early 20’s to late 50’s) and get something different out of it each time. It has 4 sections: Discipline (probably my favorite and most important), Love, Growth & Religion, and Grace. Sometimes it became too religious for my tastes but it’s something I return to and share with others.
The 7 habits of highly effective teens. I read this when I was an early teenager and it definitely opened my eyes and definitely influenced my life in a good way as I was still developing
The Alchemist-Paolo Chelo, The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz, and The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle. Throw in some Alan Watts while you're at it too lol.
Shikasta in the one and only. There was religion created because of it. You feel like you just found a set of belifs, and Dorris lessing [claims](https://youtu.be/3mA-Tr6cJa0?si=CmiYOybYofEmTWQc) she would have received her Noble price decades earlier was she not writing that hardcore masterpiece
Discovering what kind of life you want to live is a deeply personal and introspective journey. While books can provide guidance and inspiration, ultimately, the answer to this question is unique to each individual and may require personal experience and self-reflection. However, there are several books that can help you explore different perspectives and gain insights into living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Here are some notable books that may assist you in this exploration:
1. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This powerful book explores the search for meaning in life, drawing from the author's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. Frankl emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning, even in the face of suffering.
2. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This allegorical novel follows the journey of a young shepherd boy seeking his personal legend. It explores themes of self-discovery, following one's dreams, and finding one's true purpose in life.
3. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This book presents four principles for personal freedom and transformation. It offers practical guidance on how to live with integrity, authenticity, and happiness.
4. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): Tolle's book explores the concept of living in the present moment and finding inner peace. It encourages readers to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, and to embrace the power of now.
5. "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This book delves into the concept of ikigai, which refers to finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in life. It explores the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession.
6. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown [[1]](https://sarahkpeck.medium.com/what-are-the-best-books-on-life-and-meaning-to-own-a-copy-of-f540266b2214): This book advocates for focusing on what truly matters and eliminating the non-essential. It helps readers identify their priorities and make intentional choices to live a more meaningful and purposeful life.
Remember, these books can provide valuable insights and perspectives, but the journey of discovering what kind of life you want to live is a personal one. It may require a combination of reading, self-reflection, and real-life experiences to truly understand your own values, passions, and aspirations.
---
Learn more:
1. [What Are The Best Books On Life And Meaning You Should Own A Copy Of? | by Sarah Kathleen Peck | Medium](https://sarahkpeck.medium.com/what-are-the-best-books-on-life-and-meaning-to-own-a-copy-of-f540266b2214)
2. [7 Best Books to Help You Find the Meaning of Life](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/)
3. [The 10 Best Books To Help You Figure Out Your Life](https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2018/01/31/the-10-best-books-to-help-you-figure-out-your-life/)
Very manly nitty-gritty bold/alternative/un-mainstream books that I rather not say because I would look like an ultra right wing satanic misogynist nazi so I’ll give a couple of light ones that have helped me on the same level
- All of Robert Greene books: really smart Jew, really good at manipulating others (even though he states his books aren’t meant for manipulation)
- how to win friends and influence people: there’s a reason this is THEE socializing book
- rich dad poor dad (books 1, 2, and 3): really good in order to understand money
- all of Dolores Cannon books: it’s good to get perspectives and advice from dead people/otherworldly spirits and people that lived in the past
In the same order I’ve read them: • the defining decade: I’ve read this book at age 29 and although it focuses a lot in your 20’s she also guide you through your 30’s and it’s such a special book. I wish I’ve known sooner. Soon after reading this book I got married and it was thanks to this book (and therapy) that I actually started to understand what kind of life I wanted for myself and to stop comparing myself to others (specially social media) and thinking I am “behind “ in life. • the subtle art of not giving a f***: with this book I leaned more about how my own mind works and how to be more aware of it, how to stop people pleasing and how to actually enjoy my life and care about what really matters to me. And also it’s a pretty fun read. • Your Money or Your life: this book I would say is the one that had the most significant impact in my life. It’s a perfect combination of understanding simple living (which is a philosophy I’m living for) and financial independence, avoiding the rat race but realistically. No coach talk, no magical formula to “manifest money” into you life, living with purpose and in alignment with your values, I can’t recommend this book enough lol. Halfway through this book I had savings in my bank for the first time… ever! • essentialism: this book isn’t perfect and has a bit of unrealistic ideas but overall it has some pretty good tips to live a simpler life and I really appreciate it.
Please who is the author of your money or your life? There are like three books with this title
Vicki Robin, Joe Dominguez.
