20 Best Books About Life (2023 Update)

#1 national bestseller #1 international bestsellerwhat does everyone in the modern world need to know? renowned psychologist jordan b. peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.humorous, surprising and informative, dr. peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.what does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? why did ancient egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? what dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant and vengeful? peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 rules for life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith and human nature, while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its readers.

Official u.s. edition with full color illustrations throughout.new york times bestsellera summer reading pick for president barack obama, bill gates, and mark zuckerberg from a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” one hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited earth. yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. what happened to the others? and what may happen to us? most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but dr. yuval noah harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. from examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.dr. harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. featuring 27 photographs, 6 maps, and 25 illustrations/diagrams, this provocative and insightful work is sure to spark debate and is essential reading for aficionados of jared diamond, james gleick, matt ridley, robert wright, and sharon moalem.

Named one of the best books of the year bythe wall street journal – financial timesnew york times bestsellera young woman walks into a laboratory. over the past two years, she has transformed almost every aspect of her life. she has quit smoking, run a marathon, and been promoted at work. the patterns inside her brain, neurologists discover, have fundamentally changed. marketers at procter & gamble study videos of people making their beds. they are desperately trying to figure out how to sell a new product called febreze, on track to be one of the biggest flops in company history. suddenly, one of them detects a nearly imperceptible pattern—and with a slight shift in advertising, febreze goes on to earn a billion dollars a year. an untested ceo takes over one of the largest companies in america. his first order of business is attacking a single pattern among his employees—how they approach worker safety—and soon the firm, alcoa, becomes the top performer in the dow jones. what do all these people have in common? they achieved success by focusing on the patterns that shape every aspect of our lives. they succeeded by transforming habits. in the power of habit, award-winning new york times business reporter charles duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. with penetrating intelligence and an ability to distill vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, duhigg brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation. at its core, the power of habit contains an exhilarating argument: the key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. habits aren't destiny. the power of habit is an exception. charles duhigg not only explains how habits are formed but how to kick bad ones and hang on to the good.”—financial times “a flat-out great read.”—david allen, bestselling author of getting things done: the art of stress-free productivity “you'll never look at yourself, your organization, or your world quite the same way.”—daniel h. pink, bestselling author of drive and a whole new mind “entertaining . . . enjoyable . . . fascinating . . . a serious look at the science of habit formation and change.”—the new york times book review

Life is long if you know how to use it."" but life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future."" often a very old man has no other proof of his long life than his age." on the shortness of life is seneca's best-known work. it offers piercing and profound insights into human nature, and a vision of the good life, summarised in his aphorism, "life is long, if you know how to use it." at times it will acquire fresh energy from a journey by carriage and a change of scene, or from socializing and drinking freely." lucius annaeus seneca (4 bc – ad 65), also known as seneca the younger, was a roman philosopher, statesman and dramatist. he was the leading intellectual in the mid-first century and was a trusted advisor to the emperor nero. seneca's books are among the most important primary texts of stoic philosophy. his literary style and ideas were renowned and influential in his time, and ever since. the reformer calvin published a commentary on one of seneca's works, while the catholic philosopher, erasmus, edited a volume of seneca. in today's uncertain world, there is a resurgence of interest in stoic philosophy and seneca's body of work.the shortness of life, a brief, accessible and carefully argued guide to a wise and full life is an essential classic.stoic philosophy is, above all, practical. it uses reason and the careful observation of human life to address the problems of daily life. it is also universal-the emperor marcus aurelius and the freed slave epictetus were both prominent stoic philosophers. in recent years, stoic philosophy has provided invaluable life lessons to people in all spheres of life including prisoners of war and holocaust survivors, psychiatrists, and those in the business world. indeed, modern stoic thought "hold[s] fascinating promise for business and government leaders tackling global problems in a turbulent, post-recession slump," (forbes).

Researcher, thought leader, and new york times bestselling author brené brown offers a liberating study on the importance of our imperfections—both to our relationships and to our own sense of selfthe quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. there is a constant barrage of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. brené brown, phd, lmsw, is the leading authority on the power of vulnerability, and has inspired thousands through her top-selling books daring greatly, rising strong, and the gifts of imperfection, her wildly popular tedx talks, and a pbs special. based on seven years of her ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, i thought it was just me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. these are the gifts that bring love, laughter, gratitude, empathy and joy into our lives.”

