Here is my list of 5 outstanding books that I think are so powerful they may just change the way you view the world. Each one of these books has something slightly different to offer, so read them all for a synergy that paints a complete picture of how to understand the world.
5. Crash Proof 2.0: How to Profit From the Economic Collapse by Peter Schiff
Crash Proof is a common sense evaluation of the U.S. economy and personal investing. Schiff clearly explains the financial system in a very easy-to-follow way so that anyone can grasp the concepts. He writes about how the U.S. became the strongest economy in the world after WWII, what problems it currently faces, and how to preserve your wealth and make money.
Schiff also does a wonderful job of explaining how to think of currency in terms of its purchasing power. He covers how to use the declining U.S. dollar, foreign stocks, and commodities like gold and silver to make money.
The thing that drew me to the book was the fact that Schiff was on television predicting the housing bubble years before it happened. He has also been very accurate on the decline of the U.S. dollar and the explosion of commodity prices.
This book is a very contemporary read considering that it is over 200 years old. It is a rare glimpse into the life of arguably the most success person ever. It think people often forget how many inventions, institutions, techniques, quotes, etc. Franklin really contributed to society. This is a great book to help you understand how a great mind works. There are tons of little tips and tricks that can be used today, some of which I will cover at a later date.
3. The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists by Neil Strauss
When you ask a person that has been charismatic their whole life what it takes to be charming, often they cannot give you a good answer. I think this is because it is a natural skill that they've never really though much into the process of it all. The great thing about this book is how it follows author Neil Strauss as he turns from a shy loser into a charismatic pickup artist.
The book details all of the secrets on how to sculpt the perfect image, and how to break the ice with anyone and get them to like you. There is lots of good advice here to help you develop your own style and become a social butterfly.
When I came up with the concept of the "Axioms of Success" I couldn't help but think of Robert Greene's Book. The book is jam-packed with what he defines as "48 Laws" to help you succeed in life. The great thing I like about Greene's writing style is that he uses lots of real world historical accounts to prove his points. There is one law that I believe is far stronger than the rest that I will cover in the future.
Every once in awhile I read a book that really turns my world upside down, and this folks was one of them! When I first saw that it was a self-help type book I looked up the reviews on Amazon to see what people were saying. It has an average 4.5 stars with over 1,100 reviews - very impressive.
Its pretty hard to even sum this book up, you just kinda have to read it. It lays out a very compelling case that you don't have to work your ass off until your 65 before you can enjoy life. Ferriss calls for "mini retirements" throughout life, and he even give great ways on how to break free from the system and become financially independent.
