BONUS | Joe Rogan's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

The Black Count by Tom Reiss tells the fascinating true story of General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a black man who rose to become one of the highest-ranking military officers in the Western world during the French Revolution. The book explores themes of racial equality, military leadership, and the impact of Napoleon's rise to power on Dumas's life. It also delves into how Dumas inspired his son Alexandre Dumas's famous novels, such as 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.

Candice Millard's "The River of Doubt" recounts Theodore Roosevelt's perilous journey down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon. The book details the physical and mental hardships faced by Roosevelt and his team, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Millard masterfully weaves together historical accounts, personal diaries, and scientific research to create a gripping narrative. The expedition's challenges and near-death experiences underscore Roosevelt's adventurous spirit and his ability to overcome obstacles. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Roosevelt's life and the exploration of the Amazon.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

This book, written by Jack Weatherford, challenges the traditional Western view of Genghis Khan as a ruthless destroyer. Instead, it portrays Khan as a secular leader who promoted egalitarianism, religious tolerance, and free trade. The Mongol Empire, under Khan's leadership, subjugated vast lands and people, but also facilitated cultural communication, expanded trade routes, and contributed to the blossoming of civilization. Weatherford argues that the Mongols' rule was less burdensome than that of European nobility, with lighter taxes, tolerance of local customs and religions, and universal education for boys. The book also explores how the Mongols encouraged scientific advances, improved agriculture, and sponsored lucrative international trade, thereby influencing European civilization and the modern world.

Shadow Divers tells the story of John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, two weekend scuba divers who discover a World War II German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey. Over six years, they lead an elite team of divers in a quest to identify the U-boat, facing treacherous conditions and personal sacrifices. The book is a thrilling and emotionally complex account of their journey.

John Vaillant's "The Tiger" is a gripping narrative non-fiction account of a man-eating tiger in the Russian Far East. The story follows the tiger's deadly rampage and the desperate efforts of villagers and hunters to track and kill it. Vaillant masterfully blends environmental themes with a suspenseful narrative, exploring the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. The book delves into the cultural significance of the tiger in Siberian society and the impact of human encroachment on its habitat. "The Tiger" is a powerful exploration of survival, vengeance, and the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.

This book spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, who were the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, known for their exceptional horsemanship and warfare skills. The second story follows the remarkable narrative of Cynthia Ann Parker, a pioneer woman kidnapped by the Comanches in 1836, and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. The book covers a sweeping narrative that includes Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, providing a historical feast for anyone interested in the development of the United States.