Find Yourself Between Faith and Nihilism? These 3 Books Will Show You the Way.

"It's not about avoiding hard things, but about choosing the hard things that matter to you." - Mark Manson

Keren,

We live in extraordinary times. The world is shifting beneath our feet, and it feels like we are collectively standing at the edge of a cliff. The question is: Do we leap into despair or rise with purpose?

Nietzsche, one of history’s most provocative thinkers, grappled with this very precipice. Writing at the cusp of monumental societal change himself (the Industrial Revolution), he teetered - as many of us are right now - on the edge of nihilism but concluded that the way forward lay in creating a personal moral code and embracing purposeful living. His work, as a result, has remained influential to this day - 120 years after his death, and I turn to it often in moments such as these for solace, clarity and understanding.

It is in this spirit that I offer this email, because as I said, we currently find ourselves at a similar crossroads. Humanity is entering a period of uncertainty and change, the world order that we all grew up with is itself in question. The turmoil is, for many of us, not necessarily societal, but personal. Perhaps you’re dealing with profound personal loss, addiction, failure, or pain. Or maybe you’re simply trying to make sense of this complex, rapidly changing world.

This emails central question is, therefore: In such moments, when despair feels tempting, how do we find the strength to choose appreciation, growth, and reverence for life?

For me, the answer often lies in the wisdom of great thinkers—those who challenge us to reclaim our perspective, our center, and our sense of possibility. If you find yourself in this space, these three books will serve as your guides. Each is erudite and intellectually profound, yet deeply soulful and even cheeky—a perfect combination to help you navigate the path from hopelessness to glory.

1. Everything is Fcked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson* - In this sequel to "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," Mark Manson offers a deeply intellectual, refreshingly candid exploration of our collective existential crisis. This book isn’t about false positivity—it’s about cultivating genuine hope in the face of life’s messiness. Through humor and insight, Manson unpacks the paradoxes of modern life and challenges us to redefine what truly matters.
2. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari - Though Harari has grown more skeptical in recent years (Nexus, dare I say, was a downright bummer), this book remains one of his most balanced and optimistic works. Tackling themes like technology, politics, and personal growth, Harari offers a hopeful roadmap for navigating the chaos of our times with clarity and resilience.
3. GILDED: Break Free From the Cage of Ambition, Perfectionism, and the Relentless Pursuit of More by Keren Eldad - Yes, I’m recommending my own book, and here’s why: GILDED is for anyone who feels trapped by the pressures of ambition, perfectionism, or societal expectations. It’s a call to let go of illusions and rediscover a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment—one that transcends success and embraces the beauty of the present.

Each of these books offers a profound reminder:

The difference between despair and reverence lies not in the circumstances but in your thoughts and actions. If you’re ready to reclaim your power, find your purpose, and embrace the fullness of life, I hope you’ll pick up one (or all!) of these books, and enjoy them through the holiday season.

And if you are ready to talk about going on the inner journey together, schedule your Clarity Call with me asap.

Here's to living with enthusiasm,

Keren