My 2024 Bookshelf
Below are the top books that I read last year. If you could just read one of them, then go for The Master and the Emissary.
"The Hero With A Thousand faces" by Joseph Campbell (1949)
A young Luke Skywalker, stuck in a mundane life on Tatooine, suddenly finds himself swept up in an epic adventure. George Lucas drew inspiration from Campbell's groundbreaking 1949 book when crafting the iconic Star Wars trilogy. The book explores the timeless pattern of the hero's journey, a narrative structure that resonates across cultures and throughout history. From the call to adventure, the reluctance to answer the call, to the guidance of a wise mentor (Obi Wan Kenobi), and finally staring deep into the abyss (Darth Vader), Campbell maps out the transformative power of the hero's journey.
While Lucas and Campbell didn't cross paths until after the original trilogy's release, their connection grew strong. The two became close friends, and Campbell even filmed his renowned PBS docu-series, The Power of Myth, at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch. Talk about a full-circle moment!
"Pathways to Higher Consciousness: The Master Game" by Robert S. de Ropp (1968)
Get ready to level up your life with this groundbreaking guide to personal growth. This book reframes life as a game to be mastered, offering a fresh and engaging approach to self-improvement. Just sample the opening paragraph of the first chapter:
What people really need and demand from life is not wealth, comfort or esteem but games worth playing. He who cannot find a game worth playing is apt to fall prey to a paralysis of the will, a failure of the appetite, a condition of generalised boredom and total disenchantment. Seek, above all, for a game worth playing. Having found the game, play it with intensity — play as if your life and sanity depended on it. (They do depend on it.)
"Ergodicity" by Luca Dellanna (2020)
Ergodicity is a word I might have first read in one of Nassim Taleb books, but I'll admit, it flew right over my head. That is, until Luca Dellanna's book came along. Events are called ergodic when their ensemble probabilities match their time probabilities. In other words, if 100 people simultaneously flip a coin, the probability will be similar to one person flipping a coin 100 times. But here's where it gets interesting: if six people play Russian Roulette, the probability of survival is drastically different from one person playing six times in a row. In the latter case, well... let's just say it doesn't end well. If you're looking to understand more about probabilities and investing, this book is a must-read.
"The Master and His Emissary" by Iain McGilchrist (2009)
Brace yourself for a mind-blowing journey into the depths of your own brain with this masterpiece. This book has been my absolute favorite read of the year, and for good reason. McGilchrist presents a compelling argument that the right hemisphere of our brain, the original mammalian powerhouse, is the true master of our intuitive understanding and holistic perception. Meanwhile, the left hemisphere, a more recent evolutionary addition, specializes in language and analytical thinking, acting as the master's trusty emissary.
But here's the kicker: in our modern world, we've become increasingly enamored with the left brain's seductive charms—its crisp analysis, articulate expression, and unwavering confidence (MBA?). We've put the emissary in charge of our affairs, instead of trusting our instincts. As investors, we often fall into this trap, clinging to the illusion of certainty in a world full of unknowns. McGilchrist's book serves as a wake-up call, urging us to embrace the power of the right brain and the wisdom of being slightly unsure.
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir (2021)
In this thrilling sci-fi novel, an astronaut wakes up with no memory of his mission to save humanity from extinction. Weir, best known for his debut novel The Martian, once again showcases his talent for combining humor, science, and heart. If you're a fan of engaging, well-crafted science fiction, Project Hail Mary is a must-read. Or you could wait another year and watch Ryan Gosling in a theater near you!
"Hyperion" by Dan Simmons (1989)
Hyperion is a masterful blend of science fiction, fantasy, and literary references. Simmons, draws on his love of literature to create a richly imagined universe filled with memorable characters, much like The Canterbury Tales. If you're looking for an epic, thought-provoking tale that stands out in the science fiction genre, look no further. (Alert: dense).
"Stories of your Life and others" by Ted Chiang (2002)
Prepare to have your mind blown by the short stories in Ted Chiang's groundbreaking anthology. The first story inspired the 2016 sci-fi hit Arrival, starring Amy Adams as a linguist communicating with aliens who express entire sentences in a single word. This concept reportedly influenced Google's AI team to start analyzing whole sentences at once (the transformers in LLM), showcasing the power of fiction and imagination.
"An Introduction to Karl Popper" by Brian Magee (1982)
Dive into the world of Karl Popper, the philosopher who has inspired intellectual giants like Nassim Taleb and David Deutch. Popper believed that progress is made through a cycle of "conjectures and refutations" – making educated guesses and then attempting to prove them wrong. This process of trial and error, he argued, is the key to unlocking the truth. Read this short book to join the ranks of Popper's intellectual fanbase and discover why his ideas continue to shape our understanding of the world around us.
The Intelligent Investor (2024 edition)
Oh no! Not another mention of this book! But wait, I have a secret to share: skip straight to Jason Zweig's commentary at the end of every chapter. As a WSJ columnist, Zweig injects humor and anecdotes into his insightful analysis. A must-read for every value investor.
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