[Alpharius]

The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
Pimp: The Story of My Life by Iceberg Slim

I read both during high school and it was then that I realized that my school social scene wasn't a delicate balancing act, it was a brutal battlefield with few winners and plenty of losers. For some reason after graduation I thought that was only applicable in a school setting. How wrong I was...

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama helped me be more accepting of being of more than one race and culturally caught in between.

A People's History by Howard Zinn
Zinn got me interested in history, a topic I've spent a good chunk of time studying both in and out of the classroom.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn. History, particularly that of science, is not the linear stream of accomplishments we usually (mis)take it for. One of the few books I've appreciated being assigned over the years.

[Beyond Borders]

(08-11-2013 01:55 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(08-07-2013 10:23 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

It's funny that people still call complete bullshit on that book when it's changed so many people's lives and created the exact type of people Ferris talked about.[/b]

It's a knee jerk reaction. People think "What!?!? No way you can only work 4 hours per week!" and claim the book is garbage.

The funniest thing about that knee-jerk reaction too is that when you actually dig into the book he says multiple times it's not really about working four hours a week and explains how the title just won out in the split test. He originally wanted to call it "Drug Dealing for Fun and Profit" or something like that.

I've heard a lot of different criticisms of the book but most were explained away within the text by Ferriss before anyone even had a chance to criticize it. Always annoying when people just ignore what an author is actually saying and confront the most skin-deep interpretations of the book - as if they just read a review of it and organized their arguments based on that....

Sounds like it hit us both much in the same way. I feel like going back and reading it again now.

(08-11-2013 01:58 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(08-07-2013 02:44 AM)TopPanda Wrote:  

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

A bit dated in parts, but still a great read.

I see this book recommended the most by people. I just can't seem to read it. It doesn't hold my interest. I need to sit down and give it a good solid 1-2 hours while sitting by the pool I think, because the bit I've ready already is valuable, but the dated nature of the writing makes it hard to keep my attention and I end up day dreaming.

About "Think and grow Rich," Rio.

Look up a condensed audo version of the book created by Earl Nightengale. Actually I think this is it right here: http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/1932429158

I used to listen to this driving in my truck back in the day everyday while running around in Humboldt and it radically transformed my mindset and brought me a ton of success at the time. I later went and tried to read the original version and just couldn't get through it - way too slow and drawn out.

And it's very rare for a book to bore me enough not to finish.

I highly recommend this version if you felt the same way trying to read the original.

[Samseau]

Epistemology:
1.The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
2.The Logic of Scientific Discovery by Karl Popper

Pyschology:
Emile by Rousseau

American History:
Democracy and America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Economics:
1.The Fatal Conceit: The Errors of Socialism by Friedrich Hayek
2.When Money Dies by Adam Fergusson

[Acute Angle]

I've read a ton of books about many aspects of life, and forgotten most, but these are a few that have really had an impact:

Escape Attempts: the theory and practice of resistance to everday life by Stan Cohen and Laurie Taylor

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S Kuhn

Flow: the psychology of optimal experience by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi

The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

Way of the Superior Man by David Deida

[Hexgrex]

Awaken the giant within - Tony Robbins
Unlimited Power - Tony Robbins
Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
A new earth - Eckhart Tolle
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love -Cal Newport

[nelson]

The life of Prophet Muhammad by Leila Azzam & Aish Gouverneur played a very important roll to change my life style.

[Manhattan]

The Black Flag by Shark (Solvemygirlproblems.com)
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

[Manhattan]

The Black Flag by Shark (Solvemygirlproblems.com)
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

[CallSignBigRed]

angela's ashes by Frank McCourt

I finished this book when I was doing air assault missions in afghanland back in 2009. We were looking for a soldier Bowe Bergdahl who walked off base joined the Taliban and gave them tips on how we conducted missions killing 12 soldiers in the process(cock sucking media and military portrays him as a missing soldier). It was July when I picked up this book and it was past a 110 degrees and we were hiking anywhere between 7-12 miles a day with heavy packs. Needless to say I become unmotivated very very quickly.

We had a day to resupply before we went out to conduct another 3 week straight mission and my friend handed me the book saying it was good. any time I had down time my face was in that book. It helped me realize that my current problems right now was no where near the pain and suffering that frank and what his family was going through.

Its a story about an Irish family back in the great depression. They try to escape it by leaving New York back to Ireland because his father was promised money for fighting for Ireland. Needless to say when they got there they didn't get paid and a whole bunch of events happen in the process. But Frank never let this get to him (some fucked up shit in the book) finds ways to feed his family and himself.

[OSL]

-

The Four Hour Work Week

The Millionaire Fastlane

Work the System

The Art of War

48 Laws of Power

The Game

80/20

[cardguy]

(09-25-2013 07:40 AM)CallSignBigRed Wrote:  

angela's ashes by Frank McCourt

I finished this book when I was doing air assault missions in afghanland back in 2009. We were looking for a soldier Bowe Bergdahl who walked off base joined the Taliban and gave them tips on how we conducted missions killing 12 soldiers in the process(cock sucking media and military portrays him as a missing soldier). It was July when I picked up this book and it was past a 110 degrees and we were hiking anywhere between 7-12 miles a day with heavy packs. Needless to say I become unmotivated very very quickly.

