Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose Discuss Their Top 5 Must-Read Books 309 Comments
Up to no (coherent) good once again, The Random Show returns.
In episode 3, Kevin Rose and I discuss our top 5 must-read books, how we use them, and who should read them.
The 10 books are…
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
Getting Real
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-term World Travel
Seneca: Letters from a Stoic
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World
Envisioning Information
The Tipping Point
8 Weeks to Optimum Health
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
The Intelligent Investor
Others mentioned:
Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! (Adventures of a Curious Character)
Motherless Brooklyn
If you missed them, check out Episode 1 and Episode 2. From functional MRIs and knives to angel investing and naming companies, it’s as random as the name implies.
Related Odds and Ends:
Tim Ferriss on Twitter
Kevin Rose on Twitter
Fireside Chat with Tim Ferriss at Google
Tim Ferriss presentation at TED: Smash Fear, Learn Anything
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Want to get Random episodes delivered to your iPhone or iPad? Now you can! Just subscribe to the podcast in iTunes (or get the audio-only version here).
Posted on June 1st, 2009
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309 Comments
Joe — June 1st, 2009, 12:49 pm
I have a vision of this dynamic duo taking this act mega mainstream. I’ve been holding my breath waiting for Episode 3. Kevin, I only was introduced to you through following Tim’s work, but my hope is both you guys, keep up the grassroots project known as “Random” as long as possible.
Steveandrews — June 1st, 2009, 12:54 pm
Great video guys, really like the format of this episode and I am going to check out some of those books
Keep it up!
Richard Brian Penn — June 1st, 2009, 1:02 pm
I still think you should include the Four Hour Work Week. Honorable mention, “The Game” by Neil Strauss
Ola — June 1st, 2009, 1:05 pm
Interesting selection. Must give it some thought.
Kyle — June 1st, 2009, 1:05 pm
Good to see links to the books. I saw this video early on Dirt Salad and was hoping for some links.
Keegan Hall — June 1st, 2009, 1:06 pm
Great selections however I think Al Ries and Jack Trout’s book “Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind” is a must read for anyone interested in marketing.
Thanks for your recommendations!
Keegan
Michael Ramirez — June 1st, 2009, 1:07 pm
I LOVE Motherless Brooklyn. Read it before Hollywood bastardizes it.
Erik — June 1st, 2009, 1:08 pm
Hey Tim,
Cool list! I really enjoyed Rolf’s book right after I read yours for the first time, I bought it at your suggestion. Another great anti-busy-work book, sits right on my shelf next to Four Hour Work Week
keep up the great work sir!
E
Kirill Zdornyy — June 1st, 2009, 1:15 pm
Great episode guys, keep them coming! Looking forward to reading Zen Mind and Seneca.
Kuldar — June 1st, 2009, 1:19 pm
This is awesome. I’m going to buy all 12 books and be reading them for the rest of the year! : D
Mike Griffith — June 1st, 2009, 1:19 pm
That video just made me lose another $100 on books this month! So thanks for that. I also guessed as soon as I read the title of the video Tim was going to throw Seneca in there.
And Kevin don’t listen to Tim that tree would totally support you.
Raina Gustafson — June 1st, 2009, 1:20 pm
Sweet. I’ve got trade credit at Dog Eared Books – now I know how to spend it!
Kevin, if you haven’t already checked him out I bet you’d love just about anything by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Andy — June 1st, 2009, 1:20 pm
Kevin books were a bit geeky, Tim’s were interesting.
Bill Zorr — June 1st, 2009, 1:21 pm
Great selections. I’ve read some & will look at the others. One thought/addition, The Art of War by Sun Tzu would be on my list. He has a great mind and is a fantastic strategist.
Love the randomness of the show!
Anne Haynes — June 1st, 2009, 1:23 pm
I’ve added these to my book list
Kris — June 1st, 2009, 1:26 pm
My top 5
1. The Warren Buffet Way- It helps me define what investing is really about.
2. My Wicked Wicked Way – I love this Errol Flynn autobiography. It always makes me want to live a life of adventure. Also it reminds me of what happens if you live in excess.
3. Competitive Advantage. Michael Porter’s theories are taught heavily in every MBA program.
4. How To Stop Worrying and Start Living. Dale Cargenie always explains that life’s problems are not the end of the world.
5. Four Hour Work Week. No I am not sucking up LOL. The truth is that it can often be lonely at the top. After spending 9 years building my company I had more time and money than most of my peers. Its nice to know that someone is living the way I way to live.
Derek — June 1st, 2009, 1:27 pm
Love your book selection, thanks for sharing. For Kevin…Dr Weil is indeed great. You should check out the book called “The Source” by Woodsen Merrill….here is the link: http://books.google.com/books?id=0j5AfBv3o4oC
Nico Schweinzer — June 1st, 2009, 1:29 pm
I missed a really great book called “The-4-Hour-Workweek” in your list, Tim
I recommend you Paolo Coelhos “The Manual of the Warrior of Light” which seems to follow the same idea as Letters from a Stoic. This book tiny little book includes a great practical AND phylosophical solution to almost every personal problem a human being can have.
Its written in short storys, of which each is written on a single side.
I also liked “The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary”.
Thanks for your great show and PLEASE *beg* continue doing this show. I always look forward to it, since the first episode.
Veronica — June 1st, 2009, 1:29 pm
Too many books on my list already. I’m picking up vagabonding though.
I’ve found that reading philosophy is what separates the truly interesting from the mindless drones.
Sean Kelly — June 1st, 2009, 1:37 pm
I cannot recommend Siddhartha (by Herman Hesse) highly enough. The book changed my life, and I believe it can change anybody who reads it.
Wesley — June 1st, 2009, 1:39 pm
I love the Feynman book! Surprised to find it in this list. Just added a few of these to my amazon list. thanks for the tips.
Allen — June 1st, 2009, 1:39 pm
I think there’s a hidden side lesson in this post. A couple of interesting guys talking about some books they like on a simple blog, but this post will probably generate more revenue today than most people make in a month. Very simple. Very elegant. Business doesn’t have to be complicated.
Bodie — June 1st, 2009, 1:40 pm
Tim,
Your first selection is a book on marketing. I’m curious what you think about the idea that Jeff Jarvis has been talking about of “advertising as failure.” http://www.buzzmachine.com/2009/05/30/advertising-as-failure/
Thanks.
GloombergNews — June 1st, 2009, 1:42 pm
outliers is proving to be a good read…by Gladwell also.
Hugo — June 1st, 2009, 1:43 pm
Just commenting to say I really like the ‘random’ series of video’s.
Please continue making them.
John Macready — June 1st, 2009, 1:50 pm
Kevin,
Shunryu Suzuki is not the “founder of Zen”.
Tim,
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius are invaluable to any study of Stoicism, as are the writings of Epictetus. “Whether on the throne or in chains, man is free!”
David Rojas — June 1st, 2009, 1:52 pm
I already told you via twitter, but I think it would be great if you make an iTunes podcast channel for this series (and all your videos).
JamesP — June 1st, 2009, 2:00 pm
kevin, What’ up with digg? are you going to sell it or something like that?
Kaiser Serajuddin — June 1st, 2009, 2:02 pm
You guys are cool – I had the feeling at any minute you’d break out a couple of skateboards and start doing tricks –
Hey ALLEN, very good point – those books are going to a huge OPRAH bump for sure – I’m going to keep my eye on Amazon to see how big it is –
I consider myself an avid reader, and what’s funny is I’ve only read one of the books on that list – time to step my game up!!!
Mantecanaut — June 1st, 2009, 2:10 pm
Feynman is the coolest cat in town. Recommend all his books.
That book “The Game” that another poster mentioned is god-awful. Don’t bother if you have any sort of life.
Dennis Demori — June 1st, 2009, 2:14 pm
Great post. I’m always interested in book lists.
I’ve read “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” and “The Tipping Point” and both are excellent.
I would add:
– First, Break All The Rules (Business Management)
– Never Eat Alone (Business Networking)
– What Color Is Your Parachute? (Career)
- The Millionaire Next Door (Personal Finance)
– Think and Grow Rich (Self-Improvement)
Frank — June 1st, 2009, 2:16 pm
I enjoyed this. I am neutral but but should point out that some regard Dr. Weil as a quack
e.g. http://www.geocities.com/healthbase/weil_bmj.html
SilentControl — June 1st, 2009, 2:17 pm
Really nice , my opinion is that you should do keep it really simple , maybe longer episodes would be better , full body shot instead of headshot only .
I think you should do an episode about religion.
Great show
Peace and love
ben2k9 — June 1st, 2009, 2:19 pm
The Intelligent Investor is one of the most overrated investment books on the planet, not to mention how boring and heavy a read that it is. The Successful Investor by O’Neil offers a more practical and effective strategy, one that does well in good and bad markets.
Tim Ferris, if you’re reading this, please don’t read another investment book until you read the Successful Investor. You will thank me, and you’ll probably blog about it too.
Martín Alejandro Carmona Selva — June 1st, 2009, 2:25 pm
Tim!
I’m gonna give it a try! Your book is GREAT! It helped me a lot! Though I’m not liberated yet
But, one thing I’d like to know is, have you stopped the world traveling thing? I mean, now that you have enough fame and bucks, you consider it’s not necessary anymore?
If you want a suggestion for the “RaNdOm” -I do like the name-, you can comment your last 5 discoveries -be it books, webs, films, restaurants, places, you name it!-
Another thing, may be, perhaps, answers to you reader’s questions… -just kidding!-
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:43 pm
Hi Martin,
No me hinches pelotas, che! I answer a lot of reader questions
Un abrazo gordo,
Tim
David Crandall — June 1st, 2009, 2:30 pm
Of course you would post this moments after I got back from the bookstore…where I was picking up the 4HWW. LOL
Oh well, I made notes on each one to look at next time.
Kevin — June 1st, 2009, 2:31 pm
Good point, Allen. I’m assuming Tim and Kevin are utilizing the Amazon Affiliate program here. If not, they should be. It doesn’t cost anything to enroll and it turns everyone into a paid advertiser without compromising the quality of their content.
However, it wasn’t just two guys sitting around talking about books, it was two incredibly famous entrepreneurs sitting around talking about books. The revenue from this post was a result of all their past work, which leads us to another side lesson: you don’t need money to build an audience, so get started now.
Alex Mathers — June 1st, 2009, 2:43 pm
Really love these selections and will probably ending up buying them all. I like the focus on turning around your life through health, philanthropy, investment and inner thinking.
I’m a graphic designer and am looking forward to getting my hands on Tufte, who I never heard of before, but it looks like the kind of stuff to get me fired up!
I already have two of Kevin’s selections: The Tipping Point and Zen Mind, so I think we share similar taste
Another great one is ‘Nudge’ by Thaler and Sunstein (along the same vein as Blink and The Tipping Point).
Keep up these videos!
Attila — June 1st, 2009, 2:55 pm
Quality episode, keep making these! You guys could do some sports related thing next time, maybe the 5 best daily exercises or routines for a wake up/re-energizing.
Marvin — June 1st, 2009, 3:03 pm
Lists like these are both enlightening and frustrating at the same time. Enlightening because such lists can give a keen insight to another reader’s tastes and mind; frustrating because one can’t help but think, “How could they have POSSIBLY missed [insert book title here]?”
So – perhaps not surprisingly – I’ve got a few to add:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – immensely powerful in reverse relationship to the actual length of the book
Ghost Rider by Neil Peart – if he can come out on the other side of such immense tragedies intact, surely I can!
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig – Is there a more definitive modern philosophical treatise? If so, I’ve never seen one.
Lastly, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson – How do we know what we know? Bill, in fine comic and insightful form, tells us.
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:42 pm
@Marvin,
I second Viktor Frankl — you’ll see him quoted in 4HWW. Amazing observations of human psychology and emotion.
Tim
laura — June 1st, 2009, 3:08 pm
Stoicism is pretty amazing to read about. I recommend http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epictetus – http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.html too.
Megan — June 1st, 2009, 3:08 pm
I have to second Kevin’s recommendation: Tufte is great and can give you a lot of design ideas, even for simple presentations.
Have y’all done a top 5 websites you like to read yet, or top 5 magazines?
@Thorsonb — June 1st, 2009, 3:12 pm
Nice Selection!
But the best book I ever read was, “The Art of Deception” by Kevin Mitnick
Powered by Tofu — June 1st, 2009, 3:14 pm
Great list!
I would add:
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Ever thought about doing the 52 Books in 52 Weeks Project? …
Chris — June 1st, 2009, 3:24 pm
What I find funny is that Kevin mentioned the Kindle, but only two of his five are on the kindle. 8 Weeks to Optimum Health is on Stanza through Fictionwise. We’ll give Envisioning Information a pass, as it’s not really suited to a digital reader, though I bet you could get decent understanding from a computer based reader.
