Books are the gateway to new worlds and ideas. They teleport us to new places, make us think, and expand our minds’ horizons. They make us who we are and how we think, so it is imperative that we read the right books to become better people. Here is a list of books every man should read at least once in his life to become a more grounded, learned person:
Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince”
One of the most read and talked-about books of all time, “The Prince” is a book talking about the pursuit of power. It is ruthless in its direction and is written as an instructional guide for princes in the early 1500s. Since then, times have definitely changed, but the book is still relevant today for all those looking to grow in their pursuit of power, not just in the realm of politics, but in life too.
Stephen E Ambrose’s “Band of Brothers”
Considered to be the author’s best work, “Band of Brothers” tells the history of the Second World War in the form of a story of a group of men belonging to the Easy Company. These men lived together, fought together, and died together, and the book tells a heartfelt account of their struggles. Due to its moving sotryline and exceptional narration, “Band of Brothers” has also been adapted as a miniseries by HBO.
Plato’s “The Republic”
Adding some philosophy to this list of books, “The Republic” is a Socratic dialogue, written around 380 BC. It is a book for the political world, talking about peace and justice, and outlining what a just city-state should be like. Deemed one of the most influential philosophy books of all time, “The Republic” discusses the happiness of the just and unjust man, the soul and its immortality, the theory of forms and the importance of philosophy in a just society, all through socratic dialogue.
Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”
The classic 1931 book “Brave New World” is similar to Orwell’s 1984 and explores the impact of technology on society. The book talks about a future where individuality is shunned, entertainment works through formula, and babies are born in labs. The protagonist, Bernard Marx is an affluent member of society, but he can’t quite fit in. So he explores the world around him and learns some unsettling truths about how the world is run.
Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations”
The book discusses free-market policies and how countries build upon wealth. It is an excellent read for students of economics, and discusses the division of labor, competition, and trade in light of economic philosophy.
