BOOK LIST
"Read to think not for truth"
In 2020, the world experienced its biggest panic attack in recent years due to the pandemic, and most of humanity was in chaos and distracted, to the point where personal development made little progress. This was certainly the case for Michael Farah, living in Melbourne, Australia - known to be the most liveable city from 2011 to 2019 - experienced the harshest lockdowns in the world. Michael was restricted from going outside unless he had a permit to work or was using the hour "given" to him to exercise. To say this wasn't frustrating would be a lie. ​
However, as difficult as this time was, it also provided him with the opportunity to slow down and think about his direction in life. In October, he set himself a challenge: to complete the accumulated books that his Audible account was storing up and listened to 12 books in 12 weeks to end the year. These were the first books he had listened to since the 3 books at the start of 2019. Before that, Michael had only read some of the books assigned to him in high school, nine years earlier. Otherwise, he had avoided books.
At the end of the 12 books, Michael was exhausted and burnt out, with a sense of despair. However, something had changed within him. The ideas and concepts he encountered in those books had opened the doors of his mind and sparked a newfound curiosity and desire to learn. He knew that this was the right path for him, and wasn't going to let anything stand in his way. Since then Michael has read/listened to over 100 books and listened to over 1000 hours in lectures, podcasts and interviews related to the human experience. This number only continues to grow, though more time has been spent developing his own ideas.
With that Michael wants to share the most important concepts and resources that he has encountered on his journey of personal development. Some of these resources were easier to understand, than others, however, each one has contributed to his growth and understanding of the human experience.
Note: This list will continue to be updated as he discovers new resources that he believes can greatly impact you.
Business, Leadership & Personal Development
This is honestly the best book in its class, and an incredible must listen to story about perseverance and the lesson that you can do far more than you think you can. "When you think you are done, you are only 40% there. No longer needing to wait for science to give you the green light, this is your sign to start.
One of the best-written modern books on personal development. Focused on a single, powerful topic - habits - it offers clear summaries after each chapter and practical, actionable steps to help you create lasting change. Whether building good ones or breaking bad ones this book makes it easy.
The book that started the enquiry into my purpose. Simon Sinek argues that the key to lasting success and leadership lies in understanding and communicating why you do what you do, not just what you do or how you do it. When leaders and organisations start with why, they create a sense of purpose that resonates with others, making them more loyal, motivated, and eager to take action.
There are plenty of books on Neuro Linguistic Programming, but I found the writing style of this particular book really easy to follow along and grasp the concepts. NLP, is a powerful framework for understanding how people think, communicate, and behave. With practical tools that can be applied to your own personal development, relationships, and professional success.
Continuing on from where "Can't Hurt Me" ends, Never Finished has much of the same insight, but a bigger focus on the battles with yourself once you have "made it". Having to find a new reason to continue going forward, that is what never finished represents. The job is never done.
This book compiles Naval's thoughts on wealth, happiness, and personal growth, offering profound insights into how to live a meaningful, successful life. Naval’s approach to building wealth isn't about hustling harder, but about leveraging specific principles: focusing on long-term opportunities, mastering specific skills, and creating value rather than chasing money. This book is not just a guide to success; it’s a philosophy for living a life of freedom, fulfilment, and inner peace.
If "Start With Why" had me thinking about my purpose, "The Infinite Game has me thinking about my impact. This shift in focus from short-term goals to long-term vision, emphasising that businesses should not be playing a game with a fixed end, but rather an infinite game. Great businesses don’t just aim for profit or victory; they strive to build something that lasts, continuously improving and contributing to the greater good.
Speed reading, memorisation, and staying focused. Jim Kwik teaches you powerful techniques to learn faster, with a focus on optimising every aspect of how your brain works.
Everything is your responsibility and if you want to be a good leader, the only way is to take Extreme Ownership. Blaming others only compounds problems and can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Morgan Housel explains that financial success isn’t always about knowledge or expertise; it’s often about behaviour, patience, and making decisions based on a long-term mindset. The book highlights that our emotions, biases, and tendencies often lead to financial decisions that don't align with our best interests. It shows how understanding our mental approach to money can help us make better financial decisions and lead a more secure, fulfilling life.
The last piece to the puzzle. Great leaders are those who prioritise their team's well-being, fostering environments where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to work toward a common purpose.
From mastering the art of deception to knowing when to stay silent, the book provides practical advice rooted in historical examples and psychological insights. Whether you're aiming to succeed in business, politics, or social situations, this concise version makes it easy to absorb and apply.