For Tim only Getting Real and Letters from a Stoic are unavailable on Kindle, though Getting Real is available online for free so that gets a pass. I was shocked to find out that there doesn’t seem to be any translations of Seneca old enough to be in Gutenberg.
I’m sure it was more of Kevin’s Wildflowers, but I’m sure that were he still alive Shunryu Suzuki Roshi would be amused to find that he founded Zen Buddhism. He founded the San Francisco Zen Center and the first Buddhist Monastery outside Asia.
In that arena I’d highly recommend “Buddhism Without Beliefs” by Steven Batchelor, which comes from the point of view that in the times of the Buddha, his teachings weren’t religion, but philosophy and self-help. Fascinating read.
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:40 pm
@Chris,
I second “Buddhism without Beliefs” — great book.
Love the 5th Element gravitar, btw
Tim
Speed linking, 2nd of June 2009 | Mellow Business — June 1st, 2009, 3:31 pm
[...] Rose and Timothy Ferriss are back again with another episode of Random, where they talk about their top 5 must-read [...]
Nick — June 1st, 2009, 3:38 pm
Great video, guys. I’m gonna have to check some of these out. always looking for more good books.
Quick question though – when kevin is talking about “The Intelligent Investor”, the book briefly moves BEHIND the background. What’s up with that?
Brent — June 1st, 2009, 3:41 pm
I agree with Dennis that Never Eat Alone is great for learning how to become a master networker.
For investing I’d recommend The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio by William Bernstein as an easy to understand primer on Modern Portfolio Theory and asset allocation (best way to invest if you want to minimize fees, confusion, and time spent worrying about investing in your non-angel investments).
Tim – any advice for the best book to read to get a primer on direct response marketing?
Blake W. — June 1st, 2009, 3:41 pm
Tim,
If you planned to buy one of these books, and read the rest via library, which one would you want to have your own copy of?
BW
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:39 pm
@Blake,
Seneca: Letters from a Stoic or Vagabonding.
Tim
Cath — June 1st, 2009, 3:44 pm
Love the book recommendations, requested all the titles at the library, reading Getting Real online. Would love a follow up after awhile – 5 more must-reads.
Also – what nice handwriting you have, Tim.
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:38 pm
@Cath,
Thanks for the handwriting compliment! Could be genetic, as my grandfather was a sculptor and calligrapher. His handwriting was AMAZING.
Tim
Blake W. — June 1st, 2009, 3:47 pm
Tim,
This is completely unrelated, but for someone coming out of college do you recommend getting a “normal” job before following the 4HWW lifestyle? In my case I am considering the merits and benefits of joining a Big 4 accounting firm and becoming a CPA for a few years.
Thanks,
BW
pavs — June 1st, 2009, 3:54 pm
Hey Tim, your site needs a favicon.
Nice book collection. I will add them to my reading collection. Thanks!
David Turnbull — June 1st, 2009, 3:57 pm
I’m still vouching to make this available as a podcast. Just upload it to blip.tv and they do all the work.
Josh Moore — June 1st, 2009, 4:03 pm
Hi Tim,
I have a question and some show suggestions:
Would you say that given new experiences in Angel Investment and success as an author that the recommended books in 4hww will now be updated to include these, or slightly revised to incorporate them? (Loved 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing).
Also, I would be interested in hearing how your views of success have changed from your view prior to becoming successful in your chosen endeavors, and what advice you would give to people who suddenly find themselves successful.\
Thank you for your time.
Cleo — June 1st, 2009, 4:05 pm
A must read is the Black Swan by Nassim Taleb.
I’d the pleasure of interviewing him for a Dutch newspaper in 2007, but only recently noticed he’s a fan of the 4HWW, as he explains in this article.
http://www.portfolio.com/views/columns/the-world-according-to/2008/08/14/Interview-With-Nassim-Nicholas-Taleb
Cleo – Amsterdam
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:37 pm
@Cleo,
Nassim is brilliant. Obscenely smart and also very nice. I was both honored and thrilled that he is a fan of 4HWW.
All the best,
Tim
Keegan Hall — June 1st, 2009, 4:10 pm
Great list but I would also add Al Ries and Jack Trout’s “Positioning: Battle for your Mind”….. a must read for anyone interested in marketing…
Machiel — June 1st, 2009, 4:12 pm
Great blog,
I read 2 of the books. I like the business books.
A tip for all the dyslectics out there , I don’t really read.
I listen to book when I’m traveling to and from the University.
You can start by buying the audiotapes of Malcolm Gladwell books.
There also read by the author.
Tim Chaves — June 1st, 2009, 4:20 pm
I’ve must admit I really like these little episodes from you guys. 22 Laws would on my (nonfiction) list, as well as:
- Alpha Dogs
- The E-Myth
- Naked Economics
- The Armchair Economist
By the way Tim, you might be happy to hear, lately I’ve been interviewing successful entrepreneurs and consistently ask for a must-read book list; most include The 4-Hour Workweek!
Thanks for putting this together!
Hank Davis — June 1st, 2009, 4:22 pm
I love the show! You guys mentioned ten great books but I would agree with Dennis that “Think and Grow Rich” should be right up there. I hope you guys continue to team up for some more great content.
Chris Rowe — June 1st, 2009, 4:32 pm
Fantastic recommendations, I already own Vagabonding and The Tipping Point. Great reads.
Out of interest, what would be your top 5 [or 7] books for an internet startup?
The name ‘Random’s growing on me. Keep it
leewhitbeck — June 1st, 2009, 4:40 pm
Great blog. I am always interesting in discovering new reads.
Next Blog Suggestion: Top 10 ideas taken from each book.
Dave Ridarelli — June 1st, 2009, 4:47 pm
Thinkertoys is one of my all times favs.
Alex Shalman — June 1st, 2009, 4:49 pm
Kevin, if you jump, you will be sorely missed. P.S. to Kevin, please unban AlexShalman.com from Digg. K, thx, <3 u =)
Liam McIvor Martin — June 1st, 2009, 4:50 pm
Have you guys settled on “the random show”? Why don’t you call it “Void Avoidance” or “Avoiding the Void”
You’ve got alliteration
It has V’s in it
You’re filling a kind of void
“If you choose that I get a guest spot”
MJ — June 1st, 2009, 5:28 pm
I like the Random title. You are both well known enough in the internet world that it’s good to see different things from you.
I need to add some of these books to my list. Specifically the Tipping Point and 22 Laws ones… those should help in my entrepreneurial quest.
MJ
Kenneth Elam — June 1st, 2009, 5:31 pm
I agree with the 4 Hour Work Week being in the Top 5. I found “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield to be a good read, also. Great job! I’ll definitely pick up a few of these books.
Heather — June 1st, 2009, 5:35 pm
Thanks boys for the book recommendations; they all seem like a worthy read for my camping trip to Acadia National Park.
I’m interested to hear your take on Electro-Dermal Stress Testing. I currently get tested and am amazed by the results.
Richard — June 1st, 2009, 5:40 pm
Will definitely check out Seneca’s book. I really enjoyed Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations which is full of practical life wisdom from the same era.
Matthew Gartland — June 1st, 2009, 5:43 pm
Guys – great “Random” episode!
I’d love to hear about more books you both find interesting, inspirational and actionable. Maybe a “book of the month” sub-channel in your Random episodes.
I highly concur with The Tipping Point, The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health. The others sound intriguing. I’ll be checking them out.
A few of my favorites to add:
* Who Moved My Cheese? – Johnson (career, life, self-improvement)
* The Art of War – Sun Tzu (wildly applicable)
* The 4-Hour Work Week – Ferriss (quite seriously and sincerely)
* Outliers – Gladwell (career, life, education, self-improvement)
Random thoughts for other plausible channel ideas:
* Top 5 / favorite travel destinations and why
* Wildest travel stories and lessons learned from them
* Your most meaningful “teachable moments”
* Random tricks competition – Ferriss vs. Rose
Cheers!
Matt
spingirl — June 1st, 2009, 6:12 pm
Agree about Getting Real and Leaving MSFT…
One of my all time favorites is The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker. Drucker has more depth in a single sentence than many others have in an entire book. Definitely a must read..
mike — June 1st, 2009, 6:14 pm
Love the videos, you may as well make them video podcasts, or audio podcasts if you want to make them longer and looser.
How about a segment on top websites next.
Jarod King — June 1st, 2009, 6:15 pm
Guys, thanks for the great reccommendations. I just bought The Immutable Laws, looking forward to it. Tipping Point is in the que.
For future topics: it would be great love if you could talk about presenting to secure capital and how much personal equity you should invest in your start-up before seeking other funds.
Jarod King — June 1st, 2009, 6:16 pm
Guys, thanks for the great reccommendations. I just bought The Immutable Laws, looking forward to it. Tipping Point is in the que.
For future topics: it would be great love if you could talk about presenting to secure capital and how much personal equity you should invest in your start-up before seeking other funds.
Chris — June 1st, 2009, 6:17 pm
This series has become too over-produced. I liked it better when it was just the two of you having a converstation in the living room.
farjang — June 1st, 2009, 6:18 pm
Hi Tim and Kevin,
This is by far one of my favorite show, because I always want to know what successful people read. I had a chance to be in N. R. Narayana Murthy (Chairman and Chief Mentor of Infosys) office and I took a picture of his bookshelves. The books have some (or lots) of part to influence you to reach to this point, so GREAT EPISODE!
I think the show setting is great already, very relax. Keep up the good work! And Thank You!
FarJ (@farjang)
Tim Ferriss — June 1st, 2009, 8:32 pm
Dear Farjang,
Thanks so much for the comment. So what did you see on N. R. Narayana Murthy’s bookshelves?!
All the best,
Tim
Lance — June 1st, 2009, 6:40 pm
A fun listen, and some great choices shared! I’m looking forward to checking out a few of these – they sound like some great additions! Thanks much guys!
vincentleleux — June 1st, 2009, 6:50 pm
Guys, you are so inspiring… Just looking you and a flow of ideas fills my whole body.
Thank you so much
Warm Regards
ps: the podcast is a very good idea. please do it.
Cat Goldstone — June 1st, 2009, 6:50 pm
Fantastique! Thanks for the recommendations Tim (and Kevin)! I shall plunk down my own recs-from a girly perspective cause I am…a girl.
-The Four Hour Work Week (business, work, play, and lifestyle design)
I knew INSTANTLY I would love this book when I read the following: “1983-nearly fail kindergarten because I refuse to learn the alphabet. My teacher refuses to explain why I should learn it, opting instead for ‘I’m the teacher-that’s why.’ I tell her that’s stupid and ask her to leave me alone so I can focus on drawing sharks…” Ha! I too hated that sort of “because I said so” answer.
-What You Wear Can Change Your Life (fashion, style, and beauty)
Because I’m a girl and I love clothes. This is no holds barred advice on how to dress authentically stylish: “Color has the power to make you look healthy or unhealthy, thin or fat, short or tall. Wearing the wrong color scheme for you could make you look like a long term heroin abuser rather than the balanced-diet yoga queen you long to be.”
-Sex and The Single Girl (sex, relationships, and career development)
Though 30 years old the wisdom is still sage (for the most part) and Helen is wickedly funny: “She is engaging because she lives by her wits. She supports herself. She has had to sharpen her personality and mental resources to a glitter in order to survive in a competitive world and the sharpening looks good…”
-Helping Me Help Myself (biographical, personal development)
One woman’s genuine and lighthearted journey through the world of self help and the guru’s that preach on high. Great research material for someone about to become a guru herself. And f*&kin hilarious.
-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (personal development)
The wisdom presented in this book just obliterated my outmoded and inauthentic thinking style. Though I at one time hated the word “synergy” I totally get the spirit of this fantastic book. And who cares he was a religious nut?
I added some of your recs to my “books to read NOW” list
Again, thank you for sharing! I love this enlightenment dispersal. Yum!
Jeff Bertholdi — June 1st, 2009, 6:52 pm
I’m really interested in where the show “Random” is going. I have watched all three with enthusiasm. (As requested) Here are my suggestions for upcoming episodes:
1) Include a random book or “read” into each epi with a review.
2) Include a random segment about food or healthy eating into each epi. We are a huge demo of 30-somethings always looking for a quick healthy meal.
3) Produce an epi about Mistakes. Talk about things that you wish you had never done and review why you did them then and why you wish you hadn’t. Maybe it will help us to avoid doing the same thing(s).
4) Throw up a segment about THE ONE person, (non-family) whom you have spent time with, that influenced you more than any other. What did you learn from them that you still follow today?
5) Produce an epi about Risks. We all deal with them, but what do you accept and refuse? i.e. Financial vs. Thrill: How much income to you risk vs. save? Are you willing to jump from a second story into a pool like Hippy or do you prefer calculated thrills with parachutes? Why? How have you changed. What is the craziest risk you have ever taken?
