Quite a few of you have asked for book recommendations, for helping recognize negative programming, build better habits or develop more prosperity consciousness. This is a fun subject; one that I love to visit often. So here’s my list of the top ten most influential books in my life. (So far.)
This isn’t meant to be the greatest books of all time, because I think that will be different for everyone. But these were definitely the greatest for me, and shaped my life the most.
#1) Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
The book that impacted my philosophy for living the most. Nothing else is even close. It’s a novel, which surprises many people, but in it Rand introduces the concept of Objectivism. The writing is brilliant, the characters are fascinating, and the work is sheer genius. Every time I re-read it (which I do every year), I still get goose bumps when I get to the section beginning with the words, “This is John Galt speaking…” This link is the centennial hard cover edition that should be on the bookshelf of every serious student of philosophy, politics, self-development or psychology.
#2) As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
It’s a little book and sells for $7 or $8, so people don’t take it as seriously as they should. I almost wish it sold for $50,000, so people would read it with the reverence it deserves. This should be on your bed stand to read a little every night before you go to sleep.
#3) The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes
The meta-physical masterpiece. The "how-to" manual for everything you want to do in life.
4) Shibumi: A Novel by Trevanian
Another work of fiction, and another one that introduced me to a philosophy of living. The protagonist Nicholai Hel is an assassin, so you know it’s right up my alley. He’s best described by a character in the story who calls him half saintly ascetic, half Vandal marauder - a medieval anti-hero. He is your vintage 'man-against-the-herd.’ When you read about the dangers of technology, terrorism, government corruption, and seeking spiritual perfection, you’ll have a hard time believing this was written in 1979. The true test of a timeless classic.
5) Prosperity by Charles Fillmore
Charles was the co-founder of Unity, and years before his time. One of the spiritual warriors that started the new thought movement. It’s written in the language of 1900, so it takes a little work to process. But well worth the effort.
6) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The all-time classic. Don’t read any updated or revised versions. Get this original, for the information is simply too profound to mess with, dumb down, or alter in any way.
7) The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Another novel, this one makes the list because it is the first Rand book I ever read, and the one that addicted me to her brilliant, beautiful, and bitter writing. A superb story, and one that will cause you to think long and hard on strength of the individual. This link is another centennial hardcover edition that should be one of your treasured tomes.
8) On the Road by Jack Kerouac
This book captured my imagination when I was a long-haired, dope-smoking, hippie, and it still captivates me today. It was reading this book that led me to want to become a writer. I’m re-reading it again, and I’m simply amazed at what spectacular writing it is. This link is the 50th anniversary edition hard-cover, which you should will to someone you love after your death.
9) The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Kind of surprising to me as I compile this list today, how many of these works are fiction, since I normally read so much non-fiction self-development books. This is another novel that captivated me with the brilliant storytelling and inspired me to write. Also a great portrait of a contrarian’s journey. Simply delicious. This slot was actually a tie with this and Moby Dick, for all the same reasons. I flipped a coin.
10) Why You're Dumb, Sick & Broke...And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich! By yours truly
Okay, I’m not as egotistical as this looks. I include it here because writing this book was one of the most introspective things I have done in my life. It made me really sort through a lot of things and do some serious critical thinking on my own philosophies of health, success, and prosperity. We teach what we most need to learn.
If a meteorite lands on your home, kills your family, your business goes bankrupt, you’re afflicted with a terrible disease, and suffering from depression, get these ten books. Then go somewhere quiet for a week and read them all. Within six months you will find your perfect soul mate, become a multi-millionaire, cure your sickness and be the happiest person you know.
Ok I showed you mine – now show me yours!
-RG
Prosperity TV
The Odyssey, which my grandfather read to me as a child, and which I then went on to study and read in the original Greek at University, is the one book which has most impacted my life. The Be the Woman... Course which I run was moulded by Penelope, Odysseus' wife, and the inner journey she goes through while her man's off for 20 years at war and lost on his way home.
Of course, R Gage Esq's Why You're Dumb, Sick and Broke was probably the best book I read which got me out of poverty mentality.
I would also recommend The Master's Touch by Yogi Bhajan. Hazrat Inyat Khan's Mastery is another must read.
Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain changed my relationship with pen and paper.
Happy New Year to you all
with love, blessings, gratitude
gracefully
Guru Kaur
How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World-Harry Browne
Action-Robert Ringer
Restoring the American Dream-Robert Ringer
Atlas Shrugged-Ayn Rand
Leading an Inspired Life- Jim Rohn
Beyond Positive Thinking- Robert Anthony
To God or As God- Darel Rutherford
Man of Steel and Velvet-Aubrey Andelin
Happiness-Andrew Matthews
177 Mental Toughness Secrets-Steve Siebold
Great selection. I have read most of them and they have all been life altering. I read some of them (Ayn Rand, Ernest Hemmingway, Jack Kerouac) before I survived the two terminal illnesses, one dead husband, armed robbery, financial ruin and loads of other disasterous choices I won't go into. The rest (except for Shibumi) as I put my life back together. I don't know if it was the books or just the need to find humor in everything that my life is now filled with happiness and joy.
Love reading your blogs. I went to NSA convention in San Diego it was okay then you took the stage and kicked butt. Made the whole conference worth attending.
Randy,
I am surprised you left out the Katherine Ponder book, "The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity". In listening to your tapes, I thought that the day that you got that one in your hands was the day you started your journey towards prosperity.
Mark
I just got an email from Billy Looper a little while ago wondering the same thing. The Ponder book did introduce me to the ideas. But I later found that it was more kind of the lazy man's version of Fillmore's original. Kind of "Prosperity Lite." I have given away probably 25 copies of Ponder's book though. For a beginner to prosperity consciousness, it is a great introduction.
