2024 has been a year of transformative reading for me. As I reflect on the books I explored, a common theme emerges: understanding life’s deeper meaning. Through these books, I delved into Western and Eastern philosophies, gained insights from others’ firsthand experiences, and even ventured into the realm of nature and science.
The Scientific Lens: Big Questions, Big Answers
One of the highlights of my reading journey was Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking. This book addresses profound life questions such as “Can we predict the future?” in an evidence-backed manner. Its thought-provoking content inspired me to write my own blog, Wrong Way to Teach Physics, reflecting on how science can transform our understanding of the world.
Nature’s Wisdom: The One-Straw Revolution
I also embraced nature’s approach by reading The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka. This timeless book reveals the simple truths about food—how to grow it, why it matters, and our relationship with the Earth. It emphasizes the value of true education for children, showing that nature itself is enough to teach us. Everything else is merely external education—understanding how the world works, which prompts the question: is that truly necessary? Considered the bible of natural farming techniques worldwide, it was an eye-opener that grounded me in the importance of sustainable living.
Ancient Texts: A Journey into Philosophy and Spirituality
Though I wasn’t particularly curious about religion, I was intrigued by what great thinkers of the past had written, works now associated with spiritual philosophies. I read the Gita, Vedanta, and Dhammapada, each offering unique perspectives on existence. These ancient texts, some written thousands of years ago, remain surprisingly relevant and continue to guide humanity in exploring the essence of life.
Practical Wisdom: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Continuing with ancient wisdom, I dived into Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. This journal, written by one of the greatest Roman emperors nearly 2,000 years ago, is filled with insights on what truly matters in life. It challenges the importance of things people often consider critical yet are ultimately trivial. Marcus Aurelius’ practical perspective on life’s questions, from the viewpoint of a powerful and wealthy individual, was both humbling and inspiring.
Exploring Perspectives: Authors, Celebrities, and Royals
Not every book I read was for deep learning. Sometimes, I explored books to understand if an author’s perspective on life had evolved over the years. Revisiting Robin Sharma’s work, for instance, gave me insights into his updated views. I also read Prince Charles: The Sustainable Prince to understand a royal’s thoughts on the world. Similarly, I ventured into works by Hollywood celebrities to explore their unique viewpoints.
A Year of Transformation
2024 has undoubtedly been the most significant year for me as a reader. I explored books that were not only thought-provoking but also potentially life-changing. These books have certainly shaped me as a person. The beauty of reading is that the change it brings is gradual yet permanent. I don’t read with a specific goal in mind—I simply want to know. And if the knowledge transforms my life, I welcome it.
Reading, for me, is a journey—a slow, enriching process of discovery. As I turn the last page of 2024, I am grateful for the wisdom these books have imparted and the person I have become through them.
What have you read in 2024? Share in comments.
You can find list here. Most of the books have my written reviews. Look it up.
