A Humane Economy: The Social Framework of the Free Market
Wilhelm Röpke Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: GermanOriginal Title: Jenseits von Angebot und Nachfrage
In A Humane Economy, Wilhelm Röpke critiques economic systems that prioritize material wealth over human dignity. He argues for a free market economy tempered by ethical principles, emphasizing that the market should serve human well-being rather than exploit it. Röpke advocates for a...A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder - How Crammed Closets, Cluttered Offices, and on-the-Fly Planning Make the World a Better Place
Eric Abrahamson & David H. Freedman Amazon Biblio.com
InfoOriginal Language: English
In A Perfect Mess, Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman challenge conventional wisdom about organization and disorder. They argue that clutter and chaos, often viewed as inefficiencies, can actually foster creativity, flexibility, and innovation. The book examines how people and organizations...Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure
Tim Harford Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
Tim Harford argues that rather than pursuing rigid plans and expecting them to succeed, individuals and organizations should embrace the idea of adaptability. He presents the concept of "trial and error" as a fundamental mechanism for learning and progress. Harford illustrates this through numerous...Alchemy: The Magic of Original Thinking in a World of Mind-Numbing Conformity
Rory Sutherland Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
Advertising expert Rory Sutherland criticizes our current, logic-oriented zeitgeist. The sole focus on logic, in his view, obscures our vision of alternative solutions. Approaches to things in the real world can also be achieved through "magic". Formal logic is merely the framework. It is the...Bailouts or Bail-Ins?: Responding to Financial Crises in Emerging Economies
Nouriel Roubini & Brad Setser Amazon
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Bailouts or Bail-Ins? by Nouriel Roubini and Brad Setser examines the different methods for responding to financial crises, specifically the mechanisms of bailouts and bail-ins. The authors explore the effectiveness and consequences of each approach, addressing the moral hazard issues, economic...Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys
Joe Coulombe Amazon
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In Becoming Trader Joe, Joe Coulombe, the founder of the now-iconic grocery chain, shares the fascinating story of how he created the beloved Trader Joe's brand. The book offers insights into Coulombe’s entrepreneurial journey, revealing how he turned a small chain of convenience stores into a...Bull: A History of the Boom and Bust, 1982-2004
Maggie Mahar Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Maggie Mahar's Bull traces the rise and fall of the U.S. stock market from 1982 to 2004, examining the social, economic, and political factors that fueled the boom and eventual bust. The book critiques the role of Wall Street, government policy, and corporate greed, illustrating how speculative...Capital
Karl Marx Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: GermanOriginal Title: Das Kapital
Karl Marx's "Capital" is a foundational text in political economy and socialist thought. The book analyzes the capitalist system, focusing on how it operates and exploits labor. Marx examines the dynamics of capital accumulation, the role of commodities, and the process of surplus value extraction,...Changing Fortunes: The World's Money and the Threat to American Leadership
Paul Volcker & Toyoo Gyohten Amazon Biblio.com
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This book explores the history of the global financial system, examining how money, banking, and international currencies shape world politics. Written by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker and Japanese economist Toyoo Gyohten, it highlights the economic policies that influenced the...Chaos Kings: How Wall Street Traders Make Billions in the New Age of Crisis
Scott Patterson Amazon
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In Chaos Kings, Scott Patterson explores the world of extreme event-driven finance, focusing on two opposing factions that seek to profit from market crises. One group, led by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, argues that catastrophic events, or "Black Swans," are inevitable and unpredictable, with their...Commodities and Commodity Derivatives: Modelling and Pricing for Agriculturals, Metals and Energy
Helyette Geman Amazon
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Helyette Geman’s Commodities and Commodity Derivatives provides an in-depth exploration of the financial instruments used in commodity markets, focusing on the modeling and pricing of agricultural products, metals, and energy. The book covers both theoretical and practical aspects of commodity...Economic Fundamentalism: A World Model for Structural Adjustment
Jane Kelsey Amazon
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In Economic Fundamentalism: A World Model for Structural Adjustment, Jane Kelsey critically examines the global implementation of neoliberal economic policies, particularly through structural adjustment programs (SAPs) in developing countries. The book critiques the belief in free-market capitalism...Elements of Pure Economics, or The Theory of Social Wealth
Leon Walras Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: FrenchOriginal Title: Éléments d'Économie Politique Pure, ou Théorie de la richesse sociale
Léon Walras (1834–1910) was a French economist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to economic theory. His innovative "tâtonnement" process described how prices adjust iteratively in markets to achieve equilibrium, though it was a theoretical abstraction that did not account for...Empire of Silver: A New Monetary History of China
Jin Xu Amazon
