“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
When I started my Renaissance Life Journey, I picked up a book.
Reading is a direct connection to wisdom and how to improve your life. I read to challenge my thinking and expand whats possible. Reading will pull you out of your worst setbacks, and raise you up to your highest potential.
(Alright alright, enough. This blog post ad is brought to you by, reading.)
My Favorite Books in 2017:
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
An examination of Winnie the Pooh from the perspective of Taoism.
Total Focus by Brandon Webb
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Total Focus and Deep Work’s insights are showing me how unfocused I’ve become and how much I need to learn the art of when to say no, and when to say yes. This is a work in progress.
Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson
Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Two excellent biographies from the Master biographer himself. Required readings for anyone seeking to be a Renaissance Man / Woman and a Renaissance Life.
Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferriss
The definitive guide to life from high performers in a variety of fields. If you’re looking for advice, it’s probably in here. It will also give you 1000!! other books to add to your to-read list.
It All Matters by Paul Cummings
An action plan on how to create the life of your dreams. Paul’s life lessons stick with you and his action plans show you how to amplify what you do.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
A little too ‘man’ focused, since that was his main audience at the time in 1937, but push past that and you’ll find a wealth of insights into the mind and how our thoughts and subconscious effects our reality.
The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn (Audible)
This one hit me at just the right time during one of my worst setbacks in life to date. I would get up early and walk him Jim to inspire and put earworms in my head on how I could climb up from my pain and setbacks. (earworms…. gross)
Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
Elon’s ability to create ideas, execute ideas and mitigate risks is astounding. I will be re-reading this one.
Masks of Masculinity by Lewis Howes
Lewis reinforced me on how important vulnerability is and how easy it is to hide behind masks that seem to get you far in life, but in actuality hold you back. Here’s to taking off your masks.
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield
A Masterpiece of Spartan Theater.
What were your favorite reads this year?
Happy Reading!
Stay BOLD, Keep Pursuing,
— Josh Waggoner
