The 4-Hour Work Week
A new way of earning a living emerged with the advent of the Internet, this guy figured it out. You might too.
Category: Books
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Although I can’t say that I followed Kiyosaki’s advice to the letter, this book was both an inspiration and an eye-opener to thinking about money in a different way. It also inspired me to begin keeping a personal balance sheet, which turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.
Rule by Secrecy
Traces the connection between ancient secret societies and today. The connection is definitely there, whether or not anyone actually takes it seriously is another matter however.
A Man Called Intrepid
The guy who founded the OSS, which eventually became the CIA, was an interesting guy.
The Kings and Queens of England
The twisting tale of the throne. The sequence of British royalty and how the crown changed hands from 1066 to the present day.
Bobby Fischer Goes to War
An exceptionally well written book chronicling the rise of Bobby Fischer and his battle with the Russian chess monolith.
The Ascent of Money
An entertaining romp through the origins of many basic money functions such as lending, insurance, interest rates and so on. Sound boring? It isn’t.
Understanding Comics
This is much more than a book about comics. Its about how the human mind constructs meaning from disconnected information.
Thomas Paine
Paine was intellectually gifted but socially retarded, so he’s sort of become a role model for me. lol.
The End of Faith
Harris makes a strong case that religion has outlived its usefulness and should be replaced by the use of pure reason in human affairs. Although I am also an atheist, I believe Harris is wrong for the simple reason that humans are not ‘reasonable.’ Still, it is good to know these arguments made in their most strongest form.
Universally Preferable Behavior
Can morality be “proved” without resorting to religion or authority? Stefan Molyneux gives it a pretty good try. The theory goes something like, “no one likes being punched in the face,” so not being punched in the face is universally preferred. From that, many things follow…
Awaken the Giant Within
People like to make fun of Tony Robbins (me included) but this is a great book and I have re-read and re-benefitted from it many times.
Blood in the Cage
The early days of MMA as told from the perspective of Pat Miletich. The best of the bunch on this topic.
The Age of Reason
Thomas Paine was the Sam Harris of his day, publishing what may be the first argument for atheism more than 200 years ago.
Free to Choose
Pretty good book, but the TV mini-series is fantastic for an overview of how economic freedom is the most effective force yet found for improving the life of the every day man. Watch that instead!
Rollback
Dispels so many popular notions about big government like they are lint. Woods is a great writer and this is a great book. No idea why Obama is on the cover.
The Godfather
It’s unusual to find a book and movie that remain true to each other, but in this case they do, and both are great.
Shogun
Amazingly engaging for such a thick book. Clavell was a great writer. The TV mini-series also amazing.
Journey
Follows some arrogant Brits as they attempt to get to the Alaska gold fields without setting foot in America. Also passes through my home town Edmonton. It’s not a “true” story, but it rings very true, for anyone who understands Canadian winter. I’ve read it several times over.
Suicide of the West
Almost the same title as Death of the West, but a completely different premise. The authors of each book don’t like each other.
The Real Frank Zappa Book
Zappa is hilarious and a source of wisdom, but perhaps more importantly he wants you to know that he never ever took a shit on stage.
Poland
Just an amazing integration of history and fiction, covering a span of hundreds of years but always on point and entertaining.
Hitler’s War
Told from original source materials including the diaries and meeting notes from first person accounts. A fascinating glimpse of “real” history, that doesn’t always fit the story we’ve been told. For example, Hitler’s idea of a ‘final solution’ to the Jewish problem appears to be relocating them all to Madagascar after the war, and time and time again he shows...