Thanks for the shows. Keep up the vibe. It’s headed into a good direction.
Jeff
@kyleschen — June 1st, 2009, 6:57 pm
Like David’s idea of creating podcast out of this. Great to hear two very intelligent people discussing very good books…
Luis M — June 1st, 2009, 6:57 pm
I think Kevin’s suggestion “8 Weeks to Optimum Health” will be my next reading.
What I really would like to see on next show is both of you showing us some very fun or interesting stuff and tricks, like for reading faster, language learning and where to go for it, physical tricks, board games or games to play in group that you know, whatever, I’m having a few really hard working not so fun days now.
Another chapter could be about travelling; where to go, tips, experiences, etc. I want to go out to work, and I need some suggestions, what do you think of Australia for starters?
sarah — June 1st, 2009, 7:10 pm
I really like this. make this a permanent segment — or recommending a book to each other once a month. keep this going as what it is..2 friends hanging out and discussing what’s interesting to them. it’s totally cool and rellatable.
Anne Good — June 1st, 2009, 7:13 pm
Tim,
In a previous episode you mentioned you were thinking of doing a language learning segment. Is that still in the works? The Michel Thomas method is my favorite by far so I’m always eager to hear your take on this topic.
Bis bald!
Mike Deiure — June 1st, 2009, 7:23 pm
Thanks for doing this video! The topic was great, now I got some new stuff to read. I have read vagabonding and thought it was great.
A couple books that I would recommend are:
Zen In the Art Of Archery – Eugen Herrigel
Jump In – Mark Burnett
Lloyd — June 1st, 2009, 7:31 pm
Foremost I feel like such a fanboy. I love you guys. I remember watching Kevin Rose on Screen Savers on TechTv. And of course Tim your blog has brought me many of inspirations.
For some books I really like the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho & Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom.
I love this series. I was really happy to see you guys had another one up. Keep up the great work.
Emily — June 1st, 2009, 7:32 pm
Another great episode. (Love the editing!) Keep ‘em coming. Here’s what I’d like to see from you guys next:
1. Tea Time: How to Buy/Brew/Appreciate tea. You two are the masters, so let’s have our lesson.
2. Top Trips: Each of you talk about a value vacation: what to do, see, eat. Tim—I’m thinking a video version of your How To Live Like a Rockstar in Buenos Aires (which served as an awesome guide for us when we were there in November). Kevin–I’m sure you’ve got some really fun tips too. You could even keep it local and do an SF version.
3. Keep doing the product reviews, but keep them specific: I liked your last video, when you mentioned the Fit Bit and various other random stuff, BUT it may be more useful for readers if you hone in on one subject, like today’s video on books. I’m thinking a “random” mixture… Top 5 groceries; 3 random gadgets (like the finger oxygen-tester thingy) you can’t live without; the 3 best companies we’ve never heard of…
3.
Doug Lance — June 1st, 2009, 7:34 pm
Random vlog is random.
Who cares what its called as long as the value keeps rising like this.
My tweeps are looking forward to the next ones.
wooohooo!
Leonard Irwin — June 1st, 2009, 7:39 pm
Guys
Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve read Letter from a Stoic excellent read along with Vagabonding. Both were read in the same week. Made me have a holy crap moment I can really do this stuff. Inspired me to take my first mini retirement three weeks to Berlin in May.
Segment ideas what about interviewing some of the people who have inspired both of you. How about doing a segment where you take questions from readers via twitter or email or chat? Like the randomness of your show. Where is the Youtube channel?
Cheers
Leonard
Steve @ Freedom Education — June 1st, 2009, 7:41 pm
Hi Tim,
I guess I dropped by just at the right time; the 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing looks like a sure-winner for me since I’m looking at a product launch this summer.
Cheers and thanks for the book suggestions,
Marcie — June 1st, 2009, 7:44 pm
Just keeps getting better, and again props on the video editing as well. Thanks!!!
Luis M — June 1st, 2009, 7:48 pm
I would recommend two amazing books:
- Feel the fear and do it anyway (Susan Jeffers)
- Jason Bourne series books.
I want to read Kevin’s suggestion “8 Weeks to Optimum Health”.
Next program talk about travel experiences, I am sure both of you have tons of anecdotes. And include a few travel tips that would be really interesting!
Curtis — June 1st, 2009, 7:52 pm
Cool show. I’ve read Tipping Point, 22 Rules, and chapter 8 of the Intelligent Investor. Seneca is on my shelf collecting dust. Everything else is now on my Amazon wish list. Thanks for sharing.
Loved the video but was disappointed to not see Kevin attempt the jump at the end. lol.
Aaron — June 1st, 2009, 7:53 pm
What about Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. In my opinion the definitive book when for shaping your thoughts (and actions) on making money or accomplishing any goal. Another great book for investing is One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch. For fiction, anything by Ben Mezrich. Almost all his stuff is about young Ivy league guys that get caught up in amazing situations. Great for a plane ride or sitting on the beach reading.
Randon works for me, since that’s pretty much what you guys are doing.
As something looking to get started with an online business, but unsure of what to do, I would like some information on what to think about to help you start a business online. Or ways to figure out if my concept would work, without putting all the time and effort into it. Eric Ries (I’ll see him in Austin on Wednesday) did a pretty good job at discussing this, but maybe you could go deeper.
Thank you
J Griffin — June 1st, 2009, 8:01 pm
You guys stepped up the editing this time. Much cleaner than the last one and I like the goofy overlays, pushes and sound effects. I think they work well with the “random” vibe you’ve got going.
I’ve read a few of the top 10 (12?) you guys talked about and I’m half way through ‘Letters From a Stoic’. I tried to use my new speed-reading skills on ‘Letters’ but it’s so dense, I was missing half the book! Gotta slow down and really soak it up.
One book that’s in my top 5 that has been especially helpful to me is Albert Ellis’ “A Guide to Rational Living”. It was originally written in the 50′s so there are passages that read like a “Leave It To Beaver” script but there are tons of great techniques for getting your troubled mind under control. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Ellis, it’s that a disciplined mind is a much, much happier mind.
Lastly, here’s a future topic idea for ya… My wife & I are planning to take a year off and travel the world before we settle down and start a family. You guys are well-traveled, where would you recommend we go?
Thanks! And keep one making “Random!”
Len — June 1st, 2009, 8:12 pm
Tim and Kevin,
Really enjoyed this segment.
Would LOVE it if you guys did a “Tim and Kevin’s Guide to San Francisco” episode. I’m moving out there from the East Coast in a couple of weeks, and would love to see what you guys consider to be the greatest spots to hang out, be active, clear your head, etc…
I think your guys’ take on this would be very unique and interesting, and would be helpful to anyone living in or visiting SF (might even convince a few to come out there!).
Thanks!
Brandon — June 1st, 2009, 8:30 pm
Mr. Ferriss…
Your videos are much appreciated…
With that in mind, thanks to you:
1. I now own a pair of Vibram “Sprint” Five Finger Shoes. (LOVE EM)
2. I own The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing & 8 Weeks to Optimum Health (couldn’t track down The Intelligent Investor)
3. I am slowly re-hashing every aspect of my life… started w/convincing the day job to allow me to work from home 3 days/wk
4. I have a new found appreciation for Dr. George Vaillant, and more so for his work.
5. I’m developing an insatiable appetite for travel. And what a great time to do so too! Rates are SO low.
Very Best and Keep up the good work!
- Brandon
Marcie — June 1st, 2009, 8:33 pm
Topic idea: “What happens next after you go through hell” – aka something about going to the next level…(saw a common theme of philosophy/enlightnment)
dan — June 1st, 2009, 8:51 pm
a great book that Tim is in, titled: You’ve got to read this book. by jack canfield. Tim, I Love this book and it is awesome that you are in it!
dan — June 1st, 2009, 8:56 pm
A great book that tim is in titled: You’ve got to read this book! by jack Canfield. 55 people tell the story of the book that changed their life. Awesome that you made it in there tim. peace
Sean — June 1st, 2009, 9:04 pm
Tim,
Thanks for the new ‘Random’ topics, I look forward to more.
Kamakiri — June 1st, 2009, 9:51 pm
Nice list of books. After seeing Tim mention the 22 Immutable laws I finally purchased it. I did not get the same insight from it the first time I read, so I must be missing something. I can see where it might be applicable to start ups and companies, but not really to the 4HWW.
I would have to echo that the e-myth and Think and Grow Rich are right up there in must read books. I have yet to read Seneca, but as both you and Ryan Holiday love that book, it is quickly rising in the ranks of my to read list.
Here are my top books:
The Strategy Paradox – Michael Raynor. A must read for any business owner.
Changing the Channel – Michael Masterson
Snow Crash – Neil Stephenson
7 Habits – Yes it is old hat, but there is a ton in there people can use
-and lastly-
The 4 Hour Week Week. I eagerly await the revised version, and hope that it will be everything the first version was and more.
Honorable Mention (Fiction) Entoverse – James P Hogan.
Thor — June 1st, 2009, 9:58 pm
I’m with Marvin and Tim – “Man’s search For Meaning’ by Viktor Frankle is the ultimate in why life is amazing and humans rock! Read it please.
J.R. — June 1st, 2009, 10:20 pm
Tim,
Loved this video with Kevin Rose. Great recommendations. I’ll have to check them all out. Keep em comin.
One of my favorite books of all time (which I’m sure you’ve read) would have to be Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hills.
Kevin Chiu — June 1st, 2009, 10:21 pm
Hi,
I’d like to recommend Blue Ocean Strategy. It’s an in depth look at creating new markets / categories.
(Also… I think your book is great, obviously, and I’ve gotten several people to buy it.)
Btw, I was wondering what that thing to the upper right of Kevin Roses’s head was? The editor attempted to cover it up with some clever editing:
http://img.skitch.com/20090602-kar1diag78dg34r3a4779mggkx.jpg
I saw it moving a bit below the cover-up as well.
(Sorry, I notice details, and my curiosity is insatiable.)
Quais — June 1st, 2009, 10:27 pm
Tim,
These Random episodes are GOLD!! Thank you so much to both of you (and Glen too
). Keep up the great work guys.
Looking forward to the next episode,
Quais
Kevin Chiu — June 1st, 2009, 10:32 pm
Wait, actually, I take back Blue Ocean Strategy, and in its place, I suggest, for the software types out there, The Mythical Man-Month. It seems like it’s the foundation for many other project management books out there, and it’s a quick read.
Unfortunately, I don’t read very many books outside of technical journals and the like.
I do, however, keep up to date on the startup / vc world by skimming a dozen or so feeds each day.
Ryan Linton — June 1st, 2009, 10:57 pm
I love Random! Please keep making these! The two of you make a great team.
I second Kevin’s suggestion at the end of 2nd episode. I would love to see you talk about how you break down a skill to learn it quickly and efficiently. It is a subject that has been on my mind lately. In particular I have been wondering how the techniques would be applicable to more academic stuff like math and science.
UncleWaldo — June 1st, 2009, 11:09 pm
Okay, my Big 5 Books
1. Rule #1 by Phil Town – This is the Warren Buffet method of investing. I learned it, I use it, it works.
2. The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott – Brilliant book that shows you how to use news releases, blogs, podcasting, etc. to drive traffic to your site.
3. In Search of the Obvious by Jack Trout – This is marketing’s wake up call. One story in particular talks about how GM had the brilliant idea of having it’s Cadillac division create a car that looks just like a normal chevy! (remember the Cimarron?). And, guess what GM just declared today… Marketers are asleep at the switch and don’t even realize it.
4. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand – Here is your philosophy lesson. This is a big book… I mean a BIG DAMN book (over 1100 pages). The story is phenomenal, the lessons are life changing. I’ve read this monster 7 times.
5. Anything by Tim Robbins – okay, don’t go out looking for a book called “Anything,” I mean any book written by Mr. Robbins. There’s no sense in telling you what he writes about, because that’s basically impossible. Yes, it’s fiction… sort of. But you’ll learn more things about more things than you’d imagine you wanted to learn… and enjoy every second of it. My favorite line… “he said ‘but’ while sitting on his butt on a butte.”
Cheers.
Robert Crane — June 1st, 2009, 11:51 pm
My top 5 would be:
The Art of War – Sun Tzu
Moving Zen – C.W. Nicol
Linked – Albert-Laszlo Barabasi
Deep Survival – Laurence Gonzales
Freakonomics – Steven D Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
I’d also suggest the site http://www.goodreads.com which not only allows you to keep track of your library and books you want to read, it allows you to connect with other to see what they are reading and reviewing.
Thanks
Robert Crane
David Aase — June 1st, 2009, 11:53 pm
These segments are like crack! Keep em coming.
Some segment ideas:
Top Life Hacks
How to Diet while traveling
Nutrition in general (maybe hit on the Gerson therapy)
A segment on Kettle bells or other workout related info
Your views on computers taking over the world
Thanks guys!
