7 Books Every Man Should Read 

"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read" I've never heard that before. I like that

Books & Time stamp 1.) 2:40 - As a Man Thinketh by James Allen 2.) 4:27 - The War Of Art by Steven Pressfield 3.) 6:25 - Endurance by Alfred Lansing 4.) 8:23 - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius 5.) 10:14 - Manhood in the Making by David Gilmore 6.) 12:40 - Wild At Heart By John Eldredge 7.) 14:20 - Sovereignty: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of Men by Ryan Michler Bonus book 8.) 13:50 - Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Books by other commentors: 1.) King, Warrior, Magician, Lover' by Douglas Gillette and Robert L. Moore 2.) Iron John by Robert Bly 3.) Unbroken by Hillenbrand 4.) Cant Hurt Me by David Goggins 5.) The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida 6.) The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene 7.) The Majesty of Calmness by William Jordan 8.) The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason 9.) Hard Times Create Strong Men by Stefan Aarnio 10.) Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis 11.) The Manipulated Man by Esther Vilar 12.) When Evil Is a Pretty Face by Zari Ballard 13.) Men on Strike by Helen Smith 14.) The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky 15.) The way of Men by Jack Donovan 16.) 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson 17.) The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway 18.) Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes ~ The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read ~

When I was growing up my father had a list of books that had me read. He said that if I wanted to call myself “well read” then I had to have read all the books on his list before I turned 18. There were 100 books on his list. He chose the order in which I read the books. After reading a book from the list I had to write a 1-2 page essay about the book and he would take me to lunch somewhere nice and I had to be able to discuss the book with him. Most of the books would fall into the “classics” category and there was a mixture of fiction, non-fiction, historical, biographical, as well as books from all the major religions. There was also some such as those by Shakespeare that were meant to be seen in a live stage production at the theatre rather than just being read. I did finish all the books on the list before my 18th birthday and it instilled in me a love of reading that I’ve had ever since. I have read at least 1-2 books, sometimes more, each week for my entire life, except when I was in basic training for the army. I’m in my 50’s now so if you figure an average of 3 books a week for 37 years you get: 37*52=1,924 weeks then 1,924*3=5,772 plus the 100 books on the list for 5,872 books give or take a few. Oh and that’s not including all the books I had to read in high school and college lol. So it’s probably well over 6,000 books. I think I’m well read now lol. I added to the original list making it 150 books instead of 100. I added more female authors and some books, such as the Harry Potter series, not because they were great classics, because they are culturally significant in that almost everyone has read them (or seen the movies) So you must have read them as well if you want to consider yourself well read. The same applies to books like “the hitch-hikers guide to the Galaxy” While raising my son and homeschooling him through the 6th grade I did what my father did except my list has 150 books on it. I can honestly say that spending all of that time reading books instead of zoning out in front of a tv has served me well over the years and it’s been good for my son also. I retired at the age of 45 and I’m loving the retired life lol. I fish and golf and go camping and of course I read books all the time lol My son has just started his son with the list of books. Since covid shut down the schools my grandson is being homeschooled now and won’t be returning to public school when they open back up. Of course I’m helping teach him since I have all kinds of free time lol It’s really nice to see my grandson choose to spend time reading rather than vegging on tv or the Internet. So I’m of the opinion that you should read at least one book a week minimum and you will succeed in life. Remember I retired at 45 yrs old and my home is paid off, I paid cash for my truck and travel trailer, I own a bunch of rental properties and I’m helping my son by paying for his new home that we are building right now. That way he won’t have a mortgage to worry about. For those that are curious I served in the army, worked LAPD for a few years then became an electrician for the last 15 years or so before retiring. I’ve never seen an episode of the Simpsons, Cops, Jerry Springer, Oprah, Friends, Seinfeld, the Cosby show, and no soaps lol. You should try it. Turn off the tv pick up a book and start today. You won’t regret it and if you’re not sure what to read check out Barnes&Noble they have series or collections of a lot of the classics in Trade paper size and don’t forget the library. Nobody said you have to buy all those books lol As for me, lol I have my own personal library in my home lol Cheers all

I just ordered Wild at heart, Meditations, and Animal Farm. I've been trying to get out of the social media rut for so long. I can feel how it changes a person. It's hard to concentrate on things. Nothing brings joy like it used to. Social media is poison. I'm looking forward to getting these books and taking advantage of some of these rainy, Florida summer days.

1. As a man thinketh. 2. The War of Art & The art of War. 3. Endurance. 4. Meditations. 5. Manhood in making. 6. Wild at heart. 7. Sovereignty.

The richest man in Babylon to me is one of the best books written about financial literacy.

