The Courage to Be Disliked
Stop living for other people's approval. A philosophical dialogue introducing Alfred Adler's psychology.
Purpose and Meaning
What makes a life feel worthwhile? These books, from philosophy, psychology, spirituality and personal experience, explore meaning, values and direction.
Read them when you feel lost, when you're facing a big decision, or when success hasn't brought the satisfaction you expected.
- 53 books
- 8 authors
- 4 reading paths
The Creative Act
A legendary music producer's meditation on creativity as a way of being.
The Daily Stoic
One page of Stoic wisdom for every day of the year.
The Defining Decade
A clinical psychologist argues that your twenties are a crucial time for work, love and identity.
The Happiness Hypothesis
A social psychologist tests ten great ideas from ancient wisdom against modern science.
The Last Lecture
A dying professor's moving reflections on achieving childhood dreams and living well.
The Miracle of Mindfulness
A gentle classic on mindful living, from washing dishes to breathing, by the Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Obstacle Is the Way
What stands in your way can become the way forward. Stoicism applied to setbacks.
The Prophet
Poetic essays on love, marriage, children, work, joy, sorrow and death, spoken by a departing prophet.
The Road Less Traveled
Life is difficult, and accepting that is the start of growth. A classic on discipline, love and spiritual development.
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
A palliative care worker shares the most common regrets she heard from people at the end of life.
The Untethered Soul
You are the one who notices the voice in your head, not the voice itself.
Tuesdays with Morrie
A journalist's weekly visits with his dying former professor become lessons on love, work and what matters.
When Things Fall Apart
Buddhist wisdom for difficult times: lean into discomfort instead of running from it.
Your Money or Your Life
See money as your life energy, and you'll spend it very differently. A nine-step programme.
12 Rules for Life
A clinical psychologist offers twelve rules about responsibility, meaning and facing life's difficulties.
Braving the Wilderness
True belonging means being yourself, even when it means standing alone, while staying connected to others.
Company of One
Growth isn't always better. Build a business that's small, resilient and designed around the life you want.
Ikigai
Find your reason for getting up in the morning, with lessons from people in Okinawa.
Lost Connections
A journalist explores social causes of depression and anxiety, such as disconnection from people and meaning.
The Blue Zones
Lessons from regions where people commonly live long, healthy lives.
The Element
Finding the place where your natural talents meet your passion can transform your life.
The Infinite Game
Business isn't a game you win; it's one you keep playing. Lead with a long-term, infinite mindset.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
A burnt-out lawyer travels to the Himalayas and returns with lessons for a balanced, purposeful life.
Authors in purpose and meaning
Suggested reading paths
Build Unbreakable Discipline
Turn good intentions into dependable daily action, even on the days motivation disappears.
Develop Financial Intelligence
Build a healthy relationship with money, take control of spending and start investing sensibly.
Find Greater Purpose
Discover what gives your life meaning and start shaping your days around it.
Master Productivity
Focus on what matters, protect your attention and get meaningful work done without burning out.
Other categories
- Habits and Discipline 41
- Productivity and Focus 37
- Mindset and Psychology 54
- Confidence and Self-Esteem 26
- Leadership 52
- Entrepreneurship 31
- Money and Financial Literacy 29
- Relationships 35
- Communication 35
- Emotional Intelligence 46
- Motivation 34
- Personal Growth 77
- Creativity 25
- Decision-Making 39
- Health and Wellbeing 47