Professionalism: Library
- personal995
- Jun 14, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Index
Purpose
Professionalism: Library is a section of Professionalism.
This page and section exists to provide a curated reading list for learning more about your Professionalism.
“In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time—none. Zero."
Charlie Munger
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.
Up from Slavery
by Booker T. Washington
Overview: Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington is an autobiographical work that details Washington's journey from being born into slavery to becoming a leading African American intellectual, educator, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute.
Key points: Washington chronicles his early years in slavery, the challenges he faced in seeking education post-Emancipation, and his relentless pursuit of self-improvement. He emphasizes the importance of education, hard work, and economic self-reliance as means for African Americans to improve their status. The book also details his efforts to build the Tuskegee Institute into a renowned educational institution and his philosophy of vocational training for black Americans.
Interest: This book is significant for those interested in African American history, the post-Civil War era, and the evolution of civil rights in America. It provides valuable insights into Washington's perspectives on race relations, education, and leadership, making it essential reading for students, historians, and anyone interested in the history of social justice and education reform.
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.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
by Benjamin Franklin
Overview: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin is a classic work that provides insight into the life, thoughts, and achievements of one of America's Founding Fathers.
Key points: Franklin recounts his early life, his rise from modest beginnings to becoming a successful printer, inventor, and statesman. He shares his principles of self-improvement, including his famous thirteen virtues, and offers practical advice on frugality, hard work, and perseverance. Franklin's autobiography also highlights his contributions to the American Enlightenment, his involvement in the founding of the United States, and his diplomatic efforts in France during the American Revolution.
Interest: This book is valuable for history enthusiasts, students of American history, and anyone interested in the life and philosophy of Benjamin Franklin. It provides a firsthand account of 18th-century America and offers timeless wisdom on personal development and civic responsibility.
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.
Margin of Trust
by Lawrence A. Cunningham and Stephanie Cuba
Overview: Margin of Trust: The Berkshire Business Model by Lawrence A. Cunningham and Stephanie Cuba provides an in-depth analysis of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett's legendary conglomerate, and its unique approach to business.
Key points: The book explores the core principles that have guided Berkshire Hathaway's success over the years, focusing on its emphasis on trust, integrity, and long-term thinking. Cunningham and Cuba delve into Buffett's investment philosophy, his management style, and the company's decentralized structure. They also examine Berkshire's portfolio of businesses, its acquisitions, and its financial strategies, offering valuable insights into what sets the company apart from its peers.
Interest: "Margin of Trust" appeals to investors, business leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the principles behind Berkshire Hathaway's enduring success. Cunningham and Cuba provide a comprehensive overview of Buffett's business philosophy and the trust Buffett and in turn Berkshire have built.
Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest
By Peter Block
Overview: Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest" by Peter Block is a transformative book that explores the concept of stewardship as a leadership philosophy focused on serving others and prioritizing the common good over personal gain.
Key points: Block advocates for a shift from traditional hierarchical leadership to a stewardship model where leaders act as servants to their organizations and communities. He emphasizes the importance of empowerment, trust, and accountability in fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. The book outlines practical steps for implementing stewardship principles, such as redefining roles, decentralizing decision-making, and creating a sense of ownership among employees.
Interest: This book is ideal for leaders, managers, and anyone interested in organizational development and ethical leadership. It offers valuable insights for those seeking to create more inclusive, equitable, and effective workplaces by adopting a service-oriented approach. It's particularly useful for professionals in non-profit organizations, community leaders, and corporate executives aiming to drive meaningful change within their organizations.
Stewardship: Lessons Learned from the Lost Culture of Wall Street
by John G. Taft
Overview: Stewardship: Lessons Learned from the Lost Culture of Wall Street by John G. Taft examines the concept of stewardship in the context of finance and investment, advocating for a return to ethical principles and responsible practices on Wall Street. Taft reflects on his own experiences and challenges the prevailing culture of short-term gains, proposing a renewed focus on long-term sustainable growth and ethical stewardship.
Key points: Taft explores the historical and cultural factors that have shaped Wall Street's approach to finance, highlighting the shift from a stewardship mindset—where financial professionals acted as caretakers of client assets—to a focus on maximizing profits at any cost. He draws on examples from his career and industry anecdotes to illustrate the importance of integrity, transparency, and client-centered practices in restoring trust and credibility in financial markets.
Interest: This book is essential reading for financial professionals, investors, and anyone concerned with the ethical dimensions of finance. Taft's insights offer a critical examination of Wall Street's evolution and a compelling argument for embracing stewardship as a guiding principle. Whether you're interested in financial ethics, sustainable investing, or the future of the financial industry, "Stewardship" provides valuable perspectives and actionable lessons for navigating today's complex financial landscape with integrity and responsibility.
My Own Words
by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Overview: My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a collection of writings and speeches from the late Supreme Court Justice, providing insights into her thoughts on law, gender equality, and her remarkable career. The book offers a glimpse into Ginsburg's intellectual rigor, her passion for justice, and her unwavering commitment to civil rights.
