These Books Could Change Your Life

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I'm often asked for book recommendations, and in particular recommendations for people who want to find life-changing books. It is a difficult request to fulfill. But today I've put together a list of books which I think could really change your life.
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→ Books
The World-Ending Fire: amzn.to/43o3rEw
Enchiridion of Epictetus: amzn.to/44MXty7
The Creative Act: amzn.to/3rpXWYy
The Psychology of Money: amzn.to/44mc1oo
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: amzn.to/44oHO8l
Shop Class as Soulcraft: amzn.to/46ZWxZ8
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[@_jared]

Get 25% off Blinkist Annual premium! Start your 7-day free trial by clicking here: www.blinkist.com/jaredhenderson

[@asdfg6h5g7h]

Ok…I’m gonna leave a very odd comment… hear me out… lately, I play your video in the background on my iPad , while shopping on Amazon… it’s a nice soothing voice to fill BG silence.. 😁😁

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

1. The World-Ending Fire, by Wendell Berry 2. The Enchiridion of Epictetus 3. The Creative Act, by Rick Rubin 4. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel 5. The Western Canon by Harold Bloom 6. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass 7. Shop Class as Soulcraft, by Matthew B. Crawford

[@lorenzomizushal3980]

saved me 17 minutes!

[@carlokashanre7392]

Interesting - all authors are men.

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

@@carlokashanre7392 of course, just think of all the great women playwrights, architects, engineers, physicists, astronauts, and err...oh, well...

[@Emeny]

@@carlokashanre7392 no one cares.

[@aclaylambisabirdman6324]

Just bought and or added to my wishlist, this whole list, thank you!

[@TheActiveMind1]

Really loving these recommendations! Only problem is my intellectual appetite is much larger than the time I have to read them. I guess that's the point right!

[@iamdunn1]

I just keeping adding to the list hoping one day I'll have the time to get through the list

[@ocin7917]

@@iamdunn1I read one and add 7 haha…. I’ll never get there!!

[@Anna-fv3lq]

thats why i listen to audio books while doing something i dont really have to focus on but still cant actively read (driving a car for example). it works way better than i thought. also i listen to them on 1.5x speed. when a book really speaks to me i buy the book and also work my way through it in a more detailed manner.

[@jozu1268]

I'll leave you with this quote, which I think could help you with that feeling of not having any time - stop waiting for the right time, time is not waiting for you -

[@HominidPetro]

You could read at literally any moment of downtime. Like waiting for pizza to bake for 12 min, read a couple pages. Find small moments each day and you will move through books consistently.

[@ryroyal.]

Read The Creative Act a month ago I would highly recommend it. It’s not only a book about creativity for me it reads like a book about spirituality. It provides a framework for finding inspiration in the real work.

[@rexhayabusa]

Couldn't agree more, it's applicable to every aspect of life. Not just creativity. Probably the best book I've ever read

[@JohnDoe-xc5kn]

I thought it was just a lot of self explanatory fluff

[@snehashishchatterjee2852]

Hi Jared! I've been an avid viewer of your videos, and I highly appreciate the work that you put out. I've seen you speak about a lot of writers and philosophers and as a reader it really helps me understand the points of view they bring in.

[@skykim_]

Your channel is a hidden gem and loved how you explained each book. I'm convinced to read them all. This video not has only been therapeutic but also very inspiring. Thank you again

[@timjong1097]

Hey Jared, please keep up the good work! I don't really comment that often, but recently discovered your channel and found your down-to-earth approach really relatable and refreshing. You've gotten me back into reading a bunch, which was hard before. Just wanted to show my appreciation.

[@nerd26373]

Thank you for your recommendations. We look forward to see more.

[@samwisegrangee]

These are the books that most changed my life. I’m sure there are more im forgetting but I couldn’t forget these: - The Timeless Way of Building: Christopher Alexander - Letters to a Young Poet: Rainer Maria Rilke - Antifragile: Nassim Taleb - Media, Extensions of Man: Marshall McLuhan - The Crisis of the Modern World: Réné Guénon - The Listening Book: W. A. Matthieu - The Artist’s Way: Julia Cameron - The War of Art: Steven Pressfield - The Ethics of Beauty: Tim Patitsas - On the Incarnation: Athanasius of Alexandria - Summa Theologica: Thomas Aquinas - Orthodoxy: GK Chesterton - Tao Te Ching: Lao Tzu - That All Shall Be Saved: David Bentley Hart - Insight: Bernard Lonergan - The Master and His Emissary: Iain McGilchrist - Philosophy of Economy: Sergei Bulgakov - Zorba the Greek: Nikos Kazantzakis - Collected Fiction: Jorge Louis Borges - Till We Have Faces: C.S. Lewis

[@ChancellorM1YT]

Letters to a Young Poet is underrated.

