A Year of Learning: My Commitment to Read 12 Books in 2024

Why am I publishing this list of books to read in 2024? The answer is simple. In previous years, reading was an integral part of my routine, a source of continuous learning and growth. But last year, I noticed a shift. The number of books I read dwindled, and with it, I felt a part of my intellectual curiosity fade. To reignite this passion and publicly commit to my personal and professional development, I've decided to embark on a reading journey through 2024, armed with a list of 12 thought-provoking books.

The number 12 isn't arbitrary. It comes from my yearly subscription to Audible. Each book on this list has been carefully selected to challenge, inspire, and broaden my horizons. From exploring the intricacies of our world and the marvels of science to delving into the depths of human psychology and the secrets of successful living, these books promise a year of profound learning and insight. Stay tuned as I share my reflections and takeaways from each book.

1. Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson?

???Having been thoroughly impressed with Walter Isaacson's portrayal of Steve Jobs, I'm eager to delve into his exploration of Elon Musk, a figure whose deep passion and remarkable impact in technology and entrepreneurship captivate my interest.

2. How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil

???After seeing it frequently featured on Bill Gates' reading lists, intrigued by Gates' enthusiasm that parallels the anticipation for a new Star Wars movie, and eager to discover Smil's acclaimed insights.

3. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

???As a die-hard fan of 'Friends', having watched it over 40 times, I was deeply affected by the passing of Matthew Perry. This book is a personal quest to connect with his narrative and understand the story behind the actor I've admired for so long.

4. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

???My fascination with Jordan B. Peterson, primarily fueled by his appearances on podcasts like Lex Fridman and The Diary of a CEO, has led me to explore his written work, starting with '12 Rules for Life,' to delve deeper into his unique perspectives on life and psychology.

5. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

???With the rapid advancements towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), I'm drawn to Aldous Huxley's classic 'Brave New World' for its prescient exploration of a dystopian future, making it a highly relevant and thought-provoking read in today's tech-driven era.

6. Animal Farm by George Orwell

???Initially introduced to 'Animal Farm' in school, my renewed interest in revisiting this George Orwell classic has been sparked by Lex Fridman, inspiring me to explore its deeper themes with a fresh perspective and a more mature understanding.

7. The Algebra of Happiness: The Pursuit of Success, Love and What It All Means by Scott Galloway:

???My interest in Scott Galloway's 'The Algebra of Happiness' stemmed from his captivating lectures on future predictions. Having become a regular listener of his podcasts, I'm eager to delve into his book for a deeper understanding of his insights on success, love, and happiness.

8. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink:

???After learning about Daniel Pink from The Diary of a CEO podcast, my fascination with the subject of motivation led me to add 'Drive' to my list, eager to explore Pink's perspectives on what truly drives and inspires individuals, especially within the context of leadership and innovation.

9. Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi:

???Having already read 'Finding Flow' once this year, I'm eager to revisit Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's profound insights into achieving a state of 'flow'. The concept deeply resonated with me, and a second reading will help reinforce and apply these principles more effectively in both my personal and professional life.

10. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World - And Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, and Anna Rosling R?nnlund:

????Inspired by Hans Rosling's captivating TED Talk, "The Best Stats You've Ever Seen," 'Factfulness' has long been on my reading list. In 2024, I am committed to exploring its enlightening perspective on the world, expecting it to transform my understanding of global statistics and trends.

11. Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching by Adam Alter:

????Motivated by my personal experiences in overcoming addictions to vaping and TikTok in 2023, and the intriguing similarity in withdrawal symptoms, I was compelled to choose Adam Alter's 'Irresistible', a highly recommended read for its insightful exploration into the addictive nature of digital technologies and their impact on our behavior and well-being.

12. Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein:

????I'm intrigued by David Epstein's 'Range' for its counterintuitive perspective on the power of being a generalist in today's specialized world, particularly as it resonates with my experience in the diverse and evolving field of software engineering, where adaptability and broad knowledge can be key to success.

As I embark on this literary journey, I invite you to follow along and share your thoughts and reflections. Here's to a year filled with learning, growth, and the joy of reading!