7 Books That Make You Think Differently

We have all read books that have had a lasting impact on our lives, which have resonated in some way. Here is a list of books that can make you think differently.

A book has the power to make us see life from a different perspective, sometimes they do not set out to be life changers, but something about them, maybe just a line we have read, makes us think differently. It may be a character that we identify with, or a thought or idea that has stuck with us. The following list includes just some of them. Enjoy.

1) Blink: “The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” –  Malcolm Gladwell

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The subtitle of this book gives it away really.

This is a book about what we think about thinking. The book explores how our brains really work and why sometimes we make good decisions, and why sometimes we make poor decisions. Better still, it guides us on how to recognise how our brain works so we can start making better decisions.

The book is about rapid cognition, or in other words; how we think of things in a ’blink’. It’s about first impressions and how they really do count, and how more information is not necessarily better when it comes to making decisions.

This book really will make you change the way you think….about thinking.

2) Black Swan: “The Impact of the Highly Improbable” – Nassim Nicholas Taleb

I love this book. And it certainly changed the way I thought about both present and future events.

The premise behind the book’s theory, now known as the ‘Black Swan Theory’ is that we should not try to predict the unpredictable, but instead build in a robustness to negative events, and exploit positive ones.

It also explains how unpredictable events depend on the view of the observer and it has turned the views on traditional risk management on its head.

Despite the seemingly heavy subject matter, the book is relatively easy to read and the author gives plenty of anecdotes to move the book forward and explain the remarkable theory within.

For those who like philosophy and are intrigued by randomness…this is the book for you.

3) “The Alchemist” – Paulo Coelho

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This book is an international bestseller and can be found on many lists of books to read, from the best inspirational lists to self-help. It is a cracking story about a boy’s search for treasure. I won’t tell you the end as that would completely give it away. But it is certainly an enlightening story which will take you on a journey.

It is one of those books you can read again and again, and each time learn something new about yourself or give you a refreshed perspective on life as a whole.

Although this book is about a spiritual journey, it does have the power to make you change the way you think.

4) 59 Seconds: “Think a Little, Change a Lot” – Richard Wiseman

Warning: Once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down, and what’s more, it may well change your life!

If you have a goal or aim, by applying the simple but effective strategies in this book, you will be astonished at just what you can achieve, in less than a minute!

Perfect for people who don’t have the time or the inclination to follow the latest self-help trends, this book offers practical and clever advice and techniques which you can apply to your own life in no time at all.

Even better, it is backed up with scientific research.

5) “The 4 Hour Workweek” – Tim Ferris

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Touted as being a book that can change your life, there is no doubt that this book will change the way you think about work.

Regardless of your employment status, this book can put things into a completely different perspective. Ferris shows you how you can literally ‘have it all’; by achieving the best work/life balance.

The author gives advice on how best to achieve work performance over work  presence (hence the title) and guides you on how to live your life with ‘mini retirements’ as well as outsourcing your life thus giving you more free time.

If you really want to change your working life, this is the book to read. It will revolutionise the way you think about work and life in general, and may just be the book that changes your life or at least your working patterns.

6) “The Songlines” – Bruce Chatwin

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This remarkable book starts out as a description of a trip to Australia to research Aboriginal song, the so called ‘Songlines’ of the book’s title.

It starts out as a travelogue, however this quickly turns into an exploration of how the author believes that language started as song, and how the aborigines with their ’Dreamtime’ literally sang the land into existence and explores the ‘oneness’ of the universe.

It also delves into the evolution and nomadic tendencies of man. Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.

It makes an interesting read and one which will definitely get you thinking about the very existence of humankind.

This is the book that made travel writing cool, and will turn your thinking on its head.

7) The Beauty Myth:  “How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women” – Naomi Wolf

I first read this book many moons ago, and sadly today it is even more relevant. It explores how, as women have gained more power and social prominence over the years, it has had a negative impact on how we are supposed to look. In short, the pressure on women to look beautiful has increased.

During the decade in which the book was published (1991) more women suffered from eating disorders than ever before and cosmetic surgery increased rapidly.  Even today we can witness the pressure on women to look perfect from photo shopped photography to size zero clothes. This book explores the ’beauty myth’ in an intelligent way and makes you think twice about the images you see in the media or on TV.

You might not be burning your bra afterward, but it will certainly make you more aware of the absurdity of the burdens modern society place on women’s looks today, and will help you realise that you are indeed beautiful just the way you are.

Is there a book that has made you think differently or has changed your perception or way of thinking? If so, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

Cover photo: weheartit.com

About the author

Eleanor Goold

As well as being an avid reader, Eleanor is also a big time animal lover; especially of dogs. If you have a tail, four legs and you bark…. you’re in! In her spare time she enjoys swimming, and vegetable gardening… but not at the same time (it can get a bit messy).

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