10 Books That Really Changed My Life

This is a list of the 10 most important books that I've ever read. Finding the best personal development and productivity books is great, but powerful stories and real-life experiences hit me just as hard. There's also an entry for my best dating book, favourite book on improving your sleep, plus a feature from Sam Harris. Enjoy x
#books #personaldevelopment #mindset
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00:00 Intro
00:12 Essentialism
01:17 The Forgotten Highlander
02:44 Lying
03:45 The Ape That Understood The Universe
04:52 The Precipice
06:30 Lost Connections
08:02 The War of Art
09:16 Endurance
10:22 Why We Sleep
11:27 Models
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Get in touch in the comments below or head to...
Instagram: / chriswillx
Twitter: / chriswillx
Email: chriswillx.com/contact/

[@ChrisWillx]

Get my full list of 100 books to read before you die for free - chriswillx.com/books/

[@BboyKeny]

The Big Book Industry in action: I started once with 1 book, which referenced and recommended 10 other books. After buying those 10 books, you have to buy 100 more! The list looks great! Adding a lot of them to my read list.

[@BboyKeny]

@@ronanmahony7048 I think you miss understood, the list is free. If you're lucky you can find some audiobooks on KZbin.

[@alelectric2767]

Do all these books available in audible?

[@BboyKeny]

@@alelectric2767 I skimmed through the list and many are on audible. Not sure if they are all on audible.

[@xoxoxoxo5224]

Really shitty that you censor your comment section - having read one of your books on the back of your suggestion, I commented how awful it was, you thus removed it accordingly. I have noticed you do this a lot. You don't honestly engage on here - I really think it's important for people to know how dishonest you really are. I also understand that you employ a company to get you subscribers from "fake" youtube accounts to encourage others to sub to you to through herd mentality - it's pretty disgustingly dishonest behaviour and it's been reported to youtube.

[@CCV334]

Mans Search for Meaning was a chilling tale of resilience giving insight in ones ability to control ones thoughts. Meditations was my introduction to stoicism.

[@DS-cf1zc]

I found meditations via the modern stoic legend that is Ryan Holiday.

[@Jamie.Richards]

Endurance is still the greatest book I've ever read and was the book that got me back into reading in my adulthood. It made me realise that waking up in a comfortable bed to go to a warm office when it's dark and raining outside just ain't that bad.

[@sirus312]

bruh, it changed my life. Made me realize is those guys can go through that.. I can go through anything. Pure hell..and they experienced it

[@shamz2]

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins is an amazing book. An easy read and also a reminder that life is not linear.

[@ChrisWillx]

Sick book. Even better on Audible

[@sonikgoat]

The audio version is excellent because we hear from Goggins himself after each chapter. Perfect listening for increasing running distance, at the very least!

[@GasDude1011]

@@ChrisWillx it’s been sitting in my audible library for too long. Time to start it

[@cookiecookie6721]

I don't like the book at all 🙈

[@runner1984]

Try...' The Last Lecture ' - Randy Pausch & ' What I talk about when I talk about running ' - Murakami

[@cornbreadisbetterthanpizza6866]

I love watching book recommendations videos. Just something about them is so fascinating.

[@brunotoledo9583]

Hi Chris, wonderful complement to the full book list. Thank you - gives people a place to start from. Well done with the short videos also. I think they enhance your podcast content massively.

[@JBurd3n]

Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Such a powerful story. I've not read The Forgotten Highlander but it sounds somewhat similar to Man's Search For Meaning

[@conorbobonner]

Absolutely everyone should read this book. With zero exceptions. So powerful

[@brendanthompson2082]

Dude! I came to the comments section just to mention Viktor Frankl. Definitely a life changer.

[@nelli.bonelli]

My favorite

[@carlosraymundomartinezesq3396]

Yes!

[@Kladdepus]

Great suggestions. My #1 favorite is "A Conflict of Visions" by Thomas Sowell. Permanently made me empathetic towards any ideological viewpoint

[@michaelfern4079]

Interesting. Not read that. Added to my list. Thanks 👍

[@mitchellseeman4783]

YES, my all time favorite book as well

[@EvansStyle]

I went through that book a few months ago and it's been a game changer in my conversations at college, so much so that even one of my more lefty professors ordered a copy.

