A Social Distancing Reading List
Since many of us are confined to our homes for the foreseeable future, I know that we will begin to get restless and need things to do. One great option is to read. In honor of social distancing, I have created a short reading list.
Great by Choice (Jim Collins)
Jim Collins is most famous for his best-seller Good to Great. I think this later work of his is arguably as great. The tagline reads, "Uncertainty, chaos, and luck -- why some thrive despite them all." As we are in this rapidly-changing crisis, his book provides incredible insight on surviving and thriving in this environment in our businesses and personal lives.
A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens)
In this Dickens classic, we are introduced to a bevy of characters who are trying to survive the tumultuous French Revolution. We meet heroes and villains and many people who are a bit harder to classify. The story is full of intrigue, deception, and romance. It is the perfect novel to capture your imagination in the coming weeks.
Heretics (G.K. Chesterton)
Are you in need of a strong defense of truth and objectivity? I can assure you that G.K. Chesterton can provide you with both. In this series of essays, he takes down the illogical positions of many of his contemporaries. Surprising or not, the arguments are strikingly similar to many of our social debates today.
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
Some will dismiss Pride and Prejudice as a silly romantic novel. It might be a romance, but it is surely not silly. Look a little deeper, and you will find a startlingly accurate representation of humans, communities, our many faults, and our triumphs. One of my philosophy professors is even convinced that Jane Austen must have had a copy of the Nicomachean Ethics on her desk as she wrote the novel.
The Motley Fool Investment Guide (David and Tom Gardner)
In times like these, even people with no interest in investing cannot help but notice alarmist headlines on the DOW's latest plunge. It is often the case that these same people miss out on one of the greatest vehicles of wealth creation because of fear. The stock market is volatile, but these Foolish brothers do an incredible job of breaking down concepts into easy to understand chapters. Their method focuses on common sense and patience, both of which we could all use in abundance these days.
I hope you enjoy at least one of these books over the next few weeks. Comment below if you have read any of these or have more suggestions for the community. I'd also love to hear your thoughts on the book if you get a chance to read one. I hope you are all continuing to stay safe.
All the best,
Ian
[blog_subscription_form subscribe_text="Enter your email to receive weekly posts in your inbox"]