For the past few years, I've made it a habit to ask everyone I meet for book recommendations. It's one of the habits that has made a significant difference in my life.
So when I recently came across a question on Quora that went something like this: “What are some books that expand our mind?” I was intrigued. I began to reflect on the books that had had such an impact on me. Because not every book has the same effect on the reader.
To me, expanding your mind means that a book has changed the way I see the world.
So here's a list of few books that may expand your minds and can change the way you live in your life.
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to live an adventure. Because life is full of surprises. The possibility of a dream coming true is what keeps life interesting.
Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl
Years after I first read it, I still think about it almost daily. What happened to millions of Jews 70 years ago was truly heinous. It's easy to forget that this was only a few decades ago. Not millennia. And Victor Frankl's account of his time in concentration camps is almost supernatural. His philosophy and outlook on life should be treasured and passed down for all time. This book should be read.
Mindset by Carol Dweck
There are two mindsets. Fixed mindset and growth mindset. This book will open a whole new world for your growth potential.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau began my ten-year journey of "thinking about life." I remember discovering his writings through the film Into The Wild. The film (released in 2007) was based on Jon Krakauer's book of the same name, which told the story of Christopher McCandless, a young and naive idealist who desired to live a simple life. McCandless's story is heartbreaking. His greatest influence, however, was Henry David Thoreau. And, because Thoreau isn't required reading in the Netherlands, I decided to read it on my own (and the Jon Krakauer book too). Since then, I haven't stopped thinking, reflecting, and living more consciously.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
I never understood how wealth worked. This book completely changed the way I think about money and creating wealth.
The Art Of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
We make a lot of decisions in our life. How many of those decisions are rational? If you ask Dobelli, very little. This book is an excellent collection of 99 thinking errors — from cognitive biases to social distortions. This is the most practical book I’ve read on decision-making.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Whether you like people or not you have to learn how to become more influential to live a better life and build a meaningful business.
Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
This book lives up to its billing. After reading Kahneman's book, you will have a different way of thinking. It is a summary of his most important discoveries since beginning his career as a cognitive psychologist in 1961. It is, in my opinion, one of the most important books published in recent years.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
You are a miracle. You already have everything you need. You already are everything you want to be and this book will show you how to fight your ego to become more content and present.
Self-control was the most important skill that helped me get through college. And this practical book inspired me to push my willpower to new heights. McGonigal writes in a straightforward manner that motivates you to take action.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
This book about humankind completely changed the way I understand life and all the stories that keep it together.
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Not only does your ability to enjoy your work determine job satisfaction, but it also influences how good you become at something. Flow is one of those books that I think about on a daily basis. Getting into a flow state has the potential to change the way you work and live.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Without an effective morning routine, you are betting on your life instead of taking control of it and focusing on things that matter.
Who knew that understanding human evolution could alter the way you live? That is, at least, what happened to me. To truly understand your body, you must first understand how it evolved.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
If you have a reason, you’ll find a way. If the reason is not something you believe in, you will find an excuse. A great book to help you design a purpose-driven life and business.
John Ratey's Spark
I am a firm believer in regular exercise. It's as important to me as breathing. The book by John Ratey inspired me to incorporate daily exercise into my life. And I can't emphasize enough how much of an impact it has had on my productivity, confidence, health, happiness, and overall enjoyment of life.
William Zinsser's On Writing Well
You must communicate with people no matter what you do in life. More than any other skill, being able to express yourself clearly and communicate effectively will reward you.
Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens
I disagree with the widespread belief that this is the best book of all time. However, it is an excellent summary of human history and evolutionary psychology. Most importantly, it's a joy to read.
Russell Brunson's Expert Secrets
You know something that others would like to know. This book teaches you how to turn your expertise into a profitable business.
Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man
A novel about a young, nameless black man who lives his life as if he is invisible, "simply because people refuse to see me." Is the book true or false? It doesn't matter because it paints a picture from one person's point of view on race—all that's that matters. The book was published in 1952, but it still seems relevant today after all these years. Understanding others is essential in life. This book will assist you in doing so.
M. J. DeMarco's The Millionaire Fastlane
It is possible to amass wealth quickly. It's not easy, but it's simple if you follow a few rules and avoid distractions and quick wins.
Grant Cardone's 10X Rule
The only way to increase your wealth, do more, and live more is to do ten times more than you are currently doing. A simple principle that will make a noticeable difference in your life.
Robert B. Cialdini's Influence
This classic book will teach you the art of persuasion. And it's chock-full of research and anecdotes that will alter your perspective on life, relationships, business, and people's intentions.
Daniel Priestley's oversubscribed
You don't have to struggle to find clients and customers for your company. This book will show you how to sell your products and services before they are available.
Susan Cain's book Quiet
The majority of introverts are unaware that they are introverts. Quiet is a book about getting to know oneself. And that simple skill has the potential to change the course of your life. It all boils down to this: Don't try to be someone you're not.
Jerry Weintraub's When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead
One of the most engrossing life stories I've ever read. Weintraub is regarded as a Hollywood legend. He is someone who thinks differently than the rest of his industry. And this book motivates you to be more practical, tough-minded, and persuasive.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson
Life is simple unless you make it difficult. There are many things in life you don’t need to pay attention to and this book shows you how to do it.
Og Mandino's The Greatest Salesman in the World
Look no further if you're looking for a hard-hitting self-help book. This book will change your life if you read it the way Og Mandino suggests.
Dan Buettner's The Blue Zones
The goal is to live a long and meaningful life. But, as you get older, how do you keep living rather than just existing? This book investigates five areas of the world where people forget to die.
Barry Schwartz's Choice Paradox
Making decisions is one of the most mentally taxing tasks you face on a daily basis. This book changed my perspective on options: less is more.
Cal Newport's Deep Work
Rapid technological advancement improved our lives exponentially, but it also transformed our psychology and hooked us on all kinds of stimuli. Deep work is the only way to reclaim your freedom. This book will show you how.
Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit
Developing new habits is a practical skill that has a direct impact on the quality of your life. Do you want to lose weight? Want to be more productive? Exercise on a regular basis? How do you build successful businesses? One thing is certain: those things will be extremely difficult to accomplish without habits.
Ray Dalio's Principles
Life is only as good as you make it. Certain situations in life repeat themselves and do not necessitate complex solutions. Creating a set of principles can help you navigate life when you're faced with "another one of those" decisions.
Mason Currey's Daily Rituals
A one-of-a-kind looks at the habits and rituals of the world's most famous people. You'll be surprised at how easy their lives were.
Greg Mckeown's Essentialism
If you become an essentialist and are willing to pay the price of choice, you can move quickly and live the life of your dreams.
Roger Fisher's Getting to Yes
Most people are afraid of bargaining. That is a completely unjust feeling. It's actually enjoyable to bargain. And you should do it more frequently. Who wouldn't want to pay less while earning more?
Steven Pressfield's Do the Work
Doing the work is the only way to find fulfillment and meaning in one's life. Nobody can do your work for you because it is about more than just the end result. It's fighting the resistance, battling your inner demons, and consistently showing up and doing the work. You are the only one who can do it.
Malcolm X's Autobiography: As Told to Alex Haley
Malcolm X is the true embodiment of a self-made man in my opinion. It has nothing to do with wealth or celebrity. You create yourself by broadening your mind. That is exactly what Malcolm X did in prison. Without a doubt, the best biography I've ever read.
Robert Wright's The Moral Animal
You can't understand human behavior unless you understand our evolution. It's downright depressing. But then, so is life. Instead of being sad about it, study it. As a result, you will be more understanding of others and yourself.
