Two Percent with Michael Easter #27: The Best No B.S. Self-Improvement Books | Alex Wieckowski (Alex & Books)
Alex Wieckowski, creator of Alex & Books who reads two books a week and curates must-reads, joins to unpack memorable reads. They spotlight a Tolstoy gem, a POW survival story that ended complaining, and the novel that forced better habits. They debate overrated versus underrated self-help classics and reveal the memory skill Alex uses to turn reading into action.
42:53
Use Atomic Habits As A Practical Habit Playbook
- Read Atomic Habits for its clear, repeatable habit frameworks and vivid stories that make science memorable.
- James Clear structures chapters into punchy, highlightable lines and practical rules you can re-read and apply immediately.
Frankl's Survival Plus Theory Explains Meaning
- Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning pairs extreme experience with clinical insight to explain why some prisoners survived psychologically.
- Frankl's dual role as survivor and psychoanalyst makes his observations directly applicable to ordinary life meaning-making.
Treat The 4-Hour Workweek As Dated Inspiration
- Treat The 4-Hour Workweek as time-bound inspiration rather than a timeless blueprint because many specifics are dated.
- Update Ferriss's outsourcing and lifestyle-design tactics with newer tools and follow-up books like Noah Kagan's The Million Dollar Weekend.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
How Alex Chooses What to Read
02:42 • 1min
Tolstoy's A Calendar of Wisdom Recommendation
03:47 • 1min
The Power of Myth's Life Lessons
04:52 • 2min
The Forgotten Highlander: Perspective from Survival
07:11 • 3min
Evolutionary View of Mental Health
09:44 • 2min
Dorian Gray and Long-Term Consequences
12:03 • 3min
East of Eden: Agency and Reset
14:58 • 1min
Pure Entertainment: Best Funny Fiction
16:02 • 7min
Ad break
23:17 • 2min
Seven Habits and Man's Search for Meaning
25:05 • 3min
Four-Hour Workweek: Timeless but Dated
27:50 • 49sec
Critique of Mindset-Only Self-Help
28:39 • 49sec
Books to Start a Cult: Elephant, Brain
29:28 • 2min
Anti-Cult Read: The True Believer
31:07 • 2min
If Coaching Pro Teams: Growth Mindset
32:46 • 1min
Practical Shooting and Flow Performance
34:07 • 2min
Books for Kids: Learn Like a Pro
35:54 • 1min
The Score: Beware Metric Capture
37:23 • 2min
Ad break
38:56 • 2min
Authors to Spend a Day With
40:32 • 4min
What Self-Help Gets Wrong: Toxic Productivity
44:46 • 4min
Will AI Replace Writing?
48:33 • 2min
Outro
50:50 • 2min
#30255
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Disappointing Affirmations
Dave Tarnowski
#23
• Mentioned in 431 episodes
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R Covey
This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives.
The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7).
The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw.
Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement.
#1220
• Mentioned in 42 episodes
A Confederacy of Dunces
John Kennedy Toole
A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel that tells the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, an overweight, unemployed, and intellectually arrogant man living with his mother in New Orleans.
The novel is a rich satire that critiques modern society through Ignatius's interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including his mother Irene, his girlfriend Myrna Minkoff, and various eccentric figures from New Orleans.
Written in the early 1960s while Toole was in the army, the book was published posthumously in 1980 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981.
It is celebrated for its witty and absurd portrayal of life in New Orleans and its memorable protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly.
#9827
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Good Reasons for Bad Feelings
Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry
Randolph Nesse
In 'Good Reasons for Bad Feelings', Randolph M. Nesse uses insights from evolutionary biology to explain why negative emotions exist and how they can become overwhelming.
He argues that emotions like anxiety and low mood are adaptive responses to specific situations, but can escalate into mental disorders.
The book offers a new framework for understanding mental illness by considering the mismatch between modern environments and our evolutionary past.
#13994
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Lead Like a Pro
Eric Girard
Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers provides a roadmap for new managers to succeed in their roles.
The book covers topics such as goal setting, empathy, delegation, and managing change, offering practical advice for building trust and motivating teams.
It is designed for new managers, those about to be promoted, and senior managers seeking to support new leaders.
#18
• Mentioned in 512 episodes
The 4 Hour Workweek
Tim Ferriss
In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth.
The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results.
The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.
#85
• Mentioned in 249 episodes
12 Rules for Life
An Antidote to Chaos
Jordan B Peterson
In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life.
