Books

Books I’d recommend to my younger self.

Purpose & Direction

  1. The Bhagavad Gita

    Translated by Eknath Easwaran

    The dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna about action, purpose, and causality. I practise what Krishna told Arjuna each day.

  2. Old Path White Clouds

    Thich Nhat Hanh

    A beautifully written biography of the Buddha. I couldn’t stop reading and felt as if I was in his shoes. A great introduction to his teachings.

  3. I See Satan Fall Like Lightning

    René Girard

    I spent weeks contemplating Girard, and it was worth every effort. His ideas deepened my worldview and connect beautifully with Indian wisdom.

  4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

    Stephen R. Covey

    Don’t be put off by the title. This book has wisdom I still use today. Stephen Covey is a master storyteller who helps people realise what truly matters.

  5. The Upanishads

    Translated by Eknath Easwaran

    A stronger version of the Gita, where Lord Yama breaks down the illusion of this world for a young but brave boy.

  6. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

    Swami Vivekananda

    My understanding of yoga deepened after reading this sutra. Timeless wisdom, like all the books here.

  7. The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch

    Huineng · Translated by Philip B. Yampolsky

    . (If you get it)

  8. The Other Shore

    Thich Nhat Hanh

    The Heart Sutra teaches about emptiness, opening up the world in a new way.

  9. The Diamond That Cuts Through Illusion

    Thich Nhat Hanh

    An instruction manual for a bodhisattva to cultivate six perfections.

  10. Freedom from the Known

    J. Krishnamurti

    Jiddu Krishnamurti had a huge impact on how I see my life. I owe him my gratitude.

  11. Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata

    Sudipta Bhawmik

    A modern retelling that taught me about purpose, compassion, and daily choices.

World of Atoms

  1. Zero to One

    Peter Thiel with Blake Masters

    A bible for startup founders. I’ve read it every year since my first startup. Each time, I’m struck by how deep it is.

  2. Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind

    Al Ries and Jack Trout

    I wish I’d read this book earlier. It taught me how consumers’ minds work, how to think about positioning, and how to be a good founder in general.

  3. 7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy

    Hamilton Helmer

    A strategy book that’s simple, yet deep. I’ve read many, but I keep coming back to this one for every project I create.

  4. The Beginning of Infinity

    David Deutsch

    Even after graduating from top university, I had no clear understanding of what science really is. David Deutsch gave me that.

  5. Influence, New and Expanded

    Robert B. Cialdini

    I read this during university and return to it from time to time. A classic for a reason.

  6. The Inner Game of Tennis

    W. Timothy Gallwey

    I return to this when learning or criticizing myself. Self 1 vs. Self 2 framework helped me go beyond winning & losing.

Biographies

  1. A Compass to Fulfillment

    Kazuo Inamori

    My current inspiration: a founder who found deeper meaning in using work to cultivate his virtues.

  2. Shoe Dog

    Phil Knight

    I’ve probably given this book to others more than any other business book. Wonderful writing and Nike’s story.

  3. Steve Jobs

    Walter Isaacson

    The first entrepreneur biography I read. I loved Jobs’ passion for pursuing something extraordinary in this ordinary world. Also inspired me to look into Zen.

  4. Elon Musk

    Walter Isaacson

    I learned how to think from first principles, idiot index, and power of storytelling.