-RG
Great choices! I'm especially delighted that you included two works of fiction, as I much prefer reading fiction to non-fiction because I often find more poignant life lessons in novels that non-fiction.
If I had to pick only one book, it would be "The Nature of Personal Reality" by Jane Roberts. Vilified by many Christian fundamentalists, Roberts is recognized by many (including Marianne Williamson, Shakti Gawain, Louis Hay, Richard Bach and Dan Millman) as the founder of the modern New Age movement.
The core messages of the book are "I create my own reality" and "My life is mine and I form it." Or putting it another way, we are each ultimately responsible for our own lives and our own happiness.
It's a message that we hear a lot about today (it's like "The Secret" on steroids), but it was written back in the '70s. A classic.
-- jim
Ooops...I can't count..Meant to say several works of ficiton! Brain fart on my part!
The Ultimate Sales Letter - Dan Kennedy
Purple Cow - Seth Godin
the idea virus - Seth Godin
Think & Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
The E-Myth - Michael Gerber
Power of Focus - Jack Canfield
How to Get Anything You want - Nido Qubien
Dig Your Well Before Your Thirsty - Harvey Mackay
The Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell
Leadership - Tom Peters
Happy New Year
That was exactly what I was going to say! I'm reading Catherine Ponder now. I did notice that quite a few of her remarks tie in very closely with 'The Science of Getting Rich,' by Wattles, which I have read several times now and am finding even more inspiring than 'Think and Grow Rich.' (Maybe just because it's so uplifting to discover new ways of thinking that surprise one)
I'm also reading 'The Dynamic Laws of Prayer' and have to say that Catherine Ponder makes praying feel like a very cool thing to do. I'd kind of gotten away from it a little and it made me really want to connect again.
Aside from that Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged is amazing. (Thanks to you, Randy, and Eric for recommending that in Germany as I had never got around to reading it) Even my husband is turning the 1100 pages and English is his second language so it's quite a mission!
I love the Norton Anthologies, particularly 'Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces' as it contains important segments of many of the great historical classics, such as The Odyssey and Inferno, but with commentaries and historical context. The discussion of the Athenians and democracy is very absorbing.
Oh and one of the most amusing books ever has to be, The Canterbury Tales, by Chaucer. (Especially the Wife of Bath) A bit of a challenge for Americans with the middle English I guess, but well worth the effort.
I have loads of favourites so last but not least is 'Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway,' by Susan Jeffers. Amazing book for anyone looking to breakthrough fears and phobias. This book really helped me get through some tough times.
Happy reading everyone!
Rachel
One of the best books I have read on the roadblocks of life and how we can overcome them, is called "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield (the author of "The Legend of Bagger Vance" which was made into a movie starring Will Smith).
That book is sensational for anyone wanting to write, paint, sculpt or doing anything artistic! -RG
I am currently reading and loving "The Master Key System" by Charles Haanel. (orignally published in 1912)
It is a not a fast read, but I start and end everyday with it. It is having more impact then Think and Grow Rich ever had on me. He somehow incorporates the Kinesthetic change I need, along with the Mental thought process....or maybe it's just timing.
I will add "The War of Art" to my reading list right away.
Thanks.
Jeanne
Failing Forward
Power of Now
New Earth
Eat That Frog
and of course Mr Gage's Prosperity series
Learned that great books require more then one read
Thank you all! It`s too interesting to know some good books.
The best book I`ve ever read is "The bridge across forever" R. Bach. To my mind it`s so kind and at another hand too positive. May be almost people like much "Seagull Livingstone", but as for me it such evidence..
I really love books of Ernest Hemingway, but don`t read "The Sun Also Rises" so far.
Happy new Year to All!=)
Pavel.
I wrote an amazing "Randy's Rants" about that book from Key west a couple years ago. I looked everywhere trying to find a link but couldn't. But the book is brilliant. -RG
Cutting it down to 10 is tough. My list changes over time depending on my interests. Some of them are not specifically personal development, but I love them anyway. So here's my list in no particular order:
1. Why We Want You To Be Rich - Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki
2. How To Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie
3. The Law of Attraction - Esther & Jerry Hicks
4. The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent - Esther & Jerry Hicks
5. The Astonishnig Power of Emotions - Esther & Jerry Hicks
6. Prosperity Series - Randy Gage
7. Personality Plus - Florence Littauer
8. Think & Grow Rich - Andrew Carnegie
9. Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus - John Gray
10. Losing My Virginity - Richard Branson
"Infinite Love is the Only Truth, Everything Else is Illusion" by David Icke.
"Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong."
Oscar Wilde
I enjoy many of the books recommended. Thank you. Randy's work was where I first leaned about Catherine Ponder and then Charles Filmore. I find Catherine's work easier to follow.
The Key by Joe Vitale helped my develop a greater appreciation for gratitude. Ask And It Is Given increased my awareness of vibrational energy associated with thought. Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch is awesome.
The Power of The Supermind by Vernon Howard is one that I have spent quite a bit of time with and now I am able to review it with greater understanding and clarity.
I have found that I need to work a book meaning note those areas of my life that I will benefit from by adopting the guidance in the book. This work has led me to the development of a new business and I cannot imagine being happier with the positive energy surrounding this development.
I appreciate the recommendations here and there are a handful I will be checking out real soon.
Sending energy of peace, happiness, prosperity.
Steve
"The Nature Of Personal Reality" by Jane Roberts
It began my journey, and when I feel the need for support, I go back to it. I read it in the seventies, and I still go back to it.
