20 Best Books For Intellectual Growth (2023 Update)

#1 new york times bestseller – oprah’s book club pick – “an instant american classic and almost certainly the keynote nonfiction book of the american century thus far.”—dwight garner, the new york times – the pulitzer prize–winning, bestselling author of the warmth of other suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped america and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. – named the #1 nonfiction book of the year by time, one of the ten best books of the year by people – the washington post – publishers weekly and one of the best books of the year by the new york times book review – o: the oprah magazine – npr – bloomberg – christian science monitor – new york post – the new york public library – fortune – smithsonian magazine – marie claire – town & country – slate – library journal – kirkus reviews – library the hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. it is about power—which groups have it and which do not.” in this brilliant book, isabel wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in america as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how america today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences people’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. linking the caste systems of america, india, and nazi germany, wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more. using riveting stories about people—including martin luther king, jr., baseball’s satchel paige, a single father and his toddler son, wilkerson herself, and many others—she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. she documents how the nazis studied the racial systems in america to plan their outcasting of the jews; she discusses why the cruel logic of caste requires that there be a bottom rung for those in the middle to measure themselves against; she writes about the surprising health costs of caste, in depression and life expectancy, and the effects of this hierarchy on our culture and politics. finally, she points forward to ways america can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity. – beautifully written, original, and revealing, caste: the origins of our discontents is an eye-opening story of people and history, and a reexamination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of american life today.

The ultimate edition of the all-time prosperity bestseller! think and grow rich by napoleon hill has become the must-have bible of prosperity and success for millions of readers since its initial publication in 1937. now-from the number-one publisher of napoleon hill's books-comes the most complete and essential edition of think and grow rich yet. for the first time in one volume, this classic book will include these powerful tools: the original 1937 text of hill's classic book; an all-new introduction; pull-out quotes for memorization and inspiration; additional quotes on success from history's greatest lives; success questions at the end of each chapter; success action-steps that tie in to each of hill's thirteen steps to riches; articles on success, prosperity, and napoleon hill by such people as andrew carnegie and others; a biography of napoleon hill; a statement of desire contract with life that each reader can sign; a success notes section for insights, ideas, and action items; instructions on how to form a master mind group and/or a master mind partnership; special lay-flat binding; french flaps; and more! published in the easy-to-use large format-the same trim as the think and grow rich workbook and the think and grow rich success journal-this is the only edition that serious students of think and grow rich will want to use to understand the original text fully and put it into action in their lives.

New york times bestseller – finalist for the 2018 national book critics circle award in nonfiction – a new york times notable book – bloomberg best book of 2018“their distinctive contribution to the higher-education debate is to meet safetyism on its own, psychological turf . . . lukianoff and haidt tell us that safetyism undermines the freedom of inquiry and speech that are indispensable to universities.” —jonathan marks, commentary“the remedies the book outlines should be considered on college campuses, among parents of current and future students, and by anyone longing for a more sane society.” —pittsburgh post-gazettesomething has been going wrong on many college campuses in the last few years. speakers are shouted down. students and professors say they are walking on eggshells and are afraid to speak honestly. rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are rising—on campus as well as nationally. how did this happen? first amendment expert greg lukianoff and social psychologist jonathan haidt show how the new problems on campus have their origins in three terrible ideas that have become increasingly woven into american childhood and education: what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker; always trust your feelings; and life is a battle between good people and evil people. these three great untruths contradict basic psychological principles about well-being and ancient wisdom from many cultures. embracing these untruths—and the resulting culture of safetyism—interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. it makes it harder for them to become autonomous adults who are able to navigate the bumpy road of life. lukianoff and haidt investigate the many social trends that have intersected to promote the spread of these untruths. they explore changes in childhood such as the rise of fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised, child-directed play, and the new world of social media that has engulfed teenagers in the last decade. they examine changes on campus, including the corporatization of universities and the emergence of new ideas about identity and justice. they situate the conflicts on campus within the context of america’s rapidly rising political polarization and dysfunction. this is a book for anyone who is confused by what is happening on college campuses today, or has children, or is concerned about the growing inability of americans to live, work, and cooperate across party lines.

