Recovering Overthinker's

Reading List
Greetings, fellow explorers of human existence,

I made this list for you. I made it in response to being asked for book
recommendations every single day by those of you who read my online
writing. However, I want to provide some context before you start browsing
through it.

I probably read more than most people. Significantly more. On the other
hand, I am not someone who aims to read X number of books per week,
month, or year. I am selfish with my time and attention, which makes me
rather selective when it comes to what I read. My goal as a reader is not to
read as many books as possible. It is to read good books.

All of this is to say that what is in front of you is not a "Hey! I've read 500
books, and here are 50 books you absolutely have to read before you die"
list. It's not a list of "best" or "top" books. It's not a list of books everyone
should read. Because there is no such thing as a book that everyone should
read.

What's in front of you is a list of books that fit the following criteria:
-They had a great impact on me and have contributed to my development
as a human being.
-They cover the topics that my readers are most interested in.

The idea is not that everyone should read all of the books listed here. It is,
instead, that you find at least one book that will change you and your life
for the better.

In order to help you choose, I've made an effort to give some context on
each book, explaining the topics it deals with, who might find it interesting
and useful, as well as who might not.

Enjoy.

David, the Recovering Overthinker

The Story of Philosophy
Will Durant
Although a great book, I think the title is wrong. It should be
called “The Story of Western Philosophy,” since it doesn’t
include any Eastern thinkers. Nevertheless, "The Story of
Philosophy" by Will Durant is a comprehensive introduction
to the history of Western philosophy, covering some of the
most influential philosophers from ancient Greece to the
early 20th century. The book covers the life, work, and ideas
of a different philosopher, including Plato, Aristotle, Francis
Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, and Nietzsche. Durant offers a broad
overview of the main philosophical movements and ideas
throughout history, including metaphysics, ethics, and
political philosophy. He also explores the ways in which
philosophy has shaped and been shaped by society and
culture. Overall, a great introduction to philosophy for
readers of all backgrounds and levels.

Epictetus: Discourses, Fragments,

Handbook
Epictetus, Robin Hard (translator)
Epictetus is, from what I've noticed, the least popular of the
3 major Stoics amongst the general population, and his
Discourses (or, originally, Enchiridion) are not as widely read
as Meditations and Letters from a Stoic.
This shouldn't be the case. Discourses provide probably the
most concentrated and detailed explanation of the
philosophy of Stoicism.
Letters from a Stoic
Seneca
My personal favorite amongst the Stoic texts. Seneca is "the
most human" and most relatable of all the stoics. Meaning,
he is the most honest, or at least the most realistic in
acknowledging how difficult it is to even come close to the
Stoic ideal. His letters contain some of the best writing ever
of philosophy as the art of living.
*Although the Penguin Classics edition is the most popular
translation, I should note that they are in the public domain,
which means you can read them online for free.

Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
The diary of the most powerful man in the world at that
time. At the same time, some of the most humble self-
reflections you will ever read. How is such a combination
possible? Marcus Aurelius was as close to the Stoic ideal as
any historical figure ever was. He was also one of the best
examples of the ideal of a noble, benevolent ruler.
Meditations are, as I like to say, not a book that you read
once or a couple of times; they are a book that you live with.
*Recommended translation by Gregory Hays.
*Also available for free in public domain.
The Art of Worldly Wisdom:
A Pocket Oracle Baltasar Gracian
The best easy-to-read philosophy book that you’ve probably
never heard of. "The Pocket Oracle" is a collection of
aphorisms and maxims written by the Spanish Jesuit priest
and philosopher Baltasar Gracian. Gracian was admired for
his writing by many thinkers throughout history, most
notably Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. And that should count
for something, at least I think so.
Gracian covers a wide range of topics, including social
interactions, morality, politics, and the pursuit of happiness.
Each aphorism is concise and to the point. His writing style is
characterized by its wit, irony, and wordplay, which is
probably why so many great minds admired him.
Extremely accessible and enjoyable read for anyone
interested in philosophy in terms of personal development.
Recommended translation Christopher Maurer.