Thanks RG - always like reading what others recommend. I LOVE books and the many different aspects they can teach. Here's my top 10 in no particlular order.
1 - Think and Grow Rich (Napolean Hill): Stole my first copy was I was 20 something. Since then have given away a stack of copies. Kinda made up for it now... LOL
2 - Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki): Coming from a poorer mindest in terms of money, this was a great eye opener and recommended.
3 - Atlas Shrugged (Ann Rand): WOW. Read this after you suggested it for the gazilionth time. Great read. Grab a weekend and devour it.
4 - Losing My Virginity (Richard Branson) - what an awesome read on one man's vision and what the soul can achieve.
5 - Wizard's First Rule Series (Terry Goodkind) : A monster 11 book fantasy series. Highly recommended. One man's journey against the herd mentality of two cultures that cover 99% of the world. This is the 'hero' journey where the hero needs to grow into his beliefs.
6 - Dragonlance (Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman) : Read this series 5 times. Highly enjoyable and has my favourite character of all time (Raistlin Majere) - a wizard that is twisted and following his own path seperate to the do-good path of his fellows.
7 - Mao's Last Dancer (Li Cunxin) : Another great read of one man's rise against the oppression of his homeland to become an icon in international ballet. An amazing life story. Read it.
8 - Money and the Law of Attraction (Jerry and Ester Hicks) : A good read on vibrational reality.
9 - Discover the Power Within You (Eric Butterworth) : A very interesting read penned before I was born in 1968. A great spiritual guide to the abundance that can be yours.
10 - Power, Freedom and Grace (Deepak Chopra) : Another great spiritual read.
Thanks everyone.
Chris
The 3 books with a lasting influence on my life, continuing even to this day:
1. The Prophet
2. The Rubiyiat of Omar Khyham (Spello?)
3. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Burt Dubin
I offer to the group my humble list of favorites.
1) Secret of the Ages by Robert Collier
2) The Genie Within by Harry W. Carpenter
3) Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Penguin Classics edition)
4) Change the Way You See Everything through Asset-Based Thinking by Cramer and Wasiak
5) As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
6) The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracian
7) Life's Greatest Lessons by Hal Urban
8) Why You’re Dumb, Sick & Broke…And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich! by Randy Gage
9) The New Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
10) The Intention Experiment by Lynne McTaggart
Nice selection Randy. I will surely check them out.
And those selected by others I think I should check them all.
I'll list some books that have affected my life in one way or another.
Not in order of value.
1. Science-fiction. Yes, it made me think out of box.
2. Two famous Dale Carnegie's books
3. One philosophical religious book. (can't really say the name here)
4. Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki)
5. 7 habits, Stephen Covey
6. 8th habit, Stephen Covey. These two boks I really recommend to read.
7. Movie "the Secret", (I didn't read the book "the Secret", I watched it)
8. Why You’re Dumb, Sick & Broke…And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich! by Randy Gage
9. James Ray books
10. Alan Pease books
First in My list is "As a Man thinketh" next will Be "Think and Grow Rich", followed by "The Magic of Thinking Big".
Thanks Randy.
Some not even I've read or heard of before. Magic! Will yo be doing recommendations for things you have listened to and watch as well?
Happy Travels
A
Yes that's a great idea for the future. -RG
The Compassionate Samurai by Brian Klemmer
Conquer Fear by Lisa Jiménez
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Love many of the books posted, going to buy a few that I've never read. Here are my favorites.
1) Esther and Jerry Hicks Books. Love their take on personal freedom and happiness.
2) One Minute Millionaire, this changed the way I looked at time.
3) Acres of Diamonds.
4) Think and Grow Rich. Seriously, read it 4 times. Should probably read it again.
5) Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
6) Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting.
7) Screw it, Let's Do it.
8) The Greatest Salesmen in the World
9) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.
10) Anything by Ben Mezrich. I love reading about people who broke the mold, broke the rules, and made a buttload of cash.
Great List,
Ryan
Randy,
Thank you for following up on the suggestion. I appreciate your perspective on what you have read and why? My top 10? They are, in no particular order, the following:
Bono by Michka Assayas – I am a sucker for books about the rabble rouser or simply rogue success stories (hence Richard Branson’s books) and Bono is definitely one! When you looked as what he has accomplished as laid out in Bono and continues to accomplish on a day-to-day basis, you can’t help but wonder what you can accomplish.
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvonne Chouinard – I am a fan of the clothing company started by Chouinard – Patagonia – and can’t help but be impressed by this “outside the box, outside everything” company that’s goes their own way and continues to be extremely successful.
Art of War by Sun Tzu and Book Of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi – I read these originally as part of my military training, but had to go back and read them again after reading Klemmer’s Compassionate Samurai (another of my favorites). I think a person needs to constantly be checking and rechecking their strategy, whether it is about business or life and these are two of the best books on strategy. Yes, you could include Clauswitz’s On War, or Machiavelli’s The Prince, or even the more contemporary Kishido by Hobart, but any of these will help to continually refine your strategy.
Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson – Go ahead include his other books (Loosing My Virginity and Screw IT, Let’s Do It) but I am a Richard Branson fan. I think Business Stripped Bare is his best yet and really gets into what makes this particular entrepreneur successful.
How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Psycho cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, and As A Man Thinketh by James Allen are all classics that have impacted my perspective and my life curve, so much so that I continue to read them over and over again on a regular basis.
Atlas Shrugged is my favorite by Ayn Rand. I first read this one a long time ago and it continues to shape my thinking. I also enjoyed and was impacted by the Virtue of Selfishness and The New Intellectual.