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This work explores China's historical role in shaping global economics through its monetary systems. Xu delves into the evolution of currency in China, from ancient times to the modern era, emphasizing how silver influenced China’s economy. He highlights the importance of the silver trade,...Equality, the Third World, and Economic Delusion
P. T. Bauer Amazon
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In Equality, the Third World, and Economic Delusion, P. T. Bauer critiques the prevalent views on economic development and equality, particularly in relation to the Third World. He argues that many development policies fail because they are based on misguided assumptions, such as the belief that...Ergodicity Economics
Ole Peters & Alexander Adamou Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
This groundbreaking work rethinks traditional economic models by emphasizing the principle of ergodicity, which focuses on individual trajectories over time. Peters and Adamou challenge assumptions about risk, utility, and decision-making, offering a novel approach to understanding wealth dynamics...False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism
John Gray Amazon
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In False Dawn: The Delusions of Global Capitalism, John Gray critiques the assumptions underlying global capitalism, arguing that it is a flawed and unsustainable system. He examines the way global capitalism promises prosperity and freedom, but in reality leads to inequality, environmental...Financial Derivatives: Pricing, Applications, and Mathematics
Jamil Baz & George Chacko Amazon
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Financial Derivatives: Pricing, Applications, and Markets by Jamil Baz & George Chacko provides a comprehensive analysis of financial derivatives, including their pricing, use cases, and market dynamics. The book covers key derivative instruments like options, futures, and swaps, explaining the...Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets
Nassim Nicholas Taleb Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
In "Fooled by Randomness," Taleb describes his experiences with traders in the stock market who mistook their luck for skill and ultimately paid a high price for their overconfidence. One of the strengths of us humans is our ability to recognize patterns. Unfortunately, due to this strength, we...From Third World to First: The Singapore Story: 1965-2000
Lee Kuan Yew Amazon
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In this autobiography, Lee Kuan Yew recounts Singapore's dramatic transformation from a struggling post-colonial nation to a global economic powerhouse. He shares his strategies for nation-building, tackling corruption, and fostering industrial growth, while reflecting on the challenges of...Hopping over the Rabbit Hole: How Entrepreneurs Turn Failure into Success
Anthony Scaramucci Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
In Hopping Over the Rabbit Hole, Anthony Scaramucci, a successful entrepreneur and financier, offers practical advice for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. The book reflects on Scaramucci’s own experiences, including failures and successes, to provide insights into building a...I, Steve: Steve Jobs In His Own Words
George Beahm Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
This collection compiles the thoughts and reflections of Steve Jobs, one of the most influential tech visionaries of the 21st century. Edited by Beahm, the book presents Jobs’ insights on innovation, leadership, design, and the philosophy behind Apple’s products. Through his own words—drawn...Juran's Quality Control Handbook
J.M. Juran Amazon
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J.M. Juran’s Juran’s Quality Control Handbook is a seminal work on quality management, offering comprehensive guidelines for organizations seeking to improve their products and services. First published in 1951, this handbook emphasizes the importance of quality control, continuous improvement,...Just Price in the Markets: A History
Charles R. Geisst Amazon
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In Just Price in the Markets: A History, Charles R. Geisst explores the concept of a "just price" in economic theory and its historical evolution. Geisst examines how different societies, particularly during the medieval and early modern periods, grappled with the ethical implications of pricing...Lying for Money: How Legendary Frauds Reveal the Workings of the World
Dan Davies Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
If you want to learn about different forms of commercial fraud than read this book. Dan Davies describes some of the biggest frauds in history and explains how they could happen, pointing at some heuristics and mechanisms how you could protect yourself and your organization from being subject to...Margin of Safety: Risk-Averse Value Investing Strategies for the Thoughtful Investor
Seth A. Klarman Amazon
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Investors often chase quick gains, falling victim to fads that resemble speculation or gambling, with little chance of long-term success and a high risk of loss. In contrast, value investing—buying securities at a significant discount to their intrinsic value—has a proven history of delivering...Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders
Jack D. Schwager Amazon
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Market Wizards by Jack D. Schwager compiles interviews with some of the most successful and influential traders in the financial world. Schwager asks in-depth questions about their strategies, philosophies, and personal experiences in trading. The book highlights the varied approaches that these...Mob Rules: What The Mafia Can Teach The Legitimate Businessman
Louis Ferrante Amazon
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A former member of the Mafia, Ferrante uses his firsthand experience to offer insights into leadership, management, and strategic thinking that are often used in the world of crime but can be applied in business. Through anecdotes and lessons from his past, Ferrante examines how the Mafia operates...Models.Behaving.Badly.: Why Confusing Illusion with Reality Can Lead to Disaster, on Wall Street and in Life
