My Favorite Reads of 2024, with Commentary

Here are some favorite reads from 2024:

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, written in 1932, is a dystopian novel that explores a society where individuality and emotional depth are sacrificed for stability and artificial happiness. Huxley paints a chilling picture of a world where human experiences are engineered for the sake of societal control.

The World State maintains control through consumerism, conditioning, and the drug Soma, which suppresses negative emotions and maintains a facade of contentment. This trade-off between authentic human experiences and artificial equilibrium raises profound questions about the nature of happiness and freedom.

The character of John the Savage epitomizes the tension between individuality and societal control. His poignant declaration, "I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin," captures the innate human desire for depth and meaning beyond societal constraints. Huxley’s novel serves as a sobering reminder of the risks of technological and societal excess, challenging us to reconsider what we value: freedom or comfort, individuality or conformity.

Read more on "Reflections on Tomorrow: Are We Living in a Brave New World?"

The Four Agreement: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a profound book rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom. This is my third time reading this masterpiece, and each time it feels like uncovering a new layer of wisdom. The book offers a framework for achieving personal freedom and happiness through four transformative agreements:

• Be Impeccable with Your Word: Words have immense power to create or destroy. Speak with integrity, avoid gossip or harmful language, and use your words in service of truth and love.
• Don’t Take Anything Personally: hat others say or do is a reflection of their reality, not yours. When you take things personally, you absorb unnecessary suffering.
• Don’t Make Assumptions: Assumptions lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and unnecessary drama. Always seek clarity and communicate openly.
• Always Do Your Best: Your best will vary from moment to moment, depending on your circumstances, energy, and health. Accept this variability and strive to give your all without self-judgment.

How to promote yourself

Written in 1914 by Wallace D Wattles, How to Promote Yourself is a timeless classic that offers practical advice on personal growth and self-promotion. He argues that self-promotion, when done ethically, is about sharing your value with the world. "Believe in yourself as you want others to believe in you." Wattles emphasizes mastery of your craft, effective communication, and continuous improvement as the cornerstones of success. Despite being over a century old, the book’s relevance is undeniable in today’s competitive environment. Its lessons about authenticity and consistent self-improvement resonate with modern aspirations for building trust and credibility.

The Richest Man in Babylon

George S. Clason's The Richest Man in Babylon delivers timeless wisdom on wealth-building through parables set in ancient Babylon. The book teaches fundamental principles of saving, investing, and living within your means. Through simple parables, Clason teaches timeless principles of wealth: save a portion of your income, invest wisely, and avoid debt. One of the key lessons, "Start thy purse to fattening" reminds readers of the importance of paying yourself first. By making disciplined financial choices, even those of modest means can achieve prosperity.

The book’s straightforward wisdom is as relevant today as it was in ancient Babylon. It reinforces the idea that small, consistent habits—like saving and wise investment—can lead to big results over time, making financial success attainable for anyone.

Letters From Stoic

This is another book I re-read this year. Written by Seneca and published in 65 AD, it's a collection of letters that offers a practical advice on resilience, detachment from external event, and the pursuit of virtue. Seneca’s letters offer profound guidance on living virtuously and embracing life’s challenges. He writes, "He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary," urging readers to avoid unnecessary anxiety about the future. Seneca emphasizes inner peace through self-discipline, acceptance, and aligning actions with reason and virtue. In a fast-paced, uncertain world, Seneca’s advice to focus on the present and control our responses remains a powerful tool for navigating life’s complexities.

Here are more Lessons from Seneca.

Doctrine of the Mean

Re-reading Doctrine of the Mean highlighted its emphasis on moderation and balance. This text, attributed to Confucius, advocates for harmony in all actions and calls for self-control and the avoidance of extremes to achieve a balanced life. The principle "Perfect is the virtue which is according to the Mean" resonates as a guide for living with poise and wisdom. Confucius teaches that by finding the middle ground between excess and deficiency, one can achieve a state of equilibrium and virtue. This philosophy encourages individuals to cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness in their actions, fostering a life of balance and harmony.

Its lessons on harmony and moderation offer a practical philosophy for navigating life’s complexities with grace. The Doctrine of the Mean’s timeless principles continue to provide valuable insights for those seeking to live a balanced and virtuous life.

Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics might arguably be one of the best self-help books ever written. Many modern self-help books utilize core principles from this ancient text. Aristotle explores the essence of the good life, concluding that true happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved through virtuous actions.

"The good for man is an activity of the soul in conformity with excellence." 

He advocates for the golden mean—a balanced approach to life where virtue lies between deficiency and excess. Aristotle’s concept of virtue as a habit emphasizes the importance of consistent, intentional actions that align with one’s values. He suggests that true happiness comes from purposeful living and the cultivation of character.

Aristotle’s emphasis on virtue resonates in modern personal development, reminding us that happiness is not a fleeting emotion but a state of being achieved through the pursuit of excellence. His teachings encourage us to develop habits that reflect our highest values and to strive for balance in all aspects of life.

Here is more to Nicomachean Ethics: Is this the best self-help book ever written?

On Duties by Cicero

On Duties by Cicero, one of the greatest orators and philosophers, is a treatise on ethical obligation and the responsibilities of individuals in society. Cicero examines moral obligations, emphasizing justice, integrity, and the balance between personal gain and the common good.

"The foundations of justice are that no one shall suffer wrong; then, that the public good be promoted."

He argues that a virtuous life involves both personal responsibility and societal contribution. Cicero’s insights on ethical leadership and the alignment of individual success with the welfare of others are profoundly relevant in today’s increasingly interconnected world. His message that individual success should not come at the expense of others, but rather should contribute to the greater good, is a timeless principle for ethical living.

Cicero’s teachings provide valuable guidance for leaders and individuals alike, reminding us that true success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact we have on our communities and society as a whole.

Here are more wisdoms from Cicero: What Can We Learn From This Forgotten Roman Hero

The Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point explores how small actions can trigger significant societal changes. Gladwell identifies key factors, such as influencers and context, that drive these phenomena. "The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire." Gladwell’s work highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of change and the role of key individuals and circumstances in driving transformations and success in business.

His insights remind us that even small, deliberate actions can lead to significant changes when timed and executed well. The Tipping Point serves as a call to action for those seeking to create change, encouraging us to recognize the potential impact of our efforts and to act with intention and purpose.

Here is more on "The Tipping Point"

Journey To Ixtlan: The Lesson of Don Juan

Carlos Castaneda's Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan recounts lessons from Don Juan, focusing on breaking habitual perceptions. Castaneda emphasizes mindfulness and detaching from preconceived notions to experience life’s mysteries fully. Through Don Juan’s teachings, Castaneda explores the idea that true knowledge requires wide-awake awareness, respect, and assurance. This journey of self-discovery encourages readers to challenge their assumptions and embrace new perspectives, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The lessons in Journey to Ixtlan highlight the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating a sense of wonder and curiosity. Castaneda’s work invites us to let go of habitual thinking patterns and to approach life with an open mind and heart.

Read my favorite section from this book: The Warrior’s Last Stand: Lessons On Courage And Impeccability

Confucius Analects

The Analects capture Confucius's teachings on ethics, governance, and self-cultivation. Confucius emphasizes the importance of virtue, filial piety, and the ripple effect of individual morality on society. His teachings remind us that personal responsibility is the cornerstone of societal harmony. Confucius advocates for the cultivation of virtue and moral character as the foundation for effective leadership and social cohesion.

A key principle from the Analects is that self-cultivation is the first step to improving society. "To put the world in order, we must first cultivate our personal life." Confucius believes that by becoming virtuous individuals, we can positively influence our families, communities, and ultimately, the world. In today’s chaotic world, Confucius’s call for self-improvement and ethical leadership is as essential as ever. His teachings offer timeless wisdom on how personal integrity can lead to societal harmony.

The Great Learning

The Great Learning is another Confucian classic I re-read this year. This text outlines the path to self-cultivation and societal improvement. The Great Learning emphasizes that personal virtue is intrinsically linked to the well-being of society. The principle "From the cultivation of the self, the family is regulated; from the regulation of the family, the state is well governed," highlights how individual actions shape the collective.

The work underscores the importance of continuous self-improvement and ethical leadership. It calls for individuals to strive for wisdom, compassion, and justice in their personal lives, which in turn, creates a foundation for a well-ordered and harmonious society. In an era of global challenges, the teachings of The Great Learning are deeply inspiring, reminding us that true societal progress begins with individual efforts toward virtue and harmony.