The Little Engine That Could by Piper, Hauman, and Hauman. There is often a lot of hidden value in the simplest of stories and this is one of those. It was a favorite of mine from when I was a kid and I read it frequently for my children. We have gone so far as to banish the word “can’t” and its derivatives from our vocabulary because of this book.
A Year By The Sea by Joan Anderson would fit well with your theme of selfishness. This story about a woman who takes a year away from her husband to really focus on herself demonstrates the value and importance of selfishness when for the right reasons.
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac. My favorite book by Kerouac, even though I have never been a long haired drug smoking hippie. How can you not love the way this man tells a tale about the search for truth? One of my favorite all time works of fiction.
The Dancing Wu Li Masters Seat Of The Soul by Gary Zukav along with The Tao Physics by Fritjof Capra really impacted my perspective on how the universe, matter and energy all work. I would also include in this group The Crack in the Cosmic Egg by Joseph Pierce.
When it comes to mindless reading for fun, any Clive Cussler novel will do just fine!
Looking forward to more posts!
Cheers,
Alan
Everyone has to start somewhere...Shad Helmstetter's What to Say When You Talk to Yourself was one that started me off after hearing him speak. That put me on the path to discover many of the ones listed here and now I can check out the ones listed that I haven't yet read. Thanks everyone!
By the way Baldwin Entertainment Group wants to film "Atlas Shrugged" with Angelina Jolie set to star in playing Dagny Taggart. They want to make it in this year.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480239/
http://www.atlasthefilm.com
In your place Randy I would become one of producers since you have such passion about the book. You could help them to make movie not worser than the book.
btw from yesterday I started to read that book...
I can't add comments
Did you ban me?
That's sad if so.
Anyway this is your site of course. You can ban anyone. But at least you could make some warning if you don't like something.
This is the comment I wanted to add:
By the way Baldwin Entertainment Group wants to film "Atlas Shrugged" with Angelina Jolie set to star in playing Dagny Taggart. They want to make it in this year.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480239/
http://www.atlasthefilm.com
In your place Randy I would become one of producers since you have such passion about the book. You could help them to make movie not worser than the book.
btw from yesterday I started to read that book...
Zhannur
By the way Baldwin Entertainment Group wants to film "Atlas Shrugged" with Angelina Jolie set to star in playing Dagny Taggart. They want to make it in this year.
In your place Randy I would become one of producers since you have such passion about the book. You could help them to make movie not worser than the book.
btw from yesterday I started to read that book...
Zhannur
I think i figured it.
Your spam filter didn't allowed links in comments.
I wanted to give links to the film pages.
anyway you can find it in the web easely
My favourite self-development books (not in particular order) are:
1) The Science of Getting Rich, by Wattles
2) Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
3) Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki
4) The Attractor Factor, by Joe Vitale
5) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, by T. Harv Eker
6) Why You’re Dumb, Sick & Broke…And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich! By Randy Gage
7) The Magic of Thinking Big, by David Schwartz
8) Pushing Up People, by Art Williams
9) Conversations with God, by Neale-Donald Walsch
10) How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
1. The Road Less Traveled by M Scott Peck got me started on being open minded.
2. Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah - Richard Bach
3. Science of Getting Rich - Wallace Wattles
4. Four Hour Work Week - Tim Ferris
5. Personal Development for Smart People - Steve Pavlina
read in order from my teens to nearly 50 -
the prophet by kahlil gibran
rabindranath tagore's poems
the hobbit by jr tolkien
ubik by philip dick
the devil's alternative by frederick forsythe
the holy bible
the art of forgiveness by lewis smedes
soul survivor - how i survived the church by philip yancey
tuesdays with morrie
the alchemist
have picked up your recommended 'tribes' and will be doing a one week reading indulgence starting on jan 8 - hope to finish that and a few more. maybe will go pick up atlas shrugged. thanks for the recommendation.
My very first book in the '70's was The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy. It was incredibly relevant then for new thinking; not sure how it holds up now.
Unfortunately, this next book is out of print but the author emailed me a pdf copy as long as I promised not to re-use it illegally. It's called How To Master Life: Two Ground-breaking Works by Past Masters which includes As a Man Thinketh as well as The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science which was written in the early 1900's by Thomas Troward. Martin reworks the language to make it easier reading, but it still took me a while to get through it and to 'get it'. It's a lot more scientific than the other faith based books I had been reading (i.e. Ponder, Butterworth, Schinn, etc.) and therefore satisfied my need to have explanations for exactly how it works.
I listen a lot to Esther Hicks and did like their latest book Money and The Law of Attraction. The Abraham teachings suit me at this time. I guess I like the validation of my own conclusions and at the same time, some very new concepts. There's not much that comes through that doesn't seem right on.
There are plenty in the previous blogs that I'll have to check out and look forward to. Thanks for the opportunity. One Love! Catherine
Have you ever read Rand's first book "We The Living?" Absolutely awesome.
Wow! I can't wait - I know AJ is a big AR fan . . .
SCORE!
I forget who originally said it, but a wise man once said that a wise man knows where to buy knowledge.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
As for mine (other than what's listed here):
Ayn Rand: "Philosophy - Who needs it?", "Capitalism, The Unknown Ideal", "The Virtue of Selfishness"
Benjamin Graham: "The Intelligent Investor"
Aristotle: "Unabridged Works, Vol 1 & 2"
I honestly did not read all throughout the post of the blog, but I will post my personal life changing books.
It all started with "Rich Dad poor Dad"
"Before you quit your Job"
"Who took my money"
"The ABC's of building a business team that wins"
All from the Rich Dad Series
"The Secret" The movie
"La culpa es de la Vaca" a compilation of stories that are really insightful
I am currently doing a home study course about trading from www. iitm.com, is a 5 volume course that although is focused on trading it really can apply to anyting in life specially Self Sabotage. From Van K. Tharp.
