Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck is a great writer, and he did a great job of illustrating the effects of poverty and how it controls people's actions. I often think

Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck is a great writer, and he did a great job of illustrating the effects of poverty and how it controls people's actions. I often think about the camp that gives them a roof and restores their dignity. I want to create this sort of good in the world. No more Mr Nice Guy - "Nice guys" do things to guilt people into reciprocating. When it doesn't happen in the way they expect (e.g. love), they get bitter. If you want something, say it. If you expect a specific kind of reciprocation, make it explicit. How to win friends and influence people - I remember it as: if you want people to help you, be considerate of their needs and feelings. Seek mutually beneficial agreements. This is so unlike the way conflict resolution is portrayed in movies. It was an important lesson for teenage me. The Secret Life of Trees - Trees are really cool! You should read The Overstory instead though, because it's a really good (fiction) book that touches on the same topics. Salt, fat, acid, heat - The lesson is the title. Balance these 4 things, taste often. My cooking improved drastically after reading this book. It's recommended all the time for a reason. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck - Konmari for social obligations. If it's not useful and doesn't bring joy, don't do it. Not worth reading past the first chapter, but still a great concept.