Editor's note: Reading non-fiction books can help us think more clearly, think more quickly, and have a deeper understanding of the world. Here's a look at 25 of Ray Dalio's favorite nonfiction books by renowned investor, philanthropist, and founder of Bridgewater**. **Compilation, I hope it inspires you.
Ray Dalio, a renowned investor, philanthropist, and founder of Bridgewater Associates, is known not only for his success in the world of finance, but also as a voracious reader of nonfiction books that provide valuable insights into human nature, economics, history, and personal development.
Over the years, Dalio has developed a list of 25 nonfiction books that he considers to be the finest of all time.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at this extraordinary reading list and why these books have earned a place on Dalio's must-read list.
English title: My Stroke of Insight
By Jill Taylor
My Stroke of Insight
Neuroscientist Jill Taylor shares her journey through a stroke with a unique perspective. Readers can gain insight into the inner workings of the human brain through Jill Taylor's vivid narration, who describes the alterations in her perception during a stroke, the loss of language, and the profound transformation of consciousness. Taylor's book offers readers a rare and deeply personal perspective into the mysteries of the mind.
Just like children, emotions heal when they are listened to and recognized. —Jill Taylor, My Stroke Perception: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey
Title: Why We Believe in God
Author: JAnderson Thomson, J anderson thomson）
Why We Believe in God
Anderson Thomson's book Why We Believe in God delves into the evolutionary origins of religious belief. On the basis of scientific research and cognitive psychology, Thomson reveals the evolutionary roots of religious and spiritual experience by revealing why humans have a natural tendency to seek meaning and purpose in the world.
True morality is doing the right thing, regardless of what others say;Religious morality is to do what others tell us to do. ”—j.Anderson Thomson, JAnderson Thomson, Why We Believe in God: A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith
English title: The Upside of Inequality
by Edward Conard
The Upside of Inequality
In his book The Benefits of Inequality, Edward Conard challenges conventional wisdom about income inequality. He argues that in the context of innovation and economic growth, inequality can be a driver of prosperity. Conard's book offers a new perspective on a controversial and complex topic, encouraging readers to reconsider their own perceptions of economic disparities.
Today, displaced workers await entrepreneurs, companies, investors, and other suitably trained risk takers to create good-paying jobs. —Edward Conard, The Benefits of Inequality
English title: An Unquiet Mind
By Kay Jamison
An Unquiet Mind
Kay Jamison's An Unquiet Mind is a deeply moving memoir in which she recounts her own life as a person with bipolar disorder. As a psychiatrist and patient, Jamison candidly ** the challenges and triumphs of living with mental illness. Her narrative bears witness to the spirit of resilience, the quest for stability, and the importance of mental health awareness.
If I can't feel, if I can't move, if I can't think, if I can't care, then what's the point of my life?”
Kay Redfield Jamison, A Restless Mind: A Memoir of Emotions and Madness
English title: River Out of Eden
by Richard Dawkins
River Out of Eden
Renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins takes readers on a fascinating journey of genetics and evolution in his book The River of Eden. Dawkins explores the concept of "selfish genes" and explains how natural selection has shaped the amazing diversity of life on Earth. This book gives readers a deep understanding of the process of species evolution.
Nature is not cruel, only merciless indifference. This is one of the hardest lessons for humanity to learn. We cannot admit that things can be neither good nor evil, neither cruel nor benevolent, but simply callous, indifferent to all suffering, and devoid of any purpose. —Richard Dawkins, The River of Eden: Darwin's View of Life
English title: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Powers
by Paul Kennedy
The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Powers
Paul Kennedy's seminal book, The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Powers, provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the rise and fall of great empires and states throughout history. Through meticulous research and insightful commentary, Kennedy provides us with valuable lessons about the dynamics of global power and the forces that shape the destiny of nations.
A vast military institution, like a great monument, is majestic to the impressionable observer;But if it is not built on a solid foundation, that is, a solid national economy, then it risks collapsing in the future. —Paul Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict, 1500-2000
English title: What It Takes
By Stephen Schwarzman
Schwarzman: My Experiences and Lessons, What It Takes
In the book Schwarzman: My Experiences and Lessons Learned, Blackstone Group co-founder Stephen Schwarzman shares the principles and strategies that have guided him to succeed in finance and business. This memoir offers a candid look at the world of high finance and provides valuable lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of trading.
