233: I Wanna Be Me When I Grow Up, with Kara Monroe

Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance.

In 'Ultralearning,' Scott H. Young presents a strategy for acquiring skills and knowledge in a self-directed and intense manner. The book incorporates the latest research on effective learning methods and includes stories of other ultralearners such as Benjamin Franklin, Judit Polgár, and Richard Feynman. Young outlines nine key principles for successful ultralearning projects, including metalearning, focus, directness, drilling, testing, retrieval, intuition, and experimentation. These principles help readers learn efficiently, concentrate on their goals, and convert knowledge into practical skills. The book is designed to help anyone improve their career, studies, and life by mastering new skills quickly and effectively.

In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws. These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation. Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.