[@andyg7210]

Hello Jared, new subscriber here from the UK, as your book suggestions are inspiring. I would also suggest reading Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasaki. After losing the three most important people in my life to cancer, this book was life changing for me. It lends so much perspective on consumerism and the value in minimising your stuff to find your true self. Keep up the great work!

[@soenkevenjacob]

Thank you for the recommendations.

[@andressanascimento7364]

I knew your channel today and I loved it. I'm Brazilian and currently i've been lerned english and your videos have help me a lot. Congratulatios they are very good.

[@niceasta]

I was thinking on writing my own list of these kind of books, but more focused on building a strong personality. Thanks!

[@jimberridge295]

Fantastic video Jared, so helpful and great curated summary. Thanks for the inspiration, especially F Douglass and M Crawford!!

[@JonStallings]

Thank you Jason for all the great book suggestions. However, you are causing my to read list to grow a lot faster than I can keep up 😁

[@charliekowittmusic]

I recently went on a solo road trip across the southwest, and listened to 4 audiobooks. Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act” impacted me possibly more than any other book has. Rubin’s philosophy on life and art, and his practical advice for fostering ideas and creativity is so, so profound.

[@shubhranilnag5982]

A very good list, havent gotten down to read all of them yet, albeit you dont read these gems just once. And the quality of the videos keep impressing.

[@BornLoveandEnergy]

Always great! Amazing! ❤

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

I love The Creative Act. I read it at a time in my life when I was really struggling to produce anything. Now whenever I'm having a hard time getting started on a project, or finishing a project, I turn to one of the many pages I've tabbed for insight. I'm making my way through Epictetus. I'd love to read Frederick Douglass, and Wendell Berry. Great list.

[@JLchevz]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@eastbaygrease10]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@slick95112]

Hi Jared you are doing great work, and please keep it up.

[@JustKaiTheGuy]

Looking forward to these books! Great video and you found yourself a new subscriber 👍

[@wennesmota3860]

Love your channel. Full of great lessons. Congrats and thanks ! ❤️📚👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SofiaBaezzato]

Last year I've read Shop Class as soulcraft and I loved it. I definitely saw myself into Matthew's words. I've been a "spirited woman" my entire life and I didn't realize until I read this book. I really recommend it to every "builder-like" soul out there.

[@piperspurpose3005]

I read Shop Class many years ago when I was going through a career change and absolutely loved it. It definitely was a mindset-changing book.

[@aimhigh3701]

Dude that first book recommendation is potent! I can’t wait to get it. Thanks for bringing to my attention :)

[@robch4414]

Excellent list, thank you. My own profound influences have included USA by Jon Dos Passos, The Last Whole Earth Catalog, Enough by John Bogle, Behind Appearance by CH Waddington, A Passion For Excellence by Peters and Austin, and (weirdly) The Goal by Paul Goldratt.

[@healthyhabitmavericks]

Thanks a lot for sharing! One book that changed my life was getting things done by Daved Allen as it encouraged me to build my vision and that set a lot of things in motion. ❤

[@alexyonkman5452]

You single-handedly got me into reading philosophy, and for that, I'm forever in your debt.

[@le3sepolture]

Regarding the last book mentioned in the video, I suggest reading the book by Herbert Marcuse, Eros and Civilization: A Philosophical Inquiry into Freud

[@s.lmaaltajik7572]

I randomly saw a copy of Shop Class As Soulcraft in a bookstore yesterday, had to grab it.

[@Nighhhts]

I’ve been reading Psychology of Money recently. Took a break for reasons, but it’s an interesting and eye-opening book.

[@curtisgeist6122]

Just finished The Creative Act a few weeks ago and can heartily recommend it. Practical advice for creatives who are open to the more mystical side of being an artist

[@Ryuuuuuk]

I didn't read it, but there are people claiming it to be full of common sense, while others say their life was changed... maybe I'll give it a go

[@bryceallen]

I actually just picked up “The Creative Act” a few weeks ago. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read of it so far. Definitely would recommend it.

[@LiterateTexan]

Wendell Berry is so great. I'm glad to see any video recommending a book by him.

