Powerful Non Fiction & Fiction Books

Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins - The God Delusion

Charles Darwin: On the Origin of Species: By Means of Natural Selection

A must read. Part of fundamental understanding that now permeates everything

Published amid a firestorm of controversy in 1859, this is a book that changed the world. Reasoned and well-documented in its arguments, it offers coherent views of natural selection, adaptation, the struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, and other concepts that form the foundation of evolutionary theory.

Dan Ariely - Predictably Irrational

Bertrand Russell - The Problems of Philosophy

"In the following pages I have confined myself in the main to those problems of philosophy in regard to which I thought it possible to say something positive and constructive, since merely negative criticism seemed out of place. For this reason, theory of knowledge occupies a larger space than metaphysics in the present volume, and some topics much discussed by philosophers are treated very briefly, if at all."

- Bertrand Russell, Preface of The Problems of Philosophy

Brian Greene - Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality

Assuming an audience of non-specialists, Greene has set himself a daunting task: to explain non-intuitive, mathematical concepts like String Theory, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and Inflationary Cosmology with analogies drawn from common experience. For the most part, he succeeds. His language reflects a deep passion for science and a gift for translating concepts into poetic images. When explaining, for example, the inability to see the higher dimensions inherent in string theory, Greene writes: "We don't see them because of the way we see - like an ant walking along a lily pad - we could be floating within a grand, expansive, higher-dimensional space."

Edward de Bono - How to Have a Beautiful Mind

Edward de Bono - Teach Your Child How to Think

If you are a parent or even anyone - learn how to think

Here is the acclaimed program for helping children develop essential thinking habits they'll use throughout life. With examples, exercises, games, and drawings, de Bono demonstrates the difference between intelligence and thinking and provides a step-by-step method for helping children develop clear, constructive thinking.

Tim Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek

Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan-there is no need to wait and every reason not to. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, high-end world travel, monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, this book is the blueprint.

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons - Watchmen

Just because you think its a comic - doesnt mean it's not relevant and powerful :D

A superb novel - read as a comic - reflects contemporary anxieties and plays on critiquing the superhero concept. Watchmen takes place in an alternate history where vigilantes think that dressing up in costumes is a good idea - this plays on your mind the whole time reading it - not to mention Dr Manhattan who is so powerful he brings intense uncertainty to the unfolding story.

Douglas Adams - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

A Trilogy in Five Parts - Don't Panic

HHGTTG, H2G2 or The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - which really should include all of the 4 books underneath it - which does in the ultimate edition (The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, "Life, the Universe and Everything", "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish" and "Mostly Harmless"), is one of those science fictions books that represent so much more than that genre. It has captured philosophy, comedy and human nature brilliantly and still today has remained a must read for anyone.

Stephen Hawking - Brief History of Time

Masaaki Imai - Kaizen: The Key To Japan's Competitive Success

More than just for corporates or companies - Kaizen reflects a lifestlye mindset too

For the professional manager or student of management, a comprehensive handbook of 16 Kaizen management practices that can be put to work. KAIZEN uses more than 100 examples in action and contains 15 corporate case studies.

Scott Thorpe: How to Think Like Einstein: Simple Ways to Break the Rules and Discover Your Hidden Genius

Break out of your rule ruts!

In this totally accessible, ingenious book, you will learn the tricks and techniques used by Albert Einstein and other great minds to solve bewildering problems. From business and parenting to becoming more creative and improving relationships, How to Think Like Einstein provides the tools to discovering breakthrough solutions to everyday challenges.

Daniel Goleman - Emotional Intelligence

Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

A great read that will play on how you see humans as it's more and more relevant in the age of a digital society where emotions play a huge role in this impulsive virtual (evolving) environment.

Steve Biddulph - Raising Boys

From award-winning psychologist Steve Biddulph comes an expanded and updated edition of RAISING BOYS, his international best seller published in 14 countries. His complete guide for parents, educators, and relatives includes chapters on testosterone, sports, and how boys' and girls' brains differ. With gentle humor and proven wisdom, RAISING BOYS focuses on boys' unique developmental needs to help them be happy and healthy at every stage of life.

Jerry Wyckoff and Barbara Unell - Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking

Practical Solutions to the Most Common Preschool Behavior Problems

The authors' advice will help you be a more effective parent and discipline your child in a loving yet firm way, without damaging self-esteem or natural curiosity about the world. This easy-to-use text has been formatted like a first-aid manual for handling misbehavior.

Jerry Wyckoff and Barbara Unell - Getting Your Child From No to Yes

Without Nagging, Bribing, or Threatening

This book provides practical, peaceful solutions to 65 of the most common "I don't wanna" preschool behavior problems including getting out of bed in the morning, dressing, bathing, brushing teeth, and getting ready for bed, all without fussing or fighting. Readers will find simple, easy-to-use strategies to combat constant dawdling and refusals without using loss of temper or composure.

Thich Nhat Hanh - Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames

Anger can be one of the most frustrating emotions, carrying us headlong away from ourselves and depositing us into separation and dismay. Vietnamese monk and world teacher Thich Nhat Hanh tackles this most difficult of emotions.

Michael Talbot - The Holographic Universe

Is there another way of seeing things?

Review: "A wake-up call to wonder, an adventure in ideas." -- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Space, Time & Medicine

Rhonda Byrne - The Secret

In this book, you'll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life -- money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You'll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that's within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.

Stephen Skinner - Feng Shui

This easy to read book with lots of visuals and diagrams, gets you grasping the nature of how Feng Shui works and how you can implement some of its teachings into your living+work environment and daily life.

Lu Xun - Wandering

A Book of Short Stories

Lu Xun represents the father of modern Chinese literature and pushed to bring movement in China to be more open minded and less stuck on redundant traditions.
With his unique and at the time, 'against the grain' approach to writing he skillfully constructs highly readable, engaging and meaningful stories.

The Australian Modern Oxford Dictionary

Learn those words and you can understand more

A dictionary is one of the best sources of inspiration you can find by just opening it up and reading a page worth of words. Clarity of previous assumptions can allow you to see the subtle details that make everything in life unique and interesting. Keep yourself fresh with new words.

Seth Godin