7 Books I Read In 2023 That Live In My Head Rent Free

As 2023 comes to a close, I'd like to take a look at the books whose ideas have permeated deep into my brain stem. These are the creme de la creme of what I've read this year and these books have quite literally changed the way I think.

Below are the titles, as well as some questions you'll have answered if you choose to pick up a copy for yourself.

The Formula: Universal Laws of Success

Questions: What does it really mean to achieve success in life? Is talent innate or is it earned? Are some people more likely to succeed than others, and if so, why?

The Real World of Technology

Questions: What is the difference between a holistic technology and a prescriptive technology? Who (or what) does technology serve? Does a culture create technology or does a technology create its culture?

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Questions: What does it mean to do whatever you want? Is writing a poison? What lessons can only be learned through the body? Is there any reason behind effort or pain?

The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations that Transform the World

Questions: Is humanity unique as we claim to be? What is a universal explainer? Do we have a moral imperative to save the planet we were born on? What is true creativity? Can infinity ever be reached?

Developer Hegemony

Questions: Why don't more developers have seats at leadership tables? What is the distinction between idealists, pragmatists and opportunists at companies? How fragile is your clientele relationship?

Finite and Infinite Games

Questions: Why do winners grip so tightly to rules? What does it mean to "own" a title? What games will be played forever?

Gardens: An Essay on the Human Condition

Questions: Why do all human cultures have gardens? What is the difference between life and cultivation? What does it mean to care for something? What do we leave behind as the seasons slip by?