Looking forward to read a Course in Miracles, that is my next step.
I forgot to post here another book called "Juan Salvador Gaviota" from Richard Bach, don't know how it was called in English
#1 How To Eat, Move and Be Healthy by Paul Chek.
# 2 Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price.
# 3 The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight by Thom Hartmann.
# 4 The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.
# 5 Love, Freedom and Aloneness by Osho.
# 6 How Would Love Respond by Kurek Ashley.
# 7 Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.
# 8 Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
# 9 The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff.
# 10 The Complete Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch.
For a full explanation on why I chose each one, visit http://brettspersonalblog.wordpress.com.
OK I've held off from posting my books. Many of the books listed by others I've read or heard. I'm a great fan of audio books, since I travel alot, and walking the dog is a great way to hear another chapter or two, so is running!
I thought which have I read or heard more than once and what do I want to read or hear again. I can only think of 2 which immediately stand out
Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki) - This is always worth reading again.
Randy Gage - Prosperity Series. I read this again after listening to the Prosperity CDs recently. I'd like an audio version of the series too.
Mark Fisher - The Instant Millionaire: A Tale of Wisdom and Wealth . This is a fable about becoming wealthy. For me I always turn to this when I've nothing else to read or go over. Since it is fiction, the message, thoughts and ideas are, I find much easier to absorb and practice.
Happy Travels
A
My 10 Books:
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert K - Because this was the first time I was able to see things a different way.
2. Releasing FAT/Healthy Living, Dr Ray Strand - This book is the perfect guide to eating healthy and has helped me with my bad eating habits.
3. Why your Sick...., Randy Gage - I just love Randy's philosophies on everything, plus you need to change the way you think and this book is great in that respect!
4. Speedwealth, T. Harv Eker - Get rick fast, especially if you have a product! This book will help you with ideas to get your product to people without you having to do much...just make the right contact!
5. F.I.T. You WILL Make YOU Succeed!, RJM - This book is a perfect guide for anyone trying to achieve overall health and wellness, as well as fitness. It even has a full year of weight and cardio workouts all planned for you.
6. Riches In Niches, Friedman - Read this book before speedwealth so that you can discover what your niche is!
7. Who Moved My Cheese?, Spencer Johnson - Make sure you always adapt, read this book after speedwealth.
8. Think and Grow Rich, Hill - Read Randy's reason why!
9. The One Minute Millionaire, Hansen & Allen - When you are pressured, things can get done, do you want to be a millionaire?
10. Any book about Michael Jordan....because I am a fan!
For all of the Ayn Rand fans, here's a great article in The Wall Street Journal: "Atlas Shrugged: From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123146363567166677.html
Ryan....could you change that to a BOATload of cash?
Somehow that has more appeal.
LOL
Bob
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad
2. You Call the Shots - Cameron Johnson
3. 4-Hour Work Week
4. How to Win Friends and Influence People
5. All Napoleon Hill books
1. Reframe Your Blame - Jay Fiset
2. Think & Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
3. A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle
4. The Greatest Networker - John Milton Fogg
5. The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
6. The Tao of Physics - Fritjof Capra
7. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
8. The Little Soul & the Sun - Neale Donald Walsch (yes, this is a children's book)
9. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind - T. Harv Eker
10. Mach II With Your Hair on Fire - Richard Brooke
And many more . . .
Leanne
Leanne, I loved "The Little Soul & the Sun - Neale Donald Walsch.....and Stephen Covey is very masterful, he is right up there with Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar and of course the one and only Mr. R. Gage.
One of my favorite authors is Thomas Moore........some of his titles include:
Soul Mates
Care of the Soul
The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life
Some other favorites are:
Lessons in Living - Susan L. Taylor
Why we want you to be rich - Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki
In the Meantime - Iyanla Vanzant
The Cloister Walk - Kathleen Norris
Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
Hello Randy -
I love the idea of sharing books that have been life changing and I would also add business changing; I participated in Art Jonak's list of books at the beginning of the year which I have a complete list of my top 20 books as of January 2009 posted to my blog here: http://TwitPWR.com/7Ek/
Let me share five from each category on this comment and again thank you for creating this opportunity for your readers to share their book list.
Books that changed my life:
1. The Bible: It is my daily guide book and user’s manual
2. Think Like A Genius by Todd Siler: I learned to understand my sense of choice and habit
3. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: I learned the power of a mastermind
4. The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer: This book help me control my thoughts and control my intentions. (I once gave this book as a gift to a friend that had become homeless and it saved her)
5. The Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley: This is the first personal development book I ever read.
Books that changed my business:
1. Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore: This is marketing book writing at the dawn of the internet revolution. Perfect how to book.
2. Primal Banding by Patrick Hanlon: This book is a must read for anyone interested in branding. It reinforced many of my beliefs about how to brand.
3. Multiple Streams of Income by Robert Allen: This book opened my mind to network marketing as a income stream.
4. Self Marketing Power by Jeff Beals: This book help me take my personal branding efforts to a much higher level.
5. Your First Year in Network Marketing by Mark Yarnell: This was a great first network marketing book to help me learn what I got myself into.
Like most people this is ever evolving as there are so many great books being published and e-published. What a blessing!
Randy, thank you for your grace and leadership.
James
http://Twitter.com/AskJamesHolmes
1)The Holy Quran. 2) The Life of Prophet Muhammad. 3)Think and Grow Rich A Black Choice. 3)Succeeding Against The Odds by John H. Johnson. Founder of Ebony Magazine. 4)Spiritual Laws of prosperity 5)Midas mentality. Randy Gage. The last 2 are not books but Cd album programs. By applying the strategies in these top 5 books and CD Albums I have been able to go from Foster Care To a Millionaire. In addition, I have had success in all areas of my life. Mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, financial and educational.
