The list below includes books that have shaped my perspective and influenced the way I live my life, as well as some that I find thought-provoking and entertaining. These are books that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

This list is regularly updated. Be sure to revisit often!

Behavioral economics

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Kahneman Daniel.

This book defines the dual processes that influence our thoughts and decisions. It distinguishes between the intuitive, quick “System 1” and the more analytical, slow “System 2.” This book has profoundly changed my understanding of how decisions are made, highlighting the often unconscious influence of our immediate reactions versus our considered responses. It’s insights have reshaped my perception of rationality and decision-making, and the ideas of this book can be found implicitly in many of the books in this list.

Philosophy

The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

This book has profoundly influenced how I assess the future and regard those who claim to predict it. It offers a critical look at the retrospective analyses of historical events, revealing the limitations and often the hubris of forecasting.

Biology

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.

This book introduced me to the concepts of evolution, natural selection, and the genetic drivers behind our behaviors. It explains how selfish genetic behavior ultimately leads to the sophisticated social behaviors we observe in nature. Additionally, it provides a solid foundation for understanding our place in the universe and how we arrived here.

Psychology

Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsso

This fantastic book that replaces enigmatic term ’talent’ with ‘skill’, which is nothing more than highly structured data in long-term memory. This data is achieved at birth but through very specific practice that can be attended by everyone.

Troubleshooting

Debugging: The 9 Indispensable Rules for Finding Even the Most Elusive Software and Hardware Problems by David J Agans.

This is the best account I’ve come across on how to hunt for system failures. Though it is written from the perspective of an embedded software engineer, the methods outlined in this book can be applied to any system experiencing issues.