Becky — June 1st, 2009, 11:56 pm
Great video. They look like great books. As a new entrepreneur, I am always interested in great business books. My latest favorite is “Take the E Out of EGO & GO!” Taught me how to keep my focus and to not get sidetracked by my ego.
Nick Tart — June 2nd, 2009, 12:00 am
I am a young entrepreneur and I have been very surprised about how much entrepreneurs read. It makes sense. Entrepreneurs tend to be more intelligent than the average crowd and it has to come from somewhere. I’m starting to get the hang of it. My reading list for the summer is Baby Boy-R, Think and Grow Rich, 50 Interviews: Entrepreneurs and Web Marketing for Dummies.
BL — June 2nd, 2009, 12:00 am
I am always interested in what books successful persons have read, liked and recommend.
A man’s success is determined by the books he reads and the company he keeps.
David — June 2nd, 2009, 12:06 am
Don’t forget “Infinite Jest.”
Chuck — June 2nd, 2009, 2:38 am
Great idea, and great list of books, but once again, the video did not play well for me. And i know it’s not my puters fault…lol Plays every other video of yours, except these…*sigh* Keep up the good work Tim.Perhaps it’s a lesson in itself..maybe i am just not ready for the information you have to give, right?
Kane Spooner — June 2nd, 2009, 2:41 am
Hey Tim,
I’m enjoying the ‘Random’ episodes. I’d like to suggest fitness/exercise/physical culture as a potential theme for a future instalment. Perhaps this could include such things as your experience with kettle bells, parkour, barefoot running etc.
Thanks
peter — June 2nd, 2009, 3:20 am
Richard Branson: Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
shh — June 2nd, 2009, 3:26 am
I second the San Francisco idea! Hidden gems outside tourist attractions? This is my favorite episode thus far
will definitely read Seneca and Vagabonding.
shh — June 2nd, 2009, 4:30 am
On second thought, language learning tips would be awesome too…I’m planning to learn Russian, ?????????????????
Tim Alexander — June 2nd, 2009, 5:21 am
The Tipping Point was amazing! I intend on reading that over again soon.
Lately I’ve been reading “Risk: The politics and science of fear”. It’s the part of the book that I’m at right now discusses quite a bit about how the left and right sides of your brain respond to things, interact with each other, and can lead you to make opinions and decisions that are actually a bit crazy.
Alexandre Guertin — June 2nd, 2009, 5:41 am
Hi Tim,
that was a great Random Show. Must-read books are always a good way to change your perspectives. I enjoy this one quote in particular:
“The only difference between who we are today and who we’ll be in 1 year or 5 years from now is the books we read and the people we meet.”
So far it has been true in my life, especially after reading 4HWW where I completely changed my work habits and lifestyle.
So here is my top 5 list of must-read books:
4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Banker to the poor by Muhammad Yunus
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
And if you want a great business book that you probably never read but will teach you great lessons from great Canadian leaders and innovators from the producer of The Simpsons to the founders of StumbleUpon and Flickr:
Everything I needed to know about about business… I learned from a Canadian by Leonard Brody & David Raffa
Gregor — June 2nd, 2009, 5:48 am
Tim, your book was full of stuff to chew over, and really unshift my thinking, thanks for that. Now if you could only learn Aikido in 6 months for me!
I will get Vagabonding, I think thats my biggest block.
For you:
Ken Wilber: A Theory of Everything – our mind, body and spirit mapped
Robert Kegan (Harvard Education Emeritus) – In over our heads – defines subject/object of our little world views…
Daniel Silberberg – Wonderland (published in October) – brilliant american zen and guirdjeff teacher from the bronx, funny and real as it gets.
Many thanks
Alex — June 2nd, 2009, 6:10 am
Great list – everything by Rolf Potts rocks.
Here are a couple more from my list
Here
non fiction (business)
The magic of thinkng big
fiction:
shantaram
Aaron — June 2nd, 2009, 7:04 am
I enjoyed the episode and I look forward to each one.
A few show ideas:
1) Homeless to internet mogul – help a homeless person off the streets or from a shelter, set them up with a simple commerce idea, and show the world how $20 and a bit of mentorship can help anyone turn their life around.
2) The 2 day startup – Tim & Kevin take ideas from their readers on any variety of business ideas. Then they compete head to head on trying to create the most successful business (judged by ROI) within 48 hours. All proceeds to go to charity of course
3) The 5 alarm hangover – How do KR & TF fight back against a 5 alarm hangover… although tough on the body, this may be very entertaining.
P.s. The most influential book I’ve read to date has been Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, for what it’s worth.
John Fotheringham — June 2nd, 2009, 7:32 am
I second “language learning” tips. My site is dedicated to this topic and I’d love to add more to the arsenal.
And on the topic of language, here are a few must reads:
1. “Remembering the Kanji” by James Heisig
Most people learn characters the hard, stupid way (writing them down again and again thousands of times). This book teaches you the smart and easy way. I have a TERRIBLE memory, but was able to learn 2,000 characters in about 3 months using the system. In combination with lots of listening and reading input using podcasts and manga, you will learn to speak the language much better (and faster!) than people who waste heaps of money and time on traditional classes and textbooks.
2. “The Language Instinct” by Steven Pinker
3. “The Way of the Linguist: A Language Learning Odyssey” by Steve Kaufmann
Peter — June 2nd, 2009, 8:03 am
WTF? Dale Carnegie isn’t on this list!
Shaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame
Andrew Hammond — June 2nd, 2009, 8:27 am
Great show, keep ‘em coming! Definitely going to get a few of these books, thanks for the suggestions!
John — June 2nd, 2009, 9:20 am
In light of some of the broader themes in Tim’s book, I’m surprised no one has mentioned: Flow: the psychology of optimal experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I love this book. It would get my vote for one of the best psychology books in the last twenty years.
Sutton Parks — June 2nd, 2009, 9:42 am
Great book recommendations. My favorite non-fiction is, “What Happy People Know” by Dr. Dan Baker. He talks about how fear affects our decisions and how our bodies are wired for a fear response, and how to overcome it.
Alex — June 2nd, 2009, 10:06 am
Great list. I agree with others about Think & Grow Rich, awesome book. A really cool book that gets into daily application is The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It has some good substance on everyday discipline.
Response to one of the comments about a video on Religion…. BAD IDEA, that would be the fastest way to alienate alot of readers.
Ben — June 2nd, 2009, 10:28 am
Hi Tim,
One thing I’d like to see in a future episode is the answer to this, “if you need to go from zero to fully capable at self-defense in the shortest amount of time, what form would you choose?” Given your experience with various martial arts forms, I’d like to know which one best conforms to the 80/20 rule and why.
Thanks!
Saleem — June 2nd, 2009, 10:55 am
I recommend that you read Anatomy Of Success by Saleem Bidaoui. It is an interesting journey to the molecular structure of how the brain achieves success and a life changing experience. Don’t take my word for it, just read the reviews first. The book will be released in November and will be available in a bookstore near you! IT IS A MUST READ.
Cobbiwan — June 2nd, 2009, 10:55 am
T and K
Love the show. For a topic idea, what has been your biggest A-HAs or surprises in the last 12 months…and what did you learn from those experiences and what did you do about the learnings.
One book to add to the list The War of Art (Pressfield of Bagger Vance fame).
Must have book for creatives and entrepreneurs and anyone that has to get over a hump and get going. Super easy read (one plane flight) and profound insights. Helps you overcome resistance so you can live your “unlived life within”
Born to Run is also great and VFFs totally rock. I had sore quads for a week when I started wearing them and my body realigned. Now I feel like Abebe Bikila.
Look forward the next show
Mike34 — June 2nd, 2009, 11:04 am
Hey Tim,
LOVE these videos. They offer a much more personal insight into your life(style) and really help those who have abstract conversations with you in their ‘role model boardrooms’ (see Benjamin Franklin’s practise of a mental mastermind)
It would be awesome if you guys could talk about language learning, the view in Science is to not to bother with foreign language learning as technology is catching up to bridge the gap, but I love to learn just for the expressive ability and the tremendous workout it has on the brain.
Caroline — June 2nd, 2009, 11:42 am
Hi Tim and Kevin!
I loved the show and it allowed me to do what I love, which is buy books… I work as social media for Book Soup, so we’ll definitely have to stock up on these titles so they have an indie sales point. I look forward to reading the ones I had missed, especially Vagabonding.
Here are some I came up with, and am having a lot of fun getting 5 book lists over at my blog, where I posted the video as well. Thanks for getting my readers fired up, too!
1.Creating a Life Worth Living – Carol Lloyd. My coaching bible. I make everyone read it.
2.Free Play by Sephen Nachmanovitch: The book I read in grad school that has more text highlighted than left blank. Beautiful thoughts on living as improvisation and how to engage creatively.
3.Letters to a Young Poet- Rilke. I have read it over and over. Such beautiful advice on life and on following what you love and dream of.
4.The Architecture of All Abundance – Lenedra Carroll. Such a beautiful story of trusting your gut and finding the center of success and financial prosperity through passion.
5. The Five Things We Cannot Change -David Richo. Brilliant, at times painful, yet totally liberating. Absolutely essential.
farjang — June 2nd, 2009, 12:47 pm
@tferriss reply to your question from post: http://bit.ly/16K3Xk N. R. Narayana Murthy’s room. I was very happy I got you reply! Thanks!
@farjang
Scott James — June 2nd, 2009, 1:02 pm
Great selections! I’ve got all those on my favorites shelf in my library except for the 37signals book. Somehow that completely missed my radar. Thanks for getting back on there, Tim.
Just ordered a copy of it; looking forward to reading it and applying to my business (which is also set up to support Wood’s Room to Read organization – I’m a fellow fan of getting libraries into as many locations of the world as possible).
Kevin, I started reading Tufte and how to visualize information when I was doing marketing at Visio, before we were acquired. Love his stuff, which is ironic, since I’m pretty sure he hated our product. Good to know there are others out there who still geek out for brilliant work like his.
Answer: Since you asked, how about “etcetera” as the show name? Like the post category that everyone uses for “everything else”? I am a fan of the title “Random” though.
Question: how did you do the nifty book icons in the post? Would love to incorporate the same thing on our blog…
- Scott James
Seattle, WA USA
More Ideas for Better Reading « Scott Cheatham’s Weblog — June 2nd, 2009, 1:02 pm
[...] Ferriss and Kevin Rose have done a fun little video on their five “must read” books. This is quite business heavy but it might spur you on in creating your own list as I mentioned [...]
Kay — June 2nd, 2009, 1:08 pm
I would say:
Four Hour Work Week and The Engines of our Ingenuity, which was so thought provoking.
theMostlyHarmless — June 2nd, 2009, 2:12 pm
Feynman’s books are really great. I also recommend them to everyone I know. Many a laugh-out-loud moment guaranteed.
For fiction I recommend Wodehouse. I know they are classic, but I love to read the short stories over and over again.
Terry Pratchett and Alexander McCall Smith are my favorite authors when it comes to modern fiction.
Maximillian — June 2nd, 2009, 2:22 pm
This weeks episode made progress from the last. The change in setting was a nice touch. I also enjoy the links. Perhaps you could discuss favorite places to travel and why.
Clemence — June 2nd, 2009, 2:45 pm
Hi Tim
Justement, had one question I needed to ask for some time :
You mentionned a book that helped you improve your writing skills in one interview I saw. I could not find it again.
Was it ” On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction” by Zinsser ?
Thank you!
Mustafa — January 14th, 2013, 6:22 am
yes it was on writing well and bird by bird
shh — June 2nd, 2009, 3:10 pm
Chinese and Japanese characters seem unable to show up on your blog comment section :/
amy — June 2nd, 2009, 3:19 pm
thanks, this was a very interesting show. i love listening to folks talk about the books they love.
i will have to add Seneca to my reading pile.
have you read Don’t You have Time to Think? the collection of Richard Feynman’s letters? letters are often a wonderful way to get a sense of a person.
i just finished Joshua Cooper Ramo’s The Age of the Unthinkable – i would recommend it.
ad
Dean Jackson — June 2nd, 2009, 3:28 pm
Tim,
These episodes are great!
And the production quality is really getting “emmy” worthy
D
Alexandra Carmichael — June 2nd, 2009, 3:55 pm
Awesome once again guys!
I agree with 6 of these books – will check out the other 6… Other books that have been life-transforming for me are:
- Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg (how the words you choose affect the quality of your life and your relationships)
- Fantastic Voyage by Ray Kurzweil (how to live long enough to live forever)
- Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn (why rewards are just as damaging as punishments, for our kids and for ourselves)
- Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson (fun, practical life lessons from a wise and wonderful Stanford drama professor)
- and of course 4HWW by the amazing TF!
Craig Weller — June 2nd, 2009, 5:21 pm
Great list and a good idea for the Random series.
