As you seek a pardon, you are probably seeking ways to better your life. Maybe you are interested in a new career that you can bring your passion to. Maybe you are looking to establish strong relationships in your life. Maybe you are searching for a purpose for your life.
A great way to explore different ways of life and different ideas is by reading books. You can expose yourself to new ideas. Some of those ideas may not work for you, but others may resonate with your view of the world and help you establish new values. Here, I will discuss three books that helped me make positive improvements in my life. Each are easy to read and could have an impact on your life.
1: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is an easy book to read because it is very short. You could probably read it in one or two sittings.
Aurelius was a Roman Emperor and a philosopher who prescribed to the Stoicism movement. Even though Aurelius lived centuries ago, and faced many different challenges than the average person faces today, his life lessons are universal. Meditations was essentially a diary that Aurelius kept of reminders for himself and how he should live his life. It was eventually published to wide acclaim. It is one of the most popular and easily digestible works of philosophy of all time. Aurelius touches on religion, morality, doubt, what it means to be human, and much more.
Given how short the book is, you have nothing to lose by picking it up. Below is one of my favorite motivational quotes from the book:
“In the morning, when you rise unwillingly, let this thought be present: I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie under the blankets and keep myself warm? But this is more pleasant. Do you exist then to take your pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion? Do you not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees working together to put in order their separate parts of the universe? And are you unwilling to do the work of a human being, and do you not make haste to do that which is according to your nature?”
– Marcus Aurelius
2: Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom by Ariel Burger
Elie Wiesel is one of the most famous Holocaust survivors, yet his work as a teacher has been historically under appreciated. A student, teaching assistant, and mentee of Wiesel’s, Ariel Burger, draws upon his own experiences in Wiesel’s classroom to bring his teachings to the rest of the world. Burger explores themes such as faith, doubt, compassion, celebrating differences between people, and much more. Ultimately, Wiesel argues that the best thing that we can do for others is be a witness to their suffering. Wiesel says that, “listening to a witness makes you a witness.”
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, writer, religious leader, or philanthropist, this book will be eye opening for you!
3: Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice From the Best in the World by Timothy Ferriss
Tim Ferriss sat down with over 130 of the world’s most successful people and asked them what their secrets to success and happiness are. This is an enormous book, but the good thing about it is that it consists of fairly short interviews and you don’t have to read the book cover to cover. You can flip open to any page and find a useful interview, or look up the sections that include your favorite people. The book contains actionable ideas that you can implement in your own life in order to be more successful, as well as broad ideas that could make you think differently.
Your Fresh Start
These are just a few ideas of books that can help you reinvent yourself. For more suggestions, or for assistance with your fresh start, contact our office.
