A few years ago, I came across a quote from Seneca:
“We should hunt out the helpful pieces of teaching and the spirited and noble-minded sayings which are capable of immediate practical application–not far far-fetched or archaic expressions or extravagant metaphors and figures of speech–and learn them so well that words become works.”
I have a few friends who have inspired me to be a thinker. They come from various backgrounds and careers but in their own way have taught me to think deeply. My friend Dr. Landrum Leavell challenged me close to 20 years ago to read more, learn more and postulate always. I have done my best to accept his challenge in my life when it comes to forward thinking. My friend Tony Liston is an avid reader. We used to exchange ideas from books we have read. It was on a recommendation from him that I read “Purple Cow” by Seth Godin. That was the one book that helped me retool my way of thinking about things. I still recommend that book to anyone I meet.
I wanted to share with you some of the books I have read this past year. This is not an all-encompassing list since I do read some novels for enjoyment.
The Law - Frédéric Bastiat
The Law is an 1850 book by Frédéric Bastiat. The Law is a short book, about 75 pages long, but was very influential because of the content that was nonetheless packed into it. In The Law, Bastiat says "each of us has a natural right – from God – to defend his person, his liberty, and his property." The State is a "substitution of a common force for individual forces" to defend this right. The law becomes perverted when it is used to violate the rights of the individual, when it punishes one's right to defend himself against a collective effort of others to legislatively enact laws which basically have the same effect of plundering.
The Federalist Papers – Hamilton, Madison and Jay
The Federalist Papers is a collection of 85 articles and essays written under the pseudonym "Publius" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. Federal judges, when interpreting the Constitution, frequently use The Federalist Papers as a contemporary account of the intentions of the framers and ratifiers. This is a must-have for your personal library.
Economics in One Lesson – Henry Hazlitt
Economics in One Lesson is an introduction to free-market economics written by Henry Hazlitt and first published in 1946. I have frequently admitted that my understanding of economics is very limited. This book was a great starter to understand the concept of the free market better.
Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future - Johan Norberg
Our world seems to be collapsing. The daily news cycle reports the deterioration: divisive politics across the Western world, racism, poverty, war, inequality, hunger. While politicians, journalists and activists from all sides talk about the damage done, Johan Norberg offers an illuminating and heartening analysis of just how far we have come in tackling the greatest problems facing humanity. In the face of fear-mongering, darkness and division, the facts are unequivocal: the golden age is now.
What's So Great About America - Dinesh D'Souza
Bestselling author Dinesh D'Souza takes on all of America's critics and proves them wrong -- as perhaps only a writer with an immigrant's understanding of this country can. He defends not an idealized America, but America as it really is, and measures America not against utopia, but against the rest of the world in a provocative, challenging book.
Crisis of Character: A White House Secret Service Officer Discloses His Firsthand Experience with Hillary, Bill, and How They Operate – Gary Byrne
Former secret service officer Gary Byrne, who was posted directly outside President Clinton's oval office, reveals what he observed of Hillary Clinton's character and the culture inside the White House while protecting the First Family.
For the Next Generation: A Wake-Up Call to Solving Our Nation's Problems - Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Congresswoman and Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz challenges the nation to resolve tough issues for future generations. Although I disagree with most her political opinions and the different way she looks at an issue, it was a good look at some of the issues that should be tackled in our society.
Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals - Saul Alinsky
First published in 1971, Rules for Radicals is Saul Alinsky's impassioned counsel to young radicals on how to effect constructive social change and know “the difference between being a realistic radical and being a rhetorical one.”
The One-Hour Activist: The 15 Most Powerful Actions You Can Take to Fight for the Issues and Candidates You Care About – Christopher Kush
No matter what your political persuasion, The One-Hour Activist is your guide to influencing lawmakers, candidates, and reporters. The One-Hour Activist reveals fifteen powerful, proven grassroots actions that persuade lawmakers and candidates to see things your way. Each action is designed to grab the attention of your representatives and build relationships that serve your issues over the long run. And each action takes less than an hour to complete, so you can make a difference without giving up your life!
An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917 – 1963 - Robert Dallek
Drawing on previously unavailable material and never-before-opened archives, An Unfinished Life is packed with revelations large and small - about JFK's health, his love affairs, RFK's appointment as Attorney General, what Joseph Kennedy did to help his son win the White House, and the path JFK would have taken in the Vietnam entanglement had he survived.
The Trial of Jesus From a Lawyer's Standpoint, Vol. I (of II) The Hebrew Trial - Walter M. Chandler
Although over 100 years old, this book remains stirringly relevant. The author's main points about the injustices of Jesus' trial are phenomenal even though the book is generally a bit long-winded. For anyone who is a student of the law, this is a must-read.
The Trial of Jesus from a Lawyer's Standpoint, Vol. II (of II) The Roman Trial - Walter M. Chandler
The Hebrew trial of Jesus having ended, the Roman trial began. The twofold character of the proceedings against the Christ invested them with a solemn majesty, an awful grandeur. The two mightiest jurisdictions of the earth assumed cognizance of charges against the Man of Galilee, the central figure of all history.
I want to challenge you to read more. Share with me some of the books you've read this past year.
