Felling a bit ‘listy’ lately, so here is one of 10 books that really helped shape my life and startup philosophy in the past few years. Of course this list is non-exhaustive and in no particular order.
- The alchemist
- Purple cow
- The intelligent investor
- A random walk down Wall st.
- 22 laws of marketing
- A whole new mind
- The clue train manifesto
- The cashflow quadrant
- The long tail
- Outliers
What books have shaped you?
I read Art of the Start from Guy Kawasaki when I started Sports Geek, good read.
“Letters to a Young Contrarian” by Christopher Hitchens.
It’s had more impact on my approach to business and life than any book about entrepreneurship or personal development.
The major points I carry are:
– The value of being able to hold unusual, unpopular opinions
– The importance of understanding the arguments of those you oppose just as deeply as those you support
– “It’s not what you think but *how* you think that matters”
– The importance of travel.
Holy wow – how did I forget the Art of the Start – actually I really should ahve that in my top 3. it unlearned me on the corporate thinking and entrepreneurialised me.
Also I should add ‘Getting Real’ by 37 signals. Which was of the same ilk. Actually that’d be a good one for you Sean.
Steve.
I’m gonna add that to my Amazon Wish List.
thanks Tom,
Steve.
Fooled by randomness Nassim Taleb
The Lean Start-Up and Business Model Generation are brilliant.
Masters of Doom by David Kushner. It learned me that simple massive commitment to your idea and hard work is the key for success.