We had a day to resupply before we went out to conduct another 3 week straight mission and my friend handed me the book saying it was good. any time I had down time my face was in that book. It helped me realize that my current problems right now was no where near the pain and suffering that frank and what his family was going through.

Its a story about an Irish family back in the great depression. They try to escape it by leaving New York back to Ireland because his father was promised money for fighting for Ireland. Needless to say when they got there they didn't get paid and a whole bunch of events happen in the process. But Frank never let this get to him (some fucked up shit in the book) finds ways to feed his family and himself.

His brother also wrote a memoir. The dude is a heavy drinker, really outgoing and has had a really interesting life. He has a totally different personality to Frank McCourt. It is odd to think of them being related.

http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/05/31/da...eview.html

Also - the actor Richard Harris (also from Limerick) had a big falling out with Frank McCourt over how he portrayed his home town.

http://irishmediaman.wordpress.com/2012/...las-ashes/

[TrueStory]

There are sooo many, but i will go by category:

In Game:
Nancy Friday - My Secret Garden, this book really helped me understand how fucked up female fantasies can be. It's rather an eye opening book.

Art of Seduction - Robert Greene - if you like history, it's an interesting book. I think R.Green spends too much time circle jerking in his book, but decent read.

The Fine Art of Erotic Talk - can't recall the author. It's good for beginner, i found it to be too bland.

The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins. It's not for everyone. After reading this book I was paranoid that all my girlfriends were fucking on the side. But it truly puts Alpha male Beta provider male into perspective. I like Dawkins.

Comedy Writing Secrets - Helitzer - that book just helped me be more funny with girls. While reading you'll start analyzing jokes. Then it goes away. It literally changed my social life. I started getting "you're so funny" remarks not only from women but from guy friends too. Everyone loves laughter.

In Psychology:
Sway - Ori Brafman - an interesting outlook why people act irrationally. It allowed me to understand women better.

Just about any book by Malcolm Gladwell - Tipping Point, Outliers, etc. He's an exceptional writer.

Psycho-Cybernetics - various authors, but original concept is fascinating.

Virus of the Mind - Richard Brodie - fucking amazing book that explains why shit goes viral. LITERALLY way before Internet existed the way we know it. I am actually about to re-read this book. Also talks about "memes". No, not the Advice Animals or Awkward Penguin ones.


What Makes Your Brain Happy and Why You Should Do The Opposite - DiSalvo - this book opened my eyes to why we do shit we do. It's an interesting and easy read.

and finally,

You are not So Smart - David McRaney - this book is not only entertaining but also gives you a lot of interesting psychological mind-fucks media and society uses on you (maybe not on purpose). This book explains social tricks and a lot of misguided concepts you see on TV. After reading this book, I felt a little bit shaken.

In Business:
Lean Startup - Eric Ries, exceptional outlook on entrepreneurship. Addresses "paralysis by analysis" issue with most startups. If you're into running your own business, it's a must.

Power - Jeffrey Pfeffer - this book is fundamental for anyone trying to achieve success in business. It breaks down principles on how to become more influential. Good read.

In Life:
Tao Te Ching - just read it. It's not long and it's a perspective on life. Also if you liked Eckhart Tolle books, that's along the same path.

7 Habbits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey - self explanatory.

Brave New World - Huxley - it's a sci-fi book that's becoming very close to reality in modern days.

Whatever your patience can stomach by Ayn Rand. She's not an easy read, but start with Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. I will see you next year. It is that fucking long.

The Elements of Style - William Shrunk - most of us cannot write for shit. See?

Poking the Box - somewhat motivational.

Power of Habit - Duhigg- I CANNOT STRESS THIS BOOK ENOUGH.

[Atlantic]

(08-10-2013 06:09 AM)kali Wrote:  

Kiyosaki is a genius, do some research before posting especially about that one bk he had. You will find out it was a small for a small side deal. His 13 cd set got me started in investments and let's just say I have done very well. His course was the foundation of m success, although I might add the book sucked but the cd set was amazing.

(09-25-2013 10:51 AM)youngmobileglobal Wrote:  

The Millionaire Fastlane

Can someone add some more info on these two books. Rich Dad, Poor Dad seems to get some mixed reviews. Is it based on sound principles?

I am running into town tomorrow and want to pick up some good books on financial awareness.

[HarryBajwa]

Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom book that have fully changed my lifestyle and thnking.

[Bushido]

(06-17-2014 01:18 AM)Atlantic Wrote:  

Can someone add some more info on these two books. Rich Dad, Poor Dad seems to get some mixed reviews. Is it based on sound principles?

The principles are OK, but its author has been largely discredited for two main reasons:

1. His life story is fictional but he presents it as real. The "rich dad" was made up. Kiyosaki never made any money in real estate. His fortune comes from writing about making money.
2. He continually pushes "network marketing" in the book. There are accusations that he was paid off by Amway to write this part.

