Reading

Last year I read over 40 books. I skimmed through a few of them this week as I was reorganizing my bookshelf, and decided to make a list of the top 15. 

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, translated by Gregory Hays

I’ve read this book numerous times–it’s one of the best books ever written. Marcus Aurelius reminds us: You can assemble your life action by action. No one can stop you from that.

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

I’ve been reading this book for years now as part of my daily routine. This is hands down the best book on how to live I’ve ever read. I cannot recommend it enough.

On the Shortness of Life by Seneca

Another book I’ve read many times. One of the biggest takeaways is regarding what is truly worth doing in life: following your unique path and doing it in a way that helps others.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Resistance is real. The only way to beat it is to show up every day and give it everything you have.

Perennial Sellers by Ryan Holiday

“You don’t have to be a genius to make genius—you just have to have small moments of brilliance and edit out the boring stuff.”

Deep Work by Cal Newport

A day spent doing shallow activities will leave you feeling miserable, even if they seem harmless or fun.

Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield

Turning pro means doing your work without thought of praise or criticism. You do your work because you have no choice—because it’s in your heart like blood. Also, your unique, authentic self is in a constant struggle with your ego.

The Daily Laws by Robert Greene

We cannot be great if we are not our authentic selves.

Meditations, The Annotated Edition by Robin Waterfield

We don’t need more information—we need to go deeper with what we already know to be true.

The Cost of These Dreams by Wright Thompson

Endless ambition is a distraction and waste of life. Enjoy, right now, the life you’re living with the people you love.

Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg

The importance of working at something daily. You can’t think all your best thoughts in advance. 

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

We exist for a split second.

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Originality is just a mix of existing material. Nothing is truly original.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Ninety-nine percent of what we do is inessential.

How To Be Free by Epictetus, Translated by A.A. Long

We must always be fine-tuning our divine superpower: our ability to reason.