Hardcover: 272 pages publisher: knopf language: english at last, a book that shows you how to build–design–a life you can thrive in, at any age or stage designers create worlds and solve problems using design thinking. look around your office or home–at the tablet or smartphone you may be holding or the chair you are sitting in. everything in our lives was designed by someone. and every design starts with a problem that a designer or team of designers seeks to solve.in this book, bill burnett and dave evans show us how design thinking can help us create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling, regardless of who or where we are, what we do or have done for a living, or how young or old we are. the same design thinking responsible for amazing technology, products, and spaces can be used to design and build your career and your life, a life of fulfillment and joy, constantly creative and productive, one that always holds the possibility of surprise.

This is the framework for meaningful connection.” don’t miss the five-part hbo max docuseries brené brown: atlas of the heart! in atlas of the heart, brown takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. atlas of the heart draws on this research, as well as on brown’s singular skills as a storyteller, to show us how accurately naming an experience doesn’t give the experience more power—it gives us the power of understanding, meaning, and choice.

'simply wonderful.' – ben fogle 'kate's book has the warmth and calming effect of a log fire and a glass of wine. unknit your brow and let go. it's a treat.' – gareth malone 'kate humble pours her enviable knowledge into attainable goals. it's a winning combination and the prize – a life in balance with nature – is definitely worth claiming.' – lucy siegle 'as ever, where kate leads, i follow. kate wrote it before any of us were aware of the upcoming crisis, but it captures the current moment perfectly… it's not necessarily a "how to" book, more of a "why not try?" approach.' – francesca babb, mail on sunday you 'what i particularly love is her philosophy for happiness, which is the subject of her new book, a year of living simply. the clue is in the title. remember the basics. instead of barging through the day on autopilot, really stop to think about the tiniest little things that added a moment of joy. no, of course stopping and smelling the flowers won't cure all our ills and woes. but taking the time to savour the things that bring pleasure, really being in that moment and appreciating it, can remind you that most days have moments that buoy your mood.' – jo elvin, mail on sunday you if there is one thing that most of us aspire to, it is, simply, to be happy. and yet attaining happiness has become, it appears, anything but simple. having stuff – the latest, the newest, the best yet – is all too often peddled as the sure fire route to happiness. so why then, in our consumer-driven society, is depression, stress and anxiety ever more common, affecting every strata of society and every age, even, worryingly, the very young? so what is the route to real, deep, long lasting happiness?

The most inspiring of welcome books' little big book series, the little big book of life is bursting with wisdom, humor, advice, poetry, fictional excerpts, songs, essays, commencement speeches, letters, and thoughts on how to value yourself and the things that matter to you most. included in this uplifting anthology are: – 16 short stories and fictional excerpts from authors including j.m. barrie, ernest hemingway, kurt vonnegut, joseph heller, and william shakespeare. – 30 poems from such poets as william blake, rudyard kipling, robert frost, langston hughes, and e.e. cummings. – 20 essays and graduation speeches, including everyone from toni morrison and ken burns to jodie foster and russell baker. – 15 letters full of wisdom and advice, including those from anne frank, john steinbeck, anne morrow lindbergh, and f. scott fitzgerald. 12 songs, including james taylor's "the secret of life," and louis armstrong's "what a wonderful world." – 10 comedy excerpts from such comedians as woddy allen, george carlin, bill cosby, whoopi goldberg, and jerry seinfeld. – over 30 quotes & platitudes offering insight and advice on how to live your life. the perfect gift for graduations, birthdays, or any life-changing event, life will provide inspiration and guidance to anyone pondering their present or future.

What if you could see around the corners of your life? wouldn't it help to know what the most challenging days of your life would be like before they hit? there are certain days in life that stand out because they are among the toughest that you or someone you love will experience. your quality of life and your experience on the journey through this world are a function of how you handle these days when they arrive. will you be ready? will you be strong? will you survive and be better for it, or will you cave? phil mcgraw is here to help you prepare to confront what he believes are the seven most common critical days that you or a loved one are likely to face. this book helps make it possible for you to be there for yourself or to be the calm in the middle of the storm for someone you love when any of these difficult days arrive. loss — the day that you or someone you love has their heart shattered by death, divorce, or losing something of great value. fear — the day that you realize you have lived your life as a sellout and that every choice you have made up until this point was dictated by other people's expectations, not based on your own goals and desires. adaptability breakdown — the day that the pressures of balancing your responsibilities and needs, along with life's demands, have become way too overwhelming, and you realize that you are in way over your head. physical health — the day that your body or that of someone you love breaks down because of illness, trauma, or disease. mental health — the day that the mind breaks down and betrays you or someone you love. addiction — the day that addiction takes over, and you or your loved one look a powerful destroyer in the face and realize that you are not in control. existential crisis — the day that you or someone you love lose the purpose, compass, and connection to meaning in life and have no answer to the question "why?" encountering these days can feel like hitting a brick wall. but while they will change your life, they do not have to ruin it. phil's step-by-step plan for getting through the worst days is designed to help you feel prepared when it really matters — in the midst of a crisis. phil provides wisdom and resources that will guide you toward a solution that is right for you, showing you how to minimize disruption and maximize the recovery. this book is not just about giving you a crisis-mode plan. it will also show you how to change your life now, before you get into a crisis, so that you are not behind the power curve when any of the seven days hit. you will be able to be a leader to someone you love during their crisis because you will know what to do. phil says there are no exceptions: with the right attitude and the right information, every challenging day can be turned into a valuable life experience.