Great list, great choices, gave me some ideas! thx
Here comes mine:
1/Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand: this is The book I'd take with me if I'd be all by myself on a lost island and I'd have only 1 book to bring with me. I could not stop reading it and it's on my night table so I can re-read sometimes John Galt's speech. I've wrote a note on FB based on it since in this eco challenge, it's just perfect!
2/Dynamic laws of prosperity, Catherine Ponder: the book changed me, it's a real 'bible', mine is full of colors since I use it quite often. Actually I read it after my first seminar with you, thank you! and if your prosperity seminars were a book I'd put that instead because thanks to that first seminar I really did change my life.
3/The prosperity series by Randy Gage (books And audio): based on what I've just said, very powerful while very simple and you gotta love the straight talk he's using : ) (+ the Why you're dumb... great book too)
4/Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: of course, cannot be not on the list, great book and once again more a tool than just a book.
5/Magic of thinking big by David Schwartz: very practical too, one of those book they should give at school to read.
6/As a Man Thinketh by James Allen: small but amazingly powerful!
7/Illusion by Richard Bach: fiction but non fiction ;-
8/Success Through Self Confidence by Beverly Nadler: one of the book I've most advised to my clients in therapy, great book, great tool to work on your confidence and program yourself for success.
9/Mercure by Amelie Nothomb, well that's a French book, everyone here know Amelie Nothomb, it's a novel and you can't explain it until you've read her, it's a very special style...
Gosh there are so many great books, The One Minute Millionaire, Hansen & Allen, Dale Carnegie, ...
I'm gonna start Og Mandino, I'm sure it'd be on the list.
Randy,
I always welcome lists like these. I have a list of books I love and would share too and they're partly responsible for the success I enjoy today.
I also know that to achieve what you and other people I admire have achieved, I need to behave more like you (and them).
I will commit to the books on your list that I haven't read.
Thanks,
Mark
-RG,
You've got all the big ones listed. Most of yours are on my list.
Here are some more that teach and inspire me.
The Go-Giver-Bob Burg and John David Mann
The Tipping Point-Malcolm Gladwell
You Can Negotiate Anything-Herb Cohen
Tribes-Seth Godin
Instant Appeal-Vicki Kunkel
The Power of Body Language-Tonya Reiman
Oh! The Places You'll Go-Dr. Seuss
The Bible
-djm
Awesome list Randy, gotta get Atlas Shrugged soon as I've heard much about it.
The Millionaires of Genesis by Catherine Ponder
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles (although the concept of thinking stuff drives me mad at times)
Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidbook by Ram Dass
The Bible
Thanks for sharing!
Ryan
Right now I'm reading Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. The understanding I have gained about myself and men in general is amazing. In the first 2 chapters I watched the last few years of my life and marriage and how they both fell apart.
One thing I have found with some of the recomended books is because some are very old there are many people who will give them away online in pdf form. If you are starting your Personal Developement library on a tight budget this is a good way to start.
An incredible list of books to add to your 'kindle' or library. At one time I had over 2000 books I carted from place to place. Over half did not make the second to last trip and only a 100 made the cut to South America.
Of the lists made so far my favorites are, in no particular order:
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Magic of thinking big by David Schwartz
Illusions by Richard Bach
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles
The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Master Key System by Charles Haanel
The Bible [I have 10 versions.... they are all different]
If we were all sent to the same island and we each were allowed to bring ten books, given the lists so far these are the additional ten I suggest adding.
Finding God's Will for You by St Francis de Sales
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
Freedom from Chronic Disease by Arthur Kaslow
Critical Path by Buckminster Fuller
The Art of Living by Dietrich von Hildebrand
Pensees by Blaise Pascal
Mental Health in a MAD WORLD by James Magner
Dark Night of the Soul by St John of the Cross
The Inner Search by Dom Hubert van Zeller
I'd sneak in a couple cd/dvd's too with encyclopedia efforts.
Thank you Randy for helping me dust off my bookshelf.
Wow.. I got to write down a LOT of titles I'd never heard before... Great community.
here are the top ten influential books I've read. (no order)
Randy Gage's WYDS&BAHTGSH&R
James Allen's As a Man Thinketh
Drs. Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson The One Minute Manager
Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich
Wallace Wattles' Science of Getting Rich
Dani Johnson's Spirit Driven Success (minus the mindviruses)
Burke Hedges' You, Inc.
Price Pritchett's You Squared
Chris Widener's Art of Influence
Kevin Scott's Richest Man who Ever Lived
I've heard of that last one - in fact I received it this morning! I'm flying through it, but maybe I'll bring it to Florida this weekend so you can sign it for me? 🙂
Here's a few of mine:
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle
How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
The Success Principles, by Jack Canfield
Tribes, by Seth Godin
Thanks for the list...I really enjoy fiction, but I haven't been reading it much since I got into personal development. Now I have an excuse to take a break and read a story!
Oh, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad, how could I forget that one?!
Mine, not in any particular order - i love them all for how they helped formed my thoughts and shaped my life;
1) Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
2) The Art Of War by Sun Tzu
3) The Life of Mahatma Gandhi by Louis Fischer
4) Long Walk To Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela by Nelson Mandela
5) The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
6) The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel
7) Esther & Jerry Hick's Abraham-Hicks series
8) Conversations with God 1, 2, 3 by Neale Donald Walsch
9) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R Covey
10) Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder
11) Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
12) Why You're Dumb, Sick & Broke...And How to Get Smart, Healthy & Rich! by Randy Gage
13) How to build an Multi-Level Money Machine by Randy Gage
13) Riding the Iron Rooster: By Train Through China by Paul Theroux
....just realized it's more than 10 already....
gonna be getting Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, and Bushido: The Way of the Samurai by Tsunetomo Yamamoto after this.
great to see everyone's list - this post would be an awesome reference point. thanks!
