Economics & Money
Democracy in America
Alexis De Tocqueville
Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" is a profound exploration of American society, politics, and culture in the early 19th century. Tocqueville examines the principles of democracy, equality, and individualism, offering insights into the strengths and potential pitfalls of the American experiment. A timeless analysis of the foundations of modern democracy.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Robert T. Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads — his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. You do not need to earn a high income to be rich.
Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order
Ray Dalio
"Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order" is a macro-historical analysis by legendary investor Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates. Troubled by global trends he hadn't seen in his lifetime—huge debts, zero interest rates, and extreme political polarization—Dalio looked back 500 years to understand the patterns of history. His central thesis is the concept of the "Big Cycle." Dalio argues that history repeats itself in predictable loops. He meticulously tracks the rise and fall of the Dutch, British, and American empires to reveal a universal archetype: empires ascend through education, trade, and strong currency, but eventually decline due to over-indebtedness, internal decadence, and the rise of a rival power. The book is particularly urgent because Dalio places the United States at a critical juncture in this cycle—high debt and high internal conflict—while identifying China as the rising rival. Far from being fatalistic, it offers a diagnostic framework. It provides leaders and investors with the "timeless principles" needed to recognize these storms early and navigate the turbulent transition of global power.
Why Nations Fail
Daron Acemoglu
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson is a sweeping explanation of why some countries achieve lasting prosperity while others remain trapped in poverty. Rejecting geography, culture, or ignorance as primary causes, the authors argue that the decisive factor is institutions—specifically whether political and economic systems are inclusive or extractive. Inclusive institutions protect property rights, enforce the rule of law, and create incentives for innovation and participation across society. Extractive institutions, by contrast, concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, stifling competition and blocking broad-based growth. Through vivid historical case studies—from North and South Korea to colonial Latin America, medieval Venice, and modern Africa—the book shows how small institutional differences can compound over centuries into vast gaps in wealth and stability. What makes Why Nations Fail influential is not just its ambition, but its clarity: prosperity is not accidental, nor is poverty inevitable. Economic success depends on political choices, power struggles, and the institutions they produce. For readers seeking a framework to understand global inequality, state failure, and long-run development, this book offers one of the most durable and widely debated explanations of our modern world.
The Intelligent Investor
Benjamin Graham
A timeless guide to value investing, The Intelligent Investor teaches readers how to analyze companies, understand market fluctuations, and develop a long-term investment strategy. Updated with commentary by Jason Zweig, this revised edition remains an essential resource for anyone seeking financial success.
The Four Pillars of Investing
William J. Bernstein
Unlock the secrets to building a winning investment portfolio with 'The Four Pillars of Investing.' Learn essential lessons on investment theory, history, psychology, and the business of investing to achieve financial independence and sleep well at night. A must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of the financial markets.
One Up On Wall Street
Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch, one of the most successful investors of all time, shares the secrets of his success in "One Up On Wall Street." Lynch argues that anyone can become an expert investor by using their everyday knowledge and experiences to identify promising companies before Wall Street discovers them. With his accessible style and practical advice, Lynch empowers readers to take control of their financial futures and achieve market-beating returns.