Key points: The book includes Ginsburg's early writings on gender equality, her opinions and dissents from the Supreme Court, and speeches that reflect her views on the Constitution and the role of the judiciary. Ginsburg shares personal anecdotes and reflections on her life, from her childhood to her experiences as a pioneering woman in law. The collection highlights her advocacy for equal rights and her belief in the power of the law to effect positive social change.
Interest: This book is essential reading for those interested in law, gender equality, and the history of the Supreme Court. Legal professionals, students, and anyone inspired by Ginsburg's legacy will find her writings both informative and inspiring. "My Own Words" provides a profound look at the principles that guided one of America's most influential jurists and offers valuable lessons on justice, perseverance, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Interventions: A Life in War and Peace
By Kofi Annan
Overview: Interventions: A Life in War and Peace by Kofi Annan is an autobiographical account that delves into Annan's tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations, offering an insider's perspective on global conflicts and diplomatic efforts to foster peace. The book provides a detailed narrative of Annan's experiences and the challenges he faced in navigating international politics and humanitarian crises.
Key points: Annan discusses key interventions during his time at the UN, including his efforts in the Balkans, Rwanda, and the Middle East. He provides insights into the workings of the UN, the complexities of international diplomacy, and the ethical considerations involved in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. Annan also reflects on his personal philosophy and the principles that guided his leadership, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, human rights, and sustainable development.
Interest: This book is essential reading for those interested in international relations, peace studies, and the role of the United Nations in global governance. Diplomats, policymakers, students, and anyone keen on understanding the intricacies of global diplomacy will find Annan's firsthand accounts and reflections invaluable. "Interventions" offers a compelling look at the pursuit of peace in a complex world and the impact of effective leadership and ethical decision-making on international affairs.
Too Big to Fail
By Andrew Ross Sorkin
Overview: Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin offers a detailed, behind-the-scenes account of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the key players and events that led to the near-collapse of the global financial system. Sorkin, a financial journalist, provides an in-depth narrative that captures the urgency, drama, and complexity of the crisis.
Key points: Sorkin presents a comprehensive chronology of the events leading up to and during the financial meltdown, highlighting the actions and decisions of major figures such as Hank Paulson, Ben Bernanke, and Jamie Dimon. The book delves into the bailout negotiations, the fall of Lehman Brothers, and the broader implications for the financial industry and regulatory environment. Through interviews and meticulous research, Sorkin paints a vivid picture of the crisis and the efforts to stabilize the economy.
Interest: This book is essential reading for anyone interested in finance, economics, and modern history. Financial professionals, students of economics, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the 2008 financial crisis will find Sorkin's narrative both informative and gripping. "Too Big to Fail" provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of global finance and the critical importance of regulatory oversight and crisis management.
A Colossal Failure of Common Sense
By Lawrence G. McDonald
Overview: A Colossal Failure of Common Sense by Lawrence G. McDonald provides an insider’s account of the collapse of Lehman Brothers, one of the most significant events of the 2008 financial crisis. McDonald, a former vice president at Lehman Brothers, offers a detailed narrative of the firm's downfall, highlighting the internal missteps and broader economic factors that led to its failure.
Key points: McDonald chronicles the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers, focusing on the reckless decisions and lack of oversight that contributed to the firm’s demise. He details the culture within Lehman, the excessive risk-taking, and the warning signs that were ignored. The book also explores the broader financial landscape, including the housing bubble and the credit default swap market, providing context for Lehman's collapse.
Interest: This book is essential reading for those interested in finance, economics, and the intricacies of the 2008 financial crisis. Financial professionals, students, and anyone keen on understanding the internal dynamics of one of Wall Street’s biggest failures will find McDonald’s firsthand account enlightening. "A Colossal Failure of Common Sense" offers valuable lessons on risk management, corporate governance, and the importance of ethical leadership in the financial industry.
Spill
By Stan Jones
Overview: Spill: Personal Stories from the Exxon Valdez Disaster by Stan Jones offers a poignant collection of firsthand accounts from individuals affected by one of the most devastating environmental disasters in history. The book captures the human and ecological impact of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Key points: Jones compiles narratives from fishermen, residents, and cleanup workers, providing a diverse array of perspectives on the spill's immediate and long-term consequences. The book explores the emotional and economic toll on the local community, as well as the broader environmental devastation. Through these personal stories, readers gain a deeper understanding of the disaster's profound and lasting effects.
Interest: This book is essential reading for those interested in environmental issues, disaster response, and human resilience. Environmentalists, historians, and anyone looking to understand the human side of ecological disasters will find these firsthand accounts compelling and informative. "Spill" offers valuable insights into the challenges of recovery and the enduring impact of environmental negligence on communities and ecosystems.
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.
Output Checklist
Completed Strategic Review Worksheet from The Workbook for approaching any Professionalism related opportunities or challenges, guided by all key learnings from this section.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Professionalism: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
With your Professionalism pillar now better understood and with plans in place move on to Inspiration & Vision.
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