In other words, the content is sound but the author is a lying arsehole. Take that as you may.

[El Chinito loco]

A few books about regional economics which explains how global trade and development works. It gives insights into the future of developing nations and where the U.S. may be headed once the peak is over. A lot of people buy into the total free market and non government regulation myth without looking at development and how it actually occurs.

How Asia Works and Asian Godfathers by Joe Studwell

Kicking away the Ladder and Bad Samaritans by Ha-Joon Chang.

[seawolf007]

When i a was 19 i was broke , frustrated and confused, I didnt fit in at college and didnt know were to go other than i would be an entrepreneour.

I read Think And Grow Rich, By Napolean Hill....It changed my life. I found success and have gone on to use the concepts to build businesses that employ the college graduates i didnt fit in with .

"The 4 hour work Week" By Tim Ferris increased my efficiency and caused me to implement a business that i could run from anywere in the world. Further expanding my career.

Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand , This book has formed the basis of my political and economic views.

But i was still missing something. A big part of a young man's LIfe is Women, and i kept failing with them . The same story repeating itself. I read "The Rational Male" it changed my life an experience with women.

And FInally Bang , ANd Day Bang by Roosh witch expanded my prowess with women on the principles i learned in Rational Male. I hope everyone on this forum has read these .

Writing this from Tallinn Estonia in an apartment near old towne center, with my Yamaha R1 sitting outside , bank account full making 100k per year , A rotation of young firm Ass, The above books helped me get here!

Currently reading.....

1. The 48 laws of power.
2. Fight Club
3. Twist of the Wrist 2 (motorcycle riding technique)
4. The Autiobiograpy of Benjamin Franklin
I dont watch TV, fuck that waste of time box.....I read!

-SeaWolf007

[The Reactionary Tree]

The Way of Men by Jack Donovan. Should be required reading material for all lost modern men of the West. If I had to recommend one book that would send a man down the red pill rabbit hole in all his politics, I would recommend The Way of Men.

[TheFinalEpic]

Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl was the epiphany I needed at a young age and as an athlete to endure all the turmoils, ups and downs, and setbacks associated with athletics. I recently read it again, as a more mature audience, and saw that the teachings are directly applied to life, passions, and living life to the utmost. I highly recommend it for anyone that is seeking their purpose, or has found their passion and just looking to get through the rough days. The man survived the nazi regime and went on to write the most influential quote that guides me daily: "a man that has a why to live can endure almost any how". Inspirational.

[J.B]

The Game- Neil Strauss

Opened my eyes to how women actually were. I found this book after going through a severe oneitis and searching for books on womanizers from history so I typed in "womanizing" in the search catalog of my public library and came across this book. I immediately checked it out and a whole world of the dark arts of seduction was opened to me. I'll never forget it, it was a life changing event...

[xpatplayer]

How to Make Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)

My parents fed me a script of how I was imperfect in everything I did. When I started reading that book, I learnt that many of my own 'character deficiencies' were present in everyone else as well and became more secure with myself.

I finally started implementing game (though I didn't realize it at the time) by following the book's advice. I ended up learning a lot about how people think.

Surprised no one mentioned this forum & Roissy's blog (pre-2009). The plethora of knowledge here and there examine truths that most people are afraid to talk about. A lurker here can learn more about human nature than any psychology textbook can teach them.

[DarkTriad]

(09-25-2013 07:40 AM)CallSignBigRed Wrote:  

angela's ashes by Frank McCourt

I finished this book when I was doing air assault missions in afghanland back in 2009. We were looking for a soldier Bowe Bergdahl who walked off base joined the Taliban and gave them tips on how we conducted missions killing 12 soldiers in the process(cock sucking media and military portrays him as a missing soldier). It was July when I picked up this book and it was past a 110 degrees and we were hiking anywhere between 7-12 miles a day with heavy packs. Needless to say I become unmotivated very very quickly.

We had a day to resupply before we went out to conduct another 3 week straight mission and my friend handed me the book saying it was good. any time I had down time my face was in that book. It helped me realize that my current problems right now was no where near the pain and suffering that frank and what his family was going through.

Its a story about an Irish family back in the great depression. They try to escape it by leaving New York back to Ireland because his father was promised money for fighting for Ireland. Needless to say when they got there they didn't get paid and a whole bunch of events happen in the process. But Frank never let this get to him (some fucked up shit in the book) finds ways to feed his family and himself.

Wanted to point out this gem in light of recent events.

[SwayMe]

(09-26-2013 03:39 AM)TrueStory Wrote:  

Power - Jeffrey Pfeffer - this book is fundamental for anyone trying to achieve success in business. It breaks down principles on how to become more influential. Good read.

Are there any other books worth mentioning regarding political games or strategy and psychological warfare.

I did a research and only came across Robert Greene & Machiavelli

[2014]

great thread.

Think and Grow Rich was the game changer for me

[strengthstudent]

(06-27-2014 02:38 AM)2014 Wrote:  

great thread.

Think and Grow Rich was the game changer for me

This book has been on my reading list for 2-3 years now and still haven't touched it. Going to read it next no matter what.