Blas Moros is a former Division 1 tennis player at Notre Dame. Creator of 'The Rabbit Hole': featuring over 600 book summaries, recommendations, and many other educational materials.
The Four Agreements
Blas MorossourceThis is one of the most impactful books I’ve read. The power lies in its simplicity and his 4 agreements are universal and timeless messages I’ll keep coming back to
This book presents a powerful code of conduct derived from ancient Toltec wisdom. The book has a down-to-earth approach to personal freedom and advocates four essential agreements which a person has to make with himself: to be impeccable with the word, not to take anything personally, not to make any assumptions, and always to be the best. These are to be the principles that change lives by understanding, reduce conflicts, increase joy and love. This is the road map to breaking free from limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and cause needless suffering. Ideal for anyone seeking a life of greater fulfillment and happiness.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Blas MorossourceAs with all great books and deep wisdom, something new is uncovered every time you read it
In an inspiring guide to making a fortune, getting more from life, and achieving personal growth, happiness, and success, a Silicon Valley philosopher and entrepreneur has distilled his wisdom. It's a treasure trove of tweets, essays, and interviews—all bringing together reflections on making intelligent life choices, creating real wealth beyond financial statements, and finding peace within.
Influence
Blas MorossourcePoor Charlie’s Almanack and Influence by Cialdini. Autobiography of Charles Darwin and Dawkins’ Selfish Gene. Almost a cliche they’re so popular but there’s a reason.
In an utterly fascinating investigation, the author delves into the reasons why people say "yes" and how to apply these understandings in countless different situations. The six common principles of persuasion are the following: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity. The book gives practical insights and strategies of how one can be a skilled persuader, yet it does alert a reader to how such techniques may be used in a way against them. This indispensable guide amplifies personal influence, while providing tools for defending against manipulation in everyday life.
The Selfish Gene
The revolutionary concept first proposed in this book is that the major unit of natural selection is not the individual or the species, but the genes themselves. It explains how the genes are selfish and how they make the organisms behave in a way that will ensure that they survive. The book is written in an accessible and engaging language, where the 'selfish gene' theory is described in such a way that it gives the reader new insight about the evolution, cooperation, and complexity of life with striking examples. It challenges traditional views in that it strongly suggests that actions and the natural world are importantly shaped by our genetic make-up.
The Hidden Life of Trees
Blas MorossourceIt’s a fantastic book! Wohlleben has a series of books and my favorite is the hidden life of trees. It has so much rich content that is applicable to areas far beyond its given topic (as any good book does!)
It shows the complex social networks and communication means within a forest ecosystem. Wohlleben somehow allows trees to speak—retelling, life by life, their own story: how they depend on and support each other with neighboring trees, but also in ways that may come as a surprise.
The Lessons of History
The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant is an epitome of distilled history into most basic and enlightening points. This book shows patterns and consequences of human behavior over time in politics, war, the economy, and society. Having existed for so long a period of human life, the authors put forth themes that will recur and do have an impact on our present and future. Their in-depth analysis sheds light on today's guidance from those lessons of history. This is a gripping read for anyone interested in understanding the forces that have given shape to human development and conflict.
Sam Walton: Made in America
Blas MorossourceThese are the best of the best - the top 5% of what is now over 600 books read and summarized
The autobiography presents the story of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, on how he built from the ground up to what has grown to be one of the largest retail chain globally. The book is about his business philosophy and provides insight into what importance he placed upon customer service, frugality, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. He has shared lessons he learned from his successes and failures with his readers and through this process revolutionized retailing with his low prices/high volume ethos. His stories and reflections inspire entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to engage in business with a mindset to build it into a successful organization founded on core values and innovative strategies.