[@Matt-hs5jm]

Great book, was my number 1 until I read The blank slate by Steven Pinker. I would recommend reading A conflict of visions first still. The blank slate actually makes heavy reference to A conflict of visions in one chapter. It is essentially a systematic deconstruction of many myths, misconceptions and anti-scientific beliefs about human nature, that plague our society, including the 'unconstrained vision' of human nature. Written by one of the most well regarded experimental psychologists (more scientist, less social scientist) in the world. Reading it will make you realise that science has already largely moved past so many things that we waste our time arguing about. The evidence is in, and for many people, it won't be what you expect.

[@np9111]

I am pleased to hear Alfred Lansing's book "Endurance" get a recommendation. As it was written mid last century the tale is told with restraint by Alfred Lansing and he actually sat down with the survivors to pen their incredible story. It is not just a survival tale, but a window into the understated heroism that was baked into men back then. Their endurance is admirable, but to do so while remaining gentleman is very moving to read about.

[@Becoming777]

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk. This book completely changed how I look at people. It made me more patient and empathetic with myself and others.

[@madhavan6975]

god hearing the soldiers trauma was brutal

[@spiderbite7849]

Book changed my life too. EMDR was especially helpful

[@NikiG5040]

The ones I haven't read, I downloaded, thank you. I watched you on Joe Rogan and I was astounded at how clear headed and acute in your conversation you are. You are also a complete expert in listening which I admire deeply. Much respect from Bulgaria.

[@tron_zone_guy]

So glad to see The War of Art in this list! It’s a mind changer for sure!

[@Sashas-mom]

Good to hear a different line up of the best. I’ve added 4 to my reading list so far, thank you. 😊

[@marcusparrado6600]

Just hearing your 10 sec blurb on lying reminded me why exactly I go about my life exactly the way I do and why I've dealt with certain things in my life exactly the way I did... I don't even need to read sam harris' book on lying. I already know, but a little reminder goes along way so, thanks.

[@Vanoual]

This video is sooooooo good! Also, thank you for you ebook with all the mindset and life changing tools that you give for free. A video about your routines would be awesome! Again, thank you, you are very inspiring

[@garyf.3328]

I’ve been waiting for this !!! Starting with book one today. Thanks Chris !

[@BadlyDubbed]

I’m back listening to essentialism for the 3rd time and just finished the Precipice this morning. Both super powerful. Thanks for sending these my way Chris.

[@dafneduong]

Love the way you express your thought. Very persuasive!

[@Zzzxxx1]

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving Book by Pete Walker. What a thought provoking and life changing book!

[@BellLawnServicesLLC]

Awesome video Chris, looking forward to checking some of these books out.

[@LiseBarrett]

Such a fabulous list! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm going to dive in! ❤🙏❤

[@noellem3417]

4:31 "We can't always transcend our nature, but being aware of it is an important first step." 100% this!

[@constantine2061]

Great list man, it’s always great to hear books you never heard of before

[@sourkiwi1016]

I just recently read Lying and loved the simplicity of it: short and sweet. Looking forward to reading some of these books. 12 Rules for LIfe and Atomic Habits were somewhat more recent reads that had an impact. Sounds funny, but Marie Kondo's The life-changing magic of tidying up changed the way I was able let go of material things that no longer served their purpose, which then helped me let go of relationships that were no longer beneficial. Plus my drawers actually stay neat now!

[@lukeseymour8538]

Jordan Peterson beyond order is great. And Maps of meaning although incredibly complex at times.

[@mattvarner5825]

Endurance is a phenomenal book. There are other retellings of this adventure with a lot of photos from the voyage that are worth looking into

[@jdothman8575]

Great list-I’d add, Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink & 12 rules for life by The one and only JBP

[@PerennialDew]

Two books that completely changed my life: 1. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma 2. In the realm of hungry ghosts: close encounters with addiction

[@ryanlazarus3381]

Gabor has a similar book to the Body Keeps Score, called “When the Body Says No”.

[@PerennialDew]

@@ryanlazarus3381 yes! I have read it! I think both are worth a read but they do highlight similar issues

[@alliemw]

Three of my favorite also👍

[@briccshitthouse]

I just wanna say I love and appreciate the type of content you put out

[@bertramvanhouten9916]

Wow what a phenomenal video! I loved how you where really able to articulate how much reading has done for you. Can relate so much with how reading can pull you out of depression and reconnect you with the crazy wild world. Book tip from a fellow book nerd: Healing the shame that binds us-John Bradshaw. It will be a life changer 100% if you had a difficult time while groing up. Cheers fellow readers.

[@nielsboth4032]

The gulag archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Not the easiest book, nor the thinnest, but it changed my perspective on a lot of things!

