At 17, I cultivated a reading habit on the advice of a cherished mentor. Like many other Gen Zs, I grew up immersed in YouTube binges and movies. Embracing reading was one of the best decisions of my life, bringing me wisdom, clarity, and joy that many others overlook. I discovered a deep affinity for the intellectual world, gravitating toward books with original ideas that remain relevant for decades. Below are my top five books of all time, followed by my complete reading list.
My favourite books and why:
1. Impro by Keith Johnstone
Most people overthink decisions, paralysed by what’s “correct.” Keith Johnstone’s Impro says: stop thinking, start acting. Written in 1979, this book is engaging and timeless. The chapter on status was interesting. It breaks down behaviours mechanistically, and it's a great framework that everyone can learn from. I first discovered it after reading it here.
2. The Sovereign Individual
Originally published in 1997, there is a shocking number of predictions made by the author that became true 28 years later. Big ideas sound crazy until they’re obvious. This book challenges me to think harder about the future by understanding the past. It encourages strategic thinking by understanding megapolitics - large-scale forces shaping civilisations.
3. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Copying others gets you to “one”; building what doesn’t exist takes you from zero. An absolute timeless book that challenges you to be bold and follow your original ideas. The book resonates with J.C.R. Licklider’s 1960s vision of a world where computers eliminate geographical barriers to creativity and collaboration. Fast forward 50 years, and societal pressures for conformity still hinder the potential of the individual. This book inspires me to be authentic and question the status quo. There are no rules, only consequences.
4. The hard things about hard things by Ben Horowitz
Contrary to expectations, the most difficult things at work are not the tasks, but navigating human conflicts and the emotional toll that comes with a high-pressure environment. School doesn't teach you that, but this book will. Learn to separate what’s best for the mission from what feels good. Its raw honesty makes it valuable for leaders and entrepreneurs.
5. Principles by Ray Dalio
I stumbled into this book by pure chance. I was a kid from Indonesia, freshly arrived to Hong Kong, who knew nothing about the financial markets. This book inspired me to pursue financial markets, and reap the rewards of the intellectual thrill. It also piqued my interest in meditation, and my subsequent experience in Vipassana was one of my fondest memories. The book is a reminder to carve your own principles, follow one's integrity and learn from mistakes.