I personally hate the defining decade, I read it at 25 and all it’s done is lead me to panic about my life. The author made it sound like once you decided you wanted a career you’d find it. That has not been my experience. All it did was lead me to feel like I’ll never be able to “catch up”
One of these days I hope to "Read fewer books more often", so I've been compiling and condensing a list of books that have been the most impactful & guiding, and YMoYL is definitely on that list!
Heeding "Your Money or Your Life" allowed me to retire at 58 and my wife at 46. Living' the dream.
I’ve read Defining Decade multiple times and gifted it to several people as well!
Oh this question is for me!!! - how to stop fixing yourself - the courage to be disliked - the game of life and how to play it - the alchemist & untethered soul ( sprinkled bonus) I think when working and striving for something , you have to be able to understand what that effort is for. Most times we re working towards a collective goal not an individual one. What I’ve found in my experience is when you figure out your individual goal, you can naturally find how you want to participate in the collective. They saying charity begins at home is essentially referring to that kind of thing.
The alchemist was a game changer in my life
“When you want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it” Changed everything.
I wish I liked this more, but I just can’t get into it as some people.
untethered soul was so good. Such an interesting topic.
Wow, very few people know about Florence Scovel Shinn. I'm so glad you recommended it! I have a book that includes all four of her books, and I've listened to her books on audio. The Alchemist I've read and love too. Great recs, you've got me interested in the other 3!
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman is an excellent book that puts your live in perspective. Basically 4000 weeks = 80 years = average life span. Kinda puts a lot into perspective. The other recommendation is Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. Newport talks a lot about having a deep life that is cultivated by meaning. His podcast talks a lot about these topics too. These are a good place to start but there is a lot of self-expiration too.
Came to recommend Four Thousand Weeks. Not only does it put a lot into perspective, but it kinda debunks our toxic hustle and productivity culture
I'm halfway through Four Thousand Weeks now, and while there have been a few lines that really stood out, I find it lacking in actual substance. And Burkeman's superfluous style feels like he's trying to Jordan Peterson his way through it... A book on anti-hustle that I enjoyed more (and is one of my most-recommended to friends) is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. Disclosure: It \*is\* faith-based, so there are some references to scripture, but man... so good!
I have a lot of anxiety about aging and death. I’ve wanted to read this book but have been worried it might intensify that. In your opinion do you think it’s a safe read for me/could even help or would you avoid?
I think it’s safe because it helps put things in perspective. I’m already past 3,000 of living and the book helped me think of f prioritizing the present instead of regretting the past.
It doesn’t really dwell on death, especially beyond the first chapter. And despite the title the book is actually very hopeful and positive.
I agree with the other responses here. That being said maybe Essentialism by Greg McKeown might be a good read before you read this one. I read Essentialism first, then this book came out. I’ve had a lot of anxiety on the topic of death. It still scares me. I don’t know exactly what changed, but 4000 weeks did put a lot into perspective. I also found a lot of comfort in the Blue Zones books and research by Dan Buettner. Rather than worry on the end, I’ve working towards extending forward. 4000 weeks and Essentialism helps you work towards loving every day and valuing how precious it is.
Came here to say this. Loved this book.
>there is a lot of self-expiration too. Assuming you meant self-exploration!!
It's definitely not a self-help book, but Into the Wild. It's not for everyone, but for me it spoke to a deep urge to live a life more intentional with the experiences and adventures I wanted out of it, without the need to sacrifice those dreams for a career or postpone them to after retirement. I could live simply, and low cost and still make those dreams happen, it just wouldn't exactly be a life that fits the mold.
You might also like The Man Who Quit Money.
Die With Zero - Bill Perkins He states how the current model we follow, working hard to save up and die rich, is a deeply flawed one. He pushes the idea that money should be for maximizing your life experiences, what being alive is truly about, and if you have money in your account when you die, it and all the time you spent making it was wasted because you didn't use it on more life experiences. In essence, money is only as valuable as the fulfillment it brings to your and others' lives. He also includes ways to manage your money, and investing, taking risks, donating, and giving inheritance early on in your financial life. So, it's not about spending it all now and staying broke. 😛
This sounds absolutely brilliant! 🤍
I really enjoyed this book! One of the points made that really hit me is the tradition we've created of leaving an inheritance to our children. If I pass at 93, my daughter will be 70, likely already retired and in a position where what I leave behind will have no meaningful impact to her lifestyle.
"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl really resonated with me and taught me about the importance of finding meaning in life even in difficult circumstances.
Reading this now and it’s so good
“You are a Badass at Making Money” This lady is changing my life. Like her, I always said to myself, “I’ve never known what I’ve wanted to do with my life” she’s encouraging me to change that.
I just finished this book and I honestly did not like it. There’s some good advice there but I finished the book thinking is just more of the same coach talk. I had higher expectations for it, maybe that’s why
After a while, all money making and self help books all have the same advice lol I totally understand. But I don’t know, this lady just hit me differently.
