Great Minds Galore

The new year is upon us, and if you’re like me, you’re already contemplating the next set of books for the upcoming chapter. In this article, I’ve decided to spotlight a curated list of books, ranked from 7 to 1. Despite my initial target being higher, I’ve managed to read at least thirty books this year, spanning self-help, politics, philosophy, and psychology. However, my focus here is on books that facilitate personal growth and the journey towards becoming the best version of oneself. Let’s agree on one thing: your daily duty is to wake up and strive to be a better version of yourself. There’s no stagnation; you’re either progressing or retrogressing. In the words of philosopher Epictetus, “you must devote your life to making progress.” So, for those setting new resolutions—more trips, more books, more gym sessions, healthier eating, and cultivating quality friendships (OQP)—here’s the ranking from Seven to One. Stick around for a mention of impactful books that didn’t quite make the cut; rest assured, having read them all, I vouch for their worth.

7. “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It” by Christopher Voss and Tahi Raz.

Got this book as a gift, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Chris Voss, an FBI hostage negotiator, breaks down how to not just win at negotiations but also step up your communication game. Here’s the lowdown in plain terms. First impressions break down like this: 7% words, so watch what you say; 38% tone, use the right one; and a whopping 55% body language and face, be confident in how you talk and walk to earn respect.

Remember, if someone gives you something, they’ll expect something back.

Show empathy, treat each person differently, and don’t settle for bad ideas when meeting halfway.

Far and large its an important book that dwells on communications, first time impressions and negotiations of course.

6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Let me begin with an inscription on the copy I have from my friend:

“Regardless, I hope wherever this (the book) ends up or whoever reads it gets/feels how it felt to have powerful insight from this book, and more.” – W. Muriu

My friend requested me to reread the book around mid this year, and the impact was new and amazing. This is a well-read book, from the White House to the streets of Gaza. My apologies: I have misplaced a good number of my notes on my lessons with this book, but here is something for you:

– It’s not how we feel about other people; it’s how they make us feel about ourselves. CT

– Listen to your heart; it knows what is right for you.

– Devote your life to pursuing your dreams and let no obstacle distract you.

5. Laws of Human Nature – Robert Greene

You might be wondering why this book isn’t considered the best, and where the masterpieces “48 Laws of Power” and “Art of Seduction” are. Let’s agree on something first: Robert Greene’s books are not about figuring out other people but understanding ourselves. Highly acclaimed works like “Art of Seduction” aren’t about manipulation but present a philosophy for getting what you want, especially in love and relationships. In “Art of Seduction,” Greene deconstructs the idea of love, presenting it as a power quest with strategies for getting your way. It’s a bit like dark psychology and can be a potent read. “48 Laws of Power” is more of a political book.

Here are a few lessons from “Laws of Human Nature”:

– See through People’s Masks: People wear masks that portray them in the best light. Greene, through skills like studying body language, breaks down how to understand the people around us. People often reveal their identity; we just need to be more attentive. I once overheard a psychologist suggesting that to understand someone’s character, observe how they treat people they don’t like, as the only difference between you and them is time and circumstances.

– Confront Your Dark Side: Become aware of your own dark side. Being conscious of it allows you to control and channel the creative energies lurking in your unconscious. For example, a person might lose self-control and express deep resentments or say something hurtful.

– Resist the Downward Pull of the Group: Listening too much to others and conforming to their behaviours makes us lose our uniqueness and ability to think for ourselves. The solution is developing self-awareness.

There are countless lessons in this book, making it a true masterpiece of art.

4. Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson (The Four Types of Human Behaviour)

I maintain that this book should hold the third spot were it not for a bit of subjectivity. There aren’t sufficient words to articulate the significance of this book. Thomas has truly made his mark with this impactful work.

Red – This individual is the one who speaks the loudest, convinced that they know better and are superior to the rest. They embody an aggressive type, firmly believing they have solutions to everything and are willing to go to any lengths for competition. Possessing strong willpower, they exude power and confidence. However, they can also be excessively rude and insensitive in their compliments, demonstrating a “suck it up” attitude, indifferent to others’ feelings. It’s all about achieving results, with a mindset that justifies the end rather than the process. For them, there are no grey areas; it’s either smart or dumb. Notable examples include Barack Obama and FDR.

Yellow – They easily make friends, prioritizing a good time and ensuring everyone feels comfortable. Like the Red personality, they are outgoing and cannot handle criticism, so it’s best to avoid criticizing them. Although they may seem to listen for hours, they often aren’t truly absorbing information. Time is not a strict concept for them; it’s more of a suggestion. They can be manipulative, undisciplined, and possess a certain level of ego akin to the Red personality. While they may promise to accomplish something, they might not follow through. They have a penchant for new things, places, events, and experiences. Their liking for someone is often tied to the introduction of novelty into their life; otherwise, they swiftly move on to the next person, showcasing their social magnetism. They tend to share a lot about themselves, with an underlying assumption that everyone loves them. Notable examples include Oprah Winfrey.

