There is no friends as loyal as a book.
__ Ernest Hemingway
Earth is home to us, human race. Humans have been around long enough to create and explore science. There are still a lot of unknown things that science has not discovered. However, many great findings have been discovered such as genetics, germ/bacteria, medicine, etc.
What if by reading a book, you will be able to go see surrounding things from a different angle and with a different lens? The book "The Magic of Reality", by Richard Dawkins, offers this unique opportunity. Without any spoiler, here are the highlights of the book. 1) Various Topics/Myths. Richard Dawkins explores a wide range of interesting topics. These topics are very common to our everyday life (across different timeline), but are usually overlooked. 2) Simplicity. Although the book is about science, it was written with such a simple and understandable language. This makes this book a suitable read to almost any group of age. 3) Perfect Length. The book is mid-size and has around 270 pages, not too long, not too short. 4) Touch of Humor. You might be right if you think science books are boring and abstract. However, that assumption does not apply to this book. Richard Dawkins has a gift of humor that he transforms science into a fun, entertaining channel to educate readers, just like Bill Nye! Understanding the world does not only make us a more knowledgeable human being, but also a great potential teacher, who can share our wisdom to the next generation(s). The book "The Magic of Reality" offers you this power for a mere $16. Happy Reading, The Kid
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What if you will get your money back and even more by reading a simple book? What if you can learn so many simple money tricks that can be used daily and shared with friends, all for just $13? The book I am recommending is "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi. Below are the reasons why you should pick up the book today. 1) Length. The book is mid-side around 300+ pages, which is not too short, not too long. 2) Simplicity. Ramith uses the most common/simple language to ensure all readers with no financial background to be able to understand. This makes the book a great choice for those who just get started to learn about self-finance. 3) Usefulness. Ramith will touch on almost all money topics you could think of, such as car deals, mortgage, credit cards, student loans, etc. All lessons in the book are easy to try immediately. 4) Fun. Ramith has a great sense of humor, which makes money topics become interesting to learn more about. Reading this book has saved/made me a lot of money. Also, I have been able to share my knowledge with friends and family as well. So what are you waiting for? Go put down $13 for a copy and start your financial freedom journey today. Happy Reading, The Kid Most of us have watched, or at least have heard of the movie series "The Terminator". In the movie the "nice robot", starred by the famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, fights against the "evil robot" to save the humanity. The movie pictured a scary future, when robots becomes extremely more intelligent and powerful than humans.
If you're into sci-fi and a big fan of cold-hard technical prospects of artificial intelligence (AI), then the book "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies" by Nick Bostrom is a must-read. Below are the some facts about the book: 1) Technical Depth. This is probably one of the hardest book I've ever read. The book is loaded with scientific facts/stories. Although some technical AI background can help you understand the book better, the thing that matters more is your patience to read. If you take your time reading patiently, you will learn a great deal out of AI topics. 2) Moderate Length. The book itself is quite thick, but not crazily like "Tools of Titans" recommended in another post. However, since the content is complex, it will take most readers a while to read thoroughly. 3) Fantastic Stories of The World AI Efforts. The book will walk you through almost all AI developments (at the time of writing) in details. You will get to know top scientists, thinkers, and also some secretive projects. Many of us are intimidated by the subject of AI, either we fear for lack of knowledge or the subject itself sounds scary. However, AI is becoming part of our daily life, from financial advising robots to romantic partners powered by AI system. I encourage and challenge readers and curious souls out there to explore this topic with one of the best scientific writer, Nick Bostrom. There seems to be a myth about investing: it is supposed to be difficult and complicated. But it's a lie. Experts want you to believe so, then they can charge fees or earn commissions from their "insightful" advice. With $12, you can buy "The Only Investment Guild You'll Ever Need", written by Andrew Tobias, and become of master of your own financial fate. Here are the reasons why this book is an outstanding read:
1) Variety of Topics. Welp, I think it actually includes all financial topics you could think of: insurance, estate, stocks, bonds, education, etc. 2) Clarity. Each topic is well-written with common language for any beginner. Examples with numbers/graphs are included as well. 3) Practicality. This book is an actionable book, not philosophical or theoretical. Specifics steps are included so the readers can take actions as soon as they finish reading a particular topic. 4) Reasonable Length. Although the book covers almost all financial topics, it is not a painful read (compared to its value). With focus, you can finish the book within 3-7 days. Many people make excuses for not taking actions to control their financial life: "I don't have time; I don't have money; I don't have connections". With 13 dollars and within a week, you can make significant changes in your financial life with this little book. What are you waiting for? Happy Reading, The Kid Most legendary experts usually have at least one close mentor, from Warren Buffett (Benjamin Graham) to Tony Robbins (Jim Rohn). Welp, if you are in certain conditions that finding a real mentor (be ware of frauds out there) is a daunting task, how the heck you may find one? If you use the internet, chances are you will end up paying for an amateur (am I talking about myself?). If you want to seek one in person, it is even more difficult. Fortunately, there is one book (or rather two, more on this later) that help you to find tens of mentors for less than $100 (speaking about bargain). The book is called "Tools of Titans", written by Tim Ferriss. Here are the reasons why you should get one today:
1) Varied Topics. Unlike having one single mentor, who is likely to be adept at only certain topics. The book offer you tens of mentors (from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Navy Seal Jocko Willink) giving different practical advice on wealth, health, and wise. 2) Useful Tools. Each mentor was asked to provide a purchase costs less than $100 that changed their life. Of course, not all of these recommended items fit your needs, Nonetheless, you might be able to pick up one or two recommendations. 3) Tons of Recommended Books. If you are a book lover, like I do, you will find valuable book recommendations in Tool of Titans. I do have to warn you this is a "monster-thick" book. If you do not enjoy reading stories of a hundred people, please do not buy the book. There is a lighter version (same author Tim Ferriss) called "Tribe of Mentors", which is around half length of Tools of Titans. For those of you are in hunger learning from top world performers, go get the book now either on Amazon or check your local library (if you think you are in luck). Happy Reading, The Kid Many of us dream of a wonderful life: nice spouse, nice house, and of course... a stable job with a guaranteed retirement. What if our stable job is rather chaotic? What if there are better alternatives to a 9-5 life? What if our definition of retirement is no longer valid? Welp, the good news is you don't have to go ask a university philosopher or economist for these questions (and please don't). You can find all the answers in Tim Ferriss's book "The 4-hour Workweek". Here are some reasons why you should pick up this book and... actually read it:
1) Highly Practical. This is not a common self-help book with vague ideas. Tim gives you specific steps for specific purposes (boss negotiation, website building, improving self-confidence, etc.) 2) Strange Humor and Honesty. This is my compliment to Tim, who has been around the world more than anyone I know; hence, his sense of humor is so unique that it would make you roll on floor laughing. Also, Tim did not minding sharing his dark past (suicide, meaningless life, rejections, etc.). Not many writers share the same rare characteristics as Tim's. 3) Thoughtful Writing. The book is organized into independent sections. Readers can treat it like a buffet and read what is relevant to them without going through the whole book from start to end. Each section also has to-do action task for those who want a guidance. Tim Ferriss is one of my favorite authors. From him, I've learnt countless wisdom and made decent profits from his ideas. You can read this book for either money-seeking, wisdom-seeking, or entertainment-seeking purpose (or for the best, all three). Happy Reading, The Kid Luck is such a popular topic since the beginning of man kind. We believe certain events have meaning; certain situations are deemed to be "inevitable"; or someone is "chosen". Please accept my sincere apology because most of what you believe is wrong. "Fooled by Randomness" written Nassim Nicholas Taleb is worth your time reading and will satisfy your desire to understand probability:
1) Simple yet Complex. The book is structured for those who knows nothing about math or statistic (speaking of myself), and also for those who are savvy and/or interested in practical demonstrations. The book is a good variety of buffet, in which you will find your desired dishes. 2) Funny, or Rather Humorous. Taleb's dark humor will enlighten your senses. He is a realist assh*** but he is right... and funny. 3) Practical Applications. When we think about math, statistic, or probability, we think of investment trading or Harvard math test, but it is not. Taleb's book will prove to you that understanding probability makes you a better person, who does not get BS'ed by scams. Are you now ready to explore your so-called destiny, or rather it is simply a game chance? Let's read Taleb's very first book (he has another 4 to total up a full volume of Incerto) and find out. Happy Reading, The Kid We are now living on the era of Internet, the age of Amazon, the empire of technology. With all the technological tools that we have created, reading is now no longer following the only traditional path of physical paper-form. In this special post, I will argue why traditional books are still superior to the digital version.