"what makes for a good education? what does one need to count as well-educated? knowledge, to be sure. but knowledge is easily forgotten, and today's knowledge may be obsolete tomorrow. skills, particularly in critical thinking, are crucial as well. but absent the right motivation, graduates may fail to put their skills to good use. in this book, nathan king argues that intellectual virtues-traits like curiosity, intellectual humility, honesty, intellectual courage, and open-mindedness-are central to any education worthy of the name. further, such virtues are crucial to our functioning well in everyday life, in areas as diverse as personal relationships, responsible citizenship, civil discourse, and personal success. our struggles in these areas often result from a failure to think virtuously. drawing upon recent work in philosophy and psychology, king paints a portrait of virtuous intellectual character-and of the vices such a character opposes.

The bestselling author of the righteous mind and the coddling of the american mind draws on philosophical wisdom and scientific research to show how the meaningful life is closer than you thinkthe happiness hypothesis is a book about ten great ideas. award-winning psychologist jonathan haidt, the author of the righteous mind and the coddling of the american mind, shows how a deeper understanding of the world's philosophical wisdom and its enduring maxims — like "do unto others as you would have others do unto you," or "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" — can enrich and even transform our lives.

An instant new york times bestseller and #1 wall street journal bestseller. jim kwik, the world’s #1 brain coach, has written the owner’s manual for mental expansion and brain fitness. limitless gives people the ability to accomplish more–more productivity, more transformation, more personal success and business achievement–by changing their mindset, motivation, and methods. these “3 m’s” live in the pages of limitless along with practical techniques that unlock the superpowers of your brain and change your habits. for over 25 years, jim kwik has worked closely with successful men and women who are at the top in their fields as actors, athletes, ceos, and business leaders from all walks of life to unlock their true potential. in this groundbreaking book, he reveals the science-based practices and field-tested tips to accelerate self learning, communication, memory, focus, recall, and speed reading, to create fast, hard results. learn how to: flip your mindset your brain is like a supercomputer and your thoughts program it to run. that’s why the kwik brain process starts with unmasking assumptions, habits, and procrastinations that stifle you, redrawing the borders and boundaries of what you think is possible. it teaches you how to identify what you want in every aspect of your life, so you can move from negative thinking to positive possibilities. ignite your motivation uncovering what motivates you is the key that opens up limitless mental capacity. this is where passion + purpose + energy meet to move you closer to your goals, while staying focused and clear. your personal excitement will be sustainable with self-renewing inspirations. your mind starts strong, stays strong, and drives further exponentially faster. our process, programs, podcasts, and products unleash your brain’s own superpowers. finish a book 3x faster through speed reading (and remember every part of it), learn a new language in record time, and master new skills with ease. these are just a few of the life-changing self-help benefits. with kwik brain, you’ll get brain-fit and level-up your mental performance. with the best mindset, motivation and method, your powers become truly limitless.

Today he is the director of the center for compassion and altruism research and education (ccare) at stanford university, of which the dalai lama is a founding benefactor. instead he met ruth, a woman who taught him a series of exercises to ease his own suffering and manifest his greatest desires. her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. she gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart. doty would go on to put ruth’s practices to work with extraordinary results—power and wealth that he could only imagine as a twelve-year-old, riding his orange sting-ray bike. but he neglects ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results—until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him.

This is a landmark intellectual history of britain's working classes from the preindustrial era to the twentieth century. drawing on workers' memoirs, social surveys, library registers, and more, jonathan rose uncovers which books people read, how they educated themselves, and what they knew. a new preface addresses the continuing relevance of the book amidst the upheavals of the present day. "an astonishing book."–ian sansom, the guardian "a passionate work of history. . . . rose has written a work of staggering ambition."–daniel akst, wall street journal winner of the sharp book history prize, the american philosophical society's jacques barzun prize, and the british council prize cowinner of the longman-history today book of the year prize for 2001; named one of the finest books of 2001 by the economist.

Greatness is inside you. – now is the time to wake it up. – are you living your most authentic life? are you leaning into your purpose or running away from it? is this the story you want your future self to tell or do you ache for something more? through his breakthrough discoveries, new york times best-selling author lewis howes reveals how you can rewrite your past to propel yourself into a powerful and abundant future. – with these raw and revealing personal stories, science-backed strategies from industry-leading experts, and step-by-step guidance, you will learn how to:clearly define a meaningful mission to enhance your purpose for this season of life identify the root causes of self-doubt and conquer the fears that hold you back – transform your mind to end self-sabotaging thoughts to live a rich life – manifest your greatness to make the maximum positive impact on those around you – by applying the lessons and strategies found inside the greatness mindset, you will be able to design the life of your dreams and turn it into reality. – are you ready? your journey to greatness begins now!

