215: Poor Charlie’s Almanack

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.

In *The Long Game*, Dorie Clark argues for the importance of long-term thinking in achieving lasting success. The book addresses the relentless pressure in modern culture that pushes individuals toward short-term gains and instant gratification. Clark provides unique principles, frameworks, and vivid stories from her own career and other professionals to help readers apply long-term strategies to their specific situations. The book emphasizes the power of small, consistent actions over time, strategic patience, and the importance of reorienting oneself to see the big picture. It offers practical advice on goal setting, networking, and leveraging time efficiently to transform personal and professional lives.

Make It Stick challenges conventional wisdom on learning and teaching by presenting evidence-based strategies that replace less effective but widely accepted practices. The authors explain that effective learning comes from self-testing, introducing certain difficulties in practice, waiting to re-study new material until a little forgetting has occurred, and interleaving the practice of one skill or topic with another. The book uses real-world examples and stories to illustrate these principles, making it an indispensable guide for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

In this highly acclaimed book, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini explains the psychology behind why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically. The book outlines six universal principles of influence: Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity. The new and expanded edition includes a seventh principle, Unity, along with new research, insights, and examples. Cialdini uses memorable stories and relatable examples to make the subject accessible and easy to understand, helping readers become more skilled persuaders and defend themselves against unethical influence attempts.

This book unfolds as a dialogue between a young man and a philosopher over five nights, exploring the principles of Adlerian psychology. It emphasizes that true happiness and freedom come from living a life independent of past traumas and societal expectations. Key themes include the idea that all problems stem from interpersonal relationships, the importance of separating one's tasks from others', and the concept that freedom is found in having the courage to be disliked. The book provides practical advice on self-forgiveness, self-care, and mind decluttering, encouraging readers to take control of their life's direction and live in the present.

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.

Originally published in 2005, Poor Charlie's Almanack is a collection of eleven talks delivered by Charles T. Munger between 1986 and 2007. Edited by Peter D. Kaufman, this book draws on Munger's extensive knowledge across various fields to provide a framework for rational and rigorous approaches to life, learning, and decision-making. It is renowned for its sharp wit and rhetorical flair, making it an essential read for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to enhance their wisdom and critical thinking skills.