Based on a navy seal's inspiring graduation speech, this #1 new york times bestseller of powerful life lessons "should be read by every leader in america" (wall street journal). if you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.on may 17, 2014, admiral william h. mcraven addressed the graduating class of the university of texas at austin on their commencement day. taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "what starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during navy seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.admiral mcraven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, mcraven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments. "powerful." –usa today"full of captivating personal anecdotes from inside the national security vault." –washington post"superb, smart, and succinct." –forbes

In 2006, stefan sagmeister published things i have learned in my life so far, a book born from a running list he keeps in his diary. with the support of his clients, sagmeister began transforming these personal maxims into typographic artworks, which appeared on billboards, in magazines, and in public spaces all over the world. the result is an intriguing blend of personal revelation, visual audacity, and examination of the pursuit of happiness.this revised and updated edition includes all of the aphorisms from the first book along with an additional 48 pages of new ones, and incorporates recent material from sagmeister's exhibitions at the deitch projects gallery in soho and the institute of contemporary art in philadelphia, as well as his current project, the happy film. the book retains its unique packaging, now with 18 unbound signatures gathered into a laser-cut slipcase.

Set yourself up for life as early as possible, and enjoy life on your terms by layering philosophy with practical knowledge, set for life gives young professionals the fiscal confidence they need to conquer financial goals early in life. are you tied to a nine-to-five workweek? would you like to "retire" from wage-paying work within ten years? are you in your 20s or 30s and would like to be financially free―the sort of free that ensures you spend the best part of your day and week, and the best years of your life, doing what you want? building wealth is always possible, even while working full-time, earning a median income, and making up for a negative net worth. even starting with zero savings, he demonstrates how to work your way to five figures, then to six figures, and finally to the ultimate goal of financial freedom. wealth isn't just about a nest egg, setting aside money for a "rainy day" or accumulating an emergency fund. true wealth is about building out a financial runway―creating enough readily accessible wealth that you can survive without work for a year. then five years. readers will learn how to: save more income–50+ percent of it, while still having fun double or triple your income in three to five years track your financial progress in order to achieve the greatest results build frugal and efficient habits to make the most of your lifestyle secure "real" assets and avoid "false" ones that destroy wealth

From the author of a little hope—a read with jenna bonus pick—comes an enormously powerful and life-affirming novel about three individuals whose lives intersect in unforeseen ways. set in a close-knit pennsylvania suburb in the grip of winter, a quiet life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief. chuck ayers used to look forward to nothing so much as his annual trip to hilton head with his wife, cat—that yearly taste of relaxation they’d become accustomed to in retirement, after a lifetime of working and raising two children. now, just months after cat’s death, chuck finds that he can’t let go of her things—her favorite towel, the sketchbooks in her desk drawer—as he struggles to pack for a trip he can’t imagine taking without her. after the sudden death of her father, kirsten bonato set aside her veterinary school aspirations, finding comfort in the steady routine of working at an animal shelter. but as time passes, old dreams and new romantic interests begin to surface—and kirsten finds herself at another crossroads. in this beautifully crafted and profoundly moving novel, three parallel narratives converge in poignant and unexpected ways, as each character bravely presses onward, trying to recover something they have lost. emotionally riveting and infused with hope, a quiet life celebrates humanity in the midst of uncertainty.

