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210 Attitude Quotes That Will Empower You In Your Life

Life is filled with inevitable ups and downs and it’s our attitude that determines how we ride the wave.Are you more of a glass half empty or half full type?Our attitudes, whether negative, positive or somewhere in between, affect every aspect of our lives from how we view the world to how we show up at work, in our relationships and most importantly, for ourselves.It’s no secret that maintaining a positive outlook not only makes us happier and healthier but it’s also the key to turning our dreams into reality.Similarly, welcoming more gratitude into our lives tends to shift our perspective and if practiced regularly, expressing thankfulness can help us cope through difficult times and ultimately transform our lives.The truth is, developing and maintaining a positive mindset takes work, especially when we have the natural tendency of reverting to negativity, but the good news is that we can train our brain to be more optimistic. freedom quoteIf you need a reminder of what you’re capable of, check out this list of 210 attitude quotes to find some inspiration:Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you. DALE CARNEGIEIf you can't change your fate, change your attitude. AMY TANMy attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength. MICHAEL JORDAN (How his mindset made him the greatest)When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. HENRY FORDYour attitude about who you are and what you have is a very little thing that makes a very big difference. THEODORE ROOSEVELTA healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier. TOM STOPPARDIt's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. HENRY DAVID THOREAU(More Thoreau quotes)Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity. WILLIAM JAMESSuccess is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. WINSTON CHURCHILLPain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. HARUKI MURAKAMISales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman - not the attitude of the prospect. W. CLEMENT STONEI have this theory that, depending on your attitude, your life doesn't have to become this ridiculous charade that it seems so many people end up living. CHRISTIAN BALEOur life is what our thoughts make it. MARCUS AURELIUSAbility is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. LOU HOLTZTake the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new. OG MANDINOWe cannot choose the things that will happen to us. But we can choose the attitude we will take toward anything that happens. Success or failure depends on your attitude. ALFRED ARMAND MONTAPERT Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. THOMAS A. EDISONI think it's my adventure, my trip, my journey, and I guess my attitude is, let the chips fall where they may. Leonard NimoyAttitudes are more important than facts. GEORGE MACDONALDOne should always play fairly when one has the winning cards. OSCAR WILDELife is hard. Life is difficult. Life is going to punch you in the gut. But when you change your attitude, you change your behavior. When your behavior changes, so do your results. WILL HURDWhen you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails. H. JACKSON BROWN, JR.A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping-stone to the optimist. ELEANOR ROOSEVELTOur environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations. EARL NIGHTINGALEIt is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed. RAM DASSLife is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it. ERNEST HOLMESYour attitude is either the lock on or the key to the door of success. DENIS WAITLEYAttitude is everything. DIANE VON FURSTENBERGYour mental attitude is something you can control outright and you must use self-discipline until you create a Positive Mental Attitude - your mental attitude attracts to you everything that makes you what you are. NAPOLEON HILLOften we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. HELLEN KELLEROur attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us. JOHN N. MITCHELLAny fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are. NORMAN VINCENT PEALEBut the attitude of faith is to let go, and become open to truth, whatever it might turn out to be. ALAN WATTSHappiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude. DALE CARNEGIEWhen you are thwarted, it is your own attitude that is out of order. MEISTER ECKHARTSeek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it. JAMES TRUSLOW ADAMSIf you can't change your fate, change your attitude. CHARLES REVSONAttitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. W.C. FIELDSThe winner's edge is not in a gifted birth, a high IQ, or in talent. The winner's edge is all in the attitude, not aptitude. Attitude is the criterion for success. DENIS WAITLEYIf you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm. STEPHEN COVEYSuccess or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities. WALTER SCOTTAttitude is your acceptance of the natural laws, or your rejection of the natural laws. STUART CHASEYou are the conductor of your own attitude! Nobody else can compose your thoughts for you. LEE J. COLANPositive attitude quotesHow would you rate your attitude? Keeping a positive attitude takes effort but making the conscious decision to look at the brighter side of life can have a profound impact on your well-being. We often forget that this simple shift in perspective is within our reach, but when harnessed properly, an