The Bhagavad Gita

The Gita doesn’t merely present itself; it finds its reader. This revered Hindu text encapsulates thousands of years of profound wisdom within an accessible set of verses. To truly appreciate the Gita’s insights, one must possess a certain level of understanding. Here are three of its most impactful quotes:

• “We are kept from our goal, not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal.”
• “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to imitate someone else’s perfectly.”
• “Hell has three gates: lust, anger, and greed.”

Had I discovered this work earlier, I would have grasped only a fraction of its depth. Each generation tends to believe it is wiser than the last, dismissing the insights of those who came before. However, the essence of the human experience—joy, sorrow, meaning, and suffering—remains unchanged across time. The Gita offers answers to these enduring questions. Are we humble enough to acknowledge its wisdom and patient enough to contemplate its profound messages?

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson

If you were to “de-spiritualize” the Gita, elaborate on its themes, and inject a healthy dose of practicality, you would arrive at this book. As a serial entrepreneur and philosopher, Naval Ravikant has amassed a wealth of insights that are scattered across various platforms—tweets, podcasts, and interviews.

Eric Jorgenson has brilliantly compiled these gems into a straightforward and engaging read. Naval’s insights delve into the twin pursuits of wealth and happiness, the two fundamental desires of humanity. Here are some standout quotes:

• “Play iterated games. All the returns in life, whether in wealth, relationships, or knowledge, come from compound interest.”
• “Learn to sell. Learn to build. If you can do both, you will be unstoppable.”
• “Memory and identity are burdens from the past preventing us from living freely in the present.”

This book serves as a handy reference, perfect for keeping on your desk for frequent inspiration.

As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

Before you dismiss this book as another cliché recommendation, consider this: I cannot stress enough the value of this self-help classic. “As A Man Thinketh” emphasizes the notion that individuals can shape their destinies by mastering their thoughts.

James Allen writes, “A particular train of thought persisted in, whether positive or negative, inevitably influences one’s character and circumstances.” Our worldview, responses to external events, and the morals we uphold all stem from our thoughts. As Allen articulates, focusing our efforts on our mindset is crucial.

The external conditions of a person’s life are always in harmony with their inner state. Keeping this book on your desk can serve as a constant reminder of its transformative message. Another powerful quote to ponder: “Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Despite our diverse cultures and backgrounds, all humans grapple with similar challenges: self-doubt, the quest for happiness, suffering, and the fear of judgment. These timeless struggles have persisted throughout history.

Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations” offers insights from a ruler of one of history’s greatest empires, revealing that greatness lies not in eradicating our flaws but in courageously confronting them. Interestingly, Aurelius never intended for his thoughts to be shared publicly; they were meant as personal reflections.

The vulnerability displayed in his writings resonates with all of us, as he faced the same dilemmas that we do today.

Ultimately, the wisdom contained in these texts is not only valuable but essential for navigating life’s challenges.

This video offers a mid-year reflection on the books read so far in 2023, sharing insights and takeaways from each.

In this video, discover twelve must-read books that can significantly enhance your life, focusing on maximizing your return on life.