He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life.
The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).
' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.
#4
• Mentioned in 848 episodes
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl
The book is divided into two parts.
The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945.
He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners.
The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure.
Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering).
The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
#27318
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Practical Shooting, Beyond Fundamentals
Brian Enos
Brian Enos's 'Practical Shooting, Beyond Fundamentals' is considered a bible for competitive shooters.
It covers both the technical and mental aspects of shooting, offering insights into improving performance and overcoming barriers.
The book includes chapters on awareness, creative shooting, specific challenges, and competition strategies, providing a comprehensive approach to enhancing shooting skills.
#511
• Mentioned in 80 episodes
East of Eden
Paul Osborn
In 'East of Eden', John Steinbeck tells the story of the Trask and Hamilton families, set against the backdrop of California's Salinas Valley.
The novel is a modern retelling of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between Cal and Aron Trask, and their struggles with their father, Adam.
The book delves into themes of love, rejection, and the choice between good and evil, symbolized by the Hebrew word 'timshel', meaning 'thou mayest'.
The narrative is rich with characters like Samuel Hamilton, a kind and wise patriarch, and Kate, the embodiment of evil, whose past and actions significantly impact the lives of the Trasks.
#1543
• Mentioned in 36 episodes
The Elephant in the Brain
Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson
#4054
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
The Forgotten Highlander
Nick Mcardle
Alistair Urquhart
This book tells the incredible story of Alistair Urquhart, a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders who was captured by the Japanese in Singapore.
Urquhart survived 750 days in the jungle, including time working on the notorious Burma-Siam Railway.
The book details his harrowing experiences and his journey to survival and eventual return home.
#317
• Mentioned in 113 episodes
Mindset
The New Psychology of Success
Carol S. Dweck
Carol S. Dweck's "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" explores the profound impact of mindsets on achievement and well-being.
Dweck distinguishes between a fixed mindset, which believes abilities are innate and unchangeable, and a growth mindset, which embraces challenges and sees abilities as malleable.
The book presents compelling research demonstrating how a growth mindset fosters resilience, creativity, and greater success.
Dweck's work has revolutionized our understanding of learning and motivation, inspiring educators, parents, and individuals to cultivate a growth mindset.
The book offers practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in oneself and others.
#1624
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
A Calendar of Wisdom
Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul, Written and Selected from the World's Sacred Texts
Leo Tolstoy
This collection is a day-by-day guide that illuminates the path of a life worth living.
It features gems of inspiration and wisdom from various historical figures including Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Pascal, Jesus, Muhammad, Confucius, Emerson, Kant, Ruskin, Seneca, Socrates, and Thoreau.
Tolstoy considered this work his most important contribution to humanity, and it was widely read in pre-revolutionary Russia before being banned and forgotten under Communism.
Recently rediscovered, it has been praised for its timeless wisdom and inspiration.
#763
• Mentioned in 60 episodes
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
The novel centers on the life of Dorian Gray, a young man who becomes infatuated with his own beauty and the hedonistic philosophies of Lord Henry Wotton.
After wishing that his portrait would age instead of himself, Dorian embarks on a life of sensual excess and moral decay, while his portrait reflects the true state of his soul.
The story delves into the duality of human nature, the allure of aestheticism, and the critique of Victorian society, highlighting the devastating effects of evil and debauchery on Dorian's life and those around him.
#3226
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Don't Shoot the Dog
Karen Pryor
In 'Don't Shoot the Dog,' Karen Pryor explains the underlying principles of behavioral training and how these can be applied to various common situations.
The book covers topics such as reinforcement, shaping, and stimulus control, and provides eight methods for ending undesirable behavior.
Pryor emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement, illustrating its effectiveness through examples involving animals like dolphins, dogs, and cats, as well as human behavior.
The book is known for its clear and entertaining explanation, making it accessible to a broad audience and offering practical advice on training without the use of force, punishment, or guilt trips.
#2
• Mentioned in 1,680 episodes
Atomic Habits
James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones.
The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results.
Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation.
The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.
#4877
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Desert solitaire
Edward Abbey
Desert Solitaire is a collection of vignettes about Edward Abbey's life as a park ranger in Arches National Monument (now Arches National Park) in the 1950s.
The book combines personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Abbey discusses his unique adventures, conflicts with development and tourism, and his profound connection to the desert landscape.
The book is often compared to Thoreau's Walden for its introspective and poetic exploration of the human relationship with nature.
