Mentors: Library
- personal995
- May 29, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2024
Index
Introduction
If we have referenced, or found a book, text or article to be foundational and useful, it will be listed throughout this section and also categorised for your reference below.
For your efficiency, the library provides a brief on why each book is included and why and for who it may prove to be of interest or useful.
The Essential Wooden
by John Wooden and Steve Jamison
Overview: The Essential Wooden: A Lifetime of Lessons on Leaders and Leadership by John Wooden and Steve Jamison distills the wisdom and principles of legendary basketball coach John Wooden into actionable lessons for leaders in any field.
Key points: Wooden shares insights from his coaching career, emphasizing the importance of character, integrity, and discipline in leadership. He outlines his Pyramid of Success, a framework for personal and professional achievement based on core values such as industriousness, enthusiasm, and self-control. Through anecdotes and examples, Wooden demonstrates how these principles can be applied to inspire and motivate individuals and teams to reach their full potential.
Interest: This book is essential for aspiring leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in personal development and leadership. Wooden's timeless lessons transcend the world of sports, offering valuable guidance on building successful teams, fostering excellence, and leading with integrity and purpose.
Trillion Dollar Coach
by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle
Overview: Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle is a revealing exploration of the leadership principles and legacy of Silicon Valley executive coach Bill Campbell.
Key points: Drawing on their experiences working with Campbell at companies like Google and Apple, the authors highlight Campbell's unconventional yet highly effective coaching methods. They outline his principles for building and leading successful teams, emphasizing the importance of trust, empathy, and accountability. Through anecdotes and interviews with industry leaders, they demonstrate how Campbell's guidance transformed organizations and shaped the careers of numerous tech luminaries.
Interest: This book is essential for leaders, executives, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking insights into effective leadership and organizational culture. Campbell's pragmatic approach and emphasis on people-centric leadership offer valuable lessons for fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in any industry.
Eleven Rings
by Phil Jackson
Overview: Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson provides a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and the pursuit of success through the lens of one of the greatest coaches in basketball history.
Key points: Jackson shares his experiences and insights from coaching some of the most iconic NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. He explores his holistic approach to coaching, which integrates Eastern philosophy, mindfulness, and psychology into the realm of sports. Jackson reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building championship-winning teams, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and collective consciousness.
Interest: This book is essential for sports enthusiasts, coaches, and leaders in any field looking to understand the dynamics of high-performance teams. Jackson's blend of basketball strategy and spiritual wisdom offers valuable lessons on fostering unity, resilience, and excellence, making "Eleven Rings" a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of sports and leadership.
Poor Richard’s Almanack
by Benjamin Franklin
Overview: Poor Richard’s Almanack by Benjamin Franklin is a timeless collection of aphorisms, proverbs, and practical advice, reflecting the wit, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit of one of America's founding fathers.
Key points: Franklin's almanac is filled with pithy sayings and maxims covering a wide range of topics, including business, morality, frugality, and self-improvement. Through clever anecdotes and humorous observations, Franklin imparts timeless lessons on thrift, industry, and civic duty. His aphorisms offer practical guidance for leading a virtuous and successful life, emphasizing the importance of hard work, honesty, and self-reliance.
Interest: This book is essential for readers interested in American history, philosophy, and self-help literature. Franklin's witty and pragmatic advice continues to resonate with readers today, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for personal and professional development. "Poor Richard’s Almanack" remains a classic work that offers timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges and pursuing happiness and success.
Poor Charlie's Almanack
by Charles T. Munger
Overview: Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger is a comprehensive collection of speeches, lectures, and essays by Charles T. Munger, providing insights into his investment philosophy and life principles.
Key points: Munger emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking, mental models, and rigorous analysis in making sound investment decisions. He advocates for rationality, patience, and continuous learning, sharing his unique perspective on business, economics, and life.
Interest: This book is essential for investors, business professionals, and anyone seeking wisdom from one of the most respected thinkers in finance. Munger's practical advice, intellectual rigor, and humorous anecdotes offer valuable lessons on achieving success and leading a thoughtful, informed life.
Conversations of Socrates
by Xenophon
Overview: Conversations of Socrates by Xenophon is a series of dialogues that offer a portrayal of Socrates' teachings and philosophy, covering topics such as virtue, piety, and the art of living.
