Between the Lines: Insights Beyond the Cover

Reading has been a constant companion in my life, a source of both solace and inspiration. As an economist, my work often demands a deep focus on specific areas, but books have always allowed me to wander far beyond those boundaries. They've helped me cultivate a broader perspective, introducing me to ideas, worlds, and disciplines I might never have encountered otherwise.

It’s difficult to pinpoint when my love for books began, but I know that it has always been there—fuelled by a deep, unyielding curiosity. I find myself buying books almost compulsively, often after hearing an author on a podcast like The Diary of a CEO or because another book I’m reading leads me down a new path of exploration. Each new book is a key to a new world, and I can never resist the temptation to discover more.

In 2023, I made a resolution to read more, and I knew I needed a way to keep myself accountable. That’s when I started posting photos of the books I’d finished at the end of each month. It was meant to be a personal accountability hack, but it soon turned into a vehicle for connection. People began reaching out—offering their thoughts, asking for recommendations, and sharing how they, too, were on their own reading journeys. It was in these interactions that I realised the true power of books—not just to inform or entertain, but to connect us.

Books, for me, are more than just pages filled with words. They’re a form of self-discovery. They help me make sense of the world and, more importantly, help me make sense of myself. As David Epstein writes in Range, there’s great value in being a "specialised generalist"—someone who delves deep into their area of expertise but also draws from a wide range of disciplines. This idea resonates with me deeply because every book I pick up—whether it’s about economics, psychology, philosophy, or nutrition —gives me a new lens through which to view my work and my life.

I often get asked how I find the time to read, and my answer is simple: I make the time. I believe that reading is a choice, and like any choice, it requires commitment and discipline. I carry a book with me wherever I go, squeezing in reading between meetings, on flights, or during work trips. I’ve also made a conscious decision to forgo TV in favor of reading. It’s not that I have more time than anyone else, it’s that I’ve chosen to prioritize the time I have. As Jim Kwik puts it, “reading is exercise for the mind. It’s a way to strengthen and expand our mental capacity.” His method of reading has helped me speed up my reading while also deepening my comprehension.

Books have given me the ability to be more reflective and thoughtful about the choices I make, not only in my professional life but also personally. They serve as constant reminders that the world is vast and full of opportunities to grow and learn. As the great Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami once said, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” That’s why I try to read widely and across genres, challenging myself with new ideas and perspectives.

For me, reading is not just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about transformation. Each book changes me in some small way, making me a little more empathetic, a little more curious, and a little more aware of the complexity of the world around me. It’s this transformation that drives me to continue reading, to continue learning.

In many ways, I see books as companions on the journey to becoming a "specialised generalist"—someone who knows their field deeply but can draw insights from a wide range of sources. Epstein’s concept of range has shown me that the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas is often the key to innovation and success. In reading, I find that power—the ability to synthesize, to see patterns, to create something new.

I’ve been encouraged by friends and colleagues to start sharing more of these insights, not just the titles of the books I read, but the ideas that stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page. So, this is my attempt to do just that—to offer a glimpse into the books that have shaped me and the lessons I’ve learned from them.

I hope you’ll find value in these reflections and that they inspire you to pick up a book, explore a new idea, or simply carve out time in your day to read.

This is just the beginning, and I look forward to sharing more of what has inspired me with all of you.