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The 20s is a time of great change, growth, and transition in our lives. It’s a time when we’re figuring out who we are, what we want, and where we’re headed. This is the decade when we start building our careers, forming our identities, and creating our own paths in life. So, it’s important to surround ourselves with knowledge and inspiration that can guide us on this journey.
Books have the power to open our minds and hearts, show us new perspectives, and offer valuable insights and wisdom. Non-fiction books, in particular, can be incredibly powerful tools for personal development and growth. They can provide us with practical advice and strategies to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of our 20s.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the best non-fiction books to read in your 20s. These books cover a wide range of topics, from personal development to business and career advice, to memoirs and biographies. Each one offers something unique and valuable that can help you make the most of your 20s.
Whether you’re just starting your career, building relationships, or exploring new interests, these books have something to offer. They’ll help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, and they’ll provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to navigate this exciting and pivotal decade of your life.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and join us as we explore the best non-fiction books to read in your 20s. We’re sure you’ll find something that resonates with you and helps you on your journey. Happy reading!
Table of Contents
Best Non-Fiction Books To Read in Your 20S
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey is a bestselling self-help book that teaches the importance of being proactive, setting goals, and developing a strong sense of personal integrity. The book is divided into three parts: “Private Victory,” “Public Victory,” and “Renewal.”
The first part, “Private Victory,” focuses on developing personal effectiveness and self-improvement. It covers the first three habits: “Be Proactive,” “Begin with the End in Mind,” and “Put First Things First.” These habits teach the reader how to take responsibility for their own lives, set clear goals and priorities, and manage their time effectively.
The first habit, “Be Proactive,” emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and being responsible for one’s own life. Covey argues that proactive people focus on their own circle of influence rather than their circle of concern. They understand that they have the power to make choices and take action to change their circumstances. By contrast, reactive people tend to blame others and focus on things outside of their control.
The second habit, “Begin with the End in Mind,” is about setting clear goals and having a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This habit teaches the reader to think about what they want to be, do and have and to set clear and specific goals to achieve that vision. By having a clear vision and specific goals, individuals can work towards something meaningful and fulfilling in their lives.
The third habit, “Put First Things First,” is about setting priorities and managing time effectively. Covey argues that most people spend their time on urgent but unimportant tasks rather than important but less urgent tasks. By setting priorities, individuals can work on the most important things first and achieve their goals more efficiently.
The second part, “Public Victory,” focuses on developing effective relationships with others. It covers the next three habits: “Think Win-Win,” “Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood,” and “Synergize.” These habits teach the reader how to build trust and cooperation with others, resolve conflicts effectively, and work together to achieve a common goal.
The fourth habit, “Think Win-Win,” is about creating mutually beneficial solutions. Covey argues that most people have a “scarcity mentality” and believe that there is not enough to go around. He encourages individuals to think in terms of abundance and to look for win-win solutions that benefit everyone. By adopting a win-win mindset, individuals can build stronger relationships and achieve greater success.
The fifth habit, “Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood,” is about effective communication. Covey encourages individuals to listen actively and empathetically, to understand the other person’s point of view, and to communicate in a way that is clear and respectful. By understanding the other person’s perspective, individuals can build trust and cooperation and resolve conflicts more effectively.
The sixth habit, “Synergize,” is about working together to achieve a common goal. Covey argues that synergy is the process of combining the strengths of individuals to achieve a greater result than they could alone. By working together, individuals can achieve more than they ever could alone and achieve a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
The third part of the book is “Renewal,” which focuses on maintaining personal effectiveness over the long term. It covers the seventh habit, “Sharpen the Saw,” which is about taking care of oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Covey argues that individuals need to take regular time to recharge, maintain balance in their lives, and continue growing and developing.
2. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck is a bestselling book that explores the power of mindset in shaping our lives and achieving success. Dweck argues that our mindset, or the way we think about ourselves and our abilities, plays a crucial role in determining our success or failure in life. She identifies two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.
A fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities and characteristics are fixed and cannot be changed. People with a fixed mindset believe that they are either born with certain talents or not, and that their success or failure is determined by these innate abilities. They tend to avoid challenges because they fear failure and want to protect their sense of self-worth.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that our abilities and characteristics can be developed through effort and learning. People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities are not set in stone and that with effort and practice, they can improve and achieve success. They embrace challenges and see failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Dweck argues that having a growth mindset is crucial for achieving success in life. People with a growth mindset tend to have a greater sense of purpose and motivation because they believe that their efforts will lead to improvement. They are also more resilient and persistent in facing setbacks and challenges because they see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that we can change our mindset and that the process of changing our mindset takes time and effort. Dweck explains that it’s a journey to adopt a growth mindset and that it’s not a one-time decision. It requires a commitment to learning, growing, and taking risks.