"Success breeds arrogance and complacency," he said. You can only learn from your mistakes when the worst happens. —Stephen Schwarzman, Schwarzman: My Experience and Lessons
English title: Think Like a Monk
By Jay Shetty
Think Like a Monk
Former monk Jay Shetty recounts his spiritual practice and personal growth over the years in the book Thinking Like a Monk. He translates ancient wisdom into practical advice for modern life, covering topics such as mindfulness, purpose, and finding fulfillment in a fast-paced world. Shetty's book encourages readers to develop a monkhood mentality in their daily lives.
Remember, it's not freedom to say whatever you want, when you want, and how you want. True freedom is not to feel the need to say these words. —Jay Shetty, "Thinking Like a Monk: Training Your Mind for a Sense of Peace of Mind and Purpose Every Day."
Title: Tribe of Mentors
By Tim Ferriss
Tribe of Mentors
Tim Ferris brings together wisdom from different mentors and experts in The Mentor Tribe. This book is a treasure trove of life and career advice, offering insightful insights and actionable advice from some of the world's most accomplished people. It provides a roadmap for personal and professional growth.
Never let a good crisis go to waste. This is the challenge that the world is facing you, allowing you to learn new things and elevate your potential to new heights. —Tim Ferris, The Mentor Tribe: Short Life Advice from the World's Top Figures
English title: Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain
Author: David Eagleman
Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain
Neuroscientist David Eagleman delves into the covert workings of the human brain in his book Incognito. He reveals how much of our mental activity takes place outside of our consciousness, shaping our perceptions, decisions, and behaviors. Igman's exploration of the unconscious reveals the complexity of human cognition.
We believe that the world we see is beautiful until someone alerts us to the fact that it is not. —D**id Eagleman, Incognito: The Secret Life of the Brain
Title: From Bacteria to Bach and Back
by Daniel Dennett
From Bacteria to Bach and Back
In his book From Bacteria to Bach and Back, philosopher Daniel Dennett addresses age-old questions about consciousness and the nature of the human mind. He makes compelling arguments about the evolution of human intelligence, the role of memory in culture, and the mechanisms behind our cognitive processes.
So far, we Homo sapiens are the only species with a rich culture of accumulation, and the key factor of culture is language. —Daniel Dennett, From Bacteria to ** and Back Again: The Evolution of the Mind
English title: Steve Jobs
by Walter Isaacson
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs paints a comprehensive and up-close picture of the Apple co-founder. Readers can gain insight into Steve Jobs' creativity, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence, as well as the challenges he faced on his way to revolutionizing multiple industries.
One way to remember who you are is to remember who your hero is. —Walter Isaacson, A Biography of Steve Jobs
English title: The Hero with a Thousand Faces
by Joseph Campbell
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell's seminal book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, is a common myth and archetype that spans different cultures and civilizations. Through the lens of a hero's journey, Campbell discovers universal themes that resonate with the human experience, inviting the reader to reflect on the timeless narratives that shape our understanding of the world.
Only when a person has tamed his demons can he become his own king, or even the king of the world. —Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Title: No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention
by Reed Hastings
No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention
Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings shares the streaming giant's principles for success in No Rules Rules. He gave us a glimpse into the company's innovative and dynamic culture, as well as its approach, leadership and corporate philosophy.
If you give employees more freedom instead of having processes in place to prevent them from exercising their own judgment, then they will make better decisions and be more likely to take responsibility for themselves. —Reed Hastings, Eclectic: Netflix and Reinventing Culture
Keeping at it: The Quest for sound money and goods government
by Paul Volcker
Keeping at it: The Quest for Sound Money and Good Government
In Keep at It, former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker reflects on his storied career in public service and offers unique insights into economic policy and financial regulation.
The 1980s have been called the 'lost decade' for Latin America. But I see it differently: it's a missed opportunity. —Paul Volcker, Staying the Course
Title: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
by Walter Isaacson
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
Walter Isaacson's "Franklin" delves into the multifaceted life of one of America's most influential founding fathers. Readers can discover Franklin's contributions to science, politics, diplomacy, and more, and this book brings to life the remarkable figure who helped shape the course of American history.
When another person makes an assertion that I believe is false, I refuse to refute him. —Walter Isaacson, Franklin
17."Trailblazer".