Emanuel Derman Amazon
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Emanuel Derman’s Models.Behaving.Badly examines the dangers of relying on mathematical models to understand complex systems, particularly in finance. Derman argues that models are simplifications of reality and can lead to disastrous outcomes when treated as truths. He discusses how models often...Money and Promises: Seven Deals that Changed the World
Paolo Zannoni Amazon
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Money and Promises: Seven Deals that Changed the World by Paolo Zannoni explores seven pivotal financial deals that had profound impacts on history. Through these deals, Zannoni illustrates how money and promises shaped the course of civilizations, economies, and political landscapes. The book...Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral and Drive Major Economic Events
Robert J. Shiller Amazon
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Nobel laureate Robert J. Shiller explores the power of narratives in shaping economic behavior and market trends. He argues that viral stories—about financial crises, technological innovations, or societal fears—profoundly influence economic outcomes. Drawing on psychology, sociology, and...No Bull: My Life In and Out of Markets
Michael Steinhardt Amazon
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In "No Bull: My Life In and Out of Markets," renowned investor Michael Steinhardt reflects on his storied career in finance, offering a candid account of his rise to prominence in the world of hedge funds and market speculation. Steinhardt shares his investment philosophy, emphasizing his...Obvious Adams: The Story of a Successful Businessman
Robert R. Updegraff Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
"Obvious Adams" presents a parable about a simple, yet highly successful businessman who achieves greatness by focusing on the obvious solutions. Through his journey, Adams exemplifies how clear, straightforward approaches to business challenges lead to success. The book emphasizes common sense,...Order without Design: How Markets Shape Cities
Alain Bertaud Amazon
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In this insightful work, Alain Bertaud explores how cities are shaped not by top-down planning but by the dynamics of markets. He argues that urban development often arises from the spontaneous actions of individuals and businesses responding to economic incentives, rather than from centralized...Phantom Capitalists: The Organization and Control of Long-Firm Fraud
Michael Levi Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
This book offers an in-depth analysis of long-firm (planned bankruptcy) fraud, examining why individuals become involved, how it compares to other crimes, and the connections between fraudsters and organized criminals. It explores the techniques used by fraudsters and the social and commercial...Reminiscences of a Stock Operator
Edwin Lefèvre Amazon Biblio.com
InfoOriginal Language: English
Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre is a semi-autobiographical novel that offers a vivid portrayal of the world of stock trading. Written in the early 20th century, it follows the rise and fall of a fictional stockbroker, who is widely considered to be based on the legendary...Retail Gangster: The Insane, Real-Life Story of Crazy Eddie
Gary Weiss Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Gary Weiss chronicles the rise and fall of Crazy Eddie Antar, a charismatic and unscrupulous businessman behind the infamous electronics retail empire. Known for aggressive marketing and deep discounts, Crazy Eddie became a household name in the 1980s, only to collapse amid financial fraud and...Seeing like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed
James C. Scott Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
How states attempt to build a better society and regularly fail in doing so is described by James C. Scott in his important work 'Seeing Like a State.' The starting point of his study is the first attempt by a state in history to manage forests as natural resources. Forestry was initiated in...Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil Knight Amazon Bookshop.org
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In Shoe Dog, Phil Knight recounts his journey from a young entrepreneur to the creator of Nike, one of the world’s most recognizable brands. The memoir provides a candid look at the struggles, risks, and triumphs Knight experienced while building Nike from a small shoe business into a global...Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered
Ernst F. Schumacher Amazon
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Schumacher challenges conventional economic thought, advocating for sustainable development, human-scale technology, and ethical principles. He critiques growth-driven models, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and community well-being. Small Is Beautiful is a transformative...The Alchemy of Finance
George Soros Amazon Biblio.com
InfoOriginal Language: English
In The Alchemy of Finance, George Soros explores his theory of reflexivity, which asserts that market participants influence and shape the very events they seek to understand. Soros explains how this feedback loop creates bubbles and crashes, fundamentally challenging the traditional economic...The Art of Money Getting
P. T. Barnum Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
Written by the famous American showman and businessman P.T. Barnum, The Art of Money Getting is a practical guide to achieving financial success, based on Barnum’s own experiences in the entertainment industry. The book outlines his principles for business and personal prosperity, emphasizing...The Atlas of Economic Complexity: Mapping Paths to Prosperity
Ricardo Hausmann, Cesar Hidalgo et al Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