[@sonjoiboi]

The Creative Act is one of the indisputable must reads for anyone doing anything creative IMO. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is really good too but I like The Creative Act a bit better personally

[@apisDei]

The way your head moves and the way you blink when you stress a point reminds me of Bp Robert Barron

[@ShawnCopeland]

Hey Jared, it's been a long time since our undergraduate Philosophy Circle days. It's neat to see how we both ended up with similar views of Philosophy as a way of life and a focus on meta cognition. Love your content and what you're putting out into the universe. Also sorry for burning your arm that night at Jackie O's. I still feel bad about that :( -sc

[@_jared]

So good to hear from you, man. The scar has faded and now that’s just a good memory.

[@seycamanza2833]

My new self-control endeavor is to only buy one of Jared’s recommended books at a time and to finish one between purchases. I better get at it because I bought one of his suggested reads last week.

[@silentm999]

Wendell and I are from the same county. And that Rick Rubin book didnt connect with me because I was already years deep into a daily creative practice. However, there were still some useful tidbits.

[@perfectdarkmode]

Can you recommend any books on doing hard things? Or embracing suffering? Trying to get rid of some bad habits and I haven't been able to get myself to suffer though it enough to get to the other side.

[@timov13]

Hey Jared. You talked about a book in one of your videos but I can't find it anymore and I really want to know the title. It is a mid 19th century book, about how man will go out into the world wearing a mask, and then go home and take it off, to describe how we are very different people when we are alone. Thanks in advance!

[@overnightgrowth]

6:20 The Creative Act is cool but The Artist's Way does the same thing better I feel like.

[@Ither1]

I really enjoy your videos and your perspective. I first started watching your videos about keeping journals or lists, which I agree is super beneficial. However, I notice that you don’t mention many female intellectuals even though you certainly read many, I’m sure. Why do you think that is? Some that I think changed my outlook were Sylvia Plath and Emma Goldman, Angela davis, Jane Elliot and so on I’ve seen you mention some with differing views, but many seem to have similar backgrounds and perspectives in your lists. I also love Ursula k le guin, one of the authors you did mention before. Take care!

[@_jared]

It’s a good question. I don’t intend to exclude women, but you’re right that I don’t feature as many women in my videos. Currently I’m reading a book by a scholar of ancient philosophy, Julia Annas, and I should try to feature her alongside some other women in the future. Ursula K Le Guin is the woman I mention the most often, and she greatly influenced me (especially politically).

[@angelaschlaud4795]

I read Shopclass for Soulcraft years ago. I felt the same way about this book. Ive told so many people about it. This book has such a rare profound take on how one may be very intelligent and well educated and some prestigious jobs may Be drudgery and how what seems to be, a low status job may give you that intellectual & creative fulfillment.

[@ISRL380]

Louis L' amour - Education of a wandering man TOP BOOK

[@johngiles132]

Regarding Crawford's book, the human hand is one of the most important things that makes humans human. It's what allowed humankind to manipulate the objects in our environment -- sometimes for ill, but often for good -- like no other creature can. By the way, I've taken pride in making my own shelves in college and in my office. Hat off to you, Jared. Thanks for this interesting list.

[@ganchen6257]

Your first essay recommendation reminds me of “midsommar” the movie

[@yamaddie]

Jared is a Diamond in a sea of morally bankrupt lifestyle gurus that preys on young men's insecurities. whatever pill this is its one I'm willing to take. Great video as always

[@superswordman039]

We can call it the knowledge pill or intellectual pill \(°つ°)/

[@aclaylambisabirdman6324]

What kind compliment to give, will make time for this video.

[@JamesTudsbury]

6:20 - *Rubin

[@LeonieLawliet]

I just finished Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and I think it's criminal that it's not on your list.

[@Tihskal]

What did you feel when he and his friend were denied place on those last trucks?

[@LeonieLawliet]

@Tihskal Frustrated. I also had so many moments in my life when I was "left behind." Those situations were neither tragic like what he experienced nor did they turn out to be lucky. I was inconvenienced most of the time. So when I read that part, I immediately felt frustrated and inconvenienced. But when it turned out that he was spared from being killed, I had to stop myself for a moment because I couldn't really place any words for it. They lived every day, not knowing whether or not it would be their last, and Dr. Frankl had had moments when he was spared from death. I don't know if I would feel lucky or grateful if I were in that position. I'm not exactly religious either, so it's hard for me to consider such an event as coming from a divine hand. But you can't help but wonder, "Why me? Why spare me?" If the meaning of my life is something only I can make, what is it that's stopping the world from taking it away right now without my ever realizing its meaning? It's strange. I'm sorry, I'm not sure if I satisfied your question.