Key points: Xenophon presents Socrates as a practical philosopher who emphasizes the importance of virtue in everyday life and the pursuit of knowledge through questioning.
Interest: This book may appeal to those seeking a more accessible introduction to Socratic philosophy or interested in exploring the ethical and moral principles advocated by Socrates beyond Plato's dialogues.
The Analects
by Confucius
Overview: The Analects by Confucius is a foundational text in Chinese philosophy, compiling the teachings and sayings of Confucius and his disciples, covering topics such as ethics, morality, and governance.
Key points: Confucius emphasizes the importance of filial piety, social harmony, and the cultivation of moral character through self-cultivation and virtuous conduct.
Interest: This book is essential for those interested in Confucianism, East Asian culture, and ethical philosophy, offering valuable insights into the principles of ethical living and social order that continue to influence societies across the world.
Mastery
by Robert Greene
Overview: Mastery by Robert Greene is a profound exploration of the path to mastery in any field, drawing on the lives of historical figures and modern masters to distill timeless principles of achievement.
Key points: Greene examines the journey of mastery through the stories of historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as contemporary masters like Paul Graham and Temple Grandin. He identifies key strategies and attitudes that characterize the path to mastery, including relentless practice, deep focus, and a willingness to embrace failure. Greene also explores the importance of mentors, apprenticeship, and the cultivation of creative intuition in the pursuit of excellence.
Interest: This book is essential for anyone striving to achieve greatness in their chosen field, whether it be art, science, business, or athletics. Greene's insights into the psychology and strategies of mastery offer practical guidance for overcoming obstacles, honing skills, and unleashing one's full potential. "Mastery" is a roadmap for those seeking to attain the highest levels of skill and accomplishment, making it a must-read for aspiring masters in any domain.
The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander
edited by James Romm
Overview: The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander edited by James Romm offers a comprehensive and accessible account of Alexander the Great's conquests, as chronicled by the ancient Greek historian Arrian.
Key points: Romm's edition presents Arrian's vivid and detailed narrative of Alexander's military campaigns, providing readers with a firsthand look at one of history's most legendary figures. Arrian's work offers valuable insights into Alexander's strategic brilliance, leadership style, and the impact of his conquests on the ancient world. The Landmark edition includes maps, illustrations, and annotations that enhance understanding and contextualize Arrian's account within the broader history of the period.
Interest: This book is essential for history enthusiasts, military strategists, and anyone interested in the life and legacy of Alexander the Great. Arrian's narrative, presented in a clear and engaging manner by Romm, immerses readers in the epic sweep of Alexander's conquests, offering a deeper appreciation for his achievements and their enduring significance. "The Landmark Arrian" is an indispensable resource for understanding one of history's most extraordinary leaders and the world he helped shape.
Michelangelo And The Pope's Ceiling
by Ross King
Overview: Michelangelo And The Pope's Ceiling by Ross King is a captivating narrative that explores the creation of one of the most iconic masterpieces in art history: Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Key points: King provides a detailed account of Michelangelo's monumental task of painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, commissioned by Pope Julius II. He delves into the artistic challenges, personal struggles, and political intrigues that Michelangelo faced during the four-year endeavor. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, King brings to life the Renaissance genius of Michelangelo and the cultural and religious context of his time.
Interest: This book is essential for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the creative process behind one of the world's greatest artistic achievements. King's narrative offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Michelangelo, illuminating the genius and passion that fueled his artistic vision. "Michelangelo And The Pope's Ceiling" is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and elevate the human spirit.
Steve Jobs
by Walter Isaacson
Overview: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is an in-depth biography of the co-founder of Apple Inc., providing a detailed look at the life and career of one of the most influential figures in technology.
Key points: Isaacson covers Jobs' early life, the founding of Apple, his role in the development of revolutionary products like the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, as well as his departure and return to Apple. The biography also explores Jobs' complex personality, his management style, and his vision for the future of technology.
Interest: This book is essential for tech enthusiasts, business leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship. Isaacson's comprehensive research and engaging writing offer valuable insights into Jobs' creative genius and the transformative impact he had on the tech industry.
By reading the texts above you absorb over time the many wise, experienced and learned humans have come before us. There is no need to re live all their lessons ourselves. Take what they have learnt, their accumulated years of wisdom and efficiently use it to leverage the quality of your life and work.
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