[@matthewtaal6349]

I’m only halfway through the Gulag Archipelago and my mind is blown! A very eye opening book!

[@threethrushes]

Kolyma Tales by Shalamov. Overshadowed by GA, but a memorable read about the GULag.

[@tinamenon1593]

Solzenitsyn absolutely. Crime and Punishment by Doestoevsky and Frank Kafka too. Classics but the nature of humanity doesn't change. Read the Evolutionary psychology books first then go back and read the classics which are examinations of this behaviour in contexts.

[@hermann5347]

For anyone struggling with the size and complexity of the gulag archipelago, I really recommend the shortened audible version. Including a Foreword by Jordan Peterson and an afterword with Solzhenitsyns son. It´s really a life-changing book and something everyone should read. And in this version it is really digestible for almost everybody, so no excuses. ;-)

[@namibianamibia1138]

Just bought it!

[@joycegifford8826]

Thanks for the reminder for Going Pro... Digging out the book now... Cheers

[@jedjedjedjedjedjed]

Love your content, Chris. I'm inspired.

[@bradtriesstuff]

Endurance is also an amazing read! Definitely a story that shows that some people are capable of a lot more than we seemingly give them credit for in current times. This particular kind of triumph over adversity is a thing we rarely see these days.

[@ChrisWillx]

I adore those sorts of stories. So hardcore

[@bradtriesstuff]

@@ChrisWillx If you haven't read 'ordinary men' by Christopher R. Browning, that one took me a long time to get through. Brutal read... But worthwhile!

[@expressionofwill5307]

One of the things everyone needs to know, especially since the Nuremberg trials and the resulting emphasis on personal responsibility, is what is human nature? And how susceptable are they to doing evil or at best doing nothing in the face of evil actions. To best illustrate the point, and understand why these traits aren't necessarily bad, the following books are the ones to read: 1. The Lucifer effect by Philip Zimbardo 2. The righteous mind by Jonathan Haidt 3. Tribe by Sebastian Junger And 4. The classic: The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

[@ukegirl13]

I loved "Endurance"!!! My son recommended it to me and I agree with you wholeheartedly!!

[@ligaskaba3910]

Man!!! Appreciated tremendously, God, thank you!!! I already feel it will be bloody good and bloody tough at the same time. Much, much needed ❣ (and someone special will love and hate me when I'll give him these books)

[@mattlukaszewski]

Bro, your channel is do dope! Love watching your videos. Very insightful and inspiring.

[@shkim9970]

Thanks for this! I was looking for a good solid list of books to read.

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

Good list & I agree with Essentialism. The rest I haven’t read I yet. Off the top, for me some books would be Richest Man in Babylon, Principals by Ray Dalio, Ready for Anything by David Allen of GTD fame, The Art of the Good Life by Rolf Dobelli

[@frandriedger8450]

Thank you Chris, I'm listening to Lying right now. And already bought The Precipice

[@ChrisWillx]

Both outstanding. Enjoy

[@splattilius329]

I'm currently sweating through some acute cannabis withdrawals cold turkey and I found this very calming. Looking forward to reading at least three of those with a clean mind

[@unoriginal_username1]

Good for you man. I hate people that say people don’t get hooked on cannabis. Stay strong man 👍🏻

[@ChrisWillx]

Bravo dude. This video may help too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnabnnaifsaSZqs

[@splattilius329]

@@unoriginal_username1 Thanks mate. Its not something I'd wish on my worst enemy! Having been hooked on the ol' spice before I know, first hand, the painful similarities.

[@splattilius329]

@@ChrisWillx 'eeey... now theres an idea... I seem to last 5 months ish before I find myself justifyin getting it back in me lungs... You might be onto something here, Chris. I'll let you know when I've done the 1000th day :)

[@unoriginal_username1]

@@splattilius329 keep at it man honestly I’ll be worth it in the end. 👍🏻

[@moatasim7]

Chris, it would be great to see you reading and discussing these books - As a Man Thinketh - The Laws of Human Nature - Plays Well with Others - Barking up the Wrong Tree Would love to see these books in your reading list :)

[@ARandomGuyyy]

Looking forward to reading The Ape that understood the universe now. Much appreciated!

[@ChrisWillx]

It'll take your head off. Report back with any favourite insights

[@diogojrs012]

I read 2 books of your list, Essentialism and Why We Sleep, both are great books, I agree with your ideas.