Think before you think is about why you do what you do. it is about: why you are happy in one moment, miserable the next, and elated in another. why the rich get richer, sick get sicker, and lucky get luckier. it is about: understanding how you live in an artificially created reality how to exit the matrix that your mind creates by thoughts and emotions. how to find clarity, confidence, and connection in your life and business. think before you think explains why: it’s not what you do, it’s not how you do, it’s all about how you think and feel. "it’s not the things in your life, it’s your thinking behind the things that shapes your destiny." – harish gulati an author's republic audio production.

What style of thinker are you? the synthesist: sees likeness in apparent opposites, interested in changethe idealist: welcomes broad range of views, seeks ideal solutionsthe pragmatist: seeks shortest route to payoff: “whatever works,” the analyst: seeks “one best way,” interested in scientific solutionsthe realist: relies on facts and expert opinions, interested in concrete resultsthere are five basic styles of thinking, each greatly influenced by the thinker’s fundamental beliefs. it is these beliefs that limit people to thinking about things in only one way. with everyday examples, this practical and hands-on guide will show you how to unbind the mind from narrow thinking. learning to approach situations in different ways is an invaluable life lesson. learning to recognize others’ thinking styles can transform communication. and learning to distinguish and choose the right style of thinking for any situation is an art that can help you achieve goals, influence others, and avoid making errors—while enhancing every area of your life. the art of thinking will expand your repertoire of strategies for asking questions, making decisions, getting along with people and solving problems. by learning why you think the way you do—and gaining surprising new insight into the thinking styles of others—you’ll be able to get past obstacles, turn conflict into cooperation, and enjoy more success in everyday life. includes a test to determine your own style of thinking.

What style of thinker are you? the synthesist: sees likeness in apparent opposites, interested in changethe idealist: welcomes broad range of views, seeks ideal solutionsthe pragmatist: seeks shortest route to payoff: “whatever works,” the analyst: seeks “one best way,” interested in scientific solutionsthe realist: relies on facts and expert opinions, interested in concrete resultsthere are five basic styles of thinking, each greatly influenced by the thinker’s fundamental beliefs. it is these beliefs that limit people to thinking about things in only one way. with everyday examples, this practical and hands-on guide will show you how to unbind the mind from narrow thinking. learning to approach situations in different ways is an invaluable life lesson. learning to recognize others’ thinking styles can transform communication. and learning to distinguish and choose the right style of thinking for any situation is an art that can help you achieve goals, influence others, and avoid making errors—while enhancing every area of your life. the art of thinking will expand your repertoire of strategies for asking questions, making decisions, getting along with people and solving problems. by learning why you think the way you do—and gaining surprising new insight into the thinking styles of others—you’ll be able to get past obstacles, turn conflict into cooperation, and enjoy more success in everyday life. includes a test to determine your own style of thinking.

The sunday times bestseller the times bestseller mail on sunday bestseller guardian bestseller amazon top ten bestseller live magazine bestseller irish times number 1 bestseller the secrets of perfect decision-making have you ever… invested time in something that, with hindsight, just wasn't worth it? continued doing something you knew was bad for you? sold stocks too late, or too early? taken credit for success, but blamed failure on external circumstances? backed the wrong horse? already an international bestseller, the art of thinking clearly is essential reading for anyone with important decisions to make. it reveals, in 100 short chapters, the most common errors of judgement, and how to avoid them.simple, clear and always surprising, this indispensable book will change the way you think and transform your decision-making – at work, at home, every day.

Sweet, fun, and lighthearted, i wrote a book about you is designed to be filled out by you and given to someone you like a lot–a spouse, a best friend, a sister, or even an awesome co-worker.

