Books Recommended by Derek Sivers
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The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
Source: "Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what “Resistance” is. This book is about that. Read it." - Derek Sivers
Seeking Wisdom
From Darwin to Munger
Peter Bevelin
Source: "A great overview of the lessons of Charlie Munger (partner of Warren Buffett) - and his approach to checklists of multi-disciplinary models to guide clear thinking." - Derek Sivers
Without Their Permission
The Story of Reddit and a Blueprint for How to Change the World
Alexis Ohanian
Source: "[This author] talking about the internet is like Sid Vicious talking about punk. Analysts merely adopted it, but Ohanian was born in it, molded by it, and is the voice of it." - Derek Sivers
4 recommendersMindwise
How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want
Nicholas Epley
Source: "Many new brilliant insights, especially about over-estimating the differences between you and others, thereby separating into us-vs-them tribalism." - Derek Sivers
1 recommenderThe Time Paradox
The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life
Dr. Philip Zimbardo
Source: "Profound idea that everyone has a primary time focus: either Future-focused, Present-focused, or Past-focused. Fascinating implications of each." - Derek Sivers
1 recommenderA Guide to the Good Life
The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
William B. Irvine
Source: "I found when reading it that the quirky philosophy I've been living my life by since 17 matches up exactly with a 2000-year-old philosophy called Stoicism." - Derek Sivers
Stumbling on Happiness
Daniel Todd Gilbert
Source: "Harvard professor of psychology has studied happiness for years, and shares factual findings that will change the way you look at the world." - Derek Sivers
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman
Source: "If you liked 'Predictably Irrational' or 'Stumbling on Happiness' or any of those pop-psychology books, well, this is the Godfather of all of their work." - Derek Sivers
Geek in Japan
Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony
Hector Garcia
Source: "[This is the book I've given most often as a gift] because I’m fascinated with understanding the mindset of a place." - Derek Sivers
1 recommenderThe E-Myth Revisited
Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
Michael E. Gerber
Source: "Absolutely everyone who is an entrepreneur or wants to be one needs to read this book." - Derek Sivers
Sum
Forty Tales from the Afterlives
David Eagleman
Source: "Awesomely creative think-piece. 40 very short fictional stories about what happens when you die." - Derek Sivers
3 recommendersRuby on Rails Tutorial
Addison-Wesley Professional Ruby Series
Michael Hartl
Source: "Though I’ve worked my way through many Rails books, this is the one that finally made me 'get' it." - Derek Sivers
2 recommendersThe 4-Hour Workweek
Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Tim Ferriss
Source: "Brilliant reversal of all of the 'how to manage all your crap' books." - Derek Sivers
26 recommendersA.J. JacobsBlake MycoskieCaterina FakeCharles PoliquinDaniel PinkDavid Heinemeier HanssonDerek SiversEric WeinsteinEv WilliamsGary KellerJason SilvaLaura R WalkerMarc AndreessenMarc GoodmanMark BellMaurice AshleyMike Maples, Jr.Mike ShinodaRolf PottsTim DraperTristan HarrisWalter IsaacsonLewis HowesJodie CookBrian DeanMichael HyattOn Writing Well
An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction
William Zinsser
Source: "Great blunt advice about writing better non-fiction. So inspiring." - Derek Sivers
4 recommendersHow to Talk to Anyone
92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships
Leil Lowndes
Source: "Wonderful considerate book about conversational people skills." - Derek Sivers
1 recommenderTen Year Career
Reimagine Business, Design Your Life, Fast Track Your Freedom
Jodie Cook
Source: "Every future millionaire needs this wise perspective." - Derek Sivers
2 recommendersTricks of the Mind
Derren Brown
Source: "Great, little book [...] that I highly recommend." - Derek Sivers
1 recommenderHow to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less
Nicholas Boothman
Source: Derek Sivers mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
1 recommenderPower Schmoozing
The New Etiquette for Social and Business Success
Terri Mandell
Source: Derek Sivers mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
1 recommenderHow To Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
Source: Derek Sivers mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
FAQ
Did Derek Sivers recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Derek Sivers, it also includes a variety of titles that Derek Sivers has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Derek Sivers's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Derek Sivers mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Derek Sivers. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Derek Sivers has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Derek Sivers referred to the book.
Did Derek Sivers actually create this list?
No, Derek Sivers did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Derek Sivers. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Derek Sivers's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Derek Sivers?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Derek Sivers. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Derek Sivers in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Derek Sivers. Our team keeps a close eye on Derek Sivers's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Derek Sivers, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Derek Sivers has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
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