[@darrellcoupland8104]

To Have Or To Be by Erich Fromm. Also, The Art of Loving by Fromm. Brilliant books and have influenced me greatly over the years.

[@jacesnow2035]

Great list mate!

[@susanhamilton1822]

Endurance is one of my favorite books. I was going to suggest it if you didn't. Thanks Chris.

[@easttexassplendor9670]

Number one book for masculine men bettering themselves= Ghost Platoon by Campbell. It's not "Man Searches for Meaning," by Frankl but it is about overcoming and sharing. It's also a riveting action thriller. Not at all what you might expect by its cover. Thank you for all your hard work helping us find great reads.

[@bradtriesstuff]

Lost Connections is one of the best books I have ever read! So many great ideas and stories in that one!

[@ChrisWillx]

Johann is very legit. He came on the show actually - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ6loqxuma-iY7M

[@bradtriesstuff]

@@ChrisWillx I haven't seen this one yet! I will check this out. Thank you! I love your stuff, keep it up!

[@xeclipse9720]

Thank you Chris.

[@Danielseanryan]

Great picks. Love the practical lights in the bg. Mind sharing your camera(+lens) and lighting setup?

[@DarioGreco21]

Killing the content man. Appreciate this and the book list you recently dropped. I’m going to check out the precipice. Thank you !

[@ChrisWillx]

My pleasure. Enjoy 👊

[@hpganeshafestivaldance6497]

Wonderful Chris. Ordering few right away. First Highlander and 2nd Endurance 👍

[@ChrisWillx]

Both phenomenal.

[@x48sail07x]

Yes! I have been waiting for this coming in video!

[@ChrisWillx]

Yessirrrrrr. Any you're going to buy?

[@x48sail07x]

@@ChrisWillx already read a couple of these but going to get "Why We Sleep" very soon! Thanks Chris!

[@smokiman673]

Very happy to find this video. Book recommendations are awesome, and some in the comments just as good.

[@dauntless48]

The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life by Kevin Simler & Robin Hanson and Minds Make Societies: How Cognition Explains the World Humans Create by Pascal Boyer would be 2 great life changing books to add to that list.

[@ChrisWillx]

Hanson is a beast. I'm not familiar with Boyer's book. What did you take away from it?

[@dauntless48]

​ @Chris Williamson I read it right after Elephant in the Brain and just like Hanson it uses evolutionary psychology as a lens to answer different social questions but goes further using neuroscience, economics and anthropology to explain: "Why is there conflict between groups? Why do people believe low-value information such as rumors? Why are there religions? What is social justice? What explains morality?" It very clearly explored these questions in a way that put so much more into perspective and left me feeling like I could do pattern recognition on and understand board social topics that I never thought could have a coherent narrative.

[@Hello11235]

Both going on my list!! Thank you

[@marinalinden7184]

Thanks for sharing these invaluable books :)

[@IM-uh5tk]

Interesting suggestions. Thank you.

[@maryfranklin7034]

Best debut novel ever "Cutting With Stone". Obsessed with this story from page one. Family, history of Ethiopia, so much realistic drama.

[@tintinhickey5869]

The Scottish POW’s story was amazing and what kept him sane during his captivity was practising dance steps in his head since he was a keen dancer before the war and continued with it afterwards….

[@ForeZen3]

I'm missing Mindset by Carol Dweck but I'm sure it's on your extended list. Oh and all of Robert Greens books to be honest.

[@ImprovementContent]

Nice book recommendations. I read essentialism after this video and it really helped me to get things done.

[@danielsantiago8146]

Why We Sleep, is an amazing book. People have no idea what there missing out on! I'm glad it made your list.

[@dixienormus8231]

Completely changed my life

[@quidnick]

I have read 3 of these and ordering the rest right away!

[@jaysonbrady6831]

Love these sorts of videos

[@James-zy5lh]

I’ve had Endurance on my bookshelf for years that I’ve never read. I’ll put it next in the queue.

[@maxchronicler]

Excellent list

[@jasond626]

Cheers for the book reviews 👍👍

[@planetarygodzilla]

Actually a different list than the usual. Appreciate.

[@Bobbyeverything2000]

Great list!

[@usamamuhammad6795]

Great video as always

[@johang7498]

You could be a great salesman of books 😊. Just ordered "Essentialism", the way you describe it, it sounds like a book I could enjoy and learn from.

[@RR-yh6vr]

He just drummed all kinds of Audible sales. Lol. I went straight out to spend a credit on 'Precipice'

[@doablefilms9380]

I ordered it too and it is UTTER SHITE.