Antifragile
Blas MorossourceAn thoroughly thought-provoking book which makes you very aware how fragile many systems and institutions truly are. An absolute must read
The author talks about antifragility in this work. Antifragile is a property that involves systems gaining from disorder, stress, and uncertainty. Antifragile entities, in contrast to fragile entities that break under pressure, thrive and grow stronger when exposed to volatility. The book explains in a series of examples ranging from natural phenomena to the chaotic dynamics of economic systems how leaning on chaos will build resilience and inventiveness. It will change the reader's approach towards the concepts of risk and uncertainty and promote the attitude of being not only resilient towards the shocks but benefitting from them.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert Pirsig's book is a thought-projson provoking consideration of the fundamental questions of human life, lived against a dramatic cross-country motorcycle journey across America. Laid out into the narrative of a father-and-son road trip lies one of the most influential and best-selling books of this century. This book pushes the reader to introspect deeply on the values that guide our lives and the need to make a voyage to discover truths both personal and universal.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Blas MorossourceHas been 15 years since the last time I read this book and it hit me even more this time
His experience to learn flight went beyond just a quest; it transformed into an intense self-seeking journey and pursuit to excel. It is an experience that fans the embers of change from the very ordinary way of life into exploring passions and meaningfully contributing with the virtues of freedom and joy in continuous learning.
Awareness
Blas MorossourceA book worth reading and re-reading! The audible version in this case was amazing since it is de Mello himself speaking and you get such a sense for his joy and personality
This deep exploration of awareness unlocks the door to deeper knowing of the self and the world around us. It could serve as a source of guidance for the reader to go through a transformative journey towards self-realization—waking up from the autopilot of routine existence. Taking on the perceptions of society and questioning their own belief, the book enlightens how true happiness and freedom comes from within, not from outside conquests and acquisitions. A simple wisdom, insightful stories, and examples help clear illusions that subject a person to sufferings, in order to enable one to lead a life of clarity, peace, and fulfillment. It is an invitation to be alive; fully, joyfully, with no judgment at all.
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big
Blas MorossourceAn unexpectedly good book – Adams is honest, rational, witty and gives a lot of great advice from diet/exercise to affirmations to what it takes to be successful
In the book, the author shares his journey from several failures, which led to his eventual success. He emphasizes the power of personal energy, the necessity of failing forward, and also focuses on the importance of systems over goals. His experiences through which he illustrates success is never in a straight path, rather it's what can be defined from series of learning from failures. The book offers down-to-earth advice on how to adapt, keep going, and eventually triumph in life and work, urging readers to look at failures as stepping stones to greater achievements.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, a story of betrayal, adventure, and revenge; it is the story of Edmond Dantès, wrongly imprisoned in the Chateau d'If, who escapes to use hidden treasure for acts of revenge against those who have conspired to wrong him. The novel evokes, as a general theme, justice, power, and forgiveness.
Let My People Go Surfing
Blas MorossourceA really fun read on someone who never wanted to get into business but ended up founding a very successful and robust one
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard describes how he went from being a dirtbag climber to an outdoorsman who first marketed then advertised and ultimately built a company around environmental stewardship and ethical practices. Chouinard's own philosophy speaks to a business model that isn't based on the norm, more so around sustainability and responsibility.
Thinking in Systems
Blas MorosA primer on problem solving on scales from local to global, how systems exist and react in the real world while acknowledging that all models are false although they help us simplify and at times make better predictions
It gives an overview of the concept of systemic thinking, along with a framework to understand interconnectedness in complex systems, from natural ecosystems to human societies. It offers practical tools for diagnosing pathologies in those systems and the strategies for effective interventions. Perfect for those who want to work on social problems, improve the performance of their organizations, or simply increase their comprehensive understanding of systemic relations.
The Art of Learning
Josh Waitzkin is just really the epitome of an oddity with his passion for excellence, and this flows over to his strange strategies for learning. The latter includes embracing challenges and learning from failure, as if they were one's best friend, in order to master any skill.
Letters from a Stoic
Blas MorossourceIncredibly interesting book with many quotable lines and great axioms to live bye. There is too much gold to try to summarize. Do yourself a favor and just read it
This classic collection of letters from the great Stoic philosopher Seneca speaks to us with practical ideas for living a life of virtue, tranquility, and happiness. The wise Seneca, even centuries later, yet offers many insights into human nature and their orientation toward life.