New york times bestsellerfrom danielle steel comes a heartwarming and inspirational novel about a mother and daughter who face challenges, cope with celebrity, and overcome tragedy while maintaining the outward appearance of . . . a perfect lifethe epitome of intelligence, high-powered energy, and grace, blaise mccarthy is an icon in the world of television news, asking the tough questions and taking on the emotionally charged issues of world affairs and politics with courage and insight. a single mother, she manages her well-ordered career meticulously, always prepared on the air or interviewing world-renowned figures and heads of state. to her audience, blaise seems to have it all. but privately, and off the set, there is another untold story she has kept hidden for years. blaise’s teenage daughter, salima, was blinded by type 1 diabetes in childhood, and her needs have kept her away in a year-round boarding school with full-time medical care and assistance ever since. when salima’s school closes after a tragedy, salima returns to her mother’s new york city apartment, and suddenly they face challenges they’ve never had to deal with before, and that blaise feels ill-equipped to handle. a new caretaker provided by salima’s school creates as many problems as he solves. handsome, accomplished, thirty-two-year-old simon ward, with strong opinions on every topic, questions how mother and daughter view themselves and each other. simon opens new doors for both of them and refuses to accept salima’s physical limitations. he turns their world upside down, and the three become friends. then everything starts to unravel and blaise can’t keep her two worlds separate anymore. a beautiful young anchorwoman is hired at the network; it is no secret that she is being groomed to take blaise’s place. her career as she has known it is threatened, and her previously well-ordered life feels totally out of control. for the first time, blaise’s life is not perfect, but real. in this unforgettable tale, the incomparable danielle steel has written a novel that pulsates with emotion and honesty as three people face the truth about themselves. as old ideas fail, everything changes, and life is suddenly brand-new.praise for a perfect life “a classic steel story, with a mother and daughter keeping up appearances as they overcome tragedy and learn a thing or two about themselves.”—library journal “it’s the lessons learned by the mother-daughter duo about love, loyalty and family that bring them closer together than ever before in steel’s latest heartwarming page-turner.”—closer weekly

New york times bestseller! kathie lee gifford and rabbi jason sobel the authors of the new york times best seller the rock, the road, and the rabbi bring you an exciting new life-changing message that will help you read the bible with new eyes and take you into the heart of god's people in scripture – from abraham to ruth to jesus and his early followers. kathie lee adds personal stories and reflections from her spiritual journey and studies, serving as a companion as you go deeper in your own relationship with god. – you will experience: the god of the how and when: when you don't know the details… god does. – the god of his word: when you can't see god…trust his heart and the promises in his word. – the god who sees: when you feel abandoned and forgotten… god knows and cares about you. – the god of the other side: when you feel overwhelmed and unworthy… god never passes by but crosses over and brings freedom. journey into god's word, from the creation of the world through the desert and empty places, the hebrew nation, and meet jesus, the disciples, and his followers. as you do, you will see how you are part of god's epic story of redemption – a radiant testimony to the truth that belief in god's promises is never wasted.

Of those issues that are fundamental to the progress of all our lives.

Of those issues that are fundamental to the progress of all our lives.

"this important book is about the lifelong journey from what will people think?' to i am enough.' brown's unique ability to blend original research with honest storytelling makes reading the gifts of imperfection like having a long, uplifting conversation with a very wise friend who offers compassion, wisdom, and great advice." –harriet lerner, new york times best-selling author of the dance of anger and the dance of connection "brené brown courageously tackles the dark emotions that get in the way of leading a fuller life; read this book and let some of that courage rub off on you." –daniel h. so most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, what if i can't keep all of these balls in the air? why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? what will people think if i fail or give up? when can i stop proving myself? in the gifts of imperfection, brené brown, ph.d., a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of wholehearted living a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. and, yes, i am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that i am worthy of love and belonging. brené brown, ph.d., l.m.s.w., is a writer and research professor at the university of houston graduate college of social work, where she studies how shame affects the way people live, love, parent, work, and build relationships. a dynamic public speaker, she frequently presents on the topic of shame resilience at conferences and public events. visit her popular blog to learn more.

“[oprah] winfrey calls the book ‘a wake-up call for the entire planet, one reader at a time.’”—usa today with his bestselling spiritual guide the power of now, eckhart tolle inspired millions of readers to discover the freedom and joy of a life lived “in the now.” in a new earth, tolle expands on these powerful ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world. tolle describes how our attachment to the ego creates the dysfunction that leads to anger, jealousy, and unhappiness, and shows readers how to awaken to a new state of consciousness and follow the path to a truly fulfilling existence. illuminating, enlightening, and uplifting, a new earth is a profoundly spiritual manifesto for a better way of life—and for building a better world.