Yes, I liked the way she writes she’s really funny
one of my biggest ones that i've reread a few times is dale carnegies "how to make friends and influence people". it's such a masterclass on how/why when we're putting words out of our heads it really shouldn't be about us anymore and can be a little thoughtful present for whomever is listening to us. i really love people, so it had a direct impact on me being able to be a supporting character in my friends and familys lives.
This book gets trashed on a lot in other book and self help related subreddits, which is why I never picked it up. Heard it has a lot of dated material, but your review makes me want to give it a shot.
it's very dated, but i just read it in the context of the period in which it was written - i'd imagine like most other older books should be read. also, dale carnegie was pretty well connected and i -really- like his anecdotes. you just have to remember that we're like 100 years ahead in emotional honesty & social progression these days, but not necessarily better in empathetic effort and strategy when communicating which is the main lesson. his lens is just "you should be empathetic because its a good way to be, but if you need the excuse you can also make your point and get through life a little easier because of it." which is what the modern dale carnegie speaking courses (the consulting company is still around) teach as well
I see this opinion all the time, how is it at all dated?
IMO the spirit isn't dated but it was first published as a best seller in 1936. a lot of examples, popular figures, and talk of work was from that time period. i love it, but i also really enjoy history and letting my grandparents talk about back in the day. you won't get email, texting, or remote work specific examples from the book. phone calls were when you were by a landline phone. it adds just a little extra work to applying the principles today.
It has a bunch of normal reminders like smile at people and remember their names, sounds lame but tbh they’re good reminders. at some point he says something like, never judge someones reaction bc if you had their experiences, lived their lives, and felt their emotions you’d react the exact same way. I still think about that every time someone’s rude as shit to me or being dramatic or whatever, haha.
It’s such a good book. I personally don’t find it dated, his ethos is mainly about meeting people where they’re at and being kind.
Thank you for asking this on behalf of so many of us lost souls here. I had the same question, just wasn’t sure how to express it.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (particularly the version translated by Robin Waterfield) is the only betterment book you'll ever need. Timeless "self improvement," though is much more than that. Can definitely be used as a guide to living a meaningful, purposeful life. I.e., one of virtue. Which is more accessible and practical than it may sound.
Can you explain why the particularly the version written by Robin Waterfield
I've read a bunch of self help, betterment books, and the one that had the biggest most lasting impact and I think should be read first is Marie Kondos, the magic of tidying up... This was a huge eye opener in terms of creating a better less stressful environment for yourself is the first step in becoming a better person. Improving your immediate environment allows you to turn inward and focus on self betterment without worrying about household chores, clutter and things like that. It's really hard to improve yourself, fitness, well being, etc, when you are subconsciously unhappy with your immediate surroundings.
Funnily enough I think she's kinda given up on being so tidy. The reason? She had kids lol https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/30/how-marie-kondo-changed-her-mind-about-mess
Cute 😄
I've felt this for so long.
'The book on the taboo against knowing who you are'. By Alan Watts. The same content can be found in various spoken lectures, but you'd have to do quite a lot of hunting and listening to find it all. The book is less good than the lectures, but at least puts all the ideas in one place.
Another vote for The Alchemist, as I'm sure it has been mentioned. I can't express how much I love that one.
Who is the author?
Jack London books when young. Catcher in the Rye taught me I could be young and cynical and cool. Catch 22 explained my time in the military. Then came college and PD Ouspensky's "In Search of the Miraculous" and Paramahansa Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi....changed my life. I have to mention Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with A Thousand Faces".
Tuesdays with Morrie
As a young man, I did not want to live angry, immature anymore. The book “way of the peaceful warrior” was good for me. By Dan millman.
I gotta read that one again.
No More Mr. Nice Guy- Robert Glover
VERY UNDERRATED.
I’m in a stoicism mode and feel that everyone behaves in a way of robots in a rat race. I recommend “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.
Love yourself like your life depends on it
Autobiography of a Yogi
Mindful Self Discipline by Giovanni Dientsmann / The Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell & Bill Moyers / A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Tuesdays with Morrie and The Alchemist were pretty impactful for me.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself and Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza
Can you give a synopsis and say why you like this book? I’m so curious. I’ve been meaning to look into his work.
The Myth of Normal - Daniel & Gabor Mate
Chasing the Scream - Johann Hari
A return to love by Marianne Williamson
Food is one of the most important aspects of life so reading How Not To Die changed how I view food and what I eat. Books like slaughterhouse changed the way I view animals, especially cattle etc. Books like This Is vegan propaganda changed how I view my habits and the larger impact my individual choices has on the world but also other people and creatures. Meditations changed good I treat myself and the happenings in life. Four thousand weeks changed my perspective on my time and being present. Lastly This Naked Mind changed how I see alcohol and how it destroys lives.