#7821
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
The Monkey Wrench Gang
Edward Abbey
The Monkey Wrench Gang follows the adventures of four ecologically minded misfits: George Washington Hayduke III, a Vietnam veteran; Bonnie Abbzug, a feminist saboteur; Seldom Seen Smith, a wilderness guide and outcast Mormon; and Doc Sarvis, a wealthy and wise surgeon.
Together, they form a group dedicated to destroying the machinery and infrastructure of industrial development that threatens the natural beauty of the American West.
The novel is a mix of comedy, chaos, and civil disobedience, highlighting Abbey's concerns about wilderness preservation and the essential relationship between a healthy planet and healthy human beings.
#720
• Mentioned in 62 episodes
The true believer
Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
Eric Hoffer
Published in 1951, 'The True Believer' is a landmark work in social psychology that provides a visionary and provocative look into the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of mass movements.
Hoffer argues that ideologies are interchangeable for true believers, who are driven by personal frustrations and a desire for certainty and belonging.
The book is highly relevant today, offering insights into political fanaticism, the rise of mass movements, and the dangers of unthinking adherence to any cause.
It has been praised for its concise and insightful analysis, making it a significant contribution to social thought.
#845
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
The Power of Myth
Joseph Campbell
This book is derived from a series of television interviews between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, aired in 1988.
It delves into the universal themes and functions of myths across various cultures, highlighting their role in uniting communities, explaining social, cosmological, and spiritual realities, and guiding individuals through life's significant stages.
Campbell discusses how myths help people understand common human experiences such as love, death, and the search for meaning.
He also addresses the modern world's disconnection from mythological narratives and the consequences this has on individual and societal well-being.
The book emphasizes the importance of myths in providing a framework for life, fostering community identity, and helping individuals navigate life's transitions and challenges.
#3860
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
But What If We're Wrong?
Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past
Chuck Klosterman
Chuck Klosterman's "But What If We're Wrong?
" explores the inherent uncertainty of human knowledge and the tendency to view past beliefs as absurd.
The book examines various fields, including science, art, and sports, questioning the accepted narratives and highlighting how our understanding of the world constantly evolves.
Klosterman uses historical examples to illustrate how seemingly unshakeable beliefs can be overturned by new discoveries and perspectives.
The book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and consider the possibility that many of our current beliefs may be proven wrong in the future.
Ultimately, it prompts reflection on the nature of truth, knowledge, and the human condition.
Summer is peak reading season, so it only made sense for Michael, author of “The Comfort Crisis” & “Scarcity Brain,” to sit down with Alex Wieckowski of Alex & Books, the man who has read two books a week for the past decade. Together they build a list of some of their favorite books, including one hidden gem from Tolstoy, “A Calendar of Wisdom.” Alex tells the true survival story that made complaining impossible for him. He also reveals the classic novel that scared him into cleaning up his habits.
Then they play overrated or underrated with the biggest self-improvement books ever written: Atomic Habits, Man's Search for Meaning, 12 Rules for Life, The 4-Hour Workweek and more. Alex then reveals the skill that helps him remember every book he reads, turning its lessons into actions. They also get into lifting weights with Alex Hormozi, the trap of "next book syndrome," and whether AI will ever replace real writing.
Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today’s episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. This episode was edited by Ryan Mulhern. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.
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Chapters:
00:00 Cold Open
00:50 Welcome to Two Percent + Meet Alex (Alex & Books)
01:32 How to Pick Your Next Book
02:08 Hidden-Gem Self-Improvement Books (Tolstoy & The Power of Myth)
05:56 The Forgotten Highlander: The Wildest True Survival Story
08:26 Why Evolution Kept Anxiety & Depression
10:47 The Picture of Dorian Gray: The Novel That Fixes Habits
13:35 East of Eden & Having Agency
14:39 Pure-Entertainment Picks (Disappointing Affirmations & A Confederacy of Dunces)
18:42 Overrated or Underrated: Atomic Habits, Man's Search for Meaning & More
24:52 The Cult Question: The Elephant in the Brain & The True Believer
28:11 Books for Athletes: Mindset & Zen Shooting
31:18 How to Actually Remember What You Read
34:28 A Day With Alex Hormozi (and Getting Called Weak)
36:49 What Self-Improvement Gets Wrong: "Next Book Syndrome"
39:52 The Comfort Crisis Lessons Alex Uses Daily
40:54 Will AI Replace Books?
42:23 Wrap-Up
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