A few books that I have found really influential:
The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature – Steven Pinker
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed – Jared Diamond
The Omnivore’s Dilemma – Michael Pollan
Stumbling on Happiness – Daniel Gilbert
The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature – Matt Ridley
For lighter reading, The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay is one of the best books I have ever come across. It’s incredibly inspirational. It’s a heavy thing but I still carried it with me on a trek through Nepal in order to read it a second time.
@AndrewSansone — June 2nd, 2009, 5:22 pm
Cool show. I have 4 out of the ten. Looking forward to picking up several of the others. Tim, great meeting you today at MediaBistro in NYC. I appreciate your advice regarding my website.
Justine Suh — June 2nd, 2009, 5:51 pm
Wow, thanks for the list! I also highly recommend “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink which discusses why right brain (creative) types will rule the future. I have an MBA but I wish I had focused more on my more creative talents!
Justine Suh — June 2nd, 2009, 5:53 pm
Thanks so much for the list! I also highly recommend “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink. It discusses why right-brainers (the creative folks) will be critical to the future. I have an MBA but I wished I pursued my creative talents when I read the book.
Pflu — June 2nd, 2009, 6:10 pm
Perfect time for a reading list with summer just around the corner! I’ll be adding some from your list to mine. I think you would like; The way of the peaceful warrior by dan millman and Einsteine’s dreams by Alan Lightman.
best,
-Karl
Don — June 2nd, 2009, 6:44 pm
Hey Tim,
Enjoyed your video – always find your posts food for thought. A few things:
1) Re: potential future topic
A bit on the dry side, but I’m sure plenty of people would be interested, and I know Leo writes a bit about this – I’ve been wondering a while now how you (and some of your SV buddies) go about managing the information that you decide to keep *in* your life, given that you are still managing a huge amount of it, from what appear to be increasingly diverse sources across ever more projects.
You’ve written a fair bit on how to pare down what makes it through to you, and on note-taking methods which are decent for efficient ‘hard’ data storage/retrieval, but what about the stuff you keep soft copies of?
I guess the issue I have when keeping track of many projects at once is how on the one hand to avoid getting mentally crowded by too much clutter, yet on the other to make sure nothing *important* slips through the net. Any thoughts would be hugely appreciated.
2) Cheap eating in London
(Just to be clear, I’m in no way related to this company, just a big fan) I think you might find http://www.toptable.co.uk good for your future visits to London – can get some fantastic, heavily discounted deals at the top restaurants here and collect points for more if you book in advance. Would happily treat you to lunch some time if you’re over later in the year.
3) Favourite books
Plenty of these – certainly have to second Craig on Daniel Gilbert though. One other that might appeal in a philosophical vein, albeit a much lighter one, is Tunnel Visions by Christopher Ross, which hit the Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller list here in London several years back, about the author’s experiences whilst working as a station attendant on the London Underground. I wrote off to him when I was 17 (on his advice at a talk – most authors, even most successful ones, get very little fan mail and are thrilled by it) – and have gotten to know him since. Fascinating man, very well travelled – definitely worth a look.
DL
Dynasty — June 2nd, 2009, 6:55 pm
Hey All,
“The Tipping Point, Vegabonding, The Intelligent Investor and The 22 Laws or Marketing” are amusing reads. I highly recommend those books. Not sure how I came across “The Tipping Point”, but when I first read it, it blew my mind away. If you’re into finances/securities then of course “The Intelligent Investor” it’s a great start, very fasinating.
For now, I recommend Jeffrey Gitomer’s “Little Black Book of Connections” but there are so many more I can’t remember. I’m a bit fuzzy from a fun night out in Vegas, so I hope that helps.
Great video.
Dominique — June 2nd, 2009, 7:50 pm
You seem to support really great causes.. .as I have been following for a couple of months and have viewed your support of a few educational organizations (as I am an educator by trade and passion) after joining Digg (which is awesome, as I am an information freak) I watched a video from Forva.TV about climate change and 350.org. You have such a great base of active and engaged people that you might want to think about supporting this cause by getting people out on October 24th to participate or create 350 events that are happening all over the world. 350 being the number of Co2 molecules… something… (Scientific, technical stuff)… that basically determines if we will all fry like an egg or not.. I prefer not… This is the first post I have ever done in my whole life… so this message must be pretty important …I would request that you watch the video, the speaker is also the author of Deep Economy… and then check out the website 350.org… I am going to try and get some events going in my current city… hopefully join me in this attempt
http://fora.tv/2009/05/06/Bill_McKibben_350_The_Most_Important_Number_in_the_World#Will_Dwindling_Fossil_Fuels_Strengthen_Community_Ties
You said to post on your blog to get info out to you.. so I am… I will also pick up some or your books… Thanks for all the great advice so far, the information has been practical and life changing!
RW — June 2nd, 2009, 7:53 pm
You guys fit very well together and the show is terrific. Keep em’ coming!
Rob H. — June 2nd, 2009, 8:11 pm
Great post. One small but influential book on my life was “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by O.G. Mandingo. A friend of mine picked it up at a garage sale and immediately thought of me. It was a quick read but the lessons have lasted me for years. I often reread it when I need to get back to basics.
Rolf Siebelink — June 2nd, 2009, 8:33 pm
Your video’s are improving, compliments!
It’s still not on the level I think it should be, considering the fact that we are watching 2 hyper intelligent, hyper inspirational, hyper innovative and hyper marketing sensitive gents with overlapping interests,that have the potential of affecting other’s people lives. Step up with these video’s and bring it to the next level, would be my advice.
Anyway my read:
- Made to Stick (Clip Heath & Dan Heath): about how to get a message across.
- The truth about innovation (Max Mckeown): some inspiring innovation principles
Mike — June 2nd, 2009, 9:04 pm
Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko
Chad — June 2nd, 2009, 9:12 pm
Tipping Point is a fascinating read when thinking about things viral!
Ron Turner — June 2nd, 2009, 10:04 pm
A book that I personally like, as it sets the philosophy of not setting any limits (and in a great part, some concepts from 4HWW), is Jonathan Livingston Seagull…
Lynda — June 2nd, 2009, 10:39 pm
Great recommendations – thanks! Just a question to Kevin re: the Kindle – as a fellow book fanatic I was wondering if the Kindle sufficiently replaces the tactile pleasure that is a good book! I don’t want to part with the absolute fortune in $NZ to buy one only to find out it is a disappointment…Any comments on the Kindle Kevin?
Thanks – Lynda.
Alex Wawro — June 2nd, 2009, 11:22 pm
Optimal workout design. Proper use of kettlebells. Healthy, cheap and delicious food in San Francisco.
BAM! There’s an episode right there.
Rene — June 3rd, 2009, 1:02 am
Suggestion for a topic to cover – how do you guys organize your day.
What i’ve found hardest to cope with is when to do certain things during the day (my energy levels seem to vary a lot throughout different days). And since i believe in learning from examples i would like to hear how you guys organize your day.
Thank you.
Ricardo S — June 3rd, 2009, 7:41 am
Merely a curiosity, what thing was hiding on Kevin’s cupboard? 11:31
the cameraman?
Just kidding
Mark — June 3rd, 2009, 7:53 am
Random question (ha!). In Kevin’s segment, when he was talking about Benjamin Graham, the corner of the book “disappeared” several times as he waved it around– this is at about 11:20-11:35. Not to go all Zapruder film on you, but was a picture of the white shelves in the upper right hand corner of the screen Photoshopped over something he wanted private? Family photos maybe? Doesn’t matter a bit, just something I noticed watching full-screen.
Mike — June 3rd, 2009, 8:44 am
Enjoyed the segment, and especially value Stoic pragmatism to achieve happiness. I prefer to think of reading preferences as seasonal. So my picks for top 5 books this season:
1. Passions within Reason, by Robert Frank. Stocism meets economics.
2. Hot, Flat and Crowded by Friedman. Scarcity and efficiency.
3. One Day–One Lifetime by Nakamura. Synenergy.
4. Wherever you go there you are by Kabat-Zinn There you have it.
5. Notes on training by Ohshima Seeking perfection is the never-ending journey.
Currently studying for the California Bar but as soon as I’m done, I plan to read the 4 Hour Work Week. Looking forward to that and also to Baron Baptise’s book Journey into Power. Also mentions list would be Living the Martial Way and Sabaki Method as well as Who Killed Homer and one of my all-time favorite’s: The Dwarf by Par Lagerkvist. Love books.
Looking forward to your next installment.
FreedomBuilder — June 3rd, 2009, 10:33 am
Thanks Tim & Kevin for some good book suggestions. It’s high time I read Vagabonding, for sure… as its high time, I dare say, we see you recommend the “source code” of your general 4HWW “philosophy”:
Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand by Dr. Leonard Peikoff
The Neo-Tech/Zonpower Discovery by Dr. Frank R. Wallace
PT — The Perpetual Traveler by W. G. Hill
Until that day, it’s up to me, I suppose…
Erik Ciccarelli — June 3rd, 2009, 12:45 pm
I loved this RANDOM episode! Great topic. It’s always nice to know what you guys are interested in and what keeps you on your toes.
As far as other recommendations, I would love to see what a typical day would be for you guys. Your routine, when you feel the best time to try to research something is or get the most work done. Basically everything.
I know you already went over this in 4hourworkweek but I didnt know if in the last few years you had a different routine or a different way of approaching things.
Thanks Tim
Erik
Sysy — June 3rd, 2009, 2:09 pm
I love the recommendations. I want to add the recently acclaimed, Linked by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi. Fascinating read for those who always ask, “why?”
ChrisB — June 3rd, 2009, 2:43 pm
Yo Tim and Kevin, whats up with the kitchen cupboards where Kevin is describing his books. There seems to be an overlay of an image which blocks out the books at:11:28 and 11:31. What were you guys hiding haha.
Damn Kevin Chui got to it before me, but still a valid point.
How about TKO, as in Technical Knockout or Tim, Kevin, Orc. I actually have no idea what to use the “O” for but you may have ideas.
Will def get Vagabonding and 22 immutable laws of marketing.
By the way, what is the camera that you guys use to video these webisodes. The quality is great.
Cheers
Jared E Hansen — June 3rd, 2009, 2:47 pm
I’ve been wanted a few more books to read. I like the “Getting Real” and “Intelligent Investor” suggestions. Tim, any suggestions for reads in the topic of sales strategy or selling?
One of my favorites “self help” style book is “Are You Ready to Succeed” by Srikumar Rao. Lame title, great content. All around one of my favorites is “The Four Loves” by CS Lewis. No matter how sucessful and great we become, if we can’t give a crap about those around us, what’s the point. I know, sounds fluffy, but a read deep read.
Keep the good stuff coming Tim!
David — June 3rd, 2009, 2:53 pm
You guys should have a segment on best places (warm) to travel to with the least amount of money. Include lots of specifics like which travel websites you suggest for the best flight cost.
Thanks.
Huey — June 3rd, 2009, 3:05 pm
Hi Tim,
great post. Similar to your section in “You’ve GOT to Read This Book!”. But there you included ‘How to Make Millions with Your Ideas’. Any reason other than space for omitting it here?
Also you say in the 4HWW that you only read an hour of fiction prior to bed but this post and Kevin’s comment that you have “hundreds” of books suggests otherwise. Could you please clarify how much non-fiction you actually do consume?
Thanks
Jason Levi — June 3rd, 2009, 3:16 pm
Hi Tim et al,
My RescueTime tells me I spend a lot of time on your blog! Great stuff!
I would love to see a blog entry or video about how you create those custom indexes in your books to facilitate getting reacquainted with the material. That’s really interesting to me and would be really valuable to a lot of people that read your blog since I assume most people that follow you are entrepreneurs and avid readers. Thanks!
Jason Levi
mark — June 3rd, 2009, 4:47 pm
Dude – awesome. Great information and these posts are a lot of fun to watch. So cool to see successful be intelligent, yet young enough to still think of “random” crap like jumping to a nearby tree.
BTW – Who the heck is the random dude walking in the background during Kevin’s review?
Geoff with a "G" — June 3rd, 2009, 10:16 pm
Tim,
I would have put down money that The 48 Laws of Power would be 1 of your picks. Along the lines of The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, definitely read Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath.
And Kevin: Right on with the Tufte pick! Every web designer should be forced to read and practice the wisdom of his excellent books.
The 4-Hour Work Week - Kevin Chiu — June 3rd, 2009, 10:29 pm
[...] Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose Discuss Their Top 5 Must-Read Books [...]
Clemens — June 4th, 2009, 2:40 am
Thanks for the new stuff, thats awesome. Since i read your book, i was asking me which books are on your must read list.
ki — June 4th, 2009, 4:12 am
I noticed that “4 hour” could be misunderstood as “for our” and I have a suggestion that might help reduce the number of misunderstandings. Use hand signals. As you say “four,” hold up four fingers at the camera. As you say “hour,” point at your watch. Use it during conversation, interviews, etc
Roman Rackwitz — June 4th, 2009, 4:54 am
Great work guys. It’s always a great inspiration listen to you both.