Dweck also introduces the concept of a “false growth mindset,” which is when people adopt the language and behaviors of a growth mindset, but they don’t truly believe that they can change and grow. The idea is that people can say they have a growth mindset, but if they don’t truly believe it, they won’t reap the benefits of a growth mindset.
Throughout the book, Dweck provides evidence from her research to support her arguments and provides practical advice for developing a growth mindset. She also shares real-life examples and stories of individuals who have successfully changed their mindset and achieved success.
In summary, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck is a book that explores the power of mindset in shaping our lives and achieving success. Dweck argues that our mindset plays a crucial role in determining our success or failure in life. She identifies two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and explains that having a growth mindset is crucial for achieving success in life. The book provides evidence, practical advice, and real-life examples of how people can change their mindset and achieve success.
3. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle
“The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle is a bestselling spiritual guidebook that explores the concept of mindfulness and the power of living in the present moment. Tolle argues that our constant preoccupation with the past and the future prevents us from experiencing true happiness and fulfillment in the present. He encourages readers to let go of their thoughts and emotions and to focus on the present moment in order to achieve a deeper sense of self-awareness and spiritual enlightenment.
One of the key concepts in the book is that our thoughts and emotions are not who we truly are. Tolle explains that our thoughts and emotions are not permanent and that they are constantly changing. He argues that by identifying with our thoughts and emotions, we become trapped in a cycle of suffering and unhappiness.
To break free from this cycle, Tolle encourages readers to practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment. He explains that by paying attention to the present moment, we can let go of our thoughts and emotions and achieve a deeper sense of self-awareness. He also encourages readers to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment and to develop a sense of detachment from them.
Tolle also explores the concept of “ego” and how it relates to our thoughts and emotions. He explains that the “ego” is the part of our mind that creates a sense of separation and individuality. He argues that by identifying with the ego, we become trapped in a cycle of thoughts, emotions, and desires that ultimately lead to suffering.
Tolle encourages readers to let go of their ego and to develop a sense of connection to the present moment and the world.
4. The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu is an ancient Chinese military treatise that has been widely read and studied for centuries. The book is a guide for strategy, tactics, and leadership and is often used as a business and management guidebook. It is considered as one of the world’s most famous and influential texts on strategy.
The book is divided into 13 chapters, each of which covers a different aspect of warfare. The first few chapters deal with the general principles of warfare, such as the importance of understanding the enemy, the importance of planning and strategy, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
Sun Tzu also emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and one’s enemy. He suggests that by understanding oneself and one’s enemy, one can predict their actions and respond accordingly. Sun Tzu also suggests that understanding oneself and one’s enemy is essential for winning a battle.
The book also focuses on the importance of deception and surprise in warfare. Sun Tzu argues that by deceiving the enemy and surprising them, one can gain an advantage and win a battle. He also suggests that by keeping one’s plans secret and not revealing them to the enemy, one can maintain an advantage and keep the enemy off balance.
Another important concept in the book is the importance of unity and cooperation among the troops. Sun Tzu stresses the importance of having a strong and united army, and he explains that a divided army will not be able to win a battle. He also suggests that by maintaining discipline and order among the troops, one can ensure victory.
The book also covers the importance of terrain, weather, and timing in warfare. Sun Tzu suggests that by understanding and using the terrain, weather, and timing to one’s advantage, one can gain an upper hand in battle.
The Art of War also contains a lot of practical advice for leading and managing troops. Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of clear communication and clear orders, as well as the importance of leadership by example. He also stresses the importance of rewards and punishment in maintaining discipline among the troops.
In summary, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu is an ancient Chinese military treatise that has been widely read and studied for centuries. The book is a guide for strategy, tactics, and leadership and is often used as a business and management guidebook. It covers a wide range of topics, such as the importance of understanding the enemy and oneself, deception and surprise, unity, terrain, weather and timing, and leadership. It’s a classic text that has stood the test of time and continues to be a valuable resource for understanding strategy and leadership.
5. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari is a bestselling book that explores the history of humanity from the emergence of the first hominids to the present day. Harari argues that the key to understanding human history is to understand the cognitive, emotional, and social revolution that occurred in our species around 70,000 years ago. He calls this revolution the “Cognitive Revolution”.
One of the key concepts in the book is the idea that Homo sapiens, the species to which we belong, is the only species that can imagine and create shared myths, beliefs, and institutions. Harari argues that this ability to create shared myths and beliefs has been the driving force behind human history. He explains that shared myths and beliefs such as religion, money, and nation-states have allowed humans to cooperate in larger and larger groups, which has led to the formation of complex societies and civilizations.