optimistic outlook can help us move forward in the face of adversity and feel more fulfilled.Here are a few positive attitude quotes to help you get started.If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden. FRANCES HODGSON BURNETTAll of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. CHRISTIANO RONALDOLife is like riding a bicycle, you must keep moving. ROCKYTry not to become a man of success, but rather become a man of value.ALBERT EINSTEINSuccess consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.WINSTON CHURCHILLOur greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.CONFUCIUSIf you can dream it, you can do it.WALT DISNEYWith the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.ELEANOR ROOSEVELTLearn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.GHANDIStay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions.MARK TWAINJust one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.DALAI LAMAI am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.STEPHEN R. COVEYDo what you can, with what you have, where you are.THEODORE ROOSEVELTDo the best you can. No one can do more than that.JOHN WOODENAdopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one. HANS SELYEWe are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. OSCAR WILDETo be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have. KEN KEYES JR.The only disability in life is a bad attitude. Dale CarnegieChoose to be optimistic, it feels better. DALAI LAMAHe who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts. Samuel JohnsonA positive atmosphere nurtures a positive attitude, which is required to take positive action. RICHARD M. DEVOSI've always believed that you can think positive just as well as you can think negative. JAMES A. BALDWINA positive attitude is something everyone can work on, and everyone can learn how to employ it. JOAN LUNDENConvince yourself everyday that you are worthy of a good life. Let go of stress, breathe. Stay positive, all is well. GERMANY KENTThere is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement StoneReject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears. MARCUS AURELIUSPerpetual optimism is a force multiplier. COLIN POWELLPeople deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong. Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom? THICH NHAT HANHBelieve you can and you're halfway there. THEODORE ROOSEVELTI always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter. WALT DISNEYA positive attitude can really make dreams come true – it did for me. DAVID BAILEYA strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug. PATRICIA NEALAlways keep that happy attitude. Pretend that you are holding a beautiful fragrant bouquet. EARL NIGHTINGALEEvery day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. UNKNOWNOnce you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results. WILLIE NELSONIf I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed. MAYA ANGELOUKeep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. MAHATMA GANDHIYour level of gratitude determines your level of happiness, as well as your potential for success. It's difficult to be happy without gratitude. BOB BURGIn order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. DALAI LAMAI have found that if you love life, life will love you back. ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN Between the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole!OSCAR WILDEThings turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. JOHN WOODENYou can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude. ELEANOR ROOSEVELTIt is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome. WILLIAM JAMESA happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. HUGH DOWNSEvery day brings new choices. MARTHA BECKA positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. WADE BOGGSIt isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it. DALE CARNEGIEThe meaning of things lies not in the things themselves, but in our attitude towards them. ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRYAny fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. NORMAN VINCENT PEALEAttitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. WINSTON CHURCHILLYou always have a choice, even if it is only a choice of your attitude.You always have a choice, even if it is only a choice of your attitude. HENRY FORDKeep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. HELEN KELLERChoose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success. BRUCE LEEAlways bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing. ABRAHAM LINCOLNBe happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more. MOTHER TERESABetween stimulus and response, there is a space where we choose our response. STEPHEN COVEYAttitude is everything, so pick a good one. WAYNE DYERHow do you nurture a positive attitude when all the statistics say you're a dead man? You go to work. PATRICK SWAYZEOur attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force. IRVING BERLINA positive attitude is not going to save you. What it's going to do is, everyday, between now and the day you die, whether that's a short time from now or a long time from now, that every day, you're going to actually live. ELIZABETH EDWARDSYour attitude, not your aptitude, determines your altitude. Zig ZiglarAll your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. WALT DISNEYIf you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. COLIN POWELLHappiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple determination to be happy under all outward circumstances. JAMES DONALD WALTERSLearning to control and adjust your attitude to a positive one reflects wisdom of the mind. CATHERINE PULSIFERYour attitude is more important than your capabilities. Similarly, your decision is more important than your capabilities. JACK MAFor success, attitude is equally as important as ability. WALTER SCOTTA pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. HARRY S. TRUMANYour attitude towards life influences your happiness, not what happens to you. THIBAUT MEURISSEI hope the millions of people I've touched have the optimism and desire to share their goals and hard work and persevere with a positive attitude. MICHAEL JORDANReally you just gotta keep chugging along and keep a positive attitude and get through all the problems. You gotta face them, otherwise you don't get through. LESLEY GOREThe most important decision you make is to be in a good mood. VOLTAIREEverything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. VIKTOR FRANKLThe greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. OPRAH WINFREYSuccess or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results.William JamesPositive anything is better than negative nothing. ELBERT HUBBARDThe greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. WILLIAM JAMESThere are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. ALBERT EINSTEIN A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change. EARL NIGHTINGALEA bad attitude is like a flat tire. If you don’t change it, you’ll never go anywhere.UNKNOWNYour living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. KHALIL GIBRANLike success, failure is many things to many people. With Positive Mental Attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order and prepare to try again. W. Clement StoneStrong women attitude quotesPowerful women throughout history paved the way forward for younger generations by consistently showing us that when a woman steps into her inner power, nothing can stand in her way.By now we all know strong women are an unstoppable force but what defines a strong woman, anyway? Well, it all comes down to her attitude. If you’re looking for some inspiration to take charge of your mindset and become the best version of yourself, check out our list of quotes by some of the most resilient female legends of all time.Women, like men, should try to do the impossible. And when they fail, their failure should be a challenge to others.AMELIA EARHARTSome people say I have attitude – maybe I do… but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there. VENUS WILLIAMSNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ELEANOR ROOSEVELTI am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept. ANGELA DAVISA really strong woman accepts the war she went through and is ennobled by her scars. CARLY SIMONCourage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use. RUTH GORDONRun to the fire; don’t hide from it. Meg WhitmanPower is not given to you. You have to take it. Beyoncé KnowlesThe best protection any woman can have... is courage. ELIZABETH CADY STANTONAlways aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on. HILLARY CLINTONGrowth and comfort do not coexist. GINNI ROMETTYThe most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. COCO CHANELOnly the gentle are ever really strong. JAMES DEANPermanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. THOMAS CARLYLEIt took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent. MADELEINE ALBRIGHTLife shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. ANAIS NINIt is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. J. K. ROWLINGA strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done. MARGE PIERCY If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. MAYA ANGELOUThe most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. ALICE WALKERI’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship. LOUISA MAY ALCOTTBe a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else. JUDY GARLANDI've never met a woman who is not strong, but sometimes they don't let it out. Then there's a tragedy, and then all of a sudden that strength comes. My message is let the strength come out before the tragedy. DIANE VON FURSTENBERGWomen are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water. ELEANOR ROOSEVELTThe way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. DOLLY PARTONI can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That’s how I’ve gotten to where I am. BEYONCÉOptimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. HELEN KELLERA lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.MADONNAA woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. MELINDA GATESIn our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGERWe cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength within themselves and realize their full potential. MALALA YOUSAFZAIThe thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it. ROSEANNE BARRShe was powerful not because she wasn’t scared but because she went on so strongly, despite the fear.ATTICUSWe need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.BEYONCEI do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves. MARY SHELLEYStop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be. ELIZABETH GILBERTI feel there is something unexplored about woman that only a woman can explore. GEORGIA O’KEEFEEThink like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness. OPRAH