Six Must-Read Books that Will Make You Much, Much Smarter
How would being a little smarter help you?
It’s widely believed that intelligence is a static quality. However, there are a lot of different ways we can become smarter -- and a lot of different types of intelligence.
From developing insights into emotional intelligence to advancements in our knowledge of neuroplasticity, our understanding of what makes someone “smart” has expanded greatly over the past several decades.
And one of the best ways to make yourself smarter? It’s always been, and might always be, thought-provoking books.
There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.
There are countless books released every year about new ways to see the world, understand ourselves, and become smarter.
It’s hard to narrow down a list of the top books that can make you smarter, however, we’ve put together a collection of what we consider to be some of the best.
Here they are 6 must-read books to make you smarter:
1. Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
Daily Rituals is an incredibly insightful book that peeks into the brain of history’s most successful artists, scientists, musicians, and writers.
Want to know what Einstein’s daily schedule was like? How about Thomas Jefferson? What were the daily rituals of the world’s smartest people? This book will teach you all about that and make you smarter and more productive at the same time.
Get Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Think and Grow Rich, as it pertains to becoming smarter, is less about making money and more about understanding the fundamental elements that make someone successful at anything.
Further down the rabbit hole, it’s about knowing what moves the world, what creates change, and what drives us. That, in and of itself, is valuable beyond measure.
Read Think and Grow Rich if you want to learn how to move yourself to action and change the world.
Get Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
3. The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life by Tim Ferriss
Learning and productivity are far more about how you learn and do something thing than they are about your skill or talent in doing it.
That’s exactly the lesson that The 4-Hour Chefteaches and author Tim Ferriss, creator and host of “The Tim Ferriss Show”, explains so effectively within the book.
If you want to become smarter about how you do, well, everything, then this is the book for you (no, it’s not just about cooking, but you’ll learn a lot about that too).
Get The 4-Hour Chef by Tim Ferriss
4. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
While, on the surface, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is about human conflict, its applications span across virtually all forms of human interaction, from business and marketing to relationships in general.
For that reason, it’s no surprise it’s become required reading for many high-level CEOs and executives alike.
Read The Art of War if you want to understand human interaction on a fundamental level and how to achieve victory without conflict (ironically).
5. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Thinking, Fast and Slow is a great book for teaching you how to think in a particular situation.
Most of us believe that thinking is simply about processing thoughts, and that there’s only one kind. However, there are different ways you can use your brain to think depending on the situation. And, as the title implies, sometimes thinking fast is more productive, while other times thinking more slowly and intentionally is better.
Read this book to find out how to use your brain more effectively.
Get Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
6. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
A Short History of Nearly Everything is one of those books that everyone should read. Preferably sooner than later.
The book offers a condensed review of all of history up to modern times and covers much of what we know about life and the universe, delving deep into questions such as why are we here and what is our purpose?
It’s the kind of book you’d imagine would be a really good idea to read in school, however, you were stuck reading Of Mice and Men…
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.