Shoe Dog

Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" has received high praise from several billionaires. Warren Buffett calls it "the best book I read last year," while Tim Cook describes it as "the finest business book of the century." Bill Gates appreciates it as "a candid narrative about achieving success in business."

Knight takes us back to his humble beginnings, where he started with a simple idea: importing premium running shoes from Japan. He shares the early struggles of selling shoes from his car's trunk, the hurdles he encountered, and the unique team that formed the backbone of Nike.

His account is rich with stories of challenges, risks, and victories. From fierce competition to banking issues, and the relationships that shaped Nike's identity, the book encapsulates both the journey of entrepreneurship and the man behind the brand. "Shoe Dog" provides an engaging glimpse into the world of Nike, narrated by Phil Knight himself. It's a personal narrative filled with ambition, resilience, and the ups and downs of establishing a global powerhouse.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:

• "The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us."
• "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results."
• "I'd advise those in their mid-twenties not to settle for a job or even a career. Seek a calling, even if you don't know what that means."

Poor Charlie's Almanack

Charles T. Munger's "Poor Charlie's Almanack" comes highly recommended by Warren Buffett, who describes it as a "publishing miracle." Naval Ravikant also endorsed it on Twitter.

This compilation offers deep insights into Munger's philosophies on life, investing, and decision-making. Through a collection of speeches, essays, and selected quotes, readers can appreciate Munger's emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking, mental models, and the significance of lifelong learning.

Munger’s humor and candid reflections enrich the reading experience. My favorite insights from the book include:

• "In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn't read all the time."
• "Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up."
• "There is no better teacher than history in determining the future."

The second video, "These 11 Books Reveal the Secrets of the Rich," discusses essential readings that provide insights into wealth and success, featuring Munger's work.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Elon Musk describes Benjamin Franklin as "an entrepreneur who started from nothing." Paul Graham ranks it among his top 100 books, and Charlie Munger also recommends it in "Poor Charlie's Almanack."

Franklin's memoir provides a detailed view of his life, from a young apprentice in his brother's printing shop to a distinguished statesman, inventor, and philosopher. He shares his personal philosophies, including his well-known "13 Virtues" and his relentless pursuit of self-betterment.

Some of my favorite passages include:

• "The names of virtues, with their precepts, were: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility."
• "Never confuse Motion with Action."
• "When the well is dry, we know the value of water."

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