WINFREYStrength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGERAttitude of gratitude quotesWhen was the last time you took time to reflect on what you’re grateful for in life? It may feel forced at first but developing an attitude of gratitude is a crucial ingredient for a happier life.It’s easy to overlook life’s simple pleasures, but learning to appreciate the little things really helps us bounce back when things don’t go our way. Let these attitude of gratitude quotes remind you to make it a priority.Wealth can also be that attitude of gratitude with which we remind ourselves everyday to count our blessings. CHRIS GARDNERDo not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.EPICURUSGratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. MELODY BEATTIEAlways have an attitude of gratitude. STERLING K. BROWNI don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains. ANNE FRANKThe attitude of gratitude revitalizes the entire mental process by activating all other attitudes, thus stimulating creativity. NORMAN VINCENT PEALEBe present in all things and thankful for all things. MAYA ANGELOUI am grateful for all those people who said no. It is because of them that I did it myself. Practice an attitude of gratitude. You can either be miserable dwelling on the troubles you have or grateful for the ones you don't have. Your troubles don't care but it makes a huge difference in your life. MICHAEL JOSEPHSONLet us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful. BUDDHAWhen you start noticing even a small portion of all there is to be grateful for, you'll find there is no room for lack, hurt, or want. The attitude of gratitude: the great, full feeling. PETER MCWILLIAMSLet us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. MARCEL PROUSTIt's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver. BETTY WHITEIf you want to find happiness, find gratitude. STEVE MARABOLIThe hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. ERIC HOFFERWear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.RUMIA lot of times people look at the negative side of what they feel they can't do. I always look on the positive side of what I can do. CHUCK NORRISGratitude unlocks the fullness of life. MELODY BEATTIEGratitude opens the door to the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude. DEEPAK CHOPRAEvery blessing ignored becomes a curse. PAULO COELHOA grateful mind is a great mind which eventually attracts to itself great things.PLATOWhen you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears. TONY ROBBINSBe thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. OPRAH WINFREYThe greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.SENECAWe can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. THORNTON WILDERAs we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. JOHN F. KENNEDYSo much has been given to me; I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied. HELEN KELLERA thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.CICERONow is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is. ERNEST HEMINGWAYGratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy. JACQUES MARITAINIf a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get.FRANK A. CLARKHe is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.EPICTETUSThe last of human freedoms - the ability to choose one's attitude, especially an attitude of gratitude in a given set of circumstances, especially in difficult circumstances. VIKTOR E. FRANKLLearn to pay attention to your body with the relaxed attitude of gratitude, trust, curiosity and unconditional love rather than being pushed around by habit, fear, anxiety, social customs, other people's schedules and other people's ideas about what is good for you. WALLACE D. WATTLESOf all the 'attitudes' we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing. ZIG ZIGLARWe often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. CYNTHIA OZICKAn attitude of gratitude creates blessings. JOHN TEMPLETONStormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. MAYA ANGELOUFind a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. JOSEPH CAMPBELLTrain yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. ALBERT SCHWEITZERLive every day with an attitude of gratitude. TONY ROBBINSBoth abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend. SARAH BAN BREATHNACHCultivate an attitude of gratitude, of giving and forgiving. Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. RALPH WALDO EMERSONA sunny temper [an attitude of gratitude for what blessings and mercies there are] gilds the edges of life's blackest cloud. THOMAS GUTHRIEGratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. WILLIAM ARTHUR WARDAn attitude of gratitude brings great things. HARBHAJAN SINGH YOGIGratitude can turn a meal into a feast. MELODY BEATTIEWhen a person doesn't have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude. ELIE WIESELWhen you view your world with an attitude of gratitude, you are training yourself to focus on the good in life. PAUL J. MEYER

5 Life-Changing Books to Help Prince Harry Mature Into a Dad
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5 Life-Changing Books to Help Prince Harry Mature Into a Dad

