Charles de Gaulle, while he was the president of France, was famous for reading two to three books a week. Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, was famed to read fifteen-hundred-page books on history and Shakespeare. General James Mattis often said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
To that end, what are you reading right now?
In a recent article, the author James Marriott speaks to the problem that we are reading less and less. This “Dawn of a Post-Literate Society” is deeply problematic. It means that we can’t have good arguments about today’s issues. It means that we aren’t wrestling with history. It means we’re wrapped up in the TikToks and YouTube shorts of the world. And, it’s making us dumber!
Maybe you aren’t reading because you picked up a book, started it, but it didn’t speak to you and your current issues. That’s ok! Sometimes books aren’t right for your situation or point in time. You don’t need to go to Confession for quitting a book. Put it down and pick up something different.
If you’re looking for good books, here’s my current reading list:
Wisdom Takes Work
The last of the 4 Virtues series from Ryan Holiday, speaks to how we need to have wisdom to work in today’s world. We need to put in the effort to find knowledge, keep growing that base of knowledge, and use it in a way that helps the world.
The Choice
What happens when God gives you a choice? Which will you take? This book by Og Mandino tackles a tale about which road will you take, what choices will you make, and where will life lead you if you make ethical choices.
4 Futures Journal
I joined the DSI group in following a 21-day challenge, and each day requires doing a page in the 4 Futures Journal. If you’re looking for a way to kick-start a journaling habit, maybe prior to a New Years Resolution, then this journal or one of its variants might be for you.
If one of these books speaks to you, then that’s great! If not, find something that pulls you in, that gives you energy. Find a book where you can lose track of time by falling into the story and engaging with the ideas.
Be well and do well,
Addison Killeen
P.S.: If you haven’t read my latest book, The Shift, it’s available on Francie and Finch’s website, Amazon or wherever you get your books.