Reading is not just enough". Take the action! Put your newfound knowledge to use. I read for a long time but Action made my life change in no time ( generally and mostly financially) That's my two cents on this

One reading comment: whenever I re-read a book, the experience underscores that I’m in a different place and different person. I’m often surprised by important passages that I didn’t highlight the first time. Ideas that didn’t speak to me the first reading, have become relevant to my life and experience. When I read highlighted passages, they remain important, but if I only read those, I’ll be potentially missing out. I find this to be especially true with this kind of personal growth material.

I’m here as a mother of sons. Trying to raise them with advice from men. They are very auditory learners. Thanks for your list.

The Book of Five Rings - Miyamoto Musashi Meditations - Marcus Aurelius

The story of Shackleton and the endurance is incredible!!!! The greatest true survival story that I know of!!!!! He got every man through that alive!!!!

Time Code 1) 2:50 As a Man Thinketh 2) 4:25 The War Of Art 3) 6:17 Endurance 4) 8:25 Meditations 5) 10:14 Manhood in the Making 6) 12:40 Wild at Heart 7) 15:50 Sovereignty

Plato-The Republic Nassim Taleb-Fooled by Randomness Sun Tzu-The Art of War Charles Duhigg-The Power of Habit Victor Frankl-Man’s Search for Meaning David Goggins-Can’t Hurt Me Holy Bible Jordan Peterson-12 Rules for Life George Orwell-1984 It’s very difficult to narrow down to just 7 since there are so many good books on different subjects. And ranking them would be like assigning quality rankings to different types of fruits.

Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" is one of my favorites of all time. This psychiatrist describes his experiences in Auschwitz and how the people who survived were the ones who had something to live for. A real classic.

Thanks for the recommendations! I have to admit that reading Mediations it's been a little harder than I thought it would be. I'm still in the intro section. But can't wait to start reading the books. The War of Art is a classic! Love that book so much!

I heard the audiobook of Endurance after watching this video and it is one of the most incredible stories I have ever heard. I remember it every time I am going through some hard shit, or going through a hard workout. Because I have yet in my life come to a challenge as hard as what those man went through, and it always gives me strength thinking that hell what I am going through is NOTHING compared to what they went through. Thank you for sharing, I keep coming back to this video to find the next way to spend my audible credits hHah

1. As a Man Thinketh 2. The War of Art 3. Endurance 4. Meditations 5. Manhood in the making 6. Wild at Heart 7. Sovereignty Personally, I'd also add "The King James: Holy Bible" among other spiritual texts Thanks for the recommends

One of the most powerful book i've ever read "As a man thinketh"

Love the mission! I have got into reading latter in my life. Man did I miss out! Thanks for the reminder! I recommend Extreme Ownership!

"Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. Indispensable.

Green Eggs and Ham is low key one of the greatest sales books ever written

'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'.

Thank you for the list! I recently did a search for more non fiction titles and endurance was one of the ones I decided to make a note of, so I’m glad I’m on the right track! Other books that could be included here are The art of learning by Josh Waitzkin He talks about his journey as a young chess player and then turns pro tai chi athlete - but ultimately it’s about triggering your own “flow state” And the other would be the gulag archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn Know exactly what not to do is just as helpful as knowing what to do Some of the worst atrocities ever committed again people were done on their own soil and it can’t be overstated how terrible and weak we can all be when we don’t stand up for what is right Happy reading everyone!

I absolutely love the vibe of this gentleman. Solid and strong

Before a man makes any commitment with a woman he MUST read: The Manipulated Man, by Esther Vilar. This book saved my life and will save yours too. Thanks!!

Can’t Hurt me- David Goggins Jocko Willink - Extreme Ownership Atomic Habits

The book which had the most influence on me was "Free to Choose" by Milton and Rose Friedman, which I read in 1980 at the age of 26. Not only does it explain fully and completely how Capitalism is the only natural companion to Freedom, it explains WHY it is humankinds' natural state. It exposes the corruption of spirit when men(and women) exploit power using government force. It shows why the US Constitution is a physical manifestation of the philosophy of Freedom. But the book also explains why freedom in all it's forms is indomitable, despite every effort to suppress it. It turned me from a McGovern/Carter loyalist to a full fledged Libertarian, which I still am today.

We had an entire course in the university dedicated to the book Endurance. The course was called "Personal leadership" and was part of the leadership studies. Just 13 students and the professor discussing the latest chapter in a weekly session, no tests. Easiest, but one of the more memorable courses. The message was: lead with example.

Cant Hurt Me by David Goggins is a great book. Recommend it to everyone.

THE CREATURE FROM JEKYLL ISLAND... In reading this book, I really began to understand the world around me and just what exactly it is that is going on.

I'm seeing several other single moms here raising young men and I'd like to join them in saying thanks for your videos and this book list! Have read a few of these but hearing your thoughts I will be rereading and reading the others. Thank you for sharing!

Have not heard of any of them. I need to step up my game! I will track down and read them all. Thanks for the list.