[@georgemadikas9203]

Have you read it? I read one half of it and for a book that its main theme is essentialism for sure has a lot of redudant stuff in it.

[@Edo3rgoSum]

I got tattoo with anchor and ribbon, that goes around anchor with Shackletons family motto; " Fortitudine Vincimus" - by endurance we conquer. It reminds me two things - to dream big as Shackleton did, because that was some achievement even to give a shot to go and explore the unknown, and to keep going, keep going...

[@tonycatman]

A few more books: Steven Pinker : The Blank Slate. Jonathan Haidt : The Righteous Mind. Thomas Sowell : A Conflict of Visions Rosling : Factfulness Durant : The Story of Civilization

[@nicomal]

I haven't read any of the books you mentioned, very different selection from many other lists on the topic, which is great, if all the list focus on the same books, we wouldn't find these jewels. In case someone hasn't read it, Victor Frankl's "Man's search for meaning" is a most (it's probation many other lists).

[@honestjohn6418]

Cheers for the shopping list Chris ครับผม 🙏🙏🙏

[@ChrisWillx]

Enjoy!

[@Steppenwolf.85]

That's a good list, " Endurance " & " The precipice " really got my attention, and I also agree that small books can have huge impacts. " The Four Agreements " by Don Miguel Ruiz is one that I keep coming back since I find it so important.

[@gitarmats]

The Can't Hurt Me Audiobook is amazing.

[@gitarmats]

I'll definitely check out some of these!

[@ohnoitisnt]

Essentialism sounds right up my alley - as a small business owner 'the vital few or trivial many' says a lot. And if i have to read that before anything else... Ive just hit the place order button on amazon

[@ChrisWillx]

Really REALLY good. Enjoy

[@ikaraca]

Very good book indeed

[@ering7664]

Hi Chris thanks for these 👌🏻 appreciated

[@ChrisWillx]

Enjoy!

[@ering7664]

I love books but really struggle with the actual reading of books - I read slow and find I have to go back over what I've read more than once and get tired way easier than most people when reading - bit frustrating as I prefer to read rather than listen on audible. If anyone has the same problem with books but has found solutions that work I'd love to know x

[@jesuslopezanson5329]

You are so worth it man!

[@ForeZen3]

Sweet haven't heard of any of them! Furiously takes notes.

[@thewrightfamily369]

Thank you my friend! Love your show and you're inspiring me to be better and control my life! Much Respect!

[@marcayres8635]

Great books, just bought The Ape That Understood the Universe and can;t wait to read it. I'd add Yuval Noah Harai's book 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. It's mind blowing. In fact so are his other two book, Sapiens and Homo Dues, they're astonishing. Audible does a great job.

[@jasonhutchins9239]

He was just in a podcast and inwas like yup ordering his books. Interesting thinker

[@exilio2690]

Thanks for tge helpful list, Chris. Just got the Kindle version of Why We Sleep...or don't in my case. ;-)

[@peterdeacon4628]

Must be very very careful, I have already bought five books in 10 minutes, and there seems many more I need to buy, thanks to Chris and great comments. Well done Chris I really enjoyed the video and the comments it created

[@steffighter144]

Nice idea. I will try to read some of them or listen to them.

[@YukalayleeGames]

Great great recommendations

[@waterbourne9282]

The Art of Deliberate Success- Transform Your Professional and Personal Life is a good one, the title sums it up. How to be a 3% Man is a goodie for understanding relationships as well.

[@mitch1179]

Thanks mate 👍

[@franciscojunior4247]

I like how you didn't reveal the side titles of the books in the thumbnail ,very smart!

[@hoyit]

“How to keep conversations with women engaging and interesting”’had me sold Immediately.

[@TheJDenz]

Endurance is one of the greatest story ever written! Definitely everyone should read it at the very least every man should read it.

[@plutonium120]

top content. youre a g chris. keep up the great work.

[@ImpossibleHQ]

Great books - 09:16 Endurance is a favorite. Great shirt too ;)

[@snarlbuckle]

The Way of Monkey. One hour long. The most clear and concise collection of psychology I've ever read.

[@privaatsak]

Thanks Chris. How many of the authors of these have you interviewed? Would be really great to have links to these in this videos description! 🙂

[@DS-cf1zc]

Wanting - by Luke Burgiss - the one book that changed the way I think about what I want - which in turn has helped me focus on the key elements that add value, and stop wanting things that have little to no means, or add no value.