Philosophy, Consciousness, Psychology, and Neuroscience
An essential read for anyone seeking to understand the interplay between culture, human nature, and the search for purpose. It provides an in-depth exploration of how humans construct meaning and belief systems to navigate life's complexities. Blending psychology, philosophy, mythology, religion, and neuroscience, Jordan B. Peterson examines why we seek meaning and how belief systems shape our perceptions, emotions, and actions. The book also offers a framework for understanding morality, personal responsibility, and the conflicts that emerge when worldviews collide.
A comprehensive overview of Western thought, tracing the ideas of key philosophers from Ancient Greece to the 20th century. It provides a critical analysis of major philosophical movements and their influence on politics, science, religion, and ethics. This is an essential read for anyone interested in the ideas that shaped the modern world.
Huston Smith offers a comprehensive exploration of the major world religions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and indigenous traditions. He provides an insightful, respectable, and accessible overview of each religious faith’s teachings, rituals, history, and cultural significance.
Even in the most brutal circumstances, individuals can find purpose and strength by identifying a deeper meaning in their suffering. Who are you without anything?
Fr. Seraphim Rose lived a truly remarkable life, and the insights from his work should not be dismissed lightly. An educated man before embracing monasticism, he demonstrated his commitment to truth by learning the languages associated with the teachings he sought to understand. While influenced by Alan Watts during his exploration of Eastern philosophies at Berkeley, he later became disillusioned with Watts’ teachings and recognised the limitations and inconsistencies within Eastern philosophies. His book critiques these Eastern and New Age movements, exposing their spiritual shortcomings and highlighting the profound truths of Orthodox Christianity, which became the foundation of his spiritual life and writings.
Sapiens explores the history of humanity, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age to the present. Yuval Noah Harari examines how cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions shaped human societies, technologies, and ideologies. He discusses the development of culture, the rise of empires, and the impact of capitalism, offering insights into the complexities of human behaviour and the forces driving modern civilisation.
One of the most popular psychological theories, A Theory of Human Motivation by Abraham Maslow discusses his original work, which was never intended to be a pyramid. Maslow explores how human motivation functions, emphasising that people are driven by a series of needs, from basic survival to the pursuit of self-actualization. His theory challenges the common interpretation of the hierarchy as a rigid structure, offering a more dynamic understanding of how individuals are motivated by different needs at various stages of their lives.
A thought-provoking exploration of how humans cope with the fear of mortality. Ernest Becker argues that much of human activity (art, religion, love, and war) stems from a subconscious attempt to deny death and seek immortality. Blending psychology, philosophy, and anthropology, he examines how symbolic systems give life meaning and confronts the tension between our physical mortality and desire for significance, identifying it as the root of human anxiety and creativity.
Steps to an Ecology of Mind is a collection of essays by Gregory Bateson that explores the interconnectedness of mind, nature, and culture. Bateson argues that the mind extends beyond the brain, shaped by relationships between living systems. He advocates for an interdisciplinary approach, blending psychology, biology, anthropology, and systems theory to provide insights into communication, learning, and human behavior, challenging readers to rethink the boundaries of mind and consciousness.
This is the best book on relationships I have come across. James Hollis examines how individuals project unconscious fantasies onto their partners and the psychological consequences of these projections. He delves into the myths, dreams, and psychological patterns that influence our relationships, encouraging readers to confront their illusions and understand the deeper aspects of love, intimacy, and self-awareness.
Marcus Aurelius might just be the figure head of masculinity. He encourages individuals to focus on what they can control, to live in harmony with nature, and to cultivate wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. If the most important man in the Roman Empire took his time to journal (writes and reflects on his thoughts) why can't you?
Modern Man in Search of a Soul by Carl Jung is a collection of essays that explores the human psyche, addressing the spiritual disconnection of modern life. Jung highlights the traditional role of the "medicine man," where healing and spirituality were unified, and critiques the modern separation of priests and psychologists, which he argues fragments the soul. Through concepts like the collective unconscious, dream analysis, and self-integration, Jung offers guidance for finding balance and meaning in a complex world.
The Master and His Emissary explores the relationship between the two hemispheres of the brain and their impact on culture, society, and history. Iain McGilchrist argues that the left and right hemispheres have distinct modes of thinking, with the right hemisphere being holistic and intuitive, while the left is analytical and focused on detail. He traces how the dominance of left-brain thinking in Western culture has shaped our world, often leading to an imbalance that neglects the more holistic, creative aspects of life. McGilchrist’s work challenges us to reconsider how we approach knowledge, society, and the human experience.
One of the greatest critiques of Western medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, The Myth of Mental Illness by Thomas Szasz challenges the conventional understanding of mental illness. He argues that it is not a legitimate medical condition, but a label used to pathologize human behaviour. Szasz critiques the psychiatric establishment and the overuse of diagnoses, suggesting that what is often considered "mental illness" is simply a difference in thinking or behaviour. He advocates for personal responsibility and freedom, asserting that the so-called mentally ill are individuals with personal struggles, not patients with medical conditions.