It's Your Ship
Blas MorossourceOne of the best leadership books I’ve ever read. Excellent real life examples of how to implement simple yet hard leadership principles. Highly recommend reading
The innovative leadership style that he implemented in his command aboard USS Benfold enabled Captain D. Michael Abrashoff to challenge established naval norms in ways that had been considered implausible. Abrashoff's approach to empowering his crew and challenging centuries-old rules, enabled by his leadership lessons—lessons for life that apply well beyond the military.
Tao Te Ching
It laid down the foundational guideline leading to the practice of Taoism, offering insight into figures central to this philosophy. Part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series, it presents a series of very profound and great teachings in poetic form, centering on living simply, humbly, and mostly in sync with nature. Through its verses, readers are invited to meditate deeply upon questions about what the essence of existence is and what the virtues of leadership are.
Leading
Blas MorossourceLong term, sustained greatness one of the toughest things to accomplish and never by accident
He gives insights into principles of leadership by the legendary manager of Manchester United, Alex Ferguson. He went on to discuss the key principles that had led to his success: discipline, management, teamwork, and adapting to change—which he considers applicable to leaders in any field.
Siddhartha
The story is about Siddhartha, a young man who goes on a journey of self-realization and to reach spiritual enlightenment, learning to see the reality around him. Born into a rich family in the ancient region of India, during the course of his life, he gets fed up with the meaningless bustle of life. Searching for more, Siddhartha goes on an exploration of quite a number of spiritual and philosophical ways. He will go through love and loss and temptation along the way, only to later discover that it is inside where wisdom and peace really are. It was a deep exploration of human search for understanding and connections, showing how important personal experience and inner reflections are on the way to enlightenment.
On the Shortness of Life
Seneca reflects on the life of a human being and the value of time. His reflections are very deep, where he argues out that life is long enough in the case where wisdom is applied to live through it. Through essays and letters, he explains many things concerning folly and time wasting on other things which take away the full happiness and fulfillment that needs to be realized by an individual. Seneca offers timeless wisdom about how man can live meaningfully and arguing about the role of philosophy to bring personal peace.
Finite and Infinite Games
It looks to draw a philosophical application of these ideas into life, business, and play. Carse distinctly brings the differences between the two by proposing that finite games have known players and fixed rules ; the objective of infinite games is defined as "the players will not allow the game to come to an
My Life and Work
Blas MorossourceAn incredibly simple and clear analysis of the successful business practices that propelled Ford to the top of the competitive auto industry
In his autobiography, Ford describes a rags-to-riches story of how a farm boy rose to become an industrial magnate and an inventor of mass automobile manufacturing. My life and work provide firsthand glances at the rise of Ford Motor Company and Modern Industry.
The Circle of Fire
Shares the spiritual teaching of don Miguel Ruiz, about ways to experience personal freedom and peace if only man learns to break free of some of the most binding ideas from society. Using ancient Toltec wisdom, don Miguel Ruiz gently guides readers into a life of authenticity and fulfillment.
Effortless Mastery
Werner shares insights to help listeners get to the art of excellence by letting go of consciousness and control. The book is an attempt to overcome the mental barriers that artists have to cross and how to practice being in that free, unburdened state—how to enter a state of creative flow.
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
Challenging theory about the origination of consciousness was proposed by Julian Jaynes, according to which consciousness emerged through the breakdown of a "bicameral" mind. Jaynes explained that until almost yesterday, the human conscience used to work without being staffed by personal reflection but by hallucinatory voices of gods.
The Art of Doing Science and Engineering
Blas MorossourceThis is one of my favorite books of all time. Hamming is brilliant and should be far more widely known than he is
It is a reflection of the core of engineering and scientific inquiry spiced with personal insights and historical examples. Hamming calls upon all to be judicious in problem solving or innovating where technical expertise is blended judiciously with a philosophical depth.