1: as a man thinketh by James Allen 2 : The war of Art by Steven Pressfield 3 : Endurance by Alfred Lansing 4 : Meditations by Marcus Aurelius 5 : Man hood in the making by David Gilmour 6 : wild at heart by 7 : ✌️

We all must read: Animal farm by George Orwell

'Educated' by Tara Westover is also a good shout. One of the most inspirational books I've ever read. More inspirational than every self-help book I've ever read combined.

I feel like one of Jocko’s books has to be in here. Whether it’s his leadership book(s) or Discipline Equals Freedom. Endurance is such a good pick, I read that when I was 14 and I’ve read it every year since (I’m 20 now)

'King, Warrior, Magician, Lover' by Douglas Gillette and Robert L. Moore. Great insight into the Jungian archetypes. Essential reading

The Only Book that Changed My Life " As a man thinketh in his heart so is he "

Excellent video! Thank you for the books! Reading for comprehension is the key!

“King. Warrior, Magician, Lover” is a must

Ladies and Gentlemen, lets take a moment to appreciate the fact that at this time in our history not only are we awash in invaluable information and life affirming experiences presented to us by our fellow man in the form of books, that said books are affordable to the common man, which historically hasn't always been the case and that literacy is so commonplace it is taken as a given, thus the information is available for those willing to take the time to seek it out. This book list further elucidates the fact that I will never finish my "must read" list.

“Unbroken” by Hillenbrand is another amazing book along the lines of “Endurance”.

Thanks for this. I've been looking for some new book ideas and I'm gonna start with Endurance.

I watched this video 3 years ago and read Wild at Heart immediately after. Ended up being saved my Jesus Christ and have never looked back. Thank you for making this video Ryan. God definitely used you in my life.

Another must-Read: The Way of the Superior Man..

So cool that you included ENDURANCE. One of, if not my absolute favorite books of all time.

This is awesome. Much appreciated.

Fantastic list. I own two of these, Meditations and A Man's Search for Meaning. I will absolutely consider buying some of these. Thank you

A book that marked my life is "Flowers for Algernon" -- makes you value your capacities and your time.

You should probably have Professor Jordan Peterson on your podcast or at least have him call in. You two seem to have a lot in common. Your ideas seem to line up together and I would love to hear the conversation that comes from that.

Thank you for your passionate and clear sharing with deep thoughts and convictions❤

I'm here. Zach here. I have found identity through some of these books. War of art taught me to do the work and has helped me learn guitar. As a man thinkith helped me stay positive even beautiful. It is a great book. Wild at heart taught me to fight and connected dots to how I felt as a man. Reading sovereignty now love the podcast

Meditations from Marcus Aurelius is EPIC !

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Maybe the single greatest novel ever written. Major manhood advice.

I really appreciate you putting the titles in the description.

My recommended reading list has four books on it: Progress and Poverty by Henry George, The Abolition of Man by CS Lewis, Transactional Analysis In Psychotherapy by Eric Berne, Journy to Ixtlan by Carlos Castaneda... Each of these authors has written other books that are related to the ground-breaking one I am recommending. Each requires effort and patience to read and understand, and may be uncomprehensible to the unprepared mind, and challenging to even the more advanced, on the first reads. I recommend using a highlighter the first two or three times you try to read them...

Wild at Heart. This is the epitome of others that have gone before you. It is definitely a path already forged. I always prayed that I would be a father to my children, just like my Heavenly Father has been to me.

Bruce Lee´s "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" is definitely worth reading. Sad that it hasn´t got more readers for his philosophy is more than just martial arts.

I've recently purchased your book and all of the others. Looking forward to reading your book. Thank you for this list.

"Blowing the Bloody Doors off" by Michael Caine is a great read. Gives a ton of important advice for life, as well as what it takes to become successful. Definitely recommended!!

How to make friends and influence people is my fav

My morning starts with Ryan Holiday's The Daily Stoic. A life changer instilling ancient wisdom that can be applied to today's world.

A great book to add to this list is “Hard Times Create Strong Men,” by Stefan Aarnio.

I'm reading As a Man Thinketh currently, and it is such a great book, but more of a reminder, it is a book, because of how short it is, you can come back to and read like once every few months just to get back on the right path.

Totally agree. I started reading pretty seriously at 30 when I went through a tough time. I have not stopped. Self Help genre started in early 1900’s. I read the OG self help books. Such as “As a Man Thinketh”, the stoic books. The Bible. I want to point out just because a book is geared toward business or leadership you can apply the same principles to your life what ever it is. I am retired with income investments. I am not looking to be “rich with $”. I simply want to improve my self in every way. spiritually, mentally, physically. If you do not exercise your brain as you do your body you will lose it as you age. “If you don’t use it you lose it”. Good show!!!

You forgot Robert Greene’s books. Essential reading for everyone IMO.

Awesome list !!!! Thank you.