[@rochakanim8]

From the limited books I have read there was nothing as impactful as "Tusedays with Morrie". This book was both horrifying as it deals with death of the most loved man. It was hard to read but equally left me to think and learn a lot about life.

[@HoldenNY22]

I read it a few years ago. To be honest, I wasn't blown away by it. It was OK, at best, but that is just my opnion.

[@MaitrayaRai]

@@HoldenNY22 ohh that's totally fine 🙂🙂

[@pouetpouetdaddy5]

Manuel from epictetus is the book who change everything for me. I realize a lot of my mistakes, and above all, how the media machine feed us lie after lie...nope, emotion is not everything, reason is. And media doesn't want you to believe that. It pays too much well

[@dwylhq874]

06:41 factual inaccuracy regarding Rick Ruben’s musical skills. Ruben played guitar in a band called Hose and released a record before he discovered his production skills. He absolutely can play instruments and work any equipment. He plays down these skills in interviews because he doesn’t want to be the focus of attention and because he has hired engineers to work consoles/equipment for him. But the _reason_ he is such an awesome producer is clears his mind and *feels* the music. He knows what sound delights him and how to help the artists/musicians bring out their best work. He definitely knows how to play instruments, he just chooses to be the ears not the player.

[@dabriga7]

18:17 Reading is not just enough. take the action! Put your newfound knowledge to use. I read for a long time but action made my life change in no time (generally and mostly financially) That's my two cents on this

[@peteranderson5714]

I struggle to follow through, especially financially. I earn quite enough but hardly have a saving. Rent, bills, expenses take it all away, it almost feels that I leave paycheck to paycheck

[@thelastcube.]

i'll be honest i was unsure if this was a clickbaity video but it was a surprisingly diverse list, kudos

[@_jared]

Thank you!

[@davestagner]

Shop Class as Soulcraft originally appeared as an essay in The New Atlantis, and is still online in that form. Google it. The essay is a much shorter and easier read and gets the key points across, and from there you can decide whether to read the full book or not. (Personally, I love the full book, and have read it three times. It speaks deeply to me.)

[@PeterPan-td9qt]

Man , which pen is this ??

[@kabangukabangu2529]

"Those are my shelves. There are many shelves like them in the world, but those are mine"

[@ChristianEmilsson]

1. Animal Liberation - Peter Singer. Completly sanged my entire view of the word. Its probably the only one that completley changed my life.

[@sybo59]

Singer is vile.

[@learnnowspeaknow]

I would add Beyond Good and Evil, though I understand why Jared wouldn’t want to include Nietzsche. I would love to hear Jared’s take on him, however…

[@GaryMeacher]

Do you have a goodreads account? Would be nice to see your lists on there and engage with you at that level.

[@_jared]

I do not. I just write everything down in a notebook.

[@GaryMeacher]

@@_jared I respect the analog feel. Goodreads might be something to consider as another audience engagement op. Thanks for the book recommendations!

[@naldzon3692]

Can anyone recommend a book to read that would fit to me? I'm 23, and I'm the type of person that is hungry for success but a bit lazy, inconsistent, but motivated and inspired to improve myself, btw I haven't read any books, so it will be my very first book. Tyia

[@Philosophy.T]

48 laws of power, that will teach you about the evil side of the world. Mastery, that will teach you how to master the thing you want to achieve. For daily remembrance and meditation, Meditations read it every morning just 3-5 pages and meditate on them. So you sum them up, 1️⃣ The 48 Laws of Power 2️⃣ Mastery 3️⃣ Meditations. As I am 18 years old and started to read at 16, these books were such slaps on my face cos they are the nearest to reality. Btw don't mind about my age to give some recommendations.

[@kennykallday]

I got book of the new sun on your recommendation and boy is that a tough read

[@_jared]

It is tough, but it pays off. I hope you enjoy it.

[@user-lb6sg1un2d]

I have always wondered where did the idea of " The Spirited Man" come from...

[@Lizard1582]

the psych of money is the first and last finance book I picked up. Nice to have my decision vindicated. Definitely checking out the rick rubin book, thanks

[@buttercup3230]

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING?!

[@morgan.lockwood]

A Wizard of Earthsea and The Alchemist come to mind

[@LubaLuba1]

What about books that speak our lives by design?