Harari also explores the idea that human history can be divided into three main stages: the “cognitive revolution”, the “agricultural revolution”, and the “scientific revolution”. He argues that the cognitive revolution, which occurred around 70,000 years ago, was the most important event in human history as it was the first time that humans were able to create shared myths, beliefs, and institutions. He also argues that the agricultural revolution, which began around 10,000 years ago, was the second most important event in human history as it led to the formation of complex societies and civilizations. He explains that the agricultural revolution allowed humans to settle in one place, which led to the formation of cities, states, and empires.
The scientific revolution, which began around 500 years ago, has been the most recent and significant event in human history. Harari argues that the scientific revolution has led to the development of modern science, technology, and capitalism. He explains that the scientific revolution has led to the development of new technologies, such as the printing press, which have transformed the way we communicate and share information. He also argues that the scientific revolution has led to the development of modern capitalism, which has led to the creation of new economic systems and the rise of the middle class.
In summary, “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari is a bestselling book that explores the history of humanity from the emergence of the first hominids to the present day. Harari argues that the key to understanding human history is to understand the cognitive, emotional, and social revolution that occurred in our species around 70,000 years ago. He explains that the ability to create shared myths and beliefs has been the driving force behind human history, which has led to the formation of complex societies and civilizations. He also explains that human history can be divided into three main stages: the “cognitive revolution”, the “agricultural revolution”, and the “scientific revolution” and each of these revolutions has played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today.
6. Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman is a bestselling book that explores the way our minds work and the different ways in which we make decisions. The book is based on the idea that there are two systems of thinking, which Kahneman calls “System 1” and “System 2”.
System 1 is the fast, automatic, and emotional part of our mind that is responsible for quick judgments and intuitive decisions. It is the system that is responsible for things like recognizing familiar faces, understanding simple sentences, and making snap judgments. It is also the system responsible for things like biases and prejudices.
System 2, on the other hand, is the slow, deliberate, and logical part of our mind that is responsible for things like complex reasoning and problem-solving. It is the system that is responsible for things like doing math, solving puzzles, and making strategic decisions. This system is responsible for things like self-control and willpower.
Kahneman argues that System 1 is the more dominant of the two systems and that it often overrides System 2. He explains that this is because System 1 is faster and more efficient, which means that it can make quick decisions without needing to engage System 2. However, this also means that System 1 is more prone to error and bias.
One of the key concepts in the book is the idea of cognitive biases. Kahneman argues that our minds are full of biases, which are systematic errors in thinking that are caused by the way our brains are wired. He explains that these biases are a natural part of our cognitive architecture and that they are often the result of System 1 thinking. He also argues that these biases can have a significant impact on the way we make decisions and that they can lead to bad decisions.
The book also explores the idea of heuristics, which are simple rules of thumb that we use to make quick decisions. He argues that these heuristics are often the result of System 1 thinking and that they can lead to errors in judgment. He also explains that these heuristics can be useful in some situations but that they can also lead to biases and errors in judgment.
Kahneman also explores the idea of framing effects, which are the ways in which the way a problem or decision is presented can influence the way we think about it. He argues that the way a problem or decision is framed can have a significant impact on the way we think about it and that it can lead to different decisions.
7. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
“The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss is a bestselling book that explores the concept of lifestyle design and the idea of working less and living more. The book is based on the premise that traditional work and career paths are outdated and that it is possible to create a life of freedom, flexibility, and abundance by rethinking the way we work and live.
Ferriss argues that the traditional 9-to-5 workweek is a relic of the Industrial Age and that it is no longer necessary or relevant in today’s world. He explains that with the advent of technology, it is now possible to automate many tasks and to work from anywhere in the world. He also argues that by embracing new technologies and new ways of working, it is possible to reduce the amount of time we spend working and increase the amount of time we spend living.
One of the key concepts in the book is the idea of “lifestyle design.” Ferriss explains that lifestyle design is the process of creating a life that is tailored to your values, passions, and goals. He argues that by designing your life around your values, passions, and goals, you can create a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and enjoyable. He also explains that by designing your life around your values, passions, and goals, you can create a life that is in alignment with your true self.
The book also explores the idea of “elimination”. Ferriss argues that in order to create a life of freedom, flexibility, and abundance, it is necessary to eliminate the things that are holding you back. He explains that by eliminating the things that are draining your time, energy, and resources, you can create more space and freedom in your life. He argues that by eliminating the things that are holding you back, you can create a life that is more focused and more aligned with your true self.
Ferriss also explores the idea of “automation”. He argues that by automating tasks and processes, it is possible to reduce the amount of time we spend working and increase the amount of time we spend living.