I just founded one company for industrial design in Germany and currently I’m going to launch another one as service provider for educational institutions. Both companys are approximately organized to meet my demands to achieve a four-hour-workweek
Great idea, great approach and it works. Oh, by the way I just ordered “the 22 Immuatable Laws of Marketing”. Thanks, Roman
Austin E. — June 4th, 2009, 12:24 pm
“Random” Episode Ideas:
I would love to see an episode about “creative ways to test product concepts”.
The “Testing The Muse” section in the book was by far the most enlightening for me. Its an absolutely essential tool to have!
Cheers,
Austin
Tom Young — June 4th, 2009, 1:45 pm
Suggestion: I would love to hear one simple question answered by both of you, because you might be exceptionally good at it.
“Imagine you just moved (or mini-retired^^) to a city where you don’t know anyone, yet. What do you do to start building a network of good friends?”
Web 2.0 social xyz fascinates most everyone, but it does not yet solve the problem of not having any friends to use it with.
Looking forward to the next show!
Kenneth Rearden — June 4th, 2009, 4:30 pm
This is the book you’ve all got to read:
Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand by Dr. Leonard Peikoff
Atlas Shrugged is amazing, but, to be absolutely clear on Ayn Rand’s Philosophy, as a system, as a whole, from the ground up to the very top,
it’s vital to read this book too. It explains everything so thoroughly, with such perfect reason and flawless logic. My highest recommendation. Incidentally, there is criticism of Stoicism in the book, which is highly justified.
Additionally, if anyone is reading this and wants to really succeed in marketing and cut out all the B.S there are two people you must read:
Gary Halbert and Dan Kennedy.
If you want to create a VC Capital funded new Web 2.0 thingy that may, one day, after many years, “catch on” and make money, then pay no attention.
However, if you want the surest way to make money that’s less glamorous but works, then read these guys.
I do find it a little weird that Tim recommends a marketing book which may be good for building a “Big” Company but doesn’t recommend a marketing book which gives you the highest chance of living the 4HWW.
Something like the “Dummies Guide to Adwords” which is a very complete course on Online Marketing would have been FAR better, especially in combination with Kennedy and Halbert.
Hope this helps all budding 4HWWers!
Kenneth
Frank — June 4th, 2009, 6:59 pm
I’m really liking the Random Show, keep it up guys.
Sam Witteveen — June 4th, 2009, 7:13 pm
Hi Tim,
Cool video. Read “Getting Real” last night, took some key notes and as was very impressed. Had read most of the others that you and Kevin chose and think they are books that can have a massive impact.
I would really love to see a post about top books or web resources just for start ups from both you and especially from Kevin. Perhaps worth spinning off a few different vids/posts like this in the genre of recommending information resources.
One of biggest challenges is filtering all the information out there and you are certainly one of my key filters. Would love to know your recommendations for top biz book/startup books, marketing books, and blogs etc.
thanks for the cool short cuts,
Sam
Braydon — June 4th, 2009, 7:38 pm
I’m liking the direction this show is starting to take. Nice one.
The use of multi-shots, titles are great and give a rawer but not unfocused feel to the show.
The content itself is pretty solid, but to me at this stage it feels like it could go either way. Alot of the above posts wanted more “top 5 or this and that” personally I think that’s a crap idea. Mainly because it would turn the show into this:
http://www.cosmopolitan.com
And to me that’s going to cheapen the ideas and lower the credibilty of show. You guys have a great platform I’d hate to see you suck it up with poor, easy to make content.
I’d much rather see you guys talk about stuff you’re interested in. Post like hacking sleep to peeling eggs seem to have no surface connection but both are interesting in different ways.
Still it’s not cosmo yet, I look forward to further developments
Cheers
Braydon
Oh, I forgot some topic ideas:
dealing with unexpected fame
note taking
how to ask the right questions
what people told you that was completely wrong
getting through the dip
effective learning
controlling enviroment vs willpower
3 way splits
discussion on the digg and start-up development
web 2.0
etc.
Ken Siew — June 4th, 2009, 7:46 pm
I’m interested in checking out “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing”! Thanks for the great recommendations guys. I was hoping Tim would recommend “The Magic of Thinking Big” by Dr. David Schwartz because it’s such a wonderful book that would open up the mind for a lot more possibilities in life (although you did mention it in “The 4-Hour Workweek” +D). Keep up the great work!
Nico — June 4th, 2009, 8:30 pm
Surely you’re YTMNDing, Mr. Ferriss! Not Even Doom Music justifies that cat shirt! http://wiki.ytmnd.com/Happy_Cat
Nico — June 4th, 2009, 9:02 pm
Want to add that “Classic Feynman” has all the “Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman!” stories + more stories + an audio CD of Feynman delivering the “Los Alamos From Below” talk from 1975.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393061329/
shh — June 5th, 2009, 1:54 am
Chrome doesn’t seem to support flash…perhaps there are add-ons needed to be installed? Can’t see videos on vimeo, youtube, etc.. Chrome 3.0.182.5, Mac OS X 10.5.6
Kevin Chiu — June 5th, 2009, 6:24 am
Your site looks fine in Chrome except for the lack of Flash. But, don’t worry this is a shortcoming of the currently released Mac build of Chrome.
OS X 10.5.7
Chrome 3.0.182.5
ABM — June 5th, 2009, 6:47 am
Great post! Really like your top 5 list better than any national best seller lists … you are a hero to many!
Michael — June 5th, 2009, 7:46 am
The main problem I have with Chrome is it’s in compatibility with, of all things, gmail video/audio chat (which works perfectly well on both of my laptops in FF and IE, but not Chrome).
Justin — June 5th, 2009, 7:49 am
The only website that I have issues with in Chrome is crazedlist.org. You have to be able to dissable referrers, and there is currently no way to do it in Chrome.
Chrome 2.0.172.30
Windows Vista
Marcie — June 5th, 2009, 8:03 am
If I click into the most recent blog post (not home page, the post itself) – the background is black so it’s nearly impossible to read. The comments section, however, has the correct white background. And older posts seem fine as well. Maybe that’s a wordpress thing??? Video’s working fine on the PC.
Chrome version: 1.0.154.65 (jeez there’s already a 3.0?
)
Windows XP Pro v. 2002 Service Pack 3
Troy — June 5th, 2009, 12:22 pm
Tim,
I’m toying with a website idea that involves Amazon’s affiliate program for revenue and was wondering what kind of success you are having with this post and the conversion of sales through these book links? I’m trying to figure out if people will buy right after clicking through the link, or if they’ll click the link, exit, and return later to buy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Byronf — June 5th, 2009, 2:28 pm
I’m using Chrome and it seems to be working fine on this website
TimmyG — June 5th, 2009, 3:02 pm
Hey Tim, big fan, started going to work 4 hours a week after reading your book. So far so good, will keep you posted. =)
John Anyasor — June 5th, 2009, 7:47 pm
Sweet lineup guys! These books are all on my to-read list over summer break.
Mr. Jackson — June 5th, 2009, 8:10 pm
Hey Tim!!!!!!,
What ever happened to your low information diet? How does it work these days? Do you still even use it? Kevin commented on your thousands of books and I would like you to explain how that is in alignment with low information. You wrote in 4HWW a little about how you choose books, but I wonder how you choose which books to read, as you have read so many. What is your screening process?
Thank You Muchhhooo
J
Tim Ferriss — June 8th, 2009, 1:35 am
@Mr. Jackson,
Thanks for the comment! I am currently doing research for my next book, so my collection of books is actionable for that reason. Much of it is fiction, which is for enjoyment. The key is not to use reading to postpone important actions. In my case, I’m using the research for my most immediate actionable goal: getting started on the next book.
Hope that helps,
Tim
Len Hardison — June 6th, 2009, 5:58 am
Change or Die by Alan Deutschman
Lori Gundershaug — June 6th, 2009, 1:55 pm
Yes! Zen Mind, and Vagabonding. Thanks for the suggestion. And Love Dr. Weil.Just discovered your blog and can’t wait to read 4 hour work week. I am a professional turned actor to becoming writer. I think your blog will be very helpful!
Martin Baker — June 6th, 2009, 4:15 pm
Just watched all 3 shows – really great stuff. Please please please make this available as a podcast on iTunes.
Brian Andersen — June 6th, 2009, 5:55 pm
I’d have include “The Game” by Neil Strauss in my list – there’s some essentials in there about the stronger sex that money can’t buy
amber Star — June 6th, 2009, 6:46 pm
Kevin,Shenru Suzuki is not the founder of Zen.
Just though I’d clear that up.
Manan — June 6th, 2009, 11:09 pm
@ Tim & Kevin
TOPIC suggestions for RANDOM:
1) 3 things yol do that help yol most when stressed or overwhelmed. (e.g. meditate, breathing exercises, walk away to a beach & catch fresh air,etc.)
2) The principles that yol live by.
3) 3 most fun / adventurous things yol have done till now!
4) All time favorite movies!
5) Your thoughts on how the world will be in 2020 – keeping in mind all the technological developments, things like virgin galactic, global warming, etc.
Benedict Westenra — June 7th, 2009, 5:22 am
Hi Tim,
Thanks for continuing to share your findings! I recently enjoyed reading “Bad Science” by Ben Goldacre following your recommendation, and am eagerly awaiting your book on metrics. In the meantime I’ll get my teeth into “Getting Real” and Edward Tufte.
I’m going to limit myself to only two:
“Influence” by Robert Cialdini
http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials/dp/006124189X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244377096&sr=8-2
Ostensibly about sales techniques, but covers subjects as wide as the Jonestown massacre, Korean prisoner of war camps, medical malpractice, and why human-error airplane accidents tend to happen in clusters. It’s the best book I’ve come across about cognitive biases, which I feel are the key to getting away from the false economics of “rational individuals” and towards the real economics of human beings.
My Voice Will Go With You – Milton Erickson, ed. Sidney Rosen
http://www.amazon.com/My-Voice-Will-Go-You/dp/0393301354/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244377134&sr=1-1
Erickson was arguably the greatest hypnotherapist of the 20th century, whose focus was on making an immediate positive change in his patients’ behavior rather than spending months or years analyzing the source of their problems. It would be naïve to try and summarize the range of his achievements in a short blog comment, but some of the more extreme examples include:
- getting a retired military stroke victim to walk again by swearing at him until he left the room in indignation
- helping an overweight mother who had no time to herself because of her disobedient son by telling her to sit on the child and read the next time he misbehaved, until he apologized
- training the US rifle team to beat the Russians by hypnotizing them to believe that every shot was their first
The book is a very readable collection of his teaching tales with many practical applications, similar in format to “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman?”.
I’m currently working on what you might call “The 4-Hour Practice Week” – an optimized method for learning to play the piano by ear in any style. If you ever find yourself in London and want some free lessons drop me a line!
Regards,
Benedict
arthurhung — June 7th, 2009, 12:41 pm
Hi, love the video, recommending powerful books can really help people find the material they need to grow. I also like the video quality, camera angles and such, well done.
I’d like to share my top 5 books which at first may not seem so related to blogging or marketing or business, but I feel that they are tremendously worthwhile and likely have interest to some of your readers.
In no particular order, they are:
Intelligence by Osho
Creating Money by Sanaya Roman & Duane Packer
Personal Development for Smart People by Steve Pavlina
Intimate Communion by David Deida
Power Versus Force by David R. Hawkins
chaim — June 7th, 2009, 1:37 pm
Tim, what is the 2nd marketing book (not mentioned in this video) that you do recommend to start up founders?
Tim i own your book in audio and hard-cover, “What a great book!” I recommend it to all my friends.
James Tonn — June 7th, 2009, 1:43 pm
A Toast…to avid learners with ADD! haha.
Thanks for the book selections, I love top 5 lists and just keep coming back for more random insights – I love random, and I think too many ideas/shows/books restrict themselves by having to deal with 1 topic exclusively. Thanks,
James
Oleg — June 7th, 2009, 3:00 pm
You are popular in Russia. Now I am reading your book, why don’t you learn russian language accordin to yor fast metods?
Glen Van Peski — June 7th, 2009, 3:10 pm
Love the random episodes, I think the name is great, it’s perfect, describes the episodes with no wasted effort. I enjoyed Tipping Point also, will check out some of the others, also got some great gift ideas for friends!
NickMarkus — June 7th, 2009, 3:47 pm
Tim and Kevin:
Please do a segment possibly called “A Balanced Week”… where you talk about the most effective week, with the least amount of effort where you include sleeping, exercise, morning routines, meals, breathing exercises, etc. The etc. could be naps, having more but smaller meals, alcohol, to coffee or not, when’s the best time to shower, yoga, stretching, meditation….
