# Five Life-Changing Books That Will Stay on My Shelf Forever
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Chapter 1: The Value of Reading
Renowned author Ryan Holiday emphasizes that books are a vital investment in oneself. He states, “I frequently hear people talking about their plans to buy a book. Why plan? Just purchase it! I committed long ago to never let time or finances hinder me from acquiring a book that piqued my interest.”
With that in mind, I’m excited to share five exceptional yet underrated books that are truly worth your time.
Section 1.1: What We Owe The Future by William MacAskill
This thought-provoking book has garnered praise from notable figures like Elon Musk, Sam Harris, and Ezra Klein. Instead of a lengthy endorsement, I’ll summarize its essence so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
“What We Owe The Future” introduces the concept of Longtermism, which suggests that our choices today will likely shape humanity’s future. According to the BBC, “Longtermism advocates that positively influencing the long-term future is a significant moral priority of our era. It urges us to seriously consider the vastness of the future and the potential consequences of our actions. This perspective encourages us to confront current challenges that could alter the course of civilization, aiming to benefit not just the present generation but those to come.”
If that intrigues you, I recommend diving into this book soon!
Here are a few standout quotes from the book:
- "The world doesn’t stop at our doorsteps or our national borders, and it doesn’t end with our generation."
- "Writing has granted ideas the capacity to shape societies for millennia; artificial intelligence may extend this influence for millions of years."
- "Time and distance are both measures of connection. People matter, even if separated by thousands of miles or years."
Section 1.2: Falling by T.J. Newman
Imagine boarding a flight only to discover that terrorists have taken the pilot’s family hostage. The pilot learns that for his loved ones to survive, everyone on your flight must perish. Prepare for an intense journey!
Here are several impactful quotes from this gripping book:
- "Accept reality and focus on what you can control. Don’t waste energy on what’s beyond your reach."
- "Life isn’t merely about existing; it’s about truly living and making choices."
- "Everyone faces death; it’s the ultimate equalizer."
Chapter 3: Finding Connection
Section 3.1: Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
Though it’s a brief graphic novel, “Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too” profoundly influences how you perceive the world. It tells the story of an alien who feels like an outsider on Earth, yet discovers friendship and acceptance through encounters with various animals.
This heartwarming tale is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong. It’s an excellent reminder of the value of perspective and self-acceptance.
Some memorable quotes from the book include:
- "Sadness is fleeting, just as happiness is."
- "The depth of your connections often reflects the fortune of having met someone special."
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