Hey RG - I've got a facebook group sharing exactly these books for people to spread the message. May be worth looking at. Look up 'Books that Changed Your Life"... Thanks mate.
"Think & Grow Rich".....Napoleon Hill
"Atlas Shrugged & The Fountainhead"....Ayn Rand
"Ask & It is Given" Abraham
"How to Build A Multi-Level Money Machine" Randy Gage
Dr. Albert Schweitzers Biography
The Stories of Dr. Doolittle
"The One Minute Millionaire".......Robert Allen & Mark Victor Hansen
"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and all Kim & Robert Kiyosaki's books
"A Good Keen Man" Barry Crump.....New Zealand hunting yarns.
"The New Zealand Journal of Agriculture"........various
These are in no particular order than that which my memory threw up. It's an interesting excercise to review these books which we believe have had the greatest influence. Though not a committed believer, The Bible probably had a massive influence through my child-hood.
Thanks Randy,
David
I've read round 1000 books in my life. So in order of my personal development, this is the list of the books "must to read". IMO life is a gunshot between two silences, our success and prosperity are in our hands.
Grunch of Giants by R. Buckminster Fuller
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes
Shibumi: A Novel by Trevanian
Prosperity by Charles Fillmore
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Katherine Ponder
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Power of Focus by Jack Canfield
The art of war by Sun Zu
48 laws of power by Robert Green
Why We Want You To Be Rich by Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki
How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Law of Attraction by Esther & Jerry Hicks
The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent by Esther & Jerry Hicks
The Astonishnig Power of Emotions by Esther & Jerry Hicks
Personality Plus by Florence Littauer
Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus by John Gray
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
7 habits, Stephen Covey
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
The Prince by N. Machiavelli
Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv
Science of Getting Rich ny Wallace Wattles
Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris
Personal Development for Smart People by Steve Pavlina
Ok, Gage, you got me trapped on this one. Here we go.
I noticed I have two different lists on my mind. Top 10 "most influential" (somehow the material changed my life) and top 10 overall (best books I have ever read). So, I am following your "books that molded my life" title and going with the first list.
I have three of your best ten. In no particular order, "Atlas Schrugged", "Prosperity" and "Think and grow rich".
I am amazed almost no one mentioned before (I really thought these two were more influential in most people, but apparently I was wrong), "The Bible" (if I can count it as one book) and "A Course in Miracles" are definitely on my "molded my life" list.
Then I have, "Spiritual Economics" by Rev. Eric Butterworth, which introduced me to the Unity movement, and literally changed my life, and "4T Prosperity Program", by Rev. Stretton Smith, which many might not consider it to be properly a book, but it's to me, and had a tremendous impact in my spiritual evolution.
Then a little book entitled, "How to build a multilevel money making machine", which set the foundation for my new professional career during the last five years and therefore, opened my mind to entire new life. The author, a guy I really love and respect, and proudly call one of my dear friends.
And finally, my life will not be the same without my native language readings. It's extremely hard to pick only two, but if I must, they will be "Versos sencillos" (Simple verses) by Jose Marti, Cuban national poet and "Rayuela" (Hopscotch) by Julio Cortazar, an Argentinian novelist. Both brilliant pieces I strongly recommend.
Looking forward to your cinema and music lists!
KAMA SUTRA
Books that have made a difference for me, that jus poped up.
1. The Old Testament.
Loved all the parables as a child, and made me wonder about the meaning of life.
2. Bhagavad Gita.
Fantasting story about God, with the name of Krishna, and tells about the battle at Kuruksetra, and all the thoughts and questions of life, Krishna and Arjuna exchanges. Very fascinating book.
3. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.
Breathtaking story, that actually containes all aspects of selfdevelopment and success in life (and Network Marketing) I absolutely LOVE it.
4. Dianetics by L. Ron Hubbard.
Fascinating book about how the mind works and how to get rid of unwanted conditions that controles you, and stops you from achieving your goals.
5. A danish book. Make a difference by Ulrik Wilbek.
Ulrik Wilbek lead the danish handball team to world championship several times. He tells about encouragement and mindset, and compares how to use that in connection to your business
6. The books I'm reading now, that helps me develop myself and my skills:
Accept your Abundance
Making the First Circle Work
How to buikd a Multi-Level Money Machine
By Randy Gage 🙂
This last book, a passage stuck with me, as I think it is awesome.
"Network Marketing offers you the opportunity to nurture and empower the inherent talents in all you sponsor. In this business, success means the chance to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and financially, while you contribute in a possitive way to others.
Isn't that beautifull and what life is all about?
Love
Lene
My top ten are:
1. Personality Plus by Florence Littauer.
2. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Shwartz.
3. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
4. How To Have Confidence and Power In Dealing With People by Les Giblin.
5. How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger.
6. Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward.
7. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
8. Seven Events That Made America America by Larry Schweikart.
9. A Patriot's History of The United States by Larry Schweikart, Michael Patrick Allen
10. George Washington's Sacred Fire by Peter A. Lillback.
Nice list! In line with it, I would add some of Von Mises (Human Action, etc) & Murray N. Rothbard (The Ethics of Liberty, etc.)
