Education never stops.
It can’t stop, because the world doesn’t stop.
Too often, those of us in business, especially entrepreneurs, eschew reading books because we believe that we’re too busy (the reality is, we’re not too busy, we’re not prioritizing our time appropriately). However, if we do find time to read, the majority of the time we’re reading industry journals, newspapers, and the occasional business book. Now, don’t get me wrong, reading all of these is important, but even medical schools are starting to emphasize the importance of a well rounded individual who isn’t just knowledgeable about science, but also has other interests outside of medicine and science.
If you don’t know me, 2019 was one of the hardest years of my life. My wife and I lost our son. Along with a lot of help from family, friends, and a grief support group, I turned to reading three books in particular; A Grief Observed, The Tao of Pooh, and the 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos If you lost a loved one, are having a hard time, or just trying to figure things out these books can help you a lot.
Another class of books that I loved reading (some I listened to on Audible) this year were history books. From world wide crimes to racial segregation to good old natured history, I spanned the gamut this year.
Because I went to England this year, I became immensely interested in English history. Audible’s A History of England from the Tudors to Stuarts and The Story of Medieval England: From King Arthur to the Tudor Conquest are must listen to courses for anybody going to England (especially if you are like me and it’s your first time). While I didn’t end up going to Israel this year, I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn. Whether you’re going to Israel or interested in the recent history between Israel and her neighbors, this is the book for you to pick up.
When it comes to crimes, if you haven’t yet read the Billion Dollar Whale or American Kingpin, you are missing out. You wont be able to put either book down and all along you’re going to continually marvel at how both of the main protagonists got away with their crimes for so long.
Part of being well rounded is reading about topics that have impacted society. The Color of Law, is a fantastic look at redlining, how the national interstate system impacted segregation, and for those of us who live in Austin a look into the history of our city. Continuing with topics that have impacted society (and still do) White Trash and Hillbilly Elegy are both a look into part of our history and society that often goes unmentioned and is hurting and a statement on class in America.
Besides two books that do not fit nicely into any specific category; The Buy Side, a must read book about the life of a young man on Wall Street, and The Right Side of History a look at the foundational principles undergirding American society, the rest of the books that I read are books that I read to be better at business. Both The New Geography of Jobs and Capitalism in America might not seem like business books, but both provided insight into how our economy and cities have gotten to where they are and a look into where we might be going (important for any business person to know). Fanatical Prospecting, If You’re Not First You’re Last, Sell or Be Sold, Sell it Like Serhant (I admit I got this out of interest but found it to be interesting), and The Conversion Code are all great books for anyone to read if you’re interested in sales and business development.
However, the BEST BUSINESS BOOK that I read this year, and one that ranks up there as one of the best business books I have ever read is Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator. It offers insight into a world that few have insight in, goes over unorthodox ways to get your product out in front of people, and is a very entertaining read.
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