Book Ponder

We Think About Books

Philosophy

September 4, 2025

Not All Reading is Created Equal

The content emphasizes the importance of intentional reading over superficial habits. It critiques the urge to finish books for status, highlights the need to embrace boredom, and advocates for finding enjoyable reading material. The author advises readers to establish a personalized reading system and approach reading seriously to extract meaningful knowledge. Continue reading

2025, Blog, Books, Boredom, Focus, Habits, Learning, Philosophy, Productivity, Reading, Self Improvement

Book Ponder, Book Review, book-blog, Books, Boredom, Deep Work, Distracction, Epictetus, Focus, Growth Mindset, Habits, Learning, Marcus Aurelius, Perspective Change, Philosophy, Reading, Reading Habits, Reading with Purpose, Self Discipline, Seneca, Stoicism, Thinking, Time Management, Writing
June 17, 2024

17 Key Lessons from Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life

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 live a more fulfilling life. Jordan Peterson has been a controversial figure in the past years for his stand on free speech. Whether you agree with Dr. Peterson’s ideas or… Continue reading

Blog, Book Reviews, Books, Family, Jordan Peterson, Leadership, Lessons, Lessons Learned, Philosophy, Self Improvement, Stoicism

12 Rules for Life, Book Ponder, Book Reviews, Books, faith, Jordan Peterson, Lessons Learned, Philosophy, psychology, Reading, Stoicism
January 22, 2024

Mastering Life: 9 Lessons From Lives of the Stoics

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

Blog, Book Reviews, Epictetus, History, Lessons Learned, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Quotes, Ryan Holiday, Seneca, Stoicism

Book Ponder, Books, Epictetus, Lessons Learned, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Reading, Ryan Holiday, Seneca, Stoicism
January 22, 2024

When to Take a Stand

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

Blog, Book Reviews, Discipline, Epictetus, Lessons Learned, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Reading, Ryan Holiday, Seneca, Stoicism

Book Ponder, Book Reviews, Books, Discipline is Destiny, Epictetus, Lessons Learned, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Reading, Ryan Holiday, Seneca, Stoicism
January 22, 2024

Make Use of What You’ve Learned

In a world of abundant knowledge tools, action trumps consumption. Create, apply, and leave a lasting legacy. Don’t just consume. Continue reading

Blog, Epictetus, Learning, Philosophy, Stoicism

Book Ponder, Books, Epictetus, Learning, Philosophy, Reading, Stoicism
January 22, 2024

Be Wary of Your Associations

The reason why the Jim Rohn quote “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time around” is so popular, is because it’s true. In The Art of Living by Epictetus, he has a similar quote about being wary of the individuals you associate with. “Other people’s views and troubles can… Continue reading

Blog, Books, Discipline, Epictetus, Family, Lessons, Philosophy, Quotes, Relationships, Social, Stoicism

Book Ponder, Book Reviews, Books, Epictetus, Lessons Learned, Philosophy, Reading, Relationships, Social, Stoicism
December 28, 2023

Concentrate Every Minute Like a Roman

The author reflects on the timeless wisdom found in “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing the importance of giving undivided attention to important tasks. Continue reading

Become A Man, Lessons, Marcus Aurelius, Masculinity, Philosophy, Quotes, Stoicism

Books, Concentration, Lessons, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Romans, Stoicism
December 28, 2023

Top 22 Lessons Learned from The Daily Stoic

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 I read The Daily Laws by Robert Greene and in 2024 I plan to read The Daily Dad also by Ryan Holiday and The Daily Pressfield by Steven Pressfield. The… Continue reading

Book Reviews, Epictetus, Lessons Learned, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Ryan Holiday, Seneca, Stoicism

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Philosophy, Ryan Holiday, Stoicism

About Me

Welcome to Book Ponder. I have enjoyed reading and writing for the majority of my life. I work for a hands-on blue-collar job, but consider myself a lifelong learner on the side. I enjoy reading many of the classics but also read something new if it’s recommended to me. I take extensive notes and save great quotes when I read and I plan to share those with you while also extracting lessons we can learn. I believe we can use the past to guide our future. I will try to post a couple of times a month, you can sign up for my newsletter with updates on new posts. I will never spam you, I hope to hear from you soon.