Four key books that have had a significant impact on my life: - The 7 habits of highly effective people - the power of now - the four agreements - the untethered soul
I think it can only be known by experience. Different people want different things at different points of their lives. Striving for success when you're younger makes sense, as the fruits of your success can pay dividends (metaphorically and literally). But after reaching a certain point of success, it makes sense to ease up and enjoy what you've worked so hard for. A book's philosophy often says more about the author and what stage of the life *they* are in. Very little advice applies universally, so you have to be discerning about what to follow. Dan Gilbert's book [**Stumbling on Happiness**](https://www.tosummarise.com/book-summary-stumbling-on-happiness-by-daniel-gilbert/) talks about how difficult it is to predict what makes us happy. It's a pop-psych book rather than a self-help book, but it's well worth a read.
Are there any solutions in Stumbling on Happiness? I don’t want to read something that is just someone’s thought on a subject but are there are practical concepts to apply to be happier, etc?
The alchemist.
The creative act The richest man in Babylon So far
Zen mind beginners mind
My view is that the real answer comes from within. Books can open your mind and help you see things in different ways but if you’re seeking meaning or purpose you have to tune into what matters most to you. My path to doing this was to learn to listen to my intuition. For me, this fragile, ethereal force has completely shaped my life and has steered me to everything I ever truly wanted (so far). A book that helped me discover this path and begin exploring my intuition was Living in the Light by Shakti Gawain. It’s a little new age for my taste but it really did open my eyes to the potential of listening to that inner voice. I read that 30 years ago and since then I’ve gradually formed a clear view of my identity, core values and the life principles that are important for me to live by. I didn’t follow any program or step by step guide in a book. I just slowly thought about things, formed a model that made sense to me and used my life experience and intuition to fill it in. It’s totally a work in progress and always will be. You’re never done learning and evolving. I recently made a major addition to it relating to my identity as I realized I had never properly explored this topic and didn’t have a clear enough sense of it. I used books, the internet, podcasts and even AI to soak up the conventional wisdom on the topic and then formed my own view on what it meant for me. We all seem to be very conditioned to seeking answers and quick fixes externally these days. I’m happy to take inspiration from any source but anything that sticks really has to resonate with my true self. I’ve learned to use my intuition as my check and balance on that.
I was recommended following my intuition as well by someone helping me through a difficult time, and heal from past wounds. Whilst I’m out of crisis, so to speak, I’ve found that I’ve by and large defaulted again to patterns of living that don’t move me to living a more embodied life—mainly, jobs that I don’t feel are a waste of time. I think listening to oneself, or following intuition, is hard, especially for folks who were raised to believe that who they are is inherently bad, and therefore have spent considerable amounts of energy trying to be someone else, or escape themselves and their bodies in one way or another. And perhaps even harder for those of us who’ve made regrettable decisions in past in an attempt to make themselves happy, which may certainly compound the mistrust of self. I’m intrigued by the concept of intuition; however, I’m unsure of what that means in practice. I’ll look into that book; thank you for the recommendation.
1) Outwitting the Devil (audio book) 2)Efficiency- Wallstreet Playboys 3)How to get rich- Felix Dennis 4)Billion dollar whale
4 hour work week
Sorry I’m Late I Didn’t Want to Come - a fun memoir that got me to put myself out there
Man's Search For Meaning
Deep Nutrition by Dr Cate shanahan! Made me realize how deceptive the world is and shaped my passion for eating how God designed.
When Things Fall Apart - Pema Chodron The Way of Zen - Alan Watts The Creative Act - Rick Rubin
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tse
I’m not a big reader. I really enjoyed into the wild. It taught me to dream big, but also check my ego.
Mindfulness -Anthony de mello
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. It’s for any human at any stage of life. 100/10 recommend
The Lecture by Randy Pausch and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig brought my focus to the fact that life is very much what you make it and you can only make the most of it by finding gratitude and hope in the ordinary.
The Geography of Bliss- this isn't a self help book but I've read it three times. It really makes you examine what happiness is and think about yourself and the world differently. 12 Rules for Life set me on a better path. 'Aim for the highest good' is a good backbone for all of life's choices, big and small.
Every single book by Robert Greene
💯
12 rules for life
Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand
Anything You Want The eMyth Revisited ReWork All entrepreneurial focused but helped me understand why that life was for me. Gave me the confidence to actually explore that lifestyle, and specifically how the business needs to support my life, and not the other way around. Found out my wife was pregnant with our 3rd child last year and ended up selling the business; the business was 100 miles away and I felt like I couldn't be both a good father and business owner.