Let's first discuss the logic behind reading e-books. 1) Money Saving. If you ask 10 e-book readers, chances are 8 out of them would say up front that e-books save them money. There is nothing to argue here since e-book price is significantly cheaper than the physical version. Also, you may acquire a VPN and download tons of illegal copies. 2) Convenience. For e-books, you can carry an Amazon Kindle, in which contains an entire Soviet-Harvard library, to any where you want. You can listen to e-book while eating your lunch, making love with your partner, or while being yelled at by your boss (simply purchase one of these microscope ear bugs). I confess that while traveling, most of my belongings are books, which weight no less than 30 lbs. Assume I surrender my will to e-books, the TSA officer would not be freaked out with the thought I was carrying propaganda materials. Welp, I'm a mindless person; hence, these are the only two advantages I could think of when considering e-books. Let's dive deeper into the ancient world of paper-books. 1) Physical Influence. I've spent quite sometime looking at studies and research regarding the same topic. Nonetheless, very few, or rather none of, studies show the effects of physical influence of paper-book: the smell, the touch, the presence, etc. All these effects enhance the reader's experience, which no Ipad could replicate, unless Steve Jobs is still alive to model better versions. 2) Learn by Seeing. For most novels, you can find comfort reading e-books. How about science, math, any books with images, graphs, charts, etc. Most of us learn from observing and practicing. We're not yet equipped with high-resolution imagination that we can listen to a sweet British voice and can project 100% accurate graphic. Paper-books, on the other hand, give us vision support. 3) Read as Hard as You Can, Literally. I've met voracious readers, but I've barely heard about voracious "listeners". Reading is a skill to be polished overtime. Your first few books, especially on abstract topics, will likely to be the most difficult ones because, for most of us, we tend to have non-sense speaking language, and lack non-BS writing language. Reading require intensive focus, curiosity (to google what you don't know), and utter commitment (you may listen to Mozart, not please do not read books while driving a mini cooper). 4) Writing Equals Remembering. The physical presence of paper-books allows you to take as much note as you need to understand and retain the knowledge. Kindle or Ipad will force you to create a separate note, which will be harder to keep track of and visit later. A good learner is a good note-taker. To recap, e-books are a great way to catch up casual readings with little additional costs and great convenience. Nonetheless, paper-books offer better benefits to learning as a whole. We will have to wait until technology gets better with creating hallucinating effects that mimic paper-books. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and many of us might want to stick with papers. P.S. Reading e-books is not as good as reading prints, but is 100% better than reading nothing. Happy Reading, The Kid Not so long ago, I thought my life was a mess. I followed a weird path, no job, little friends, reading a lot. People around me constantly brag about their pay raise, promotions, buying fancy things. I was immune to these influences (welp, at least for a while). But as a human being, self-doubt started to cloud within my heart. I was about to give up on being myself until I read Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning". To not spoil the book, I will only give you a glimpse into its content:
1) Extremely Realistic. Hollywood's movies can't not be compared to this book. The author will take you into his journey from Day 1 until the end with every little details along the way. 2) Slight Humor Included. Unlike many books written about wars, this book is not about dramatizing themes, but instead, it observes things as they naturally are. Added slight humor will crack you up at first, but then also make you spend some time to think about the joke. 3) Offer Psychology Knowledge. If you are a fan of exploring human behaviors, this book is a must read. This book has been endorsed by famous psychologists and professionals around the world. If you have a personal psychologist, chances are he/she knows this book too! 4) Short and Easy to Read. The language is detailed, yet simple. The book can be a quick read if you put your mind into it (probably take 1-3 days max). With all of these in mind, are you ready to compare your life to Frankl's in Nazi's concentration camp? Happy Reading, The Kid This post's title is the same as the 80 year-old book I'm about to recommend. It is the very first book that helped me started my reading habit. It is a good book because:
1) Reasonable length. It won't take a week to finish (unless you are savvy reader), and definitely not a month even you are a beginner. In my case, three weeks. 2) Story telling. No numbers, no complex data, but only stories: from Coca-Cola founder to the legendary insurance seller. This is similar to bed-time story for adults, very interesting to follow. 3) Relevant topics. Almost all aspects of daily communication are covered, from convincing opponents to making friends. These are very subtle, but if you can master some/all of them, you will be better than 80% of Americans who typically don't spend money on books. Below is the cover of the book. Happy Reading, The Kid |
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