I just stumbled upon this channel. And I am so thankful that you are putting out this much-needed content for men. I realize that I’m intruding into man’s realm, but I also appreciate reading these books as well. They help me as a person, a woman, and a wife.

I would add one more: “Man’s search for Meaning” - Viktor Frankl. A very enlightening, quick read though not as quick as book #1 in your list.

While reading Meditations, by MA, I started taking notes as I read in a notebook. Then I reread my notes from time to time. It slowed down my reading, but it helped me understand and bring the ideas of the book into my life. Now, I read all thought books with a notebook at hand. Keeping a journal is something MA recommends. Now, I have that notebook at hand all the time and use it for ideas that come up from any place.

Thank you sir. I was looking for some new reading.

Really enjoyed this video. I'm definitely checking out some of these books to further my development and growth

I love coming to YT videos on book lists and reading the comments to get recommendations, they're gems! Also makes me proud that I've read most of what the commenters recommend lolololol

The Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I'm not into motorcycles, but that's not the point of this book. It's about values and meaning all wrapped into an adventure. Love the book. Also 12 rules for Life by Jordan Peterson.

This is a great list. I'd add The Brothers Karamozov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Man Up! by Jeffrey Hemmer, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and How to be a Gentleman by John Bridges.

This is one of two of my favorite shorts that he does!

Cant hurt me by david goggins is the most life changing book ive ever read. Im on my 6 or 7th time going over it, ive tried to etch that stuff into my brain.

The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida! I loved his perspective & focus on the energies of the Divine Masculine & the Divine Feminine. Such a potent book for me that resonated many truths about how I perceived reality.

One of the most important books I've read that helped with my particular issues was "East of Eden." Cain and Abel. and. more importantly, Cain and Father.

You are awesome!!!! Wild At Heart is a book I have read at least 6 times in the past 15 years since it was gifted to me by my brother. I will check out the other books as well. I have read parts of the Marcus Arelius book as well. I will read your book! Well done!!! You also have gained a follow on your channel.

James Allen (1864-1912), His best known work, "As a Man Thinketh", has been mass-produced since its publication in 1903. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (b.1943)) published in 2002. Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing (1921-1975) published in 1959. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (A.D.121 - A.D.180), Written in 167 A.C.E.. Manhood in the Making: Cultural Concepts of Masculinity by anthropologist David D. Gilmore published in1963. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge published in 2001. Sovereignty: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of Men by Ryan Michler published in 2018. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (1905- 1997) originally published in 1946. This book has sold more than 10 million copies in twenty-four languages.

Wow Ryan! Love that you mentioned "As a man thinketh" but man the fact that you mentioned "War of Art" by Stephen Pressfield is just too amazing I wish more people read this book. This is such an excellent list brother. Also, As a father, Hollywood talent agent and Army vet I just want to say thank you for all your help over the years and since we are talking leaders thank you for leading other men in the right direction. Steel sharpens steel.

Love the selection. My favourite is Man's searching for meaning.

Reading Wild at Heart by John Eldredge has completely changed my life. Definitely pick this one up!

Can't argue with that list. I'll add my two cents or seven cents as it were. 1. Into the Wild 2. Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn 3. 12 Rules For Life 4. The Federalist Papers 5. The Killer Angels 6. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. 7. Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere - Alive

I love "The way of the superior man", "As a man thinketh" and "The four agreements". Need to read "Meditations", heard a lot of good things.

Appreciate you sharing these books brother.

Thank you so much my friend.❤☺️ this video is beautiful this will help a lot of people including me.

12 rules for life - Jordan B Peterson

1. As A Man Thinketh 2. The War of Art 3. Endurance 4. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius 5. Manhood in the Making 6. Wild at Heart 7. Sovereignty

Great list of books. I heard of some of them. I read only one from this list so far. Look forward to reading more of them. Thank you for advice on how to read as well. Great advice!

Now I'm not a huge reader or anything but I do read, and the book that really reframed my perspective about people and meeting new people was "How to read people like a book" Its a short read but it talks about the human physiology pretty well, and I recommend it for anyone who's interested in that topic.

Knowledge is power and power is the application of knowledge!

"The Way of The Superior Man" by David Deida. For those questioning the essence what it means to be men, there is NO OTHER BOOK that answers your questions.

Thanks for making The video. Perfect timing. Wise.

Well done including your book in there. I look forward to reading it.

" The War of Art" is one of my favorite books. Funny and a great perspective.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl so happy you mentioned it. Also a book that was helpful for me based on things that happened in my childhood The Body Keeps the Score by Besser van see Kolk. I have a few in line but I will be ordering your book

Thanks for your list.

I cannot believe not a single soul here mentioned "The Way of the Superior Man" - it is quite literally the best book ever written for men and there is no room for debate. Should be read several times in one's life to glean all of its lessons