Books That Everyone Should Read (Updated 2023)
1. What to Read
Reading, for some, is an essential activity and an integral aspect of their daily routine. Aside from its therapeutic benefits, reading provides access to the greatest minds, ideas, and concepts humankind has generated over the last three millennia.
Surely, nobody wants to miss that, or do they?
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.
— George R. R. Martin
Philosophers have had a variety of views on the value of reading books.
Some, like the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, believed reading is essential for developing critical thinking and gaining knowledge. Others, like the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne, felt that too much reading could lead to losing one’s voice and individuality. The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche believed that books could be dangerous if they lead to the uncritical acceptance of others’ ideas.
Arthur Schopenhauer, the German philosopher, believed that books were a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration. Still, he also thought too much reading could harm one’s intellectual and spiritual development.
The individual has always struggled to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
— Friedrich Nietzsche
Schopenhauer’s quote encapsulates his views on the value of reading: “To read too many books is harmful. In most men, it first inspires a certain arrogance and vainer; then leads to a certain narrowness and finally to a certain effeminacy.”
2. How Much Reading is Too Much?
What about the idea of reading one book every week? Here is what this author thinks.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Three Heuristics to Help You Pick Your Next Book
Most people today balance their time between a full-time job and their family with activities like reading confined to at most a couple of hours a day, perhaps less. Therefore, making your next read worthwhile is vital, especially if you avoid giving up on a book midstream.
The following are three heuristics that this author often uses when deciding on his next book.
Reading is a very personal and subjective endeavour; most people read for pleasure because they are genuinely interested in the topic they are reading about. While the selection below reflects this author’s taste, I trust that people with similar views and preferences will find the selection helpful.
4. Looking for a Good Book? Check Out These Suggestions
The below list is divided into several categories for convenience. We even included a Don’t Bother section. I hope the reader finds the selection rich and valuable and the accompanying reviews helpful.
Business Management
Big Ideas, Cultural Studies, and Self-Management
Popular Science
QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter
By Richard Feynmann
“QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter” is a fascinating and accessible book that provides an in-depth look into quantum electrodynamics (QED). The book covers the history of QED and the development of Feynman’s diagrams, which revolutionized the field. Feynman’s ability to make the complex easy to understand is a testament to his brilliance as a physicist and a communicator.
Computer Science, Quantum Computing, and Artificial Intelligence
Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes on the Cosmos
By Seth Lloyd
“Programming the Universe” is a fascinating read that explores the concept of using information and computation to understand the universe. Lloyd’s writing is clear and accessible to a broad audience. The book delves into the relationship between physics, mathematics, and information theory and presents the idea that the universe is a vast quantum computer. It’s a unique and original take on the nature of reality, a must-read.
The “Don’t Bother” Section
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
By Carlo Rovelli
You might enjoy this tiny book if you are stuck in an airport for a few hours (but no more). I picked it up only because I have read the other two (utterly fascinating) books by the same author, but I was thoroughly disappointed with its flimsy content devoid of any new insights.
Black Holes and Baby Universes
By Stephen Hawking
While “Black Holes and Baby Universes” may be a good read for those looking for an introduction to the subject, readers seeking a more up-to-date and in-depth understanding of black holes and the universe are better off looking elsewhere. I would recommend you read instead “A Brief History of Time”.
Other Worlds — Space, Superspace, and the Quantum Universe
By Paul Davies
“Other Worlds” explores the classic topics in physics: Newtonian dynamics, Relativity Theory, and Quantum Mechanics. Barring a few insightful discussions and Davies’ brilliant storytelling style, the discussion is geared toward the layman. If you have read “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking or “The Elegant Universe” by Brian Greene, you will find this book superfluous.