The Moral Maxims and Reflections

François de La Rochefoucauld
Another collection of aphorisms. And another thinker and
writer who was admired by Nietzsche. In fact, La
Rochefoucauld’s writing style inspired and influenced
Nietzsche to develop his aphoristic and explosive style, from
which arguably the greatest of his works come.
To put it in modern language, "The Moral Maxims and
Reflections" is a collection of aphorisms on human nature
where La Rochefoucauld drops truth bomb after truth bomb.
A pure pleasure to read.
*In public domain, available to read for free.
Essays
Michel de Montaigne
"I am myself the matter of my book; you would be
unreasonable to spend your leisure on so frivolous and vain a
subject." - Montaigne
Well, don’t listen to him. Montaigne’s essays are definitely
worth your time. One of the most relatable thinkers you will
ever read. Montaigne acknowledged not only the
shortcomings of human nature but also his own
shortcomings. In fact, one of the most notable thing about
his essays is that the yare full of witty, self-deprecating
humor.
Although respected in academic circles, amongst the general
population who are interested in philosophy and some of the
basic questions of human existence, this is one of the most
overlooked books ever.
*In public domain, available to read for free.

Parerga and Paralipomena

Arthur Schopenhauer
Parerga and Paralipomena is a collection of philosophical
essays by one of the most influential Western thinkers,
Arthur Schopenhauer. The essays cover a wide range of
topics, including metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and religion.
Schopenhauer presents his views on the nature of reality, the
relationship between the will and the world, the role of art,
the problem of suffering, and the nature of moral action, but
also on "everyday" topics such as reading, writing, and
women.
This is Schopenhauer's most accessible work. And, since
most people won't (and honestly don't need to) read his
main work, The World as Will and Representation, these
essays provide the best insight into the philosophy of this
intellectual giant.
Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist,
Antichrist Walter Kaufmann
After a lot of consideration (I’m talking about years) about
which book to recommend for starting out your study of
Nietzsche, I finally have a definite answer.
The book written by Walter Kaufmann, who is widely
recognized as one of the most important Nietzsche scholars
and translators.
He was a native German speaker, which is extremely
important, and his translations of Nietzsche's work are
considered to be some of the best in English. Kaufman's
scholarship is highly regarded for its meticulous attention to
detail and his deep understanding of Nietzsche's philosophy.
The book is often considered the best introduction to
Nietzsche's philosophy, as Kaufman provides a
comprehensive overview of his ideas in a clear and accessible
manner.

The Gay Science

Friedrich Nietzsche
For me, this is the most enjoyable of Nietzsche’s work to
read and one of my favorite books in any category or genre.
It was also described by Nietzsche as "the most personal" out
of all of his books.
The fact that it's written in aphoristic style makes it as easy
to read as Nietzsche's work can be.
In it, among numerous genius moments, Nietzsche
articulates his attitude of Amor Fati, introduces for the first
time the idea of Eternal Recurrence, and ends the book by
giving the introduction to his Zarathustra. What more could
you ask for as a Nietzsche reader and a lover of philosophy?
Recommended translation by Walter Kaufmann.
Beyond Good and Evil
Friedrich Nietzsche
The most powerful book I’ve ever read, and it’s not even
close.
Powerful in the sense that, after you read it, no matter to
what extent you agree or disagree with Nietzsche’s ideas,
you simply have to acknowledge that he was one of the
greatest minds that ever existed. "Beyond Good and Evil"
shows how far into the future he saw, and how deep into the
human nature, or the nature of existence itself, he was
willing to look. What you will rarely hear about this book,
and what is extremely important about it, is that it could be
argued that this is Nietzsche’s first full-on attempt of dealing
with nihilism.
Recommended translation by Walter Kaufmann.

On the Genealogy of Morality

Friedrich Nietzsche
The most systematic out of all of Nietzsche's works.
Another nuclear bomb of a book. In my opinion, almost as
powerful as "Beyond Good and Evil." But that's just personal
preference. Many scholars consider this to be Nietzsche's
masterpiece. The only thing I disagree with is that the fact
that it's the most systematic should mean that it's his best
work. I think Nietzsche's brilliance shines the most in his
aphoristic style. But if you really want to understand
Nietzsche, this is not only a book you must read; it's a book
you must study. In it, Nietzsche lays out the history of
morality. It is crucial for understanding resentment as well as
Nietzsche's mission of reevaluation of values.
Recommended translation by Walter Kaufmann.
The Dawn of Day (or Daybreak)
Friedrich Nietzsche
The least studied of Nietzsche's works.
And, in my opinion, the most underrated one.
It contains the early versions, or "seeds," which would later
develop into some of his most important ideas.
It is written in Nietzsche's aphoristic style, and most of the
aphorisms are as short as one or two sentences. It shouldn't
be your first choice for getting deeper into Nietzsche's ideas,
but I think it would be a great mistake to put it at the
bottom of your Nietzsche reading list or even leave it unread
like most people do.
Recommended translation by by R. J. Hollingdale.

The Will to Power

Friedrich Nietzsche
The most controversial of Nietzsche's works.
That's because "The Will to Power" isn't actually a book by
Nietzsche. It is a compilation of Nietzsche's unpublished
notes, published posthumously by his sister. What makes this
problematic is that it is believed that his sister took too
much liberty and published notes that Nietzsche did not
intend for publication, and that she even edited some of
them. Considering that his sister was a supporter of the
German Nazi party, you can imagine how this could've, and
probably did, go wrong.
However, if you approach this book after already becoming
familiar with Nietzsche's main ideas, I believe it's well worth
reading as it will have some of the most powerful (pun
intended) lines you've ever read. Kaufmann translation.
The Affirmation of Life: Nietzsche on
Overcoming Nihilism Bernard Reginster
This book makes a bold claim: Reginster argues that
Nietzsche's thinking was systematic, even though Nietzsche
himself explicitly stated that he despises systematic
thinking.
Still, Reginster does a great job of giving structure to
Nietzsche's philosophy and helping it make more sense than
it did on your first or second reading of Nietzsche. With that
being said, this book is not for those who are just starting
out their study of Nietzsche. It is a dry, academic book.
It will be enjoyable and interesting only to those who have
already read Nietzsche and want to go even deeper into
studying his philosophy.
Probably the book that helped me the most in my study of
Nietzsche.

Nietzsche, Life as Literature

Alexander Nehamas
Why “Life as Literature”? Because, according to Nehamas,
Nietzsche views the world through the model of a literary
text, and people as if they were literary characters. If you’ve
read Nietzsche, you immediately see that “people as literary
characters” makes perfect sense. In fact, through his works,
Nietzsche is creating a literary character out of himself, and
is “playing the role of Plato to his own Socrates.”
If you have read Nietzsche and you are interested in studying
him further, I believe this is a book well worth reading, even
if you don’t end up fully agreeing with Nehamas’
interpretation.
Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson
The father of American transcendentalism. One of the
greatest advocates of individualism.
If you love passionate thinkers such as Nietzsche, you will
love Emerson. In fact, Nietzsche admired him greatly and
was inspired by him. However, if you are looking for
systematic thinking and structured philosophical theories,
Emerson is not for you. Emerson is, more than anything, a
poetic thinker with a fire in his heart who will hopefully give
you a spark that lights a fire inside of you too.
My top recommended essays are Self-Reliance, Fate,
Nature, and Circles.
*All of Emerson's works are in public domain and available
for free.

Walden
Henry David Thoreau
One of the books that "started it all" for me.
"Walden" documents Thoreau's experience living in a small
cabin on the shore of Walden Pond in Massachusetts for two
years. Thoreau used his time in isolation to reflect on the
virtues of simple living, self-reliance, and the beauty of
nature. He writes about his daily routine of working, reading,
and observing the natural world around him and reflects on
his own spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Thoreau
advocated for a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and
introspection. He critiques the materialistic and conformist
culture of his time and encourages readers to live
deliberately and pursue their own individual paths rather
than conforming to the expectations of society.
Essays of Henry David Thoreau
Besides his masterpiece Walden, I highly recommend
reading Thoreau's essays as well. Another great advocate for
individualism, in this regard arguably even greater than
Emerson, who was his greatest influence.
My top recommendations would be his two great arguments
for nonconformity, Civil Disobedience and Life Without
Principle.
*All of Thoreau's works are in public domain and available
for free.

Letters to a Young Poet

Rainer Maria Rilke
Book that introduced me to Rilke.
"Letters to a Young Poet" is a collection of ten letters
written by the famous German poet Rainer Maria Rilke to a
young man named Franz Xaver Kappus. The letters were
written between 1903 and 1908 and offer guidance and
encouragement to Kappus, who is an aspiring poet seeking
Rilke's advice. In the letters, Rilke discusses the nature of
art, the importance of solitude and self-reflection for
creative work, and the role of love and relationships in the
life of a writer. He also reflects on his own experiences as a
poet and offers insights into the creative process.
I believe anyone aspiring to engage in some creative work
will enjoy this book.
The Myth of Sisyphus
Albert Camus
There is no written text that I have read more times than the
Myth of Sisyphus. If you are interested in philosophy, but
more importantly in human existence and how to deal with
often feeling confused, lost, tired, and hopeless in this world,
read this essay.

Jung’s Map of The Soul

Murray Stein
Stein provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction
to the key concepts of Jung’s work. Stein offers a clear and
detailed exploration of Jung's model of the psyche, which
includes the ego, the personal unconscious, the collective
unconscious, and the archetypes.
The book also delves into the development of personality,
the process of individuation, and the role of dreams and
active imagination in the therapeutic process. Stein provides
numerous examples from Jung's clinical practice, as well as
from literature, myth, and religion, to illustrate the concepts
he discusses.
Arguably the best introduction to Jung.
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
Carl Gustav Jung
Probably the best of Jung's original works to start studying
him.
"Modern Man in Search of a Soul" consists of 11 essays.
Since each of those 11 essays was initially a lecture, they
were written in a fairly straightforward manner and were
intended to be understood by the general public.

Understanding Human Nature

Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler's biggest "flaw" as a thinker was that he lived
and wrote at the same time as Freud and Jung.
We could speculate on why these two are so much more
popular than Adler, but the difference in popularity
definitely shouldn't be taken as a sign of difference in quality
of their work. In fact, Adler's work is more practical and
more accessible to general public.
This book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of
human nature by exploring topics such as the individual's
striving for superiority, the influence of early childhood
experiences on personality, and the importance of social
interest and community feeling.
If you are interested in psychology and human behavior, this
should be one of your top picks.
The Hero With a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell
Arguably the most important work in the field of
comparative mythology. The book explores the mythic
patterns and archetypes that exist across cultures and
throughout history. Campbell argues that all myths, legends,
and religious stories follow a similar structure, which he calls
the "monomyth" or "hero's journey."
If you think you are not interested in comparative
mythology, maybe it's better to put it like this. This book will
help you understand why we are so drawn to reading and
watching stories. It will help you better understand those
stories and, in the process, better understand your own story.

Toward a psychology of being

Abraham Maslow
"Towards a Psychology of Being" is a book where Maslow
lays out his idea of self-actualization.
I didn't find it as interesting and as engaging as the next
book on the list, but it's well worth reading for anyone who
is interested in psychology, human nature, and self-
development approached in a more holistic way. Also, this is
definitely the proper place to start studying Maslow's work.
The Farther Reaches of Human Nature
Abraham Maslow
One of the best books on human flourishing I've ever read.
This book is almost a sequel to "Towards the Psychology of
Being." In it, Maslow expands on the concept of self-
actualization, including the qualities that he noticed were
present in self-actualizing individuals. He also explores the
stages of human development that lie beyond self-
actualization. The book includes a range of case studies and
examples of individuals who exemplify these qualities.
Maslow also discusses the importance of embracing a
holistic, humanistic approach to psychology and the need to
move beyond traditional, reductionist views of human
behavior.
Most importantly, with all the value it provides, it's still easy
to read.

The Sane Society

Erich Fromm
Rather than doing what most psychologists do, which is
explore the pathologies of individuals, Fromm explores the
pathologies of society, which contribute to the alienation
and mental health issues of individuals. If you ever felt like
there is something wrong with modern society, if this ever
made you feel alienated, Fromm would say that there isn't
necessarily anything wrong with you. This book is an
extremely powerful critique of what kind of effect modern
capitalist society has had so far on our mental health. But it’s
not just a critique; Fromm also offers an optimistic vision of
the future and proposes ways of thinking about our society
and organizing it so that the individual is not treated as a
resource but as a human being. Written in extremely
accessible language, like all Fromm's books.
The Art of Loving
Erich Fromm
The best book on love and healthy relationships that I've
read. "The Art of Loving" by Erich Fromm is a philosophical
and psychological exploration of what it means to truly love
and be loved. The book argues that love is an art that
requires discipline, effort, and patience and that it is not just
a feeling but a skill that can be learned and practiced. He
also examines the cultural and social barriers that prevent
people from experiencing authentic love, such as
individualism, consumerism, and narcissism. Ultimately, "The
Art of Loving" tries to teach you how to be a healthy and
compassionate human being, rather than someone who will
try to outsmart, manipulate, and dominate their partner.
I wrote a series of free essays exploring the main and most
practical ideas from the book. You can read them here
before deciding whether to read it.

On Becoming a Person
Carl Rogers
Carl Rogers was, and remains to this day, one of the most
prominent figures in humanistic psychology. "On Becoming
a Person" explores Rogers' approach to psychotherapy,
which is based on the belief that all individuals have the
potential to grow and change. The book covers a range of
topics, including the role of the therapist, the process of
change, and the importance of self-awareness and self-
acceptance. It also discusses the concept of the "fully
functioning person," which is someone who is open to new
experiences, trusts their own feelings, and lives in the
present moment.
Although valuable, it is a slightly less enjoyable read and not
suited for the general population like Maslow's, Fromm's, or
May's works.
The Meaning of Anxiety
Rollo May
By far the best book on anxiety I've read. "The Meaning of
Anxiety" explores the nature and function of anxiety in
human life. May argues that anxiety is an essential aspect of
human existence and that it can serve as a catalyst for
personal growth and self-discovery. He emphasizes the
importance of confronting and integrating anxiety as a
means of achieving greater personal freedom and self-
realization rather than seeking to eliminate it. Also, this is
one of the best books you can read to understand Soren
Kierkegaard’s work. He was arguably May’s biggest
influence, and this book in large part builds on his work, as
he was the first philosopher to write about anxiety. With all
the heavy topics and big ideas it deals with, this is still a
book suited for beginners in the study of psychology and
philosophy.

The Courage to Create

Rollo May
In "The Courage to Create," Rollo May explores the process
of creative expression and the role of creativity in human
life. But this is not a book just for aspiring artists. May
argues that creativity is an essential human capacity that
allows individuals to confront their own mortality and find
meaning and purpose in life. He explores the various forms
of creativity, from artistic expression to scientific discovery,
and the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the
creative process. "The Courage to Create" provides a strong
argument for the transformative power of creativity in
human life and the need for individuals to cultivate their own
creative potential as a means of self-discovery, personal
growth, and social change. Another easy and accessible read
that doesn't require any previous knowledge on the topic.
The Cry for Myth
Rollo May
"The Cry for Myth" is a book by Rollo May that explores the
role of myth in human life and its significance for
contemporary culture. Myths are not only stories but also
powerful symbols that can help individuals make sense of
their lives and connect with something greater than
themselves. May argues that the loss of traditional myths
and spiritual traditions in modern society has led to a crisis of
meaning and a sense of disconnectedness from the natural
world and each other. He also explores the psychological and
spiritual dimensions of myth and the importance of its
revival for the individual and society as a whole.
This book relates well to Joseph Campbell's work as well as
a lot of what Jung was talking about.

