Top 10 Lessons from 2025

Isaac Newton's "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica" is a landmark work in physics, laying the foundation for classical mechanics. Newton presents his three laws of motion, explaining the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. He also introduces the law of universal gravitation, describing the attractive force between any two objects with mass. The Principia revolutionized our understanding of the physical world, providing a mathematical framework for describing celestial and terrestrial motion. Its impact on science and technology has been profound and enduring.

Written by Niccolò Machiavelli in the early 16th century, 'Discourses on Livy' is a three-book commentary on the first ten books of Titus Livy's 'Ab Urbe Condita'. The work examines the founding, maintenance, and protection of the Roman Republic, drawing lessons for modern republics. Machiavelli critiques the failure of his contemporaries to learn from ancient political history and argues for the importance of imitating the political virtues of the ancients. The book discusses various themes, including the role of public and private counsel, the institution of dictatorship, and the impact of religion on statecraft. It is a significant work in political philosophy, emphasizing the practical application of historical examples to contemporary political issues.

This book is a mix of memoir and business advice, detailing Trump's professional and personal worldview. It outlines his approach to deal-making, including his eleven key elements for success, such as 'Think Big,' 'Maximize Your Options,' and 'Have Fun.' The book offers insights into Trump's business strategies, his interactions with various figures, and his approach to negotiating deals. It also provides a glimpse into his personal life and how he runs his organization.

In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future.