My Favorite Books
This is a list of some of my favorite books I have read. Many of these books share similar traits and styles. Personally I am a big fan of non-fiction self help and philosophy books.
Meditations
By Marcus Aurelius
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is probably one of the most quoted books of all time. It is Certainly a book that sticks with you.
For context this books is the compilation of Marcus Aurelius's journals. There are 12 of these books in total. The structure of these entries take the form of short muses and contemplations on the many aspects of life.
The reason that this book is held in such high regard by many is the quality and truth of many of the sayings within the book. Many of these sayings are staples of the Stoic Philosophy as a whole.
In my opinion I really enjoyed the book there are so many easily quotable lines that speak volumes upon many of the most difficult aspects of human existence. In fact many of the quotes in my Quotes Page are taken right from Meditations.
This book has also been my starting point into Stoic Philosophy. As of recent I have been learning all about the practice and the many ways to incorporate it into my daily life.
If you are at all interested in Philosophy or Stoic thought, Meditations is an easy recommendation.
The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck
By Mark Manson
The Subtile Art Of Not Giving A Fuck, like its title suggests, offers a no nonsense means of improving your life.
Much of Mark Manson's message relates to the idea of not "giving a fuck" means choosing what to truly care about. This message rings true in our modern age of distractions of social media. Manson points out that choosing what to care about and ignoring the rest allows us to give our all to a small number of areas of our life,while tuning out the rest.
Another message from the book I agree with is how pain and suffering is unavoidable. Instead of complaining about this and saying life is unfair, it is more productive to accept this and choose what things you are willing to suffer for. Instead of spreading yourself thin caring about every little thing in the world. It makes more sense to choose what you are willing to suffer for.
The book itself is well paced and gives the reader plenty of stories from Manson's personal life that helps elevate his points. In addition the book was adapted into a movie back in 2023. After reading the book, I decided to watch the movie. It was pretty good and got most of what the book mentioned. Although I still think the novel is the better of the two.
I think this books is a great one, it is certainty not your standard self help book, but it may be just what it takes to better your life. Although it isn't a feel good type of book, it is still a great read.
Digital Minimalism
By Cal Newport
As you should start to see I really like self help books. This one is no different.
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is a book that was made for our current zeitgeist of social media and smart phones. Newport's novel suggests a new way of looking at technology. Rather than seeing every little piece of technology as something to be used no matter what, Newport instead recommends using technology sparingly by reducing the amount of devices, accounts, and websites used to a small curated collection selected for maximum benefit.
Newport suggests this by doing a 30 day break of all non-essential technology. Then after the 30 days carefully selecting what technology actually benefits your life in a meaningful way and what technology can be ignored.
I find this approach to technology to be quite refreshing. Personally I have made a small collection of websites and applications I use nearly daily that I feel benefit my life in a meaningful manner. I also believe that having less distractions from technology has made my life less chaotic and more grounded.
While not for everyone, I belive that Cal Newport's approach to using technology is one that more people should adopt. The idea that any technology is automatically good and beneficial clearly isn't true anymore. Much of what people use daily can have negative effects that aren't clear.
For example I believe replacing scrolling on social media for making a Neocities website and finding people through their own website is a much better way of connecting with people in a more spontaneous and genuine means online.
Overall I think Digital Minimalism is a great book that anyone fed up with their technology use should give a shot.
1984
By Geore Orwell
1984 is truly a book that needs no introduction. The mere mention of it is enough to give most people the impression of the novel and its themes.
1984 stands as one of the most pervasive dystopian novels due to the ideas it presents and the world it paints. The true horror of the novel and the reason it has remained in public memory is how the ideas and world presented in the book can be applied to the current world in various ways. Depending on your views on society you can see aspects of the book that feel more and more realistic.
The plot of the book is great as it really conveys the world and what it has to offer, along with showing the hidden anguish and pain of Winston throughout. The ending of the novel is great as well. Of course I won't discuss the ending here due to spoiler reasons. Although if you haven't read 1984 it is worth taking a look. It has gained the reputation it has for good reason.
If reading the book isn't your style, the 1984 movie made in the year 1984 is a great alternative as well.