[@thebrittannytaylor]

I highly recommend listening to the audiobook for The Creative Act. This was my review of it: This is like sitting with your favorite vagabond uncle who always has the best weed and finally showed up for a family holiday (It's Easter and we don't celebrate Easter, Uncle Rick, but I'm glad you're here. I'll call the cousins.). You sit in your dad's backyard with all your cousins listening to Uncle Rick expound on how to live a creative life. You already know most of this, but somehow it sounds better when he says it.

[@reesec4350]

god i love epictetus

[@msbudmsbud7593]

Timestamps please !!

[@candacetowner1542]

#1 Recommendation - Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker. Every human should read it.

[@thedogdaddychannel507]

Frederick Douglass any of his works are outstanding. I remember when I first discovered that he had been beaten because he learned to read. And he would hide it, he would trick the little white boys and a teaching him different letters and words but do it in such a way as to not get punished. He had great courage, in fact I used him as a role model during a very difficult time in my life. He definitely became a very integral part of my mental model.

[@bradleykurtz2605]

I cannot imagine an argument against the idea there are books we should be more familloar with than others ever being valid. There have been millions of books from every era, and most have crumbled to dust read not even a dozen times. Most books aren't good. But when a book is good, it effects lives in ways big or small.

[@user-uw7mh4pk1i]

lol, I have the same epictetus book

[@JE-ee7cd]

😊👍

[@dentReviews]

i am all about that bokeh. lol. but i would stop that baby down a bit. :)

[@strawdoll]

I'm so sorry I clicked the dislike button by accident!!! I clicked the like button instead, I hope it negates it!! I really enjoyed this video and hearing you talk about these books. The way you explain them makes me want to read them all!

[@ThurstonwafflesStan]

[@floatingturtle2512]

Any videos on non-western content?

[@_jared]

I have some plans for the future, but nothing is definitive yet.

[@psikeyhackr6914]

The Screwing of the Average Man by David Hapgood

[@natachagonzalez190]

rick ruben es una recopilación de todos los tópicos sobre creatividad habidos y por haber, un aburrimientoooooo been there done that

[@CinkSVideo]

As this is mostly geared toward men (not exclusively), I would suggest something on feminism. I’m not sure how much you have read on this topic, but feminism has been historically been billed as only for women, but it really is for everybody. Feminism in its ideals benefits everybody. Embracing feminism will make someone a better person. Something in this genre of sociopolitical thought can be life changing and would round out a very nice list you have generated here.

[@alfaalfa99]

Sadly, I love so much toilet paper and working sewage systems, so I guess I'll die with the world :v

[@Flupe121]

any book can change your life, just read what you want

[@deanodog3667]

James Allen- as a man thinketh

[@user-uw7mh4pk1i]

envy and greed will have gotcha y'all at some point in time or another. Zeno - Read some Zeno.

[@BlumChoi]

How about the uni b$&ber manifesto? 😂

[@TokyoXtreme]

What if we _didn’t_ worship the “wisdom” of gangsta rap and Hollywood tropes?

[@inspiringmorning587]

Any book can change your life if you pay attention to it …

[@devinfuller4045]

No offense - I love the channel and Rick is a genius - his book is a bunch of Gypsies, fairy tale, hog wash. I couldn’t finish it. He breeds and creates greatness but I found it rather strange how he tried to express what he does in writing.

[@alexforget]

The bible, if you have not read it, you are missing the fondation of our culture. It’s also a bit like the stoics but on steroid. Start with Peterson biblical lectures on KZbin, then some genesis, and then new testament and then go with your interests.

[@citizenstewart4720]

This was great to watch. I could have done without the cultural chauvinism of the Bloom book, but that is life in white America.

[@minamur]

a book won't change your life.

[@MaterialMike]

Lol this book is a joke,

[@toasterstrudils]

Read the Bible it WILL change everything

[@DarkRuins]

This title is too similar to your last video. Feels like repeated content. Just a suggestion, to make content more specific and not so vague.

[@Lizard1582]

eh, the differentiation is clear to me. His top 10 favorite is type of stuff you can read repeatedly and find great literature value in. This one has a lot of 1-time reads that are more about instruction. Being a fan, I had a good idea this would be the case from the title. Being vague to bait potential new viewers is fair game imo, I didnt join the internet yesterday.

[@DarkRuins]

@Lizard1582 yeah, I've been subscribed since he had around 50k. Another channel I watch started doing more clickbait titles once they hit 100k and alot of loyal subscribers were irked. Guess the money gets to their head and they can't stay humble. 🤷