I read 66 biographies last year— Here are my top 10!

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Jan 24, 2022

Explore transformative insights from 66 influential biographies, featuring extraordinary lives like Anthony Bourdain and resilience lessons from Auschwitz survivor Siggi Wilzig. Discover timeless principles from iconic figures such as Michael Jordan and Stephen King, highlighting dedication, creativity, and personal growth. The podcast reveals how these powerful narratives can guide aspiring entrepreneurs on their journeys, making them more reflective and motivated. Expect to be inspired and perhaps motivated to add a few new books to your reading list!

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ADVICE

Learn from Biographies

Study how great people thought.
Copy their best ideas and avoid their worst mistakes by reading biographies.

ANECDOTE

Cautionary Tales

Larry Miller wrote his autobiography as a cautionary tale while dying.
Similarly, Sam Walton wrote his while battling cancer, highlighting a trend.

ANECDOTE

Chuck Feeney's Generosity

Chuck Feeney made $8 billion and gave it all away, keeping only $2 million.
He built a cash flow machine and lived life on his own terms.

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Arnold

The Education of a Bodybuilder

Arnold Schwarzenegger

This autobiography shares Schwarzenegger's early life, his rise in bodybuilding, and his transition into acting. It includes his fitness and training secrets, offering insights into his drive and ambition.

The Billionaire Who Wasn't

None

Chuck Feeney

Chuck Feeney's "The Billionaire Who Wasn't" tells the story of his remarkable life and his commitment to philanthropy. Feeney, the founder of Duty Free Shoppers, amassed a fortune but chose to give it all away anonymously through his Atlantic Philanthropies. The book details his journey from humble beginnings to immense wealth, highlighting his business acumen and his unwavering dedication to charitable causes. Feeney's story is a testament to the power of generosity and the importance of giving back to society. The book inspires readers to consider their own values and how they can make a positive impact on the world.

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

My Life in Advertising

Claude Hopkins

In 'My Life in Advertising,' Claude C. Hopkins shares his extensive experience and insights gained from over three decades in the advertising industry. The book is a blend of autobiography and practical guide, offering timeless principles on effective advertising. Hopkins emphasizes the importance of understanding the consumer, using specific and definite claims, and testing advertising strategies. He also discusses his methods for creating successful ad campaigns, including the use of free samples, the appeal of personalities over corporations, and the necessity of focusing on the consumer's needs rather than the advertiser's pride in their products. Despite being written in 1927, the book's principles remain relevant today, making it a valuable resource for anyone in the advertising and marketing fields.

Authentic

Paul Van Doren

Authentic is a candid memoir that shares Paul Van Doren's remarkable life story and the evolution of Vans into a beloved brand. The book explores his personal journey, business lessons, and the challenges faced by Vans over six decades, emphasizing the importance of valuing people over profits. It offers insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and perseverance.

Driven

The Virat Kohli Story

Vijay Lokapally

Driven: The Virat Kohli Story, written by Vijay Lokapally, is a detailed account of Virat Kohli's cricketing career. The book covers Kohli's early days, his exploits as a young cricketer, and his transformation into one of the world's top batsmen. It includes interviews with those who have known Kohli closely, such as his childhood coach and teammates, and provides insights into his personal and professional life. The narrative is simple and clear, reflecting Lokapally's extensive experience as a cricket journalist. The book also touches on Kohli's emotional moments, such as his response to personal losses, and his growth as a player and captain[2][4][5].

Unstoppable Us

Yuval Noah Harari

In 'Unstoppable Us, Volume 2: Why the World Isn't Fair', Yuval Noah Harari delves into the evolution of human society from the Agricultural Revolution to the establishment of kingdoms and laws. The book explains how an innocent experiment in growing wheat 10,000 years ago led to significant changes in human history, including famine, plague, and war. It also covers the development of writing, the origin of taxes, and the rights of various social groups. The narrative is accompanied by vibrant color illustrations by Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, making the story engaging and accessible for middle-grade readers[1][3][5].