OR..
“How Tim and Kevin recover from/avoid Hangovers”
David — June 7th, 2009, 6:21 pm
Actually I would love a segment on how to find affordable places to stay for say a month in other countries. I would prefer to do this in advance as I have a family and can’t just do it on a whim.
Thanks.
Dynasty — June 7th, 2009, 11:44 pm
Tim,
You said one of the most empowering and hysterical books you’ve read is “Prank the Monkey” by John Hargrave. Don’t forget the humor in life
.
ron — June 8th, 2009, 1:35 am
Here’s what i’m reading now,
-virus of the mind by Richard Brodie,you’ve been memed
top five recently read….drum rolllll…….are..
-Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
-Pour your Heart into it;How starbucks Built a company One Cup at a time by Howard Schultz and Dori Jones Yang
-The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
-Power of Influence by Robert Cialdini
-From selling to serving;the essence of client creation by Luo Cassara
kip/bot/blog » Evil book: 22 Immutable Laws of Branding — June 8th, 2009, 4:53 am
[...] Ferriss (of Four Day Work Week fame) and Kevin Rose (Digg) discussed their top five must-read books. One of the books was The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding(*). I like both of these guys so I’m [...]
Enrique S — June 8th, 2009, 6:14 am
I just wanted to second the positive comment about the Random series. I’m glad you included The Tipping Point. I picked it up at the airport on a whim, and it proved to be one of my favorites.
lisa — June 8th, 2009, 10:23 am
Tim,
What are your thoughts on “birds of feather…” vs. “opposites attract” for best, or most beneficial outcomes? In other words, do you personally learn more from people like you, or people unlike you, or equally from both, etc.?
I’ve been exploring this myself, and on my blog, and I’m curious on your take, and I think others might be too.
Much Obliged,
lisa
ABM — June 8th, 2009, 3:48 pm
I am very excited to read all 5 of your suggestions, Tim! Your 4HWW book, along with another book you have recommended in the past, The Power of Less, have both helped me transform my productivity in a matter of months. More power to you for teaching and helping promote others with valuable lessons to share. You are an anecdote to my stress – thank you for all your info!
andrew korf — June 8th, 2009, 5:33 pm
wow. suprised “FLOW – the psychology of the optimal experience” didnt make the list. Great list though – thanks for sharing.
@andrewkorf
Bill Hornung — June 8th, 2009, 7:04 pm
Keep it going… you have a hit.
Another great, short read: Greatest Management Principle (also titled The Secret to Motivating Yourself and Others) by Dr. Michael LeBoeuf.
This book explains why people do what they do. It’s brilliant.
Steve Metz — June 8th, 2009, 9:06 pm
Another great book that can illustrate Zen principles for western minds is
The Way of Zen by Allan Watts. I have been a fan of his for the last 35 years a witty an and inviting read.
Christian — June 9th, 2009, 4:20 am
Hi Tim,
What happened to the “Trial by Fire” tv show where you learned Yabusame?
mb — June 9th, 2009, 4:24 am
Great list!
Would love to see a post by you on the merits of getting or not getting an MBA.
Doc Kane — June 9th, 2009, 6:40 am
Guys, this show is becoming really fun, and my kudos to your cameraman and editor. . .the editing is nice and snappy and captures the mood of the show quite well!
Cheers,
Doc
Doc Kane — June 9th, 2009, 6:47 am
Ah! I see now, Glenn is putting his creds at the end! Nice job, Glenn.
Brian — June 9th, 2009, 1:59 pm
hey tim,
long time follower, first time responder..
…great post on the books, appreciate your insight. I wanted to mention a book (or rather series of books) somewhat out of the main stream media titled “The Goal” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. I found this book (and his others) a direct challenge to “common” thinking….this is a fantastic and accessible read on business, philosophy, and life…not bad for an israeli physicist/philosopher/business guru!
Bryan — June 9th, 2009, 8:53 pm
I’ve got my summer reading lined up….thanks!
Dynasty — June 9th, 2009, 11:16 pm
Hi Tim,
Here is a book I can recommend, it called “Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy” by David D. Burns, M.D.
The book is a clinically proven drug-free treatment for depression (depending on the rate of depression). It addresses a holistic approach to conquering fears, defining fears and how to deal with depression. The study of mood disorders offers opportunities to observe levels of motivation in individuals within short periods of time. The author provides cognitive techniques to help discover the precise reasons for any difficulties in motivation and offers practical drug-free solutions. The book is very simple and also insightful for organizational/human behavior.
Sorry, no charts of functional MRIs in this text, though it would be cool to see the substantial antidepressant effects of this type of mood therapy with functional MRIs.
Matt. — June 11th, 2009, 2:18 pm
Shunryu Suzuki was born in 1904. Zen started a whole lot earlier than that — many centuries earlier, especially if you trace it back through chán buddhism in China.
angkasuwan — June 12th, 2009, 11:52 am
appreciate the book list. pretty sure i’ll go through a few.
Ralph — June 13th, 2009, 4:19 am
Good list. Lately I’ve had a few people tell me that I’m reaching my Tipping Point. I didn’t know what that meant but now that I know, I’ve got to read that book.
Taos Turner — June 13th, 2009, 5:21 am
Hey Tim,
Excellent video. What a cool way to share and talk about these books.
Another incredible book is The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which shows how one man radically changed himself from a drug-addicted convicted criminal with no future into a powerful, remarkably articulate and charismatic leader.
Thanks for sharing,
Taos
Colby Wheeler — June 13th, 2009, 1:43 pm
Hey Tim, I noticed a little gesture when taking about Steve Balmer. Was that intentional or just a slip of the finger:)
Thomas — June 14th, 2009, 10:47 am
Have you read Serious Creativity (on lateral thinking) by Edward Bono? Have you applied the concepts of lateral thinking and found them effective? (even if from different sources than that book)
I’m definitely going to check out your list of books. I found the ones recommended in the 4 hour workweek very worthwhile.
theMostlyHarmless — June 15th, 2009, 10:36 am
Last night, in my dream, I saw that you two had another video uploaded. Tim was trying to prevent Kevin from making a mistake or something.
Anyway … I checked today, but no … false alarm
Igor — June 15th, 2009, 10:50 am
The book suggestions are awesome! I’ve read John Wood’s book last summer and changed the way I think in many ways. From Kevin liked the book on health! Cheers!
Firebird Theory — June 16th, 2009, 7:58 pm
Cheers guys appreciate your time, look like definite brain boost books have written them down
Craig — June 19th, 2009, 7:48 am
Nice list. The only book I’ve read is the 22 laws of marketing but I intend to check the others out.
Also, I’ve linked to you in my link finding Friday (click my name)
Oscar Gonzalez — June 19th, 2009, 2:02 pm
Here is my top 5.
1. Magical Passes by Carlos Castaneda.
2. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
4. The Three Laws of Performance by Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan
5. Guerilla Marketing in 30 Days by jay Conrad Levinson and Al Lautenslayer
The first three books are all about getting your mind right and the last two are about getting our money right. Enjoy!
Show Idea!!! Become a parkour master! A lot of people would love to see this and it would be a ton of fun for you Tim!
Evgeni — June 19th, 2009, 9:03 pm
Hi!
Stop reading! Stop searching the best book!
It is no time to read `cose lifetime is limited!
Just do You want. Your life is the best book and best coucher!
Jeff — June 21st, 2009, 5:27 pm
A lot of great books here. I hope to read them all!! The one by Jack Wood called Leaving Microsoft to Change the World seems to me to be the most interesting. I had never heard about him before!!
Josh — June 21st, 2009, 11:47 pm
I haven’t read the rest of the comments on this video so sorry if I am not the first to mention this but when Tim is going over his 5th book at about 4:44 take a look at his right hand and which finger is sticking up as well as what he is saying and how he is saying it and the look on his face, I would have to say it seems like Tim doesn’t exactly like micro$haft.
Ben Wall — June 22nd, 2009, 5:39 am
Hey, just watched ep 3, just wanted to stop by and say what a great job your doing. Just bought 4 of the 10 books shown!
I like the direction it’s going in, I like the business and entrepreneurial talk as there’s no much else like this on the web.
Keep up the good work.
- Ben
David — June 23rd, 2009, 8:27 am
I highly recommend Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.
Also, for those of you complaining about cost, get the books from the library! Through inter-library loan, your library can get almost anything you want. You don’t have to keep every book on your shelf just to show off that you’ve read it.
kevin Rowe — June 23rd, 2009, 10:03 am
Interview for next episode of Random.
I’m creating a blog (kevinrowe.blogspot.com) to find a career.
In the current economic climate it’s necessary to differentiate and brand myself from other job hunters. So, I’m creating a viral campaign, using an IMC approach.
I’m a recent graduate from the Park School of Communications at Ithaca college, Ithaca, NY.
This has appeal to your audience, surely. Many people are worried about finding a job right now.
kevinrowe.blogspot.com
607.373.9351
Vikash Shah — June 24th, 2009, 12:04 pm
@Tim Ferriss
I have recently been considering spending my time and money between one of two efforts, Microfinance and Education.
I am currently reading Banker to the Poor and just ordered Leaving Microsoft to Change the World (after your recommendation).
What are your book recommendations to help understand education philosophy? Or better yet, why education can help solve the worlds problems?
Thanks for the help in advance!
Tips and Treats | Gross Domestic Product, Inc. — June 24th, 2009, 9:52 pm
[...] 5 Must read books from Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose [...]
efraim — June 29th, 2009, 2:14 pm
These 2 DEFINATELY need to be on the list, since they’re close to the 4 hour work week as well as the other books Tim mentioned:
“The Unplugged – Join a new breed of software developers that don’t use computers much” by Ruven Meulenberg
“The Ideavirus” by Seth Godin
kevin rowe — June 30th, 2009, 12:16 pm
Opps.
Just realized you don’t want URL’s in the body. I wrote the comment titled “Interview for next episode of Random.” It wasn’t spam. It was authentic.
Cheers,
/kevin.rowe/
jordan rutherford — June 30th, 2009, 4:06 pm
I hope you guys continue with these im interested in your viewpoints and counterpoints for each other… just make sure you both get a word in edgewise eh?
i dont like the name random, as, its not all that random.
aaaaand, when talking about products and such, it urks me to feel like im watching an advertisement and not a natural conversation of pros & cons
Peter — July 1st, 2009, 2:41 am
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the suggestions on books. I purchased and read Getting Real now. Nice to see how it reflects your view on simplicity.
I totally share this and teach it to companies as well based on Lean methodology.
I have seen you making notes as you read. Actually do you do it during reading the book or after you have read it?
I have tried this when reading Getting Real but it was more like a bullet point list and not very actionable.
What is your suggestion?
Thanks,
Peter Herku
Ashley — July 1st, 2009, 7:56 am
Great list! I’ve been wanting to get Vagabonding for a while and haven’t done it yet. I think I’ll head out today and get it.
Thanks!
CD — July 1st, 2009, 10:01 am
Two words: Atlas Shrugged.
Anthony — July 1st, 2009, 11:49 am
I just read Vagabonding and thought it was good but not mind-blowing. I think if anything it is an introduction to long term traveling. It gives lots of advice on how to change your way of thinking and how to prepare for such a trip. Definitely just the tip of the iceberg.
Jason — July 3rd, 2009, 1:42 pm
Why were the cabinets in the background during Kevin Rose’s segment edited out? You can clearly see the corner of the book he’s holding (The Intelligent Investor) disappear behind a photo layer of a cabinet filled with glasses that was imposed over the clip.
Inquiring minds need to know.
Andrew Murray — July 3rd, 2009, 11:09 pm
Cool list. Read the Jack Trout book, and that’s a great one – Vagabonding is next on the list to pick up.
Jeff — July 4th, 2009, 6:33 am
If there are two people I’d be willing to trust my reading time with, I’m pretty sure it’s you guys– can’t wait to get kicking on a bunch of these. Thank you!
Olga Tikhonova — July 5th, 2009, 3:28 am
Tim,
It’s really amazing how you’ve created a powerful pattern on amazon / we-read (at least those I’ve checked) where either of the books you mention prompts a suggestion of all the others “Those who bought/checked out X bought/checked out Y”. I enjoy following your tips as you shared them through the book, posts, interviews and speeches, but even more – following you doing all those tiny and big tricks on the growing guinea pig community of your fans and being bold enough to be a major guinea pig yourself. Cheers)
Lakshmi — July 5th, 2009, 5:17 pm
Loved this episode and I’m a huge fan of Motherless Brooklyn, but whatever happened to the language episode you guys promised?
Freeman Pryce — July 10th, 2009, 6:32 pm
I liked the selection of books you gave. I work in a book store and am familiar with even the ones I haven’t read.