"this is history on a grand scale, with a sweep and ambition that is rare… a proper historical epic of dazzling range and achievement." –william dalrymple, the guardian the epic history of the crossroads of the world–the meeting place of east and west and the birthplace of civilization it was on the silk roads that east and west first encountered each other through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of ideas, cultures and religions. from the rise and fall of empires to the spread of buddhism and the advent of christianity and islam, right up to the great wars of the twentieth century–this book shows how the fate of the west has always been inextricably linked to the east. peter frankopan realigns our understanding of the world, pointing us eastward. he vividly re-creates the emergence of the first cities in mesopotamia and the birth of empires in persia, rome and constantinople, as well as the depredations by the mongols, the transmission of the black death and the violent struggles over western imperialism. throughout the millennia, it was the appetite for foreign goods that brought east and west together, driving economies and the growth of nations. from the middle east and its political instability to china and its economic rise, the vast region stretching eastward from the balkans across the steppe and south asia has been thrust into the global spotlight in recent years.

Now featuring a new introduction by dr. scott peck comes the 25th-anniversary edition of the beloved bestseller the road less traveled.perhaps no book in this generation has had a more profound impact on our intellectual and spiritual lives than the road less traveled. with sales of more than 7 million copies in the united states and canada, and translation into more than twenty-three languages, it has made publishing history, with more than ten years on the new york times bestseller list. now, with a new introduction by the author, written especially for this 25th-anniversary deluxe hardcover edition of the all-time national bestseller in its field, m. scott peck explains the ideas that shaped this book and that continue to influence an ever-growing audience of readers. written in a voice that is timeless in its message of understanding, the road less traveled continues to enable us to explore the nature of loving relationships and leads us toward a new serenity and fullness of life. recognizing that—in the famous opening line of his book—“life is difficult” and that the journey to spiritual growth is a long one, dr. peck never bullies his readers, but rather gently guides them through the hard and often painful process of change toward a higher level of self-understanding. combining profound psychological insight and deep spirituality, this one-of-a-kind hardcover anniversary edition is a book to treasure and turn to again and again for inspiration and understanding. as phyllis theroux wrote in the washington post when the original edition of the road less traveled was first published, “it is not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity.”

Activating your creative nature is a key part of flourishing emotionally, professionally, relationally, and more. everyone is creative, whether via singing in the shower, crafting budgets, making coffee, kayaking rapids, or sharing a meaningful moment with a loved one. the question is not if you are creative, but what and how you are creating. to create is simply to bring about something new. your expressions can provide experiences of joy and meaningful connection that fuel growth, increase resilience, add purpose, and provide clarity for every part of life. this neuroscience-informed, narrative-driven guide can help you add fresh delight and purpose to your work, your home, and your hobbies through rediscovery of your creative nature. – discover expressions that make you feel fully alive. spark inspiration for current and new passions that are authentically yours, not just what you have been sold. – upgrade your process with psychology-informed tools applicable for different interests, personalities, and contexts. unlock meaning and delight in your daily schedule and fuel perseverance for your dream projects. – increase meaningful connection, which research has linked to fulfillment in life. step into new confidence around exploring, refining, and sharing your creativity. – hear stories of businesspeople, artists, engineers, health professionals, and more who have increased clarity and joy in their lives by unlocking their creative nature." creativity unlocked breathed life into my work and helped me over a hurdle. i highly recommend for anyone interested in connecting their heart to their work, because all work is creative." – jessica, author"as a concrete sequential-thinker, i didn't think i was creative. this book helped me conceptualize and publish my first children's book and see that my favorite parts of my job are creative in nature." – zach, aerospace engineer"hearing others' stories of transformation and learning about creativity as a means for connection helped me celebrate how i express through research and the arts." – rebekah, poet and historian"these concepts helped me lean into expressions that make my heart come alive and affectionately hold close things that bring joy once again, after experiencing great pain and loss." – kendra, nurse

The human brain has some capabilities that the brains of other animals lack. it is to these distinctive capabilities that our species owes its dominant position. if machine brains one day come to surpass human brains in general intelligence, then this new superintelligence could become very powerful.

"neville may be the positive-thinking movement's most radical and subtly influential voice." – mitch horowitz, bestselling author of one simple idea discover how thought effects success… taught by one of the great self-improvement teachers of the 20th century, the wealth mindset is an extraordinary guide about how to achieve success by transforming your mental attitude. clear and provocative, this book will reveal to you a fascinating new way to wealth. get your copy now.

The intellectual mind of a genius 50+ intellectual thoughts in quote form by entrepreneur and life coach denzel lamar washington. the perfect coffee table reader.