The book also teaches about the importance of “outsourcing”. Ferriss argues that by outsourcing tasks and responsibilities, it is possible to reduce the amount of time we spend working and increase the amount of time we spend living. He explains that by outsourcing tasks and responsibilities, it is possible to create a life that is more efficient, more productive, and more enjoyable.
In summary, “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss is a bestselling book that explores the concept of lifestyle design and the idea of working less and living more. The book is based on the premise of traditional work and career paths.
8. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius
“Meditations” is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. Marcus has written the book in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180 AD. The work is not a systematic treatise but rather a collection of personal writings in which Aurelius reflects on his own beliefs, thoughts, and emotions.
One of the key themes in “Meditations” is the concept of Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes the development of self-control and resilience in the face of adversity. Aurelius encourages the reader to focus on what is within their control and to accept what is not. He writes about the importance of living in accordance with nature and the need to detach oneself from the external world. He also stresses the importance of understanding one’s own limitations and accepting one’s own mortality.
Another important theme in “Meditations” is the idea of living a virtuous life. Aurelius emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue and encourages the reader to strive for excellence in all aspects of their life. He also stresses the importance of living in harmony with others and treating others with kindness and compassion.
Aurelius also writes about the need to practice self-discipline and self-control. He encourages the reader to practice self-mastery in order to overcome negative emotions such as anger, fear, and anxiety. He also stresses the importance of humility and the need to be mindful of one’s own faults.
Aurelius often reflects on the nature of time and the need to make the most of the present moment. He writes about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. He also stresses the importance of living in accordance with one’s own values and principles rather than being swayed by external pressures or societal expectations.
Overall, “Meditations” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that provides valuable insights into the Stoic philosophy and the importance of living a virtuous and meaningful life. Its themes are still relevant today, and it continues to be widely read and studied for its wisdom and guidance on how to live a good life.
In summary, “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal writings in which the author reflects on his own beliefs, thoughts, and emotions in relation to Stoicism. The book encourages the reader to focus on what is within their control and to accept what is not, to live in accordance with nature, to detach oneself from the external world, to understand one’s own limitations and accept one’s own mortality, strive for excellence in all aspects of their life, to practice self-discipline and self-control, to live in harmony with others and treat others with kindness and compassion, to make the most of the present moment, to live in accordance with one’s own values and principles, rather than being swayed by external pressures or societal expectations. And it is still widely read and studied for its wisdom and guidance on how to live a good life.
9. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
“The Lean Startup” is a book by Eric Ries, published in 2011, that outlines a new approach to building and launching successful startups. The book is based on Ries’ experience working with startups, and it presents a methodology for creating and managing startups in a way that maximizes speed, efficiency, and agility.
The main idea behind the “Lean Startup” approach is to use a process of continuous innovation and experimentation to create products and services that meet the needs of customers as quickly and efficiently as possible. This approach involves building a minimum viable product (MVP) and then testing it with customers to gather feedback and make adjustments. This process is repeated until a product or service is created that meets the needs of customers and is ready to be launched.
One of the key principles of the “Lean Startup” approach is the idea of validated learning. This means that startups should focus on testing their assumptions about the market, customers, and products as early and as often as possible. By validating these assumptions through experiments, startups can avoid wasting time and resources on building products or services that don’t meet the needs of customers.
Another key principle of the “Lean Startup” approach is the idea of rapid experimentation. Startups should be constantly experimenting with new ideas and testing them with customers. This allows them to quickly identify which ideas are working and which are not, and to make adjustments accordingly.
The book also emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of innovation within the startup. This means fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to take risks, experiment, and learn from their failures. It also means creating a feedback loop where employees are able to share their ideas and learn from each other.
In addition to these principles, the book also provides a number of practical tools and techniques that startups can use to implement the “Lean Startup” approach. These include methods for customer development, such as how to conduct interviews and surveys and how to analyze the data collected. It also includes techniques for building MVPs, such as how to create a landing page, and how to measure the effectiveness of different marketing channels.
In summary, “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries is a book that presents a new approach to building and launching successful startups. The main idea behind the approach is to use a process of continuous innovation and experimentation to create products and services that meet the needs of customers as quickly and efficiently as possible. The approach involves building a minimum viable product (MVP) and then testing it with customers to gather feedback and make adjustments. This process is repeated until a product or service is created that meets the needs of customers and is ready to be launched. The book also emphasizes the importance of validated learning, rapid experimentation, creating a culture of innovation and provides practical tools and techniques to implement the Lean Startup approach.
Conclusion
The books listed in this section should offer you perspectives that are applicable to just about any area of your life. Whether you’re looking for a way to build your career, improve your relationships, or find meaning and happiness in your life, I can guarantee that any of the books from this list will be worthwhile reads and could prove transformative to whatever matters most to you.