My Five books would be:
1. The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell (yes, that’s a repeat)
2. Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn
3. Man’s Search for Meaning, by Victor Frankl
4. The Upside of Down, by Thomas Homer-Dixon
5. The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
That’s all, thought I’d make my say.
Greg — July 14th, 2009, 3:21 pm
My son just introduced me to your website. Great job.
I would suggest:
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
The 5000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen
Winners Never Cheat by Jon Huntsman
Are Your Lights On by Donald Gause and
Economics In One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt
For pure fun: Dilbert 2.0 or the Complete Far Side
helio laguna — July 15th, 2009, 3:49 pm
1. Rich dad poor dad
2. The Four Hour Work Week
Kristofer Milhauser — July 15th, 2009, 6:01 pm
Hey Tim, I doubt you read these comments but I have a great suggestion for a segment in this blog post.I am quite a fan of your ideas on lifestyle design and w/ that in mind I have been hard at work trying to make your blue print for a product come to life: The Point…..I propose a segment in which you follow a person who you both deem worthy and take them through the process of product creation/manufacturing/ect(Income Auto Pilot) .In other words, you give more validity to your book by filling in the gaps and can show people that yes it can work on people from all walks of life and economic classes.I propose my-self as the trail run of course(he he) as I seem to be having the greatest difficulties and now that I know whats possible I can never go bk. Please Please Please Please Tim, I know with a little guidance I and others can benefit even more from you. I know you have already done this w/ college students but this would be for the fans. Just another way to give bk! Anyway thanks again Tim for showing me that life really can be what you make it.
Sincerly, Kristofer Milhauser
Via — July 16th, 2009, 7:25 pm
HI, I’d like to ask you to reconsider the photo on your masthead.
A couple of generations of kids have gotten the message through environmental education that feeding wildlife (e.g. squirrels), is never called for.
Because you didn’t get that memo, I’ll tell you that feeding, even “natural” food that is available to the animal, interferes with population dynamics in a negative way.
More babies are made, causing an unnatural bump in #’s of offspring which has the ripple effect on predator species. This creates an unstable dynamic which undernourishment and even starvation.
You might think that feeding one squirrel for a cute photo is no big deal. It isn’t. But it’s the equivalent of a celebrity/movie star smoking. There is, yes, an ugly ripple effect which adds up.
Additionally, if everyone thinks they are the exception to the rule “Do Not Feed the Wildlife”, the cumulative effect is great.
Fortunately feeding animals is a much easier habit to break than smoking,
I hope you do not chalk me up as a cranky curmudgeon. This is the era of sustainability and stewardship. The bad old days of doing whatever the fuck we want with the planet are past, I hope. Please consider doing a small part by switching out the cute photo.
I believe you’ll feel slightly better, and definitely squirrels and hawks everywhere will whisper your praises. thanks
Vample — July 22nd, 2009, 1:32 am
“A few books that I have found really influential:
The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature – Steven Pinker
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed – Jared Diamond
The Omnivore’s Dilemma – Michael Pollan
Stumbling on Happiness – Daniel Gilbert
The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature – Matt Ridley”
For lighter reading, The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay is one of the best books I have ever come across. It’s incredibly inspirational. It’s a heavy thing but I still carried it with me on a trek through Nepal in order to read it a second time.
Michael — July 26th, 2009, 7:04 pm
Thank you guys for doing the shows…they’re great! I really enjoy hearing your point of view on different subjects.
I have a “random” show idea:
You guys should tell/show us what a day in the life of Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose looks like. I would VERY interested in how you split up and manage your time. For example, how and when do you research new companies and ideas, versus how and when you attend to current ventures, versus how much time you spend reading. What are some good entrepreneurial habits that you have developed that you could share with us.
Thanks!
-Michael Haning
Must-Read Books: Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose Share Their Favorites — July 28th, 2009, 8:19 am
[...] to watch the full video to get a more in-depth look at their book choices, plus the discussion on Tim’s blog and at Kevin’s twitter account. Tim even says of his choices that “each of these should [...]
Bob — July 31st, 2009, 3:49 pm
It was unintentional, but, I read The Four Hour Workweek and Getting Real three times each, on an alternating basis, within a twelve month timeframe. Trust me, your head will explode if you attempt this!
Great book recommendations. Both The Four Hour Workweek and Getting Real are in my top 5, if not top 3.
Thanks/Bob
khassim — August 12th, 2009, 3:20 pm
Any future speaking engagements or seminar schedules that I may watch?
Maren Kate — August 13th, 2009, 5:31 pm
I loved the Intelligent Investor, its funny because you don’t hear it referenced now adays especially by the younger crowd. I got turned onto because it was Warren Buffett’s bible of sorts for investing & I pretty much hang on every word he says.
Question though, why didn’t you include Think & Grow Rich, if you’ve read (which it seems like you probably have) can you tell me why it didn’t make your top ten?
Thanks!
Paul Camarinha — August 14th, 2009, 9:22 pm
Hey dude,
I recently purchased your book after seeing it a few times at the B&N store. Man, I wish I bought it sooner. I have like a million ideas in my head, started researching and making an online presence, but you completely make everything so much simpler. How do you do that?
Anyhow, I love your site and will become a repeat offender.
Anyhow, The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing is one of my favorites. It has resurfaced after years of only being purchased only by those who were seeking how to advertise. The internet and especially people like us have brought this book back into view. I think that is awesome.
anthony — August 20th, 2009, 12:27 pm
TF :: I went out and scored all the books you mentioned on amazon … (purchased “used” bc i like to read comments of people who bought the books as presents for others)
crushed the books :: thx bro. btw, seneca is remarkable.
Ohskar Picache — September 10th, 2009, 1:09 am
The tipping point is a good read. The law of the few – talks about the connector, maven, and the salesman is my favorite part.
Thanks.
Bob Ueland — September 16th, 2009, 5:00 am
SELF-HELP
Olson, The Slight Edge
Ferris, The 4-Hour work Week
Pressfield, War of Art
Suzuki, Nurtured by Love
Brande, Wake up and Live
Carnegie, How to stop worrying and start living
Gallwey, Inner game of tennis
Rogers, Fighting to win
Bettger, How I raised myself from failure to success in selling
Bettger, How I multiplied my income and happiness in selling
Chandler, The Story of You
PHILOSOPHY
Pirsig, Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance
Dawkins, The Selfish Gene
Pirsig, Lila
Tao Te Ching
Bhagavad Gita
Campbell and Moyers, The Power of Myth
WRITING
Goldberg, Writing down the bones
Goldberg, Wild Mind
Goldberg, Thunder and Lightning
Ueland, If You Want To Write
Saltzman, If you can talk you can write
Elbow, Writing without Teachers
MISC
Bingham, The Courage to Start
Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments With Truth
Tolle, The power of now
Caples, Making Ads Pay
Feynman, Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Feynman, The Feynman Lectures on Physics
MATHEMATICS AND PROGRAMMING
Polya, How to solve it
Polya, Induction and Analogy in Mathematics
Polya and Szego, Problems and Theorems in Analysis
Lakatos, Proofs and Refutations
Abelson and Sussman, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Wolfram, Mathematica Book
Maeder, Programming in Mathematica
Patrick McLaughlin — October 16th, 2009, 6:01 pm
I picked up ‘Vagabonding’ the day after seeing your video. GREAT book!
Now I’m almost finished with a book I’d like to turn you onto… ‘Everyday Survival: Why smart people do stupid things’ by Laurence Gonzales.
http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Survival-People-Stupid-Things/dp/0393058387
I really dig The Random Show! Keep it up!
Dominique — October 30th, 2009, 11:43 am
Can you explain more about how you create an index? Often when I review a lot of information I am unsure how to easily access that information/data at a later time. In addition, can you explain how you might create larger indexes from multiple pieces of content?
Thanks!
Eric — November 12th, 2009, 2:39 pm
Dancing Wu Li Masters
Ronnie N — November 13th, 2009, 4:45 pm
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (hayes translation)
50th Law by Robert Greene and 50 cent
The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe
Diego — November 23rd, 2009, 12:09 pm
Feynman books are really inspiring, his character enlightens your day as you read
Dara Bell — December 2nd, 2009, 2:35 pm
Hi love the books on Letters from Senaca, much like Kevins Zen choice. Allows for the fortification of spirit. I think it was Kevin that recommended the Buffet book. (janet tivakoli good Buffet commentator) and lastly love your choices in the altru
Cameron Benz — December 5th, 2009, 9:45 pm
The Intelligent Investor is a terrific book, but people should be warned that it is a DRY read. I’ve found myself unable to focus for more than a few pages at a time.
Jared — December 22nd, 2009, 12:21 am
This is my top 5 books I would recommend
How to Win Friends and Influence People
A New Earth
The Power of Now
Body By Science
Primal Blueprint
dan — January 27th, 2010, 4:56 pm
Thanks for the list..like Ries & Trout as well as Gladwell.
Looking through the comments I would suggest Grant – Contemporary Strategy Analysis before tackling Porter.
Liked 4HWW. Specfically I credit the “Elimination” exercise and avoiding the so called UK quality press in particular for keeping me sane.
On that note I agree with Tim Alexander and recommend Risk and if you like that I think you would also like Living Dangerously (Cairns) especially if you are a 30 or 40 something with children.
Book Review: The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing : Grapevine Consulting — February 13th, 2010, 4:39 am
[...] professionals, but then when one of my favourite authors Tim Ferris recommended it as one of his top 5 must-have books, I finally decided to grab myself a [...]
Inspirational Links For Business Owners | Website Designer in the UK - William Smith // Authentic Style Blog — February 22nd, 2010, 10:21 am
[...] I’d also highly recommend you check out Tim’s blog and watch a few of the video entries he records with Kevin Rose of Digg. A favorite of mine is a video where Tim and Kevin talk about their top 5 favorite books. [...]
Elevic Pernis — March 1st, 2010, 5:06 pm
O my goodness. Although I have read some good books in the past, I haven’t read any of the 10 books above. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll put those 10 on my waiting list. (I still have other books waiting to be read)
With that, speak soon.
Elevic
PS
Thanks to all other readers for posting their book recommendations. One good book I recommend is “How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading” by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles von Doren
Zach Turner — April 11th, 2010, 8:08 pm
Tim,
I thought about reading your book years ago, but I talked to someone who had read it and they said that it was a good read, but really not that realistic. So I didn’t bother and assumed it would tell me all the stuff I already knew like most of the self help books out there. sidenote: I love it when people who are reading self help books come to me and say something like, “dude, you can’t just dream, you have to realize your goals.” as if that wasn’t obvious before. I wish i could remember who that person was, cause now I know never to trust what they say ever again, at least in matters of lifestyle choices. Still reading the book, but had to send you a message. People just aren’t willing to realize their own power most of the time.
Griffin Boyce — May 21st, 2010, 6:39 am
For people that have had long-term issues with parents, I recommend Toxic Parents By Susan Forward. Kind of niche, but it had a very profound positive impact on my life.
Simon — June 4th, 2010, 11:02 pm
Definitely going to be checking these out. My two cents is The Power of One, by Bryce Courteny.
“Small can beat big if small is smart. First with the head, then with the heart.”
Penelope Pettikrew — August 31st, 2010, 10:06 am
An oldie but goody: “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”
Rick — October 9th, 2010, 1:20 pm
Hi Guys,
great suggestions you make. IMHO there is no need to leave the 4 hours workweek aside. It’s a great book that deserves to be mentioned.
And I would like to add Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” to the list. A great book that has been constantly selling for more than 70 years now and is still selling. It’s the quintessence of the experiences over 500 self-made millionaires.
Cheers!
Rick
Logan Parker — March 28th, 2011, 8:52 pm
I read 22 Immutable Laws of marketing as per your suggestion Tim. Good stuff. Basic but the concepts are worth the “elementary” style of the book.
Also read the intelligent investor last year. VERY pivotal in my understanding of investments, and I got away from the “day trade” mindset because of it.
Great content as usual
Thanks Tim.
Hong Anh Vu — April 11th, 2011, 5:52 pm
Can you do more book reviews?
Brad — April 22nd, 2011, 9:13 am
Hi Tim,
For entrepreneurs who aren’t interested in software development, would you recommend Rework over Getting Real? Thanks for sharing these resources!
newbie — November 7th, 2011, 3:53 am
For people that have had long-term issues with parents, I recommend Toxic Parents By Susan Forward. Kind of niche,and I got away from the “day trade” mindset because of it.
Sheyi — April 7th, 2012, 4:09 am
The books i was expecting are not on the list but the one that caught my attention is the LEAVING MICROSOFT thingy….
Sheyi
Ken — May 19th, 2012, 9:06 pm
I wonder if the Buffet-promoted books include a guide to cronyism! :{
Cody — June 5th, 2012, 8:49 am
Very cool post! I have never heard of Vagabonding before now and am excited to look more into it! Thanks Tim