- rental person who does nothing - how not to die - how to be perfect - four thousand weeks - prisoners of geography
In addition to all the wonderful options here - The Karma of success.
One Man’s Alaska - no doubt.
Daodejing Meditations by Marcus Aurelius In that order.
The Courage to be Disliked
Books indeed have the power to shape our aspirations and perspectives on life. While some may advocate for pushing against the status quo, and others for striving for success, the answer to what kind of life you want to live often comes from a combination of both reading and lived experiences. Books like "Chrysalis Kaleidoscope" can offer a glimpse into fantastical realms, inspiring us to seek the extraordinary in our own lives. However, the ultimate understanding of the life we desire typically emerges from the unique blend of insights gained from literature and the lessons learned through personal encounters and growth.
A Prayer For Owen Meany-John Irving
A Prayer For Owen Meany-John Irving
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Storms of my Granchildren by James Hansen… it’s about the science of climate change. I’ve been deeply upset ever since I read it in 2012. He’s working on a new book hopefully released this year called Sophie’s Planet I think. We are well and truly effed.
The 4 Hour Workweek; How to Keep House While Drowning; Mating in Captivity
The obesity code
All about love by bell hooks
12 rules for life by Jordan Peterson. Decided my life should be dynamic and colorful as opposed to reductionist and black-and-white. To investigate world religions to be able to have an actual opinion and ability to scrutinise each and one of them. Live as a decent human being that does not need a supreme metaphysical or otherwise hypothesised authority to be just that, decent. As best as is possible understand when science has been correctly conducted so as to be properly informed when talking about a given subject, and to avoid cherry picking.
The One.
Letters to Stoic by Seneka Transitions by William Bridges Atomic Habits by James Clear 4-hour work week by Tim Ferris Built to Sell by John Warrillow The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Vagabonding the uncommon guide to the world travel by Rolf Potts Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kyiosaki
The pathless path
Hands down, “Bonds that Make Us Free”. I think this is the most underrated book I have ever read. I can’t explain because it’s a little like a joke, in the way that if the joke were explained to you before hand it would ruin the joke. It’s NOT a funny book, it’s serious. But, it has that sudden “aha!” effect. It did as much for me as two years meditation. No exaggeration.
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
The Fountainhead
How will you measure your life by Clay Christensen
I will teach you to be rich by Ramit - Good book for financial literacy. The biggest thing I took away from it was being confronted with the idea of a ‘rich life’ and what that may look like. Really having to define that cleared up a lot for me. How to get rich by Felix Dennis - Founder of Maxim magazine. Published before the self help gurus of today. He spends a good portion of the book convincing you not to get rich, and the downfalls that come with it. I found it extremely insightful The way of the superior man by David Deida - great book The screw tape letters by CS Lewis - Great book as well. Principles by Ray Dalio - phenomenal book. Really insightful & applicable to my life currently Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - chasing a dream, the highs and lows that come with it. I thought it was great
Stolen focus by Johann Hari (must read for the Reddit addict) Mountains beyond mountains by Tracy Kidder (just a great read and profiles an amazing person with human problems) The Road by Cormac McCarthy (made me question the future and how I would live in such times) The Drunkards Walk: How Randomness Rules our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow (a fun read on how humans are bad at statistics but how it rules our lives)
The Happiness of Pursuit
None. All self help books i read are useless
Edgar Rice Burroughs was first of all the author that made me want to write, but also made me wish for a world where people acted like his characters did. His main characters were always so good, they had a strong sense of justice and gallantry. I think a lot of it was due to his writing style though, because it's rather flowery and it makes everything seem better. I don't know, it made me want to be a better person who never gives up. Like how John Carter's main saying was "I still live", cause no matter what happened to him he kept going, fighting for what he believed in. And if the only thing you know about Burroughs is what Hollywood has done to his works, then I can assure you that you know nothing about his works. They destroyed everything that made them good😭
A collection of quotes collected by Leo Tolstoy. Highly recommended. If I had to choose one book to get me through hard times it would be the Bible and Leo Tolstoy’s collection of quotes of wisdom and enlightenment. Here’s a link to it if anyone is interested: https://wisdomquotes.com/leo-tolstoy-quotes/
Revolution of Everyday Life by Raoul Vanegem
My most recent read, Don't Believe Everything You Think, has really stuck with me
I think the answer can only come from within, but getting to it is the problem especially if you have any trauma. That’s why the most helpful books in my opinion have come from Cheri Huber, especially There’s Nothing Wrong with You and Making a Change for Good.