Green – This group involves many individuals. Greens are not seeking attention; unlike the Reds and the Yellows, they actively dislike it. They are understanding, supportive, and pleasant. Averse to surprises, they are typically the last to take up a leadership role. In contrast to Reds, who believe they know better, Greens provide time and listen patiently. They are the friends who refrain from passing quick judgments. However, they can be indecisive, uncertain, and unsure.

Blue – For individuals with a blue personality, it’s all about structure and formats. Time is a strict consideration; before approaching them with an idea, thorough research is essential to avoid making a fool of yourself. They are the friends whom you can ask something simple, and they’ll respond with various perspectives. Blues possess a wealth of knowledge, quoting Carl Jung and other psychologists when discussing why people act in certain ways. They prioritize the process down to the minute detail—it’s that simple for them. Blues are organized, reserved, and quite conservative. They tend to delve into details and have a strong affinity for books.

3. The Mountain is You – Brianna Wiest

You might be wondering why I highly recommend this book, but Brianna’s approach is truly amazing. While some might consider the absence of scientific data in her arguments a drawback, this book is invaluable for anyone on a healing journey or striving to overcome self-sabotage. Ever wondered why we set resolutions and goals only to struggle with follow-through?

Here are a few takeaways from this masterpiece:

– The greatest act of self-love is refusing to accept an unhappy life. It’s about stating the problem plainly and straightforwardly.

– To truly change your life, allow yourself to be consumed with rage—not towards others or the world, but with yourself.

– Feelings of joy emerge when you condition yourself to take daily actions that foster clarity, calmness, and purposefulness.

– Incredible wisdom lies within our self-sabotaging behaviours. They not only reveal our past traumas but also indicate our true needs.

This book may come across as somewhat impersonal, considering the variety of self-sabotaging behaviours we engage in, such as maintaining the wrong friendships or sabotaging relationships. The impact and lessons one can glean are, to some extent, subjective and heavily dependent on the specific challenges one is facing.

2. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr. Joe Dispenza

Are you exhausted with the life you’ve been leading? Tired of attracting failure, negative people, and misfortunes? If you’ve reached the point where you’ve acknowledged to yourself and to a higher power that things must change because your current life is no longer bearable, then this book is for you. Deep down, you sense the potential to be something better—more productive, successful at work, in relationships, and overall. If you aspire to attract positive influences into your life, then this book is your guide.

Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work delves into the science behind transforming thoughts into reality. Yes, your reality is a product of your thoughts, not the other way around. Using techniques such as manifestation, prayer, and meditation, the book demonstrates that you can shape your life as you desire. It’s a valuable resource for those seeking different results by year-end. While Napoleon Hill wrote “Think and Grow Rich,” Dr. Joe teaches you how. Unlike other self-help books that I typically finish within a week, this one took me an entire month, and I find myself returning to it frequently. My blog article, “From Average to a Higher Self,” was inspired by this transformative work.

This book serves as a reminder to be mindful of how you speak to yourself and what you think about yourself. The whole concept of affirmation, often considered a gospel, is now explained by science. While it’s challenging to distil takeaways without writing another thousand words.

I extend a big thank you to my friend Mishael Kinya, who brought this impactful book to my attention.

Emotional Intelligence – Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

This book took me two months to read, and I reread at least a chapter every month. Daniel Goleman’s approach to Emotional Intelligence (EI) stands out, and I’ve yet to find a more down-to-earth take on the subject. I’ve even written three to four articles inspired by the wisdom in this book.

So, what’s the big deal? Well:

– Your Emotional Intelligence decides how well and how long you stick to what you’re passionate about in life.

– It helps you handle your feelings and understand what others are feeling.

– Your motivation for anything in life is closely tied to your Emotional Intelligence.

Here’s the bottom line: Everything we do involves our Emotional Brain and Thinking Brain working together. It’s hard to stress enough how vital this book is. As emotional beings, you either learn to control your emotions or risk becoming their captive.

There are several noteworthy books that, unfortunately, didn’t make the final list but are still well worth your time. Titles like “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Psychology of Money,” “Five People You Meet in Heaven,” “Who Moved My Cheese,” “The Science of Money,” “Art of Seduction,” “Enchantment,” “Ten Types of Humans,” and “Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” left a lasting impact. This list excludes biographies, autobiographies, and political books.

If you’re curious about any of these titles, feel free to reach out to me via email at gitau.luther@gmail.com or on my Instagram account @Matt_gitau.

Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous 2024, filled with enjoyable reading moments.