For more than a decade, I've been tracking the books I've read. While not exhaustive, the list below are the most
impactful books I've read by year and my thoughts on each.
2025
The MANIAC
The MANIAC
Benjamín Labatut
Hauntingly beautiful retelling of the bizarre life of John von Neumann.
When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach
When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach
Ashlee Vance
Planet Labs is featured prominently in this book about the new space race and the quest to make space commercially viable. The stories behind the startups are deeply fascinating and I enjoyed the portrayal of the cast of characters.
Childhood experiences often shape our relationships to work and money. Interesting insights along the way of wealth creation and a reminder to be humble.
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
Esther Perel
Esther Perel's TED talk has been seen by many, and this book expands on some of the main themes from her talk, especially the question of why romantic relationships start with passion but then lose steam. Perel explores the tension between the domestic and the novel, and why two partners each need to maintain a dinstinct sense of self within the relationship.
The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings
The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings
Nick Gray
If you want to meet new people and make new friends, you have to bring them to you, and the best way is to throw great parties. This book outlines how to keep it simple, how to keep it sustainable, and how to regularly throw the kinds of events that grow a great community of relationships.
Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet
Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet
Marian L. Tupy & Gale L. Pooley
For centuries the prevailing logic has been that as the population grows, resources become more scarce. The authors show conclusively that the opposite has been true. As the world's population has grown, people have been incentivized to innovate in ways that made resources more abundant. The relationship is more than linear, hence the term superabundance. This hopeful and optimistic book was thoroughly researched and a wonderful counterweight to the common apocalyptic narrative.
Free will, from the perspective of neuroscience, may not in fact exist, but it matters very much that as a society we continue to operate as though it does.
At any moment you can choose to live differently. Suffering arises when we pursue recognition instead of personal excellence. Everyone should recognize what is within their own control and responsibility to change. Conflict arises from trying to change others. All healthy relationship are horizontal relationships. Freedom and happiness come from living according to one's own principles. Contributing and feeling connected to a community is also essential for happiness.
The Conservative Futurist: How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised
The Conservative Futurist: How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised
James Pethokoukis
We need to get away from framing ideologies as either left wing or right wing. Instead, focus on which policies that are "upwing" instead of "downwing": which promote human flourishing, growth, and abundance. American society once embraced risk and believed in self-determination, but has become mired in bureaucracy and risk aversion. By returning to more "upwing" principles, America can build an abundant future.
Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World
Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World
Gaia Vince
Climate change will render parts of the world uninhabitable. Humans will respond by migrating, which could trigger a humanitarian crisis if managed poorly. The global north will be the key destination. Migration also represents an opportunity to address demographic challenges and labor shortages.