Good Profit
Blas MorossourceCharles Koch describes his management philosophy, Market Based Management, how it has evolved over time, and how it has been put to use at Koch Industries
In Market-Based Management®, Koch articulates the essence of the company business philosophy. The book writes of principles that are focused on economic freedom and contribution to society as integral parts creating value and leading to an individual and organizational bounty.
Poor Charlie’s Almanack
Blas MorossourcePoor Charlie’s Almanack and Influence by Cialdini. Autobiography of Charles Darwin and Dawkins’ Selfish Gene. Almost a cliche they’re so popular but there’s a reason.
This book takes the wisdom of Charles T. Munger, long-time partner to Warren Buffett, and distills the principles of his investing strategy, along with business insights and personal success guidelines. Munger's description of the process of making good decisions, the importance of being a lifelong learner, and the value of simplicity in thinking were evident throughout his speeches and writings. This book is not just for business success; it is for a life lived meaningfully and ethically. It is a how-to book on thinking better, making smarter decisions, and finding meaningful success.
The Warrior Within
This work deals with the philosophy and discipline behind martial arts as one avenue of self-understanding. John Little reveals philosophical glimpses of what impelled the character of Bruce Lee to demonstrate how his principles can be utilized for personal development while tapping into our inner strength.
The Art Spirit
Blas MorossourceOne of the more beautiful books I’ve read in sometime. Art is the study of the relative of things, art is drawing what you see and not drawing things as they are, it’s about making things and not the study of it, don’t limit yourself to any one school, all education is self-education
This book is an insight into the philosophy and methods of painting and abounds in the revelations of a great artist – Robert Henri. It's a source of guidance and inspiration for artists, urging them on to find and give out the best of their own spirit. Henri insists that technical perfection is much less important than the expression in the work of art and advises artists to find and create their individual styles. These essays, letters, and notes offer the reader an insight into what art is, touch upon its deepest essence, and understand the impact it brings upon both the creator and the viewer. This is a work that will be truly timeless as a sourcebook for artists who wish to enkindle their own creative journeys.
Titan
"Titan" is the biography of one John D. Rockefeller, Sr., founder of Standard Oil Company, America's first billionaire and patriarch of a dynasty that remains one of the most powerful business institutions on earth. From his humble beginnings to building an oil empire that literally monopolized American industry, Rockefeller's life was one of relentless ambition, controversy, and philanthropy. Economically and socially associated with the legacy, clearly comes out through this story of wealth and power.
The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
Provides an overview of the life of the industrialist Andrew Carnegie, from his humble beginnings in Scotland to the establishment of what eventually became the greatest producer of steel in the United States. The documentary is expressive in viewing the philosophy of Andrew Carnegie about wealth as it connects with giving back.
Seeking Wisdom
Blas MorossourceThrough real life examples, many of them centered around Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, Peter Bevelin helps the reader learn how to think better, make fewer poor decisions understand ourselves and others better
What Bevelin accomplishes through an inquest of wisdom is the lens of decision-making that combines both psychology, philosophy, and economics. This book provides frameworks and models that illustrate the confluence of these fields in helping people make better decisions in their personal and professional lives.
The Path of Least Resistance
Fosters an understanding of the subject, how it may be pursued in personal and professional life, considerations associated with it, and ways to overcome these barriers while enabling creative energy to drive effective actualization of one's goals through understanding and alignment of self with natural forces.
Red and Me
Blas MorossourceIt’s a beautiful book about their relationship and worth reading
Personal stories from the greatest winners in sports history—one a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, Bill Russell, the other a living legend synonymous with Boston basketball, head coach Red Auerbach—tell the remarkable tale of their 40-year friendship and partnership.
Plain Talk
In this program, Nucor CEO Ken Iverson chronicles how a culture of empowerment and transparency can take a company to the top. Using his own words, he points out that it all comes down to trust and responsibility placed in the hands of workers on all rungs of the corporate ladder.
