The Best Books I Read in 2023

2023 was a great year of reading. There were many good books I came across this past year, but I’ve boiled it down to my absolute favorites below. I predominantly read nonfiction books, but one of my goals for 2024 is to start reading fiction as well, so stay tuned for next year's book recommendations for more fiction recommendations.

Factfulness by Hans Rosling

Hans Rosling challenges common misconceptions about global issues, offering a more optimistic and fact-based perspective on the state of the world using data and statistical analysis to debunk myths and highlight global progress in health, education, and living standards. Through the concept of "factfulness," the book encourages readers to adopt a more rational worldview by addressing cognitive biases and promoting a mindset based on accurate information. It's a guide to critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of updating knowledge and embracing a positive outlook on the future. It’s important to remember that there is no news headline saying “Over the past 20 years, the proportion of the global population living in extreme poverty has halved.”

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

This is the number one book I have recommended to family and friends. The book challenges conventional wisdom about retirement savings and encourages us to rethink our approach to money. Perkins argues that instead of accumulating wealth for the sake of leaving an inheritance, we should strategically spend our money throughout our lives, optimizing for experiences and happiness. He provides practical advice on prioritizing meaningful experiences, allocating resources wisely, and ensuring a fulfilling life without unnecessary financial sacrifices. "Die with Zero" will make you rethink your values and how you balance saving and spending to get the most out of life.

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

A much-needed challenge to the prevailing productivity culture and encourages people to reconsider their relationship with time. The title refers to the average human lifespan of around four thousand weeks, prompting reflection on how we allocate our time. Burkeman advocates for a more mindful and intentional approach to time, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections, prioritizing meaningful pursuits, and finding contentment in the face of life's inevitable limitations. The book offers insights and practical strategies for achieving a sense of fulfillment in a world where time is a finite and precious resource.

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Housel draws on psychological insights and real-life stories to dissect the emotional and behavioral factors that influence our financial choices. The book delves into the importance of understanding one's relationship with money, the impact of human biases on financial decisions, and the lessons that can be gleaned from historical events. Ultimately, we need to recognize that humans are not rational beings and we should stop treating our finances like we are and just aim to be reasonable with our financial decisions. The book also talks about what wealth is used for—freedom. Freedom to use your time how you want, because if you don’t control your time, it’s difficult to be consistently happy.

A Guide To The Good Life by William B. Irvine

This book introduces us to Stoic principles and practices aimed at achieving tranquility and a fulfilled life. Drawing on the teachings of Stoic philosophers such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, Irvine provides practical advice on how to navigate challenges, manage desires, and cultivate a mindset that fosters resilience. The book combines philosophical insights with actionable strategies, offering readers a guide to finding meaning, purpose, and contentment in the face of life's uncertainties. A common misconception of the Stoics is that they were emotionless, callous beings. This could not be further from the truth. The Stoics’ ultimate goal was achieving a state of tranquility—to reduce negative emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, and grief, and to enhance positive emotions such as joy and happiness.

Outlive by Peter Attia

A must-read for anyone who seriously wants to improve their health. The current medical model is simply unacceptable. It is set up to treat diseases only once they arise. Peter argues that we should instead shift our focus to preventing chronic diseases in the first place. The four major causes of death in today’s society include heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and type 2 diabetes (and related metabolic dysfunction). Many of these diseases can be prevented or at least delayed with proper physical activity, nutrition, and medical intervention. Also, Peter makes a delineation between lifespan and healthspan. Lifespan is the number of years you live. Healthspan is the quality of those years. We need to start focusing on training and prevention now so we can walk and think independently in our final decade of life.

Einstein by Walter Isaacson

Isaacson explores Einstein's personal and professional journey, from his early years and struggles in Switzerland to his revolutionary contributions to physics. The book examines Einstein's development of the theory of relativity and his role in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. Isaacson skillfully weaves together the scientific aspects of Einstein's life with his complex relationships, offering us a nuanced and engaging portrait of a genius whose impact extends far beyond the realm of theoretical physics. Einstein’s success came from questioning conventional wisdom, challenging authority, and marveling at mysteries that struck others as mundane. There have been many impudent geniuses, but what made Einstein special was that his mind and soul were tempered by humility.

One last note…

Reading is the most important habit that I’ve adopted. If you have a bit of disposable income, you should never feel bad about spending $5-20 on a book that interests you. A book can take a person years of research and writing to complete, and you can get that information for the cost of a couple of Starbucks coffees. If you’re not in a financially stable condition currently, you can get many great books for free from the internet or your local library.

All the best,

Kevin