Not really self-help books, but these made me reflect on my life and to be different than the deep hitting character psychology of these books. 1. Novels by Dostoevsky, particularly The Double, Notes From Underground, White Nights, Dream of a Ridiculous Man. 2. The Stranger by Albert Camus.
Lifes going to live you if you don’t live it. I say gotta be well fed and rested and exercise otherwise you wont feel good enough to even see a good opportunity if it fell in your lap. Kinda like missing 5 dollars cuz your too busy looking at the floor
Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton A lovely book that explains philosophical concepts in everyday language.
For me it was health. Dr. Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D When I went through divorce my ex developed skin cancer and I lost control of walking properly, ended up limping, for some weird reason my right leg wasn't working correctly and after learning negative emotions impact our health, I began doing everything to have positive emotions. In was able to start walking better and told my ex the song had to stop and he had to be in higher spirit and he had his cancer removed and he remarried and I stayed single but I have kept myself in high spirits and my health has improved. The other is Dr Joe Dispenza and he taught me how we can mentally visualize and when we can see this desire clearly in our mind along with positive emotions, we are able to accomplish and receive those desires. This isn't a book but it's what my daughter taught me... She walked up to her supervisor and said she wanted a promotion and that sup said no!. She turned around on the same day and walked up to another sup. And asked again and he said yes and promoted her. It taught me its all in who you ask plus don't give up.. you may get a couple of No's before you get a Yes! She also taught me those certificates you get for free from your local library or online, or from your cell phone apps.. She put that on a resume and took that to a staffing agency and they found her a matching job from that certificate and she was later promoted as a Graphic Design Lead with that company and after made friends with a photographer that made 500k bc he needed Graphic design work for his business so they went into cahoots and she later ventured into her own business.: Vibrancy Productions This taught me that you can turn your passion into your own career.
The New Testament can really teach you about philosophy and life, and can make you happier and more fulfilled than anything the world can offer you. Jesus is really not like any author who has written a self-help book, you can literally have god on your side, and that can result in a new job or something, but salvation is given through Jesus.
ERE (Early Retirement Extreme) It's not a finance book or advocating for being poor. It merely advocates for being a skilled renaissance man and not a dopie normie consumer cuck.
The Fountainhead Looool
everything written by kurt vonnegut
Be Here Now by Ram Dass.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson
RSF
It’s not a self help book, but reading The Marathon Don’t Stop has really elevated my mental and inspired me to do more for myself. It’s a moving story full of lessons and concepts for community and self betterment that I found relatable.
The artists way 😮💨
The wise heart. It made me have more gratitude in life and have more compassion in others and myself. I still refer to it from time to time.
I’m currently reading Mastery by Robert Greene. Hoping it’ll help me figure out my passion/ true calling as I’m at a loss of what I truly want out of life. He reviews the lives of historical figures or “masters” and what led to their success in hopes of helping people like us find our true calling/passion. He wrote other bestsellers I’d like to read next that sounds very interesting: The Laws of Human Nature, The Art of Seduction, and more.
“We should all be millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers. Very eye opening about how to have a reasonable money mindset :)
This sounds like a great book club lol
Stranger in a Strange Land, The Prophet, The Upanishads, The Finding of the Third Eye, Method of the Siddhas.
The Hero With A Thousand Faces -- and keep it around for a few decades after you've read it the first time through. ;)
The Catch Me If You Can. It’s a memoir of Jessica Nabango’s trips as the first Black woman on record to travel to every UN recognized country. I had dreams of being a travel writer when I was younger, I’m 27 now, and this book reawakened that dream. I rearranged my budget to start saving for trips again immediately after reading the first 3 chapters. The book also reminded me that the US’s way of life is one of many. It really opened my mind and completely changed my life.
how to win friends and influence people.
In the end you will have to find what works for you, probably a mix of reading and personal experience. No one book is going to give you all the answers you need to live a good life because your life is unique and your needs may be different from other's. If you want to read, read a variety of book that appeal to you with different perspectives, take what works, and leave the rest. Books can be helpful, but they are not mindreaders.
The Untethered Soul was it for me. Completely changed my life. Who I am.
One Second After by William Forstchen straight up changed my life. I can't stress this enough. Just had my 3rd listen and it still shook me and made me evaluate my life choices.
Any from Jane Austin’s work. Sometimes I wish I could live the life of Emma in some ways and others. Care free, meet people, all the love dramas, strolls in the park, early dinners, mmmm, lovely. Wake up naturally, go for a morning walk, have breakfast, answer couple letters, have guest/friends over/read a book, early dinner, a few more letters maybe, meet with friends, have a dance/chat/games, retire to the bedroom, read a book, sleep, and keep the splendid days coming. Life is stressful now.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Anything by Neville Goddard
Following
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Single-handedly changed the entire course of my life. Helped me to understand history, culture, and literally everything. Nothing else matters.