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned
Blas MorossourceThis book is about questioning the value of objectives, particularly when it dealing with something audacious and innovative
Stanley and Lehman hold firmly that the truly major findings and breakthrough innovations cannot be anticipated, let alone planned. Using historical evidence, they argue against various traditional approaches to creativity and problem-solving, putting exploration and ser criteria as the new model.
Deep Simplicity
A book that explores chaos theory and gets to the very heart of what makes up the complexity of our universe, this is a breathtaking look at how everything relates according to simple underlying laws, from weather patterns to human behavior. It brings the detailed into understanding and gives its readers just a little more level of understanding about the way things are conducted in this world. It could be nice to see for anyone interested in learning several things about the natural orders and the patterns which characterize our chaotic world; some of the pretty and predictable natural occurrences are displayed despite appearing to happen at random.
The Autobiography of Charles Darwin
This work provides insight not only into Darwin as a great scientist but also as a person through his life story written in his autobiography. It tells about the truths which Charles Darwin found, how he came up with the theory, and the meaning of these truths to the world and science.
The Carolina Way
The book was written by Smith with John Kilgo and Sally Jenkins, in which he offers lessons on leadership from his coaching career at the University of North Carolina basketball team. It includes chapters on teamwork, how one should approach success with excellence, and discipline.
Buffett & Munger
Blas MorossourceA very interesting dialogue between Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, the “librarian” and the “seeker” of knowledge
Peter Bevelin brilliantly explores the minds of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, two of history's most successful investors. From how they go about their investment strategies and decision-making processes to their philosophies about life, the book provides its readers with lessons not only in wisdom but also on how to become financially successful themselves. They are accompanied by a collection of quotes, anecdotes, and analysis that render them an approachable metaphor on how their approach to business and investing can be applied to personal growth and understanding the complexities of market.
Human Universals
He catalogs certain traits and behaviors across all human cultures that he feels point toward an underlying human nature. It tries to test this sociocultural relativist direction, yet by implication, it says there are common patterns of life common to humanity, which underlie human social life.
Apprentice to Genius
Blas MorossourceApprentice to Genius is one of the better books I’ve read in a while. It describes the beautiful alchemy that can occur when a master / apprentice relationship is formed
It tracks the lines of mentorship relations among some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century, reconstructed from the processes of apprenticeship, mentor-protégé strategies, and even high-level parody. Kanigel gives a keen sense of both human dimensions of scientific creativity.
A Treatise on Efficacy
Jullien discusses cross-cultural efficacy, which looks at differences between Western and Chinese intellectual thought. He reflects on how awareness of other ways that action, result, and effectiveness can be conceptualized could enhance problem-solving and strategy formation for managers.
Chase, Chance, and Creativity
Blas MorossourceYes, really enjoyed the book and some of the ways I’ve been able to more concretely think about serendipity. Well worth the read
Austin explores very profoundly from personal experience and scientific research just how creativity in science comes about. The book unravels how serendipity, chance, intuition come to play a fatal and vital role not only in scientific discoveries but in creative thinking.
The Life of Elbert H. Gary
Chronicles the life of Elbert H. Gary, a founding figure of Ujson Steel while offering insights into the challenges and achievements of the industrial age. Tarbell portrays Gary's contributions to the steel industry, to the regulatory system, and to corporate governance.
Birth of the Chaordic Age
Blas MorossourceIncredible human with lessons and ideas that should be far more widely known
It describes the founding and philosophy behind VISA and introduces the new concept of "chaordic" organizations. Hock's narrative combines personal journey with the revolutionary idea of blending chaos and order for organizational success.
It's About TIME!
Blas MorosIt’s taken a lot of trial and error to figure out when I should do what (morning for reading/writing, etc.) but I’ve found this book helpful
The authors of 'It's About TIME!' undertake an overall human struggle with perfectly applying their time not only in personal but also in professional life. They give a possibility to find how one should do things that are really important, how one should stop procrastinating and really do what is necessary. Guide is an innovative strategy for maximizing productivity and finding a gratifying balance between all the demands faced on a daily basis.