The Books That Molded my Life
By Randy Gage
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