Title: Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change
By Marc Benioff
Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change
Mark Benioff, the founder of Salesforce, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the principles that guided his growth as a cloud computing company in the book "The Trailblazer." His insights into technology, innovation, and corporate culture provide valuable lessons for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Doing good is no longer just a competitive advantage, but is becoming a business necessity. —Marc Benioff, The Trailblazers
Title: The Power of Habit
by Charles Duhigg
The Power of Habit
In his book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhig writes about the science of habit formation and change. Based on psychology, neuroscience, and real-life examples, he reveals how habits are formed, how they can be changed, and the impact on our personal and professional lives. This book provides a practical guide to harnessing the power of habits to achieve positive change.
Change may not happen overnight, and it's not always easy. However, with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped. —Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Work
English title: Destined for War
by Graham Allison
Destined for War
Graham Allison's "Destined for War" examines the complex relationship between China and the United States and the potential for the two superpowers to clash in the 21st century. Allison provides a thought-provoking analysis of the geopolitical landscape, the challenges of great power competition, and the implications for global stability.
To get out of the Thucydides trap, we have to be willing to think about the unthinkable, to imagine the unthinkable. In this case, to avoid Thucydides' trap, it is necessary to bend the arc of history. —Graham Allison, "Doomed to War."
Title: The Undoing Project
by Michael Lewis
The Undoing Project
In The Rescue Plan, Michael Lewis tells the moving story of psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Their pioneering work on decision-making and cognitive biases has revolutionized our understanding of human behavior. Lewis explores the complex personalities of these two remarkable minds and the lasting impact their research has had on fields ranging from economics to medicine.
When you're a pessimist and something bad happens, you're suffering twice. —Michael Lewis, The Rescue Plan: Friendship That Changed the World
English title: Einstein: His Life and Universe
by Walter Isaacson
Einstein: His Life and Universe
Walter Isaacson's biography of Albert Einstein is a comprehensive account of the life, work, and personality of one of history's greatest scientists. Readers can learn more about Einstein's revolutionary theories, his struggles, and his impact on our understanding of the universe. This biography goes beyond the realm of scientific discoveries and reveals the personal and philosophical dimensions of Einstein.
He (Albert Einstein) said that the value of a university education is not to learn many facts, but to train the mind. —Walter Isaacson, Einstein
Title: The Lessons of History
Authors: Will Durant and Ariel Durant.
The Lessons of History
Will Durant and Ariel Durant distill the wisdom of human history into a concise, thought-provoking book in The Lessons of History. They shed light on the patterns and recurring themes that have shaped civilization over thousands of years, offering timeless insights into human nature, culture, leadership, and the rise and fall of nations. Compact and informative, this book is a guide to understanding the complexities of our shared past.
You can't fool all the people all the time, but you can fool enough people to rule a country. —Will Durant and Ariel Durant, Lessons from History
English title: thinking, fast and slow
By Daniel Kahneman
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman is a groundbreaking exploration of human thinking and decision-making in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow. He proposed the concept of two thinking systems, one that is fast and intuitive and the other that is slow and deliberate, and explains how they affect our choices and judgments. Through decades of research, Kahneman has demystified cognitive biases, heuristic thinking, and the way our brains process information. This book invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and critical thinking.
A surefire way to convince people of a lie is to repeat it frequently, because it is difficult to distinguish between familiar and true. Agencies and marketers have always known this fact. —Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow
Title: Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
By Adam Grant
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
In his book Originals, Adam Grant examines the qualities and behaviors of original thinkers and innovators. He debunks common myths about creativity and offers practical advice on how individuals and organizations can foster innovation and encourage non-conformism. Drawing on research from psychology, economics, and history, Grant provides a roadmap for unlocking creative potential and driving positive change.
In the deepest sense, a friend is someone who sees more potential than yourself, someone who helps you become the best version of yourself. —Adam Grant, "Deviance: How the Conformists Changed the World."
English title: Sapiens: A Graphic History: The Birth of Humankind
Author: Yuval Noah Harari
A Brief History of Mankind", sapiens: a graphic history: the birth of humankind
In Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari takes readers on a journey that has swept through human history. From the advent of Homo sapiens to the rise of civilization and the impact of technology, Harari offers a thought-provoking exploration of our species' extraordinary journey. The book challenges traditional narratives and encourages readers to think about the collective history of humanity, the forces that shape our world, and the questions that continue to define our future.
You can never convince a monkey to give you a banana because you can never promise it that there will be endless bananas in the monkey's paradise after death. —Yuval Noah Harari, A Brief History of Mankind
Translator: teresachen