Books can be daunting to read, especially as everyone is now used to short videos and pre-mashed content. However, when a book is truly life changing, it becomes much easier to read it. In fact, it’s hard to put it down! Reading through their pages, the wisdom effortlessly grows within you. These 3 life changing books to read for personal growth have captivated my attention and meaningfully changed my life. I think everyone should read them because of the extraordinary insights they carry. They helped me become a happier, more aware, and more empathic person.
The Power of Now
This book by Eckhart Tolle is a unique entryway to spiritual enlightenment. It stands out from other books of the kind by its simplicity yet depth of thought and information. Eckhart is a profound thinker educated at London and Cambridge Universities. In this book, he teaches about the power of being present — as opposed to living in the past or worrying about the future. Recurring themes are the transcendence of ego, conscious living, and happiness.
More than a spiritual guide, The Power of Now is a transformative life companion. As put in The Guardian, the book conveys “a view of human psychology that has deep roots in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sufi Islam”. With simple yet compelling stories, it promises to ground the most reckless of thinkers and inspire happiness-seeking folks.
Buy it at your local bookstore (available in 33 languages) or get it pre-owned via your favourite second-hand platform (check out Vinted).
The First Political Order
This book exposes how gender norms affect national security and international stability. In a nutshell, it shows that female subordination has a negative impact on our economy, development, governance, environment, social welfare, and more… The First Political Order: How Sex Shapes Governance and National Security Worldwide is an impressive volume which I read chapter by chapter. I like to keep it on my coffee table: it always sparks curiosity and great conversations.
Written by three university professors in International Affairs, Political Science, and Statistics, this contribution contains both a theoretical background and in-depth quantitative analysis. In the end, the book also provides policy recommendations and encourage readers to take action to change the “Patrilineal/Fraternal Syndrome” which is at the root of many dysfunctional, violent, and corrupt social systems.
Order it at Columbia University Press or read a review of the book in The Hague Journal of Diplomacy.
The Body Keeps the Score
Finally, a book which genuinely blew my mind. Bessel van der Kolk is a psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator specialising in trauma. In The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma, he exposes the physical, long-lasting effects of traumatic events — big or small. Bessel recounts the lessons learned throughout his career and explains with compelling examples how trauma may produce physiological changes in our brain and our bodies — hence why the body does indeed keep the score.
Whilst it may be heavy at times due to the traumatic stories shared throughout the book, it is a truly enlightening work which everyone should read. It shares mind-blowing science in a very approachable way and allows learning (and unlearning) about coping mechanisms we develop during childhood that impact our wellbeing.
My tools for growth
Discover many articles like this one on my Growth Toolkit, a collection of resources to start or enhance your personal and professional growth journey whilst keeping your wellness in check, boosting confidence and critical thinking, as well as continuously expanding your skills and knowledge.
Hi! I’m Sophie
I am a social scientist and world explorer. In my work, I analyse the evolving meaning of security. I enjoy traveling, yoga, and electronic music in my free time. I consider myself an enthusiastic feminist and self-care advocate.