The Atlas of Economic Complexity provides a revolutionary approach to understanding economic development through data-driven insights into the complexity of nations' economies. Drawing from years of research, the authors map out the "economic complexity" of countries based on the diversity and...The Coal Question
William Stanley Jevons Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
In The Coal Question, William Stanley Jevons addresses the economic and social implications of coal, the primary energy source of the Industrial Revolution. Jevons discusses how the demand for coal was rapidly increasing due to industrialization and transportation advancements, while its finite...The Dao of Capital: Austrian Investing in a Distorted World
Mark Spitznagel Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
Mark Spitznagel's The Dao of Capital offers a unique perspective on investing, blending Austrian economics with principles of Daoism. Spitznagel argues that investors should embrace the natural ebb and flow of markets and adopt a long-term, patient approach. He contrasts his approach to that of...The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)
Seth Godin Amazon
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In The Dip, Seth Godin introduces the concept of "the dip"—a moment of struggle that often occurs after the initial excitement of starting something new. Godin explains how the dip can be an obstacle or an opportunity, encouraging readers to assess whether they should push through challenges or...The Economy of Cities
Jane Jacobs Amazon
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In this work, Jane Jacobs explores the dynamics that drive urban economies, arguing that cities are not merely places of commerce but also ecosystems where social interactions, innovation, and local entrepreneurship thrive. She contends that economic success in cities arises from the diverse,...The Elusive Quest for Growth: Economists' Adventures and Misadventures in the Tropics
William Easterly Amazon
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William Easterly’s The Elusive Quest for Growth critiques the failed development policies aimed at boosting economic growth in the global South. Drawing from his experiences as an economist, Easterly examines the shortcomings of top-down aid strategies and the often misguided assumptions about...The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America
Warren E. Buffett & Lawrence A. Cunningham Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
The Essays of Warren Buffett compiles key writings by Warren Buffett, offering profound insights into his philosophy on business, investing, and corporate governance. Edited by Lawrence Cunningham, the book organizes Buffett’s letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders into themes such as capital...The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success
Albert-László Barabási Amazon
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In The Formula, Albert-László Barabási explores the science of success, offering a data-driven analysis of patterns that lead to achievement in various fields. Barabási applies network theory to understand success, demonstrating that it's not just talent but also a network of relationships and...The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money
John Maynard Keynes Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Keynes's seminal work revolutionized economics by challenging classical theories and introducing the idea that government intervention is necessary to stabilize economies. He explains concepts like aggregate demand, unemployment, and fiscal policy, laying the foundation for modern macroeconomics...The Great Crash 1929
John Kenneth Galbraith Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
In The Great Crash 1929, John Kenneth Galbraith offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the causes and aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash that led to the Great Depression. Galbraith meticulously dissects the psychological, social, and economic factors that contributed to the crash,...The Knowledge-Creating Company: How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of Innovation
Ikujiro Nonaka & Hirotaka Takeuchi Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Nonaka and Takeuchi explore how Japanese companies revolutionized management by fostering innovation through knowledge creation. The book introduces the SECI model, describing the interplay of tacit and explicit knowledge in driving creativity. Drawing on case studies from companies like Honda and...The Little Book of Behavioral Investing: How not to be your own worst enemy
James Montier Amazon
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The Little Book of Behavioral Investing: How Not to Be Your Own Worst Enemy by James Montier focuses on the psychological biases and behaviors that often lead investors to make irrational decisions. Montier provides practical advice on how to recognize and overcome common pitfalls in investing,...The Little Book That Builds Wealth: The Knockout Formula for Finding Great Investments
Pat Dorsey Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
In The Little Book That Builds Wealth, Pat Dorsey offers a comprehensive guide to evaluating and selecting great investments. Dorsey focuses on the concept of "economic moats," or competitive advantages, which protect companies from competition and allow them to generate sustainable profits. The...The Management Myth: Debunking Modern Business Philosophy
Matthew Stewart Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Matthew Stewart’s "The Management Myth" critiques modern management theories and their influence on business culture. He debunks the notion that business practices rooted in the ideas of famous management gurus are scientifically grounded. Stewart traces the origins of management thought,...The Misbehavior of Markets: A Fractal View of Financial Turbulence
Benoit Mandelbrot Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