Prince Harry, the roguish, red-haired royal, has been front and center of the limelight lately for the many changes in his personal life. A newlywed of a year to American-born actress Meghan Markle and a new dad to an infant heir, Archie, his once heavily-reported bachelor life has come to an end. These days, he’s palling around with his family and learning the ropes of parenthood, all while contributing to various causes near-and-dear to his heart. These include, but are not limited to, the HALO Trust, the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and Walking With the Wounded. Since his marriage, he’s taken on the title of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel, all in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Much as Prince Harry’s likes and dislikes are usually speculated by the tabloids, his favorite reads are, well, sort of the same. Based on various reports and experts, these are a few items you might find on his bookshelf.Here are 4 life-changing books to turn Prince Harry into a dad:Commando Dad by Neil Sinclair Did you know Prince Harry served three military tours? One in Norway, one in Belize, and a six-month stint in Iraq, as part of the Operation Desert Storm mission. He retired in 2015, but it’s rumored he still abides by some of the principles learned in his training. That’s why some think Commando Dad, written by an ex-commando and father of three is part of Prince Harry’s collection. It details how to survive the first 24 hours, along with logical and helpful tips, which hopefully has already come in handy for the new papa. Plus, Prince William was said to use this book when Prince George was born after it was recommended by a friend — so his little bro probably took the advice, too. My Life In Pieces By Will KevansIn an interview Prince Harry gave when he visited the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, he revealed how much he loves comics. And when talking about this series particular, he shared “I might read that.” With his military background, it could resonate with him, since artists depict their own visions of the Battle of Hastings, the fall of Baghdad and other history-making moments. Some of the illustrators served in wars themselves, making that much more touching and riveting. Alongside the creations, you’ll find writings and interviews, giving life to the impactful stories and masterpieces. Archie 1000 Page Party by Archie Superstar Plenty of experts believe Archie Comics are part of the inspiration behind his son’s name, Archie. This legendary, iconic, and long-lasting series is beloved by many worldwide, and if he’s a comic fan, it could make sense that the Duke would pick it up himself. Considering a friend of Markle’s shared she’s also an Archie Comics fan — perhaps the comic book pages aligned: “She would spend her weekends going to vintage stores to buy the comics. This could be a little nod to her dad. It was him who instilled that hobby into her, that was their activity together. He would drive her around and also surprise her with vintage volumes. She had at least 100. This may be a way to reach out to her dad, even after all that’s happened.”The Giving Tree by Shel SilversteinDuring a rapid-fire question-style interview with the British TV channel Dave, Markle was asked about the books she wanted to share with her son. Her first pick was this classic from renowned writer, Silverstein. Though this interview was a while ago — even before she met Prince Harry — it’s probably safe to say they have a copy of The Giving Tree in their cottage. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson Another children’s book? If you’re a new parent, you know how it goes: your life becomes your child’s once you welcome them to the world. Prince William shared that The Gruffalo was a "big hit"with his kids at home, and it’s speculated he gave his kid brother a copy. You’ll follow along a mouse, a hungry fox, an owl, a snack — and all sorts of creatures in this creative tale.More inspiring book recommendations:4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write4 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Madonna to be Fearlessly Different

4 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Madonna to be Fearlessly Different
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4 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Madonna to be Fearlessly Different

You hear her name — and you instantly hear her voice. Then her face. And then you sigh in admiration of this legend who has changed the way women are viewed in the music industry. Madonna has been the "Queen of Pop" since the 1980s, as she’s challenged gender norms and given women permission to be their most authentic selves, with no apologies. In her tenure, she’s sold more than 300 million records worldwide, earning her the title of "The Best-Selling Female Recording Artist Of All Time: by Guinness World Records. In addition, she was named the second highest-certified female artist in the United States, with 64.5 million album unit, and Billboard deems her the most successful solo artist in its hot 100 chart history. To date, she’s amassed a $1.4 billion fortune from concert tickets. This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree has an estimated net worth of $590 million — and counting since she's still making music and touring.When she isn’t performing, wowing audiences, dedicating her time to charitable efforts she believes in, or serving as a mentor, the one-and-only Madonna is also a major fan of… reading! Though she hasn’t said much about what’s on her bookshelf, she did reveal her favorites to pal Gwyenth Platrow in a Goop newsletter. Here’s what you can expect from Madonna’s favorite books:The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas LlosaShe may be the Material Girl, but one of Madonna's beloved reads leans more toward