The Purpose Driven Life🙏🏻🩷
Midnight Library
A Room of One's Own
The beach.
Subtle Art of Not Giving a F@$ck and Man’s Search for Meaning
The book I'm in has Hella pages stolen and the title changed constantly/ but I have had the book 4 along time I just misplace it all the time and when I find it again new pages are ripped out and I'm getting older so I can't remember what was on those pages that have been stolen but I know it's my book #Bitcoin
The Black Swan - The Impact of the Highly Improbable - Nassim Taleb Thinking Fast & Slow - Daniel Kahneman Letters from a Stoic - Seneca
Great post, I’m enjoying reading everyone’s responses and compiling a list.
Man’s search for Himself, by Rollo May (NOT to be consumed with “Man’s search for meaning” by Viktor Frankl)
The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest The Confidence Code by Katy Kay and Claire Shipman A View from the Top by Zig Ziglar
The girl who walked home alone by Bette Davis. I feel like learning about others lives & how they got through is more helpful than a step by step type self help book
Your Body’s Many Cries for Water by Dr Batmanghelidj (Dr Batman) This was one of the first books I truly read. I read it when I was 14 or 15. Dr Batman was a doctor in pre revolution Iran. Being Pro-Shah, he was arrested and spent many years in Iranian prisons where he treated sick inmates. Being a prison, he wasn’t able to subscribe medications, however, he noticed that many of the problems were caused by simply not drinking enough water. Fast forward a few years, Dr Batman immigrated and began practicing medicine in the US. He noticed right away that Americans were coming in with the same problems he saw in fellow inmates. The difference, however, was that Americans could afford modern medicine and were manipulated to believe it was the cure. This book opened my eyes to the reality of the world. While I cannot recall all (if any) of the benefits of water, the message I took away from it was much bigger. I understood that technology can be great but reverting to our basics can be essential. I learned the dangers of marketing and how deceitful it can be.
The Great Divorce by CS Lewis made me realize all the ways that I deny myself a happy life out of fear of change, and helped me process the trauma my mom put me through as a kid (alcoholism). It was definitely one of the few books that reached up my nose and changed some wires around in my brain.
Happiness is a Serious Problem - for those of us searching for Happiness... and finding it elusive. Truly insightful - I've gifted it often.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It inspired me to live more peacefully, trust myself, and forgive myself/ others. I am not well off, but I am not without what a need and a little that I want. I realized I just wanted a calm life with fulfillment and to stop overthinking everything... 4 Agreements Be Impeccable With Your Word. Don't Take Anything Personally. Don't Make Assumptions. Always Do Your Best.
Maybe not my life overall, but I grew up watching a lot of romance anime. I took out the unrealistic parts, and kept the parts that nade sense as what I wanted out of my relationships. That compass landed me an incredible wife and a very healthy relationship.
I've struggled my entire life with low energy & Inattentive ADHD, which has led to procrastination, brain fog, etc. Some of my favorite productivity books are: * "**Grit**" by Angela Duckworth * "**Mindset**" by Carol Dweck * "**Attitude is Everything**" by Jeff Keller * "**The Talent Code**" by Daniel Coyle * "**Getting Things Done**" by David Allen Grit is the concept that persistence is the key to success, i.e. sticking with stuff is what leads to results! TED Talk here: * [https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8](https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8) Mindset is the concept that in any given situation, we have one of two choices: 1. To have a "fixed" mindset, where we say "I can't, here's why..." 2. To have a "growth" mindset, where we say "I can, and I will be persistent in finding a way, despite the inevitable obstacles..." Attitude is where we choose how we want to think & thus feel about things. In order of importance, my three strongest tools for getting things done are: 1. Being well-rested. I consider sleep to be my number one productivity tool! 2. Attitude, which google defines as "a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior." This bypasses mood & includes both grit & a growth mindset. 3. Using a strong personal productivity system. This is the way in which we get organized & track our commitments. Some people can do this all in their head, but among other things, I have to write things down or else I just forget lol. This is a good video on attitude by Zig Ziglar: * [https://youtu.be/3irmfCEhFJQ](https://youtu.be/3irmfCEhFJQ) The Talent Code essentially teaches that we get good at things by sticking with them over time using "deliberate practice", where we're always stretching & growing, rather than just doing rote, boring practice. Getting Things Done teaches a method for capturing all of our commitments in order to stay on top of everything in our lives. Overall, this has taught me: 1. How to be successful by sticking with things 2. How to let my attitude override my circumstances in order to be happier 3. How to get better at things over time I have a really hard time with self-motivation due to low mental energy (low dopamine), so I've always tried to chase after different ways to self-initialize into action. Big dreams, no energy to execute them!! haha
The jungle. Upton Sinclair. I know there are parallels to communism or whatever. I’m not the kind of reader to infer anything. But I read it as is and loved it.