Regards
Science of Mind - Ernest Holmes
The Science of Getting Rich - Wallace Wattles
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
The Slight Edge - Jeff Olson
The Untethered Soul - Michael A. Singer
Creative Mind and Success - Ernest Holmes
Strategies of Genius - Robert Dilts
Frogs into Princes - Bandler and Grinder
Reframing - Bandler and Grinder
TRANCEformation - Bandler and Grinder
This list isn't complete or even in order. all good stuff!
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto and
The Gratest Salesman in the Wold--Og Mandino
1)BIBLE
2)DIVINE MERCY IN MY SOUL by Saint Faustina Kowalska
3)CONFESSIONS by Saint Agustín from Hipona
4)SPIRITUALS EXERCICES by Saint Ignacio from Loyola
5)RICH DAD, POOR DAD
6)THINK AND GROWTH RICH by Napoleon Hill
7)LITTLE WOMEN by ????
8)THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Spark
9)MAKING THE FIRST CIRCLE WORKS by Randy Gage
10)A WALK TO REMEMBER by Nicholas Spark
I LOVE TO READ!
love this list.....kx
Great list, RG.
I have most of them and just updated my Amazon list for the rest. BTW, As a Man Thinketh is available for free right now on the Kindle or the Kindle app on iPad.
love this list.....kx
Since I red this post, tree months ago, I am reading Atlas .... Amaizing!! Tranks Randy!!!
Since I red this post, tree months ago, I am reading Atlas .... Amaizing!! Tranks Randy!!!
I so agree with your number 2. James Allen's book As a Man Thinketh is priced too low people would not think they are holding a gold in their hands.
I so agree with your number 2. James Allen's book As a Man Thinketh is priced too low people would not think they are holding a gold in their hands.
I have hundreds but the one that changed me the most was "Awaken The Giant Within" by Anthony Robbins
I would add The GoGiver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, and The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
@Federico that is Jonathan Livingston Seagull - which should be rereleased soon with the 4th section included. The publisher made him cut it when it was first published, but he has recently polished that section and it is supposed to be published soon.
So great to see this and go through the comments. A lot of my favorites are already here. Heinlein is mentioned, but it was a little short of his called Magic, Inc. and another novella called Double Star that formed my early understanding of the government machine.
Of course, Illusions by Richard Bach is literally the reason I chose to stick it out and finish this lifetime on my terms instead of ending it on my terms. Hypnotizing Maria is more recent - but the themes are powerful and the way he uses the story of Charles Lindbergh to illustrate how we CHOOSE what has power for us and what does not is fantastic. He hasn't lost his ability to find the lessons in a story and make that story sing. (His latest came out two weeks ago and Jonathan Livingston Seagull is soon to come back with the missing 4th section intact. The publisher talked him into taking it out of the original. It's along the same theme of Illusions - people who loved JLS and Illusions will want to read.)
The writings of Louisa Mae Alcott were early influences - I noticed even as a child that everyone loved her "poor but gentlewomen" characters in Little Women more than they loved the precocious Rose Campbell, an heiress from one of the "First Families" in Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom. But Rose's Uncle Alec was my ideal father figure. I also have a rare copy of her book A Modern Cinderella - she was a fan of strong-minded, plain-spoken women and I thought I might have a chance at living up to that.
The Mysterious Flame - still trying to digest this book about the UNconscious mind, but each time I revisit it I marvel even more at the magical making mechanism we all came with.
The Secret Garden and The Little Prince - layers of story that remind us to challenge appearances, never undervalue the worth of another being, always open ourselves to love - especially of roses.
The Prophet certainly - I saw it mentioned here. I once read the chapter on Government to an EX-boyfriend and had him call me an anarchist. That same day we visited the Jefferson Memorial and read the words written on the wall. Same message. Hmmmm But Gibran's little collection - Sand and Foam - was my first introduction to his writing and still calls me to read it again and again. Rumi too- with all the buried nuances... Well worth the excavation.
Of course, The Go-Giver. I saw it mentioned but I can't leave it out. After coaching from it for almost 5 years I can say it has not only molded my life, but that of clients as well.
At the risk of kissing up... Risky is the New Safe. My boyfriend (this one is a keeper - he GETS it!) and I have read it together a couple of times. Even when I think you might be wrong, RG, you make me think. And how would we ever develop if no one ever challenged our thinking?
Thanks everyone for your lists - I'm off to read.
Really liked Risky is the new safe. will follow and read some of your favs!
I love anything by Brendan Buchard, very empowering!
Some I've read and the other I'll get soon. May they do for me what they did for you.
Interesting reads
I'll definitely take a look. Thank you, Randy.
I have read #2, 6, 8, and 10. My mom had Atlas Shrugged and I attempted to read as a kid...WAY over my head. I wonder if she still has it? I'll bet she does. 😉
Here´s a little part of my list, to add more content to this great info-BLog-post:
1. Why the soul gets sick and how to heal it (Tom Schaefer)
2. Why men don´t listen and women can´t read maps (A. + B. Pease)
3. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
4. The Tao of Physics (F. Capra)
5. The Prince (N. Machiavelli)
6. Lucky Man (Michael J. Fox)
7. Born on a Blue Day (Daniel Tammet)
8. As a Man Thinketh (James Allen)
9. Think and Grow Rich (N. Hill)
10. everything written & published by Randy Gage
.....and many more......
Great list ...
I have a couple of these titles, and I will have to check the rest out, sometime.
Super collection must reads on my list!
Have some, now need to add a couple per your suggestions. Great list.
Read the story of the go getter
Thanks Randy ~
Sovereign Individual - Lord Rees Mogg and James Davidson
The Goal - E. Goldratt
On Human Action - Von Mises
Democracy: The God that Failed - Hans Hoppe