

Thinking Different with Jay Alto
Jay Alto
Every week, I read a book and share what I learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 35min
How to become yourself (Man's Search for Himself by Rollo May)
Explore the journey of self-discovery through Rollo May's insights on personal values and desires. Discover how societal expectations lead to emptiness and loneliness, and how self-awareness can combat anxiety. Learn about the importance of conscious choices and the courage to embrace life's limitations. Delve into the distinction between healthy self-love and selfishness, and the idea of fulfilling your potential as a path to purpose. Ultimately, find out how to live authentically and responsibly in each moment.

21 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 17min
How to be more creative (The Eternal Pursuit of Unhappiness by David Ogilvy)
Dive into the art of creativity with insights from David Ogilvy's thought-provoking ideas. Discover how divine discontent fuels innovation and why courage is essential for overcoming self-doubt. Explore the power of idealism and the significance of dreaming big. Learn how curiosity and playfulness spark fresh ideas, while candor creates stronger collaborations. Ogilvy emphasizes trusting your intuition and embracing a free-spirited approach, reminding us that persistence is often the key to true creativity.

14 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 27min
How to be a contrarian (The Art of Contrary Thinking by Humphrey Bancroft Neill)
Discover the power of contrary thinking as Jay delves into Humphrey Bancroft Neill's insights. Learn how crowd mentality often leads to mistakes and how personal reasoning can break the mold. Explore the dangers of unthinking conformity taught through education and authority. Jay outlines a three-step method to challenge the majority and encourages solitary reflection for clearer judgment. He discusses the importance of embracing uncertainty and recognizing that both good and bad times are cyclical, fostering a mindset for creative rewards.

Dec 29, 2025 • 37min
Lessons from Nietzsche (The Joyous Science by Friedrich Nietzsche)
Dive into the insights of Nietzsche's The Joyous Science, where the importance of curiosity and bold questioning shines. Explore how suffering fuels growth and the radical idea of treating life as an experiment. Discover the critique of work as a pleasure destroyer and the vital skill of developing consciousness. Embrace your inner non-conformist and learn the art of self-awareness. Finally, challenge yourself with the concept of eternal recurrence to live a truly meaningful life.

14 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 20min
The meaning of life, according to Albert Einstein (The World as I See It by Albert Einstein)
Explore fascinating insights from Einstein's thoughts on life. Curiosity is celebrated as the essence of existence, overshadowing the allure of material wealth. The importance of nonconformity and independent judgment is highlighted, urging listeners to see the world through their own eyes. Examine the moral duty to serve others and the significance of gratitude in honoring past contributions. Finally, discover how creative individuals shape society and achieve immortality through their impactful contributions.

9 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 27min
How to resist conformity (Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Dive into the transformative ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Discover the power of self-acceptance as the foundation of true self-reliance. Explore the importance of questioning societal norms and valuing authentic relationships over external validation. Learn how embracing change can empower you to adapt and grow. Uncover how conformity stifles both individual potential and societal progress. Finally, find inspiration in trusting your inner voice to create meaningful contributions while living fully in the present.

20 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 35min
What history can teach us (Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant)
In this engaging discussion, the focus is on timeless lessons from history as outlined by Will and Ariel Durant. Topics include the brutal impartiality of nature, the biological influences on human behavior, and how ideas evolve through individual initiative. The role of religion in providing moral support and the paradox of seeking freedom within order are also explored. Additionally, the podcast delves into the cycle of civilization’s rise and fall and emphasizes education as a cornerstone of progress. It's a thought-provoking exploration of our past shaping our future.

16 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
How to achieve mastery (The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin)
Discover how mastery unfolds through eight key lessons from Josh Waitzkin's journey. Uncover the importance of mastering fundamentals and syncing your style with personal identity. Learn to embrace losses as stepping stones to resilience and adopt a beginner's mindset to accelerate growth. Jay delves into the power of presence, intuition, and channeling emotions for peak performance. He highlights the necessity of flexibility and preparation for the unexpected in competitive scenarios. These insights promise to inspire your own path toward mastery.

26 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 33min
How to do the work (The War of Art by Steven Pressfield)
Explore the concept of resistance as an internal battle against creativity. Discover how it blocks personal growth and the true self. Learn strategies to defeat it with a professional mindset. Embrace daily work and ignore criticism to foster real progress. Jay emphasizes authenticity over trends and the importance of reclaiming time from consumer culture. Ultimately, it's about taking action and finding your destiny despite fear.

16 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 26min
How to do great work (A Mathematician's Apology by G. H. Hardy)
Explore the insights from G. H. Hardy on what it takes to do great work. Discover why focusing on creation rather than criticism is vital. Delve into the role of confidence in achievement and the importance of following your unique talent. Uncover Hardy's motivations for excellence, including curiosity and ambition. Analyze the connection between beauty and serious work while questioning the necessity of practicality. Lastly, reflect on the bittersweet nature of a life dedicated to creativity.


