7 Life-Changing Books That Ignited My Motivation
The Bhagavad Gita
This is my all-time favorite. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us the mastery of our own minds, the importance of pursuing our dharma truthfully and unapologetically, and how to embrace life for what it is. I believe that only after repeatedly reading this book can we fully comprehend the immense wisdom it encapsulates. Essentially, this is a guide to a meaningful life and so much more. Everyone should give this book a try!
The Bhagavad Gita forms a section of the sixth book of the Mahabharata, an important Sanskrit epic in the Hindu tradition that recounts a lengthy struggle and brief war between two sides of the Bharata family — the Pandavas and the Kauravas — over their kingdom of Hastinapura. The Gita recounts a dialogue in the moments leading up to the war between the Pandava warrior Arjuna and his charioteer and trusted advisor, Krishna, who turns out to be a worldly incarnation of Vishnu, a god who serves as the Supreme Being in many forms of Hinduism.
Wings of fire
Wings of Fire is an autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam, covering his early life and his work in Indian space research and missile programs. It is the story of a boy from a humble background who went on to become a key player in Indian space research/Indian missile programs and later became the president of India. It was very engaging initially but tended to drag a bit towards the end with a lot of technical details and procedural information about his space research and missile projects.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is a classic novel in which a boy named Santiago embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having a recurring dream about it, on the way, meets mentors, falls in love, and, most importantly, learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself and focus on what really matters in life.
12 rules for life
For centuries, religion has played a major role in man’s quest for stability and meaning. The rise of secularism and nihilism brought new ideologies, but also a growing sense of emptiness. Based on years of research across various topics (from history to religion, mythology, neuroscience, and psychology), Jordan Peterson developed the 12 rules for life, to help you live with meaning and purpose. In this 12 Rules for Life summary, you’ll learn the 12 rules and how you can use them as an antidote to chaos to re-establish direction, order, and fulfillment in your life.
The Magic of Thinking Big
Believe in yourself, never underestimate your own intelligence, think positively, and plan for success. The Magic of Thinking Big may come across as one of those cheezy self-help books, but if read with an open mind, you’ll find plenty of practical wisdom in Dr. Schwartz’s words. This book serves as a good reminder that confidence isn’t something that we’re born with, but rather a trait that is developed through intentional habits. Things that I learned.
- Believe that success is possible, and the how-to will follow.
- Action cures fear.
- Never sell yourself short.
- Surround yourself with positive influences.
- Take the initiative to build relationships.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is about a fictional character named Julian Mantle. Julian is a successful lawyer but is struggling with stress and work pressure. He finally decides to leave his previous baggage and luxurious life behind and travel to the Himalayan Mountains. Julian travels there in search of peace. After arriving, he encounters Yogi Raman. Yogi Raman offers Julian seven virtues to obtain enlightenment. After a few months, Julian returns and narrates all the teachings of Yogi Raman. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari describes the Seven Virtues required for a life of inner peace, joy, and a wealth of spiritual gifts.
Rich Dad Poor Dad
The book is the story of a person (the narrator and author) who has two fathers: the first was his biological father, the poor dad, and the other was the father of his childhood best friend, Mike, the rich dad. Both fathers taught the author how to achieve success but with very disparate approaches. It became evident to the author that his father’s approach made more financial sense. Throughout the book, the author compares both fathers — their principles, ideas, financial practices, and degree of dynamism and how his real father, the poor and struggling but highly educated man, paled against his rich dad in terms of asset building and business acumen.