"The Misbehavior of Markets" explores the shortcomings of traditional financial models, such as the efficient market hypothesis, which assumes that asset prices follow a Gaussian, or normal, distribution. Mandelbrot argues that this assumption is flawed because it doesn't accurately reflect the way...The Price of Time: The Real Story of Interest
Edward Chancellor Amazon Biblio.com
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Edward Chancellor’s The Price of Time explores the complex history of interest rates and their role in shaping economic systems. The book traces the origins of interest from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern financial world, analyzing the moral, philosophical, and economic debates surrounding its...The Soul of A New Machine
Tracy Kidder Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Tracy Kidder chronicles the intense and competitive world of computer engineering through the development of a groundbreaking minicomputer at Data General Corporation in the 1970s. The book captures the passion, pressure, and innovation of the engineers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the...The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets
Johannes Voit Amazon
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Johannes Voit’s The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets applies concepts from statistical mechanics and complex systems theory to the understanding of financial markets. The book explores how market behavior can be modeled using techniques traditionally used to study physical systems. Voit...The Systems Bible: The Beginner's Guide to Systems Large and Small
John Gall Amazon Biblio.com
InfoOriginal Language: English
In The Systems Bible, John Gall humorously yet insightfully examines the behavior of complex systems. Originally titled Systemantics, the book offers practical wisdom on why systems—whether bureaucratic, mechanical, or social—often fail. Gall outlines principles such as the unpredictability of...The Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life
Phil Zimbardo & John Boyd Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
The time frame in which a person dwells with their thoughts has a significant impact on their life course, whether they are unable to let go of negative memories, revel in past moments of happiness, enjoy the present, or work towards a future goal. Psychologist Phil Zimbardo, along with his...The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations is a foundational work of economics, outlining the principles of free-market capitalism. Smith argues for the benefits of specialization, competition, and the “invisible hand” that guides self-interested actions toward collective prosperity. The book...Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
Thinking, Fast and Slow is a groundbreaking exploration of the dual systems of thought that drive human decision-making. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman divides thinking into two systems: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slower, more deliberate, and logical....Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers
Tim Ferriss Amazon
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"Tools of Titans" compiles insights from interviews on Ferriss' podcast with top performers in diverse fields, offering their routines, habits, and tools for success. The book is divided into three sections—Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise—focusing on practical advice in these areas. Ferriss distills...What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars
Jim Paul & Brendan Moynihan Amazon
InfoOriginal Language: English
This insightful book blends a personal story of financial failure with an analysis of market behavior, showing that the psychology behind losses often matters more than the technical details. Jim Paul recounts how hubris and emotional decision-making led to his catastrophic financial loss, while...When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management
Roger Lowenstein Amazon Bookshop.org
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When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein is a gripping narrative of the rise and collapse of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM), a hedge fund founded by Nobel laureates and renowned financial experts. The book details LTCM’s sophisticated financial strategies that initially promised huge profits,...Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Peter Thiel Amazon Bookshop.org
InfoOriginal Language: English
In the realms of business and research, significant leaps are crucial from time to time. Entrepreneur Peter Thiel argues in this direction in his book 'Zero to One'. According to Thiel, competition (globalization) and capitalism are two entirely different things. In competition, many compete for...
Books about markets typically explore the dynamics, mechanisms, and behaviors of financial markets. They delve into topics such as stock markets, commodities, currencies, and the broader economy. These books may cover concepts like trading strategies, market analysis, and understanding the factors that influence market movements.
Books For Investors are addressed to individuals looking to invest their money wisely. They often cover investment strategies, portfolio management, risk assessment, and understanding financial instruments like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. They may also discuss different investment philosophies and approaches to building wealth.
Books For Founders target entrepreneurs or individuals interested in starting and growing businesses. They may cover various aspects of entrepreneurship, including idea generation, business planning, fundraising, leadership, innovation, marketing, and navigating the challenges of building and scaling a successful company.
Management Books are focused on leadership, organizational behavior, and effective management techniques. They often discuss topics such as team building, motivation, communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. These books aim to provide insights and guidance for individuals in managerial roles or those aspiring to lead teams and organizations effectively.