Best books on War, Strategy, Politics and self-improvement
Feb 1, 2019 7:53:53 GMT
Cyrus the Great likes this
Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2019 7:53:53 GMT
Although i believe action determines the fate of your life and how it shapes you, reading and gathering knowledge and information is equally as important, for a man who only acts without any prior thought or knowledge is simply an idiot, while a person who only reads without acting is a fool. I believe that action and knowledge should work hand in hand, but in this day and age, although the amount of knowledge we can possibly acquire know would make the philosophers before green with envy, most of us just go on with life ignorant and blissfully unaware how brutal life can be. Even more sad is that we are doing nothing about our life, both the lack of action and knowledge makes us mindless consumers.A soldier entering a battlefield without any weapon is suicidal, thus a man who is not equipped without any prior knowledge about life will make him suffer. This game is useful in teaching basic tactics, maybe even more advanced ones, but why should we search for answers that are already found? Here are some books that can help you understand the art of war, politics and self improvement(suggesting other books is highly encouraged).
Color coding:
Red:must read
Yellow: highly recommended
Green: consider reading it if you have the time
Books:
1. The art of war by Sun Tzu : The best book to read about war strategy and tactics. Even after 2000 years they still apply, since written in this book are timeless principles about strategy. It's also simple to read and direct. A book recommendation about war without the art of war is a bad book recommendation.
2. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli: One of the best books on Politics. Here, Machiavelli dissects how politics truly works, and how a prince must rule, and what he should or shouldn't do. This is also the book where the quote "It is better to be feared than to be loved, if you cannot be both" originates. Not a must read because some people may find it disturbing or amoral, and you may have to reread it twice or thrice to get what he's truly saying. Remember that this book is about realism and not morality, so keep that in mind.
3. The 48 laws of power by Robert Greene: The book that made Robert Greene one of the most well known non-fiction writers of the 21st century. The 48 laws of power is the so called "successor" of the Prince. Personally my least favorite book by Robert Greene, not because of it's amorality but rather because i think his other books are superior. It's not a must read or highly recommended because it's more disturbing than the Prince, and if you read the Prince you pretty much would find most of what's in this book obvious. The upside of this book tho is that it's easier to read than The Prince, and you'll enjoy yourself while reading.
(Link to a video summary of the 48 laws of power for those who are lazy to read or just busy : )
4. The 33 strategies of war by Robert Greene : If the art of war is what you consider the best book about war overall, then by reading this book, you'll change your mind. Yes, i'll put the majority of Robert Greene books in this list because all of his works are great, it's just to what degree are they great. The 33 strategies of war is the best book that concerns war. This book details self-directed war, organization of armies, offensive and defensive warfare, fighting dirty,etc. It's also written in an easy to understand way, and is also really fun to read. Also, the book derives a lot from other books about war, so you don't have to read the other books i would be placing here. If there's one book you need to read in your life, it is this.
( Link to a video summary of the 33 strategies of war: )
5. Mastery and The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene: 2 books in one number so i can save space. Mastery details how people can achieve their higher self, how hard work and persistent tenacity is more useful than talent, and how talent can have it's hidden curse. Art of Seduction shows how love is no different than war, and how one can improve one's relationships: either romantic, friendly, parental or societal. Personally helped me in my romantic relationships, but be warned that again, it's not the conventional way of thinking. If you want to truly be a master of your fate, then read mastery. If you want to be a modern Casanova despite average or even below average looks, then read the art of seduction.
(Link to a video summary on mastery: )
(Link to a video summary on the art of seduction: )
6. The laws of human nature by Robert Greene : Finally,his last book that is a must read. The laws of human nature is Robert Greene's magnum opus, and it's his newest book released just this October of 2018. Robert Greene explain how our psychology works, and how we can use it to understand others and ourselves. It overall will help you become a better person, and can help you instantly read a person based on the subtle nonverbal behavior a person shows (with a lot of practice of course). As a licensed psychologist, his book is more useful and entertaining than the 50 dollar books we are forced to buy during our masters. If you for some reason despise the "pretentiousness" and the psychological jargon in the psychology books you are reading, then read this book instead.
7. The book of 5 rings by Miyamoto Musashi : Written by the legendary undefeated swordsman, Musashi details how to fight using a sword, and explains why,using philosophy and some psychology. He also details the strategy of each fighting style. The reason why this book isn't highly recommended is because if you already read the art of war, reading this book would seem redundant. But if you want to understand the psychology of why Musashi was unstoppable, then read this.
8. On War by Clausewitz: Another modern art of war. Here, he goes on detail about how an army should be, the chain of command, how leaders should lead their armies, how logistics is handled etc. If you want to know how Prussia eventually became the most powerful army during the 1870s-1940s, and want to understand the mind of one of the greatest military reformist and thinker of the Napoleonic wars, then definitely read this. Not a must read because it can be quite confusing depending on the translation you are reading.
9. The Dictator's handbook by Alastair Smith and Bruce Bueno de Mesquita : Want to understand why Stalin did what he did? Do you want to understand why politicians are corrupt, and why even the morally good politicians are forced to do morally dubious and outright immoral behavior? Do you want to understand why democracy isn't that different from a dictatorship, or how Capitalism can be as bad as Communism? If yes, then the dictator's handbook is for you. It's like the modern The Prince, and has a similar style to it. If you are the type of person who hates politics, but wants to understand why it works that way, then it is a must read for you. The reason why it isn't an absolute must read is because it can be tedious to read, requiring to reread it to get it. It's also amoral, which puts off people.