the darker side. In this page-turner set in the 1950s and 60s, you’ll follow the tangled web of Ricard Somocurcio who is in love with — you guessed it — a bad girl. He met her in Lima, Peru in the 1950s, where he knew her as Lily before he she disappeared. They meet again in Paris, where she’s married to a wealthy Englishman. Their paths cross again in Tokyo, where she's the mistress of a Japanese businessman. Even though she doesn’t treat him well, he can’t get enough of her. Find out what happens with this lifelong romance that teeters on the side of obsession. Shantaram by Gregory David RobertsIt seems as if Madonna has a taste for mystery since this debut novel from Gregory David Roberts makes her list. Shantaram is set in the darker side of modern Bombay, where a man who was convicted with a fake passport manages to escape a maximum security prison. A faithful friend is by his side throughout the adventure, and they come across the underbelly of the destination, meeting prostitutes, soldiers, actors, gangsters, and more. As the police try to find him, he lives in the worst possible conditions as an apprentice for the mafia, taking him through war, torture, murder and lots of other gut-wrenching experiences. Along the way, two characters help him to freedom. Like Madonna, you won’t be able to put this down since, hey, it’s based on the life of the author himself.The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerYou’ve probably cried in the movie portrayal of this untraditional love story but have you paged through the book? Madonna thinks you should, since it makes her must-reads. In The Time Traveler's Wife, you’ll follow Henry and Claire who fall in love throughout various stages in their lives, thanks to Henry’s ability to time travel. It’s an impossible relationship from day one but love doesn’t ask questions — it only demands you to feel the same. Just try not to cry as you obsess over every last page.The Quran In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Madonna shared: “I am building schools for girls in Islamic countries and studying the Holy Quran. I think it is important to study all the holy books.” Though she hasn’t outwardly said she’s read it herself, she finds to to be one of the most influential books in the history of literature. More inspiring book recommendations:4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn’t Put Down

4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself
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4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself

He’s America’s sweetheart — and the dream guy for plenty of people. Sadly, he’s taken. George Clooney is one of those legends who will forever be known for his acting abilities and his charm. The winner of two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, Clooney has come along way since his breakthrough performance in ER. He’s been listed on the Time 100 as one of the most influential people in the world, and he uses his fame to make a difference, as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. As if that’s not swoon-worthy enough, we have a reason to admire him even more: he’s a serious reader. Here, a glimpse at Clooney’s impressive bookshelf:Tangerine by Christine ManganThough he hasn’t released a quote or a reason on why he loved this book, Clooney's film company, Smokehouse Pictures produced a movie based on Tangerine By Christine Mangan. The film, starring Scarlett Johansson has yet to be released, but will describe the relationship between two friends. The idea is that while one is moving forward with her life, the other is stagnant, and they haven’t spoken in a year. It leads to — you guessed it — plenty of drama and a major lesson in female friendships.Considering Clooney's a recent father to a 2-year-old daughter, perhaps this subject has been on his mind!The American Century by Harold EvansThough it isn’t clear what attracted Clooney to this best-seller, he was spotted lugging it around beside his wife Amal, a celebrated human rights lawyer.The American Century is a time-commitment of a book, considering it entails hundreds of years of surveys all meant to better understand the concept of the American Dream. Given that Clooney is living proof that upward mobility and success is a possibility, it could be his interest in helping others that propelled him to learn more about the state of society.The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter The Monuments Men is yet another book that Clooney made into a movie. He spoke with Collider about what motivated him to bring the pages to the big screen: “We wanted to make an entertaining film. We liked the story. We were not all that familiar with the actual story which is rare for a World War II film. Usually you think you know all the stories. And we wanted it to be accessible. We liked all those John Sturges films. We thought it was sort of a mix between Kelly’s Heroes and The Train,and we wanted to talk about a very serious subject that’s ongoing still. We also wanted to make it entertaining. That was the goal.”If you’re a history buff, you may like this read, since it details Adolf Hitler’s armies that were seeking and stealing the finest art treasures in Europe in the midst of a human rights catastrophe. It’s a captivating read — and one that will introduce you to part of World War II you likely didn’t know about.Catch-22 by Joseph Heller According to The Hollywood Reporter, when former President of Paramount Television Amy Powell took over in 2013, she stumