Book Ponder

My goal in 2025 was to prioritize reading more than ever by minimizing my screen time and replacing TV, video games, and social media with… Read more: 9 Books I Read In January

As we approach 2025, I try to spend December planning ahead and pondering my reading goals for the following year. Usually, I’ll pick a few… Read more: 5 Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2025

Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L’Amour I had only heard of Louis L’Amour in passing as an author of old western novels. After… Read more: 5 Best Books I Read in 2024

Thomas Jefferson is a controversial figure in American history. He accomplished great things as a founding father and made sacrifices for the country he loved.… Read more: Thomas Jefferson: A Complex Legacy of Liberty and Duty

The Lessons Learned series is different than standard book reviews.  There are hundreds of great book reviews for The Third Door, and I would be… Read more: Unlocking Success: 3 Lessons From The Third Door

The Lessons Learned series is different than standard book reviews.  There are hundreds of great book reviews for Atomic Habits, and I would be wasting… Read more: Mastering Habits: 5 Lessons From Atomic Habits

Summary: “Deep Work” by Cal Newport emphasizes the value of distraction-free, intense focus to improve productivity and achieve fulfillment. Strategies include digital detox, embracing boredom, and prioritizing meaningful tasks.

John D. Rockefeller’s biography “Titan” by Ron Chernow emphasizes the importance of surroundings, determination, writing, judgment, walking, learning from mistakes, focus, and delegation.

The book “Discipline is Destiny” by Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of discipline, time management, simplicity, emotional control, and helping others.

Robert D. Richardson Jr.’s “Emerson: The Mind on Fire” delves into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson, highlighting his impactful habits, including prioritizing good habits, the power of the commonplace book, and unique reading strategies. Emerson’s journey, emphasis on introspection, generosity, and individualistic approach also shine through this quintessential biography.

“Right Thing, Right Now” by Ryan Holiday is a stoicism-based self-improvement book focusing on justice, integrity, and kindness, emphasizing doing the right thing at all times.

12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson is a book that provides lessons on how to be a better person and… Read more: 17 Key Lessons from Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life

Slow Productivity is the newest book from Cal Newport, it delves into the world of productivity and how we have lost our way on what… Read more: 4 Lessons From Cal Newport’s Slow Productivity

“Think & Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, published in 1937, emphasizes mindset, decisive action, continuous learning, clarity, passion, and mentorship for achieving success.

“How to Take Smart Notes” by Sonke Ahrens advocates for efficient note-taking to free up brain resources, emphasizing the importance of proper note-taking systems and continuous learning.

“Education of a Wandering Man” is Louis L’Amour’s memoir, emphasizing the importance of self-education and reading. L’Amour’s experiences and insights inspire lifelong learning and meaningful book collections.

Epictetus’ “Discourses and Selected Writings” emphasizes using resources to solve problems, seeking personal approval, confronting fears, applying knowledge, being humble, and maintaining stillness.

“How to Read a Book” by Adler & Van Doren details the 4 levels of reading, the importance of active reading, and the need for implementation after acquiring knowledge.

In February, I adjusted my reading approach. From fantasy to nonfiction, I sought value and depth in my reading.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves it should be first those… Read more: 4 Lessons Learned from Abraham Lincoln

The content emphasizes the importance of self-education, utilizing resources like the internet, and creating a learning schedule for personal growth.

Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” delves into overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of persistence and treating creativity like a profession.

“Lives of the Stoics” by Ryan Holiday explores stoic philosophy emphasizing endurance, self-restraint, and action over talk, offering practical wisdom.

“Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport highlights the importance of solitude, walking, and true social connections, advocating a digital declutter for better living.

Epictetus advises standing by wise decisions and not fearing misunderstanding. Reliability, growth mindset, and emotional control facilitate taking a stand.

“Men’s Work” by Connor Beaton empowers men to navigate challenges, improve themselves, and cultivate healthy relationships.

The Joys of Compounding by Gautam Baid is a powerful ode to lifelong learning, emphasizing the rewards of delayed gratification, the significance of mentors, and the value of reading. Baid urges readers to apply their knowledge, embrace humility, and extend assistance to others. He also delves into the concept of the hedonic treadmill, which can hinder true happiness.

“The Daily Laws” by Robert Greene is a collection of powerful lessons from his works, providing valuable insights.

Nothing Is Impossible Ryan talks about having the wrong mindset when facing a problem or challenge.  We let the thought creep in that this thing… Read more: Overcoming the Impossible: 4 Lessons From Courage Is Calling

  Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman made me weary the first few pages because I thought it was going to be another self-help book,… Read more: Finding Balance in Time: 9 Lessons From Four Thousand Weeks

Following your passion may require work and time. Embrace challenges, seek honest feedback, and focus on offering value to the world to build a fulfilling career.

I recently finished Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury and it is the best book I have read to make you a… Read more: Master Writing: 5 Lessons From Ray Bradbury

The Daily Stoic is a daily devotional by Ryan Holiday that has a new piece of advice for life from the stoics everyday.  Last year… Read more: Top 22 Lessons Learned from The Daily Stoic

Long Walk to Freedom is the story of former South African President Nelson Mandela and how he spent most of his life imprisoned while still… Read more: 6 Lessons From Nelson Mandela’s Journey