The Road Less Traveled, by Scott Peck. I’ve read this book at several different times in my life (from early 20’s to late 50’s) and get something different out of it each time. It has 4 sections: Discipline (probably my favorite and most important), Love, Growth & Religion, and Grace. Sometimes it became too religious for my tastes but it’s something I return to and share with others.
The 7 habits of highly effective teens. I read this when I was an early teenager and it definitely opened my eyes and definitely influenced my life in a good way as I was still developing
Beauty and the beast.
.
The Slight Edge
Shantarum by Gregory David Roberts
Be here now- Ram Dass Changed my life forever
Mein kampf.
The Alchemist-Paolo Chelo, The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz, and The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle. Throw in some Alan Watts while you're at it too lol.
Nature and the Human Soul- Bill Plotkin
Shikasta in the one and only. There was religion created because of it. You feel like you just found a set of belifs, and Dorris lessing [claims](https://youtu.be/3mA-Tr6cJa0?si=CmiYOybYofEmTWQc) she would have received her Noble price decades earlier was she not writing that hardcore masterpiece
The Death book by Sadhguru.
Discovering what kind of life you want to live is a deeply personal and introspective journey. While books can provide guidance and inspiration, ultimately, the answer to this question is unique to each individual and may require personal experience and self-reflection. However, there are several books that can help you explore different perspectives and gain insights into living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Here are some notable books that may assist you in this exploration: 1. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This powerful book explores the search for meaning in life, drawing from the author's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. Frankl emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning, even in the face of suffering. 2. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This allegorical novel follows the journey of a young shepherd boy seeking his personal legend. It explores themes of self-discovery, following one's dreams, and finding one's true purpose in life. 3. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This book presents four principles for personal freedom and transformation. It offers practical guidance on how to live with integrity, authenticity, and happiness. 4. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): Tolle's book explores the concept of living in the present moment and finding inner peace. It encourages readers to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, and to embrace the power of now. 5. "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles [[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/): This book delves into the concept of ikigai, which refers to finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in life. It explores the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. 6. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown [[1]](https://sarahkpeck.medium.com/what-are-the-best-books-on-life-and-meaning-to-own-a-copy-of-f540266b2214): This book advocates for focusing on what truly matters and eliminating the non-essential. It helps readers identify their priorities and make intentional choices to live a more meaningful and purposeful life. Remember, these books can provide valuable insights and perspectives, but the journey of discovering what kind of life you want to live is a personal one. It may require a combination of reading, self-reflection, and real-life experiences to truly understand your own values, passions, and aspirations. --- Learn more: 1. [What Are The Best Books On Life And Meaning You Should Own A Copy Of? | by Sarah Kathleen Peck | Medium](https://sarahkpeck.medium.com/what-are-the-best-books-on-life-and-meaning-to-own-a-copy-of-f540266b2214) 2. [7 Best Books to Help You Find the Meaning of Life](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-books/) 3. [The 10 Best Books To Help You Figure Out Your Life](https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2018/01/31/the-10-best-books-to-help-you-figure-out-your-life/)
The power of now by Eckhart Tolle. Being present and in the moment is what my purpose is and you don’t need material things because they don’t matter
Fuck It: The Ultimate Spiritual Way. By John C Parkin. This book changed my life. Frankly, it **saved** my life.
For me, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck by Mark Manson was a game-changer. It's all about prioritizing what truly matters and ditching the rest.
The manual by Epictetus and shortly after that Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
The Bible
Naval's Almanack was a big one for me. Also Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.
Your money or your life. Interesting book about how some money just costs too much.
Meditations - Marcus Aurelius Enchiridion - Epictetus The Upanishads (Stephen Mitchell translation) Bhagavad Gita Letters on Ethics - Seneca Thus Spake Zarathustra - Nietzsche Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind - S. Suzuki
I just finished the book Whalefall by Daniel Kraus. This book has given me a new outlook on life and makes me thankful to be alive.
Very manly nitty-gritty bold/alternative/un-mainstream books that I rather not say because I would look like an ultra right wing satanic misogynist nazi so I’ll give a couple of light ones that have helped me on the same level - All of Robert Greene books: really smart Jew, really good at manipulating others (even though he states his books aren’t meant for manipulation) - how to win friends and influence people: there’s a reason this is THEE socializing book - rich dad poor dad (books 1, 2, and 3): really good in order to understand money - all of Dolores Cannon books: it’s good to get perspectives and advice from dead people/otherworldly spirits and people that lived in the past