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl
I often talk about how both asking for and giving book
recommendations need context. There are no "best" or "top"
books. It all depends on the person, what they are interested
in, and what they need at that point in their life. However,
"Man’s Search for Meaning" is one of the few books that I
think is rightfully included in almost every single book
recommendation list you will ever see.
I just cannot imagine a person who wouldn't tremendously
benefit from reading this book.
Life isn’t about happiness. It’s about meaning. Please read
this book if you haven't already.
Personality-Shaping Through Positive
Disintegration
Kazimierz Dąbrowski
If you have periods where you struggle with mental health or
are just interested in that topic, I highly recommend this
one. This book challenges everything we think we know
about mental health. The book describes Dąbrowski's theory
of positive disintegration, which suggests that experiencing
emotional and psychological turmoil is a natural and
necessary part of personal growth and development. He
argues that individuals who experience internal conflict,
tension, and anxiety may be better equipped to develop their
personalities and reach higher levels of moral and emotional
functioning. Not the easiest and most enjoyable read in
terms of author's language and writing style. However, if you
have the patience to stick with it, this is a potentially life-
changing book.

Denial of Death
Ernest Becker
One of the books that had the biggest impact on my life.
Not necessarily that it changed how I lived my life, but it was
one of the greatest paradigm-shifters. "Denial of Death" is a
philosophical and psychological exploration of the ways in
which humans confront the knowledge of their own
mortality. Becker argues that the awareness of death is at
the root of human psychology and culture and that
individuals develop a variety of psychological defenses and
cultural worldviews to cope with the anxiety that arises from
the realization of their own mortality.
The book also does a great job of bringing you closer to the
works of Kierkegaard, Freud, Otto Rank, and other great
thinkers. Not an easy read.
Restoring Pride
Richard Taylor
Outside of Nietzsche's works, the most provocative book on
this list. Taylor really didn't care if he would offend anyone
while writing it. "All people are not equal" is the starting
point of this book.
In "Restoring Pride," Richard Taylor explores the importance
of pride and its role in human flourishing. Taylor argues that
pride has been unfairly stigmatized in modern society and
that it is a necessary emotion for personal and societal
growth. He traces the historical and cultural origins of pride,
from its roots in ancient Greece to its evolution in modern
times. Throughout the book, Taylor examines the ways in
which pride can be both positive and negative and offers
practical advice for cultivating a healthy sense of pride. A
book that will, without a doubt, challenge the way you look
at yourself and the people around you.

Swamplands of the Soul

James Hollis
Depression, anxiety, anger, doubt, grief, guilt, and addiction
- those are the swamplands of the soul. In this book, Jungian
psychologist James Hollis argues that these feelings often
stem from a disconnection from the soul, which he defines
as the innermost core of the self. The book aims to
encourage us to confront our fears, face our shadow selves,
and embrace our unique life paths in order to reconnect with
our souls and live more fulfilling lives. Throughout the book,
Hollis draws upon the teachings of Jungian psychology and
personal anecdotes from his own life and clinical practice to
illustrate his points. Great book for anyone interested in
Jungian psychology, but also psychology in general and
understanding yourself better. Also, Hollis did a great job at
making it easy to read for general population.
Pessimism: Philosophy, Ethics, Spirit
Joshua Foa Diestag
"Pessimism: Philosophy, Ethics, Spirit," explores the
philosophical and cultural significance of pessimism, tracing
its development from ancient philosophy to contemporary
thought. Diestag argues that pessimism is not just a negative
worldview but a deeply ethical stance that can offer insights
into the human condition and ways to live a meaningful life.
The book covers different thinkers throughout history and
how they works fit into the tradition of pessimism. It helped
me immensely in understanding the works of Schopenhauer,
Nietzsche, and Camus on a higher level. Throughout the
book, Diestag argues that pessimism should be taken
seriously as a philosophical and ethical orientation and that it
can offer a valuable counterbalance to the dominant culture
of optimism in Western society. Although not difficult to
read, it wasn't written for general population.