10. Louder than words and What every body is saying by Joe Navarro: A former FBI agent, Joe Navarro explains the most important body ques and how to correctly interpret them. Both books go on detail about our nonverbal ques. He also explains which nonverbal ques are the most important to keep an eye on, and some interrogation tips that are useful in daily life. Not a must read because it isn't as fun to read, but if you want a straight to the point and informative book on nonverbal language, then this book is for you.
To point out again, even if you read the greatest book to ever have been written, if you won't put them into practice, then it would be useless. You can suggest other books or any form of media here. Any form of feedback or criticism is appreciated.
Color coding:
Red:must read
Yellow: highly recommended
Green: consider reading it if you have the time
Books:
1. The art of war by Sun Tzu : The best book to read about war strategy and tactics. Even after 2000 years they still apply, since written in this book are timeless principles about strategy. It's also simple to read and direct. A book recommendation about war without the art of war is a bad book recommendation.
2. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli: One of the best books on Politics. Here, Machiavelli dissects how politics truly works, and how a prince must rule, and what he should or shouldn't do. This is also the book where the quote "It is better to be feared than to be loved, if you cannot be both" originates. Not a must read because some people may find it disturbing or amoral, and you may have to reread it twice or thrice to get what he's truly saying. Remember that this book is about realism and not morality, so keep that in mind.
3. The 48 laws of power by Robert Greene: The book that made Robert Greene one of the most well known non-fiction writers of the 21st century. The 48 laws of power is the so called "successor" of the Prince. Personally my least favorite book by Robert Greene, not because of it's amorality but rather because i think his other books are superior. It's not a must read or highly recommended because it's more disturbing than the Prince, and if you read the Prince you pretty much would find most of what's in this book obvious. The upside of this book tho is that it's easier to read than The Prince, and you'll enjoy yourself while reading.
(Link to a video summary of the 48 laws of power for those who are lazy to read or just busy : )
4. The 33 strategies of war by Robert Greene : If the art of war is what you consider the best book about war overall, then by reading this book, you'll change your mind. Yes, i'll put the majority of Robert Greene books in this list because all of his works are great, it's just to what degree are they great. The 33 strategies of war is the best book that concerns war. This book details self-directed war, organization of armies, offensive and defensive warfare, fighting dirty,etc. It's also written in an easy to understand way, and is also really fun to read. Also, the book derives a lot from other books about war, so you don't have to read the other books i would be placing here. If there's one book you need to read in your life, it is this.
( Link to a video summary of the 33 strategies of war: )
5. Mastery and The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene: 2 books in one number so i can save space. Mastery details how people can achieve their higher self, how hard work and persistent tenacity is more useful than talent, and how talent can have it's hidden curse. Art of Seduction shows how love is no different than war, and how one can improve one's relationships: either romantic, friendly, parental or societal. Personally helped me in my romantic relationships, but be warned that again, it's not the conventional way of thinking. If you want to truly be a master of your fate, then read mastery. If you want to be a modern Casanova despite average or even below average looks, then read the art of seduction.
(Link to a video summary on mastery: )
(Link to a video summary on the art of seduction: )
6. The laws of human nature by Robert Greene : Finally,his last book that is a must read. The laws of human nature is Robert Greene's magnum opus, and it's his newest book released just this October of 2018. Robert Greene explain how our psychology works, and how we can use it to understand others and ourselves. It overall will help you become a better person, and can help you instantly read a person based on the subtle nonverbal behavior a person shows (with a lot of practice of course). As a licensed psychologist, his book is more useful and entertaining than the 50 dollar books we are forced to buy during our masters. If you for some reason despise the "pretentiousness" and the psychological jargon in the psychology books you are reading, then read this book instead.
7. The book of 5 rings by Miyamoto Musashi : Written by the legendary undefeated swordsman, Musashi details how to fight using a sword, and explains why,using philosophy and some psychology. He also details the strategy of each fighting style. The reason why this book isn't highly recommended is because if you already read the art of war, reading this book would seem redundant. But if you want to understand the psychology of why Musashi was unstoppable, then read this.
8. On War by Clausewitz: Another modern art of war. Here, he goes on detail about how an army should be, the chain of command, how leaders should lead their armies, how logistics is handled etc. If you want to know how Prussia eventually became the most powerful army during the 1870s-1940s, and want to understand the mind of one of the greatest military reformist and thinker of the Napoleonic wars, then definitely read this. Not a must read because it can be quite confusing depending on the translation you are reading.
9. The Dictator's handbook by Alastair Smith and Bruce Bueno de Mesquita : Want to understand why Stalin did what he did? Do you want to understand why politicians are corrupt, and why even the morally good politicians are forced to do morally dubious and outright immoral behavior? Do you want to understand why democracy isn't that different from a dictatorship, or how Capitalism can be as bad as Communism? If yes, then the dictator's handbook is for you. It's like the modern The Prince, and has a similar style to it. If you are the type of person who hates politics, but wants to understand why it works that way, then it is a must read for you. The reason why it isn't an absolute must read is because it can be tedious to read, requiring to reread it to get it. It's also amoral, which puts off people.
10. Louder than words and What every body is saying by Joe Navarro: A former FBI agent, Joe Navarro explains the most important body ques and how to correctly interpret them. Both books go on detail about our nonverbal ques. He also explains which nonverbal ques are the most important to keep an eye on, and some interrogation tips that are useful in daily life. Not a must read because it isn't as fun to read, but if you want a straight to the point and informative book on nonverbal language, then this book is for you.
To point out again, even if you read the greatest book to ever have been written, if you won't put them into practice, then it would be useless. You can suggest other books or any form of media here. Any form of feedback or criticism is appreciated.