New Age Religion and Western Culture is thoroughly researched and thought-provoking, offering essential insights into the interplay between spirituality and secularism in contemporary Western culture. It traces the roots of the New Age movement in Western esotericism while critiquing its relationship with modern science and rationality. Overall providing a nuanced understanding of New Age spirituality as a response to modern cultural challenges.
The book Jung himself said he wanted to write. The Origins and History of Consciousness explores the development of consciousness from both a psychological and mythological perspective. Erich Neumann traces the evolution of the human psyche, examining the relationship between the individual and the collective unconscious. Exploring how consciousness evolved from archaic, primal states to the complex self-awareness of modern humans. The book offers deep insights into the stages of psychological development, illustrating how myth and symbolism reflect the journey of consciousness through history.
The Orthodox Study Bible is a comprehensive edition of the Bible that includes the full text of the Old and New Testaments, along with detailed commentary from the Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective. It offers insights into the theological, historical, and cultural context of the scriptures, featuring traditional Orthodox interpretations and teachings. The study notes, introductions to each book, and additional resources help readers deepen their understanding of the Bible and its application in Orthodox faith and practice.
Derek Lin's translation was the best I could find after looking at multiple reviews. His version captures the essence of Lao Tzu’s teachings, emphasising simplicity, humility, and balance, while also providing explanations to further understand the context of the words.
Jung's Map of the Soul by Murray Stein provides the best and most accessible introduction to Carl Jung’s theories on the human psyche. Stein breaks down Jung’s complex ideas, focusing on key concepts such as the conscious and unconscious mind, the persona, the shadow, and the Self. The book explains how these elements interact to form the individual's psychological landscape, helping readers understand the journey toward self-awareness and individuation. Through this map, Stein offers insights into how we can navigate the complexities of our inner world to achieve psychological wholeness.
An absolute must for any parent/future parent Disconnected Kids explores the impact of neurological imbalances on children’s behaviour and development. Dr. Robert Melillo examines how disruptions in brain function, particularly between the left and right hemispheres, contribute to conditions like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. He introduces his brain balance theory, offering a practical approach for parents and educators to help children reconnect with their natural brain function. Through exercises and strategies, the book provides tools to improve cognitive, emotional, and social development, aiming to promote healthier, more balanced brain function in children.
One of the greatest brain books to be published, The New Executive Brain by Elkhonon Goldberg provides a comprehensive overview of various contributions to brain function, from the frontal lobes to split-brain theory to the limbic system. Goldberg explores it all, offering insights into how these brain structures shape our behavior and decision-making. He also examines differences between males and females, adding another layer of understanding to the complexities of the human brain. This book is an essential resource for understanding how the brain manages complex tasks and adapts to an ever-changing world.
Health & Wellness
The Bible of biohacking. Ben Greenfield offers a comprehensive guide to optimising both mind and body for peak performance and longevity. Greenfield explores cutting-edge science and practical strategies for brain enhancement, physical fitness, and anti-aging. He covers topics ranging from nutrition and exercise to sleep and mental clarity, providing actionable advice for improving overall health. This book offers a holistic approach to biohacking, combining physical wellness with cognitive and emotional well-being to help individuals unlock their full potential and defy the effects of aging.
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Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf make the case for the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of eating high-quality meat. The authors challenge the negative narrative around meat consumption, arguing that sustainably raised animals are essential for a balanced ecosystem, human health, and local economies. The book addresses concerns about the environmental impact of meat production, offering evidence that regenerative farming practices can help restore the land and reduce carbon emissions, all while promoting better nutrition for individuals.
Dr. Ben Bickman delves into the hidden epidemic of insulin resistance, which is at the root of most chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Dr. Bickman explores the science behind how insulin dysfunction affects the body and contributes to widespread health issues. He offers practical strategies to reverse insulin resistance, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, empowering readers to take control of their health and prevent or manage chronic disease.
The only book on breathing you really need. James Nestor explores the science behind breathing and its profound impact on our physical and mental health. Nestor examines the history and techniques of proper breathing, highlighting how modern lifestyles have led to inefficient breathing patterns that contribute to various health issues. Drawing on research and personal experiences, Nestor provides practical advice and exercises to improve breathing, aiming to enhance lung capacity, reduce stress, and optimize overall well-being.
Max Lugavere explores the powerful connection between diet and brain health. Lugavere delves into how specific foods can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and boost productivity while protecting the brain from aging and disease. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience, he offers a practical guide to eating for brain optimization, emphasizing nutrient-rich, whole foods that support mental clarity, focus, and long-term brain health.