Hagakure
Yamamoto Tsunetomo
Hagakure is one of the most influential texts of Japanese
samurai philosophy. It’s also one of my favorite books of all
time. Most scholars consider Hagakure to be the most
radical and romantic of the samurai texts. The book is a
collection of Yamamoto’s reflections and teachings on the
samurai way of life, focusing on concepts such as courage,
loyalty, honor, self-discipline, and living in the moment. The
book is organized as a series of short anecdotes,
observations, and aphorisms, which makes it extremely easy
to read.
Two of the most famous translations are by Alexander
Bennett and William Scott Wilson. I suggest starting with
either one but eventually getting the other translation as
well. It's worth having both and comparing them.
The Unfettered Mind
Takuan Sōhō
Takuan Soho is one of the most important figures in the Zen
Buddhist tradition. "The Unfettered Mind" is his treatise on
Buddhist philosophy and martial arts, consisting of three
essays. He was a friend and advisor to Yagyu Munenori, one
of the greatest swordsmen of his time and a rival to the
more well-known, legendary Miyamoto Musashi.
The first essay of the book is actually a letter from Soho to
Munenori. "The Unfettered Mind" influenced all Japanese
texts on Buddhist philosophy and martial arts after it, and
one of the books where the influence is evident is Musashi’s
"The Book of Five Rings." Not an easy read, if you are
searching for samurai philosophy that is easy to read, you are
better off with Hagakure. But if you are interested in Zen
Buddhism, I highly recommend it. I have read William Scott
Wilson's translation.

Bushido: The Soul of Japan

Inazō Nitobe
There is no book that lays out a set of rules for Bushido,
because Bushido was never formalized as an ideology or
religion. Inazō didn’t try to change that and create a
textbook for Bushido. Because you can't write a textbook
about a nation's soul, and you can't convey spirit through a
set of rules. Rather, he tries to give a historical context for
the moral education that makes the rest of the world
fascinated with Japan. Don’t expect any practical advice
from this book. However, if you are interested in Japanese
and samurai culture, the book is full of anecdotes that give
insight into their moral code.
The War of Art
Steven Pressfield
"The War of Art" is a book about overcoming creative
resistance. The book argues that resistance is the greatest
enemy of creativity and that everyone faces resistance when
trying to pursue their goals. Pressfield identifies various
forms of resistance, such as procrastination, self-doubt, and
fear of failure, and offers practical advice on how to
overcome them. He also emphasizes the importance of
discipline and consistency in creative work and encourages
readers to cultivate a professional mindset. Don’t expect to
find anything revolutionary in this book. However, it is an
easy and enjoyable read that definitely helps if you want to
engage in creative work.

Deep Work
Cal Newport
One of the rare productivity books that is actually worth
reading. "Deep Work" provides a framework for focused,
uninterrupted, and productive work in our world full of
distractions. Newport provides rules for achieving deep work
as well as practical strategies and tips for implementing
those rules. Overall, "Deep Work" is a practical guide for
anyone looking to improve their focus and productivity.
I believe you can probably get 95% of the value from this
book by reading and listening to free content about deep
work online. But Newport is, after all, the man who coined
the term, and this is the book where he lays out everything
he knows about it.
Atomic Habits
James Clear
The most famous book on habit development there is. Also,
one of the most popular nonfiction books in recent years, as
far as I’m aware of. As someone who is not a fan of hyped-
up books that still haven’t had the chance to stand the test
of time, I can say that Atomic Habits deserves the popularity
and praise it gets. It’s one of the few modern bestsellers that
is actually worth the hype.

Elastic Habits
Stephen Guise
A less known book on habit development, but almost as
good as Atomic Habits in my opinion. It heavily influenced
my own method of developing consistency.
I have to note that all the value from the book could've been
provided on half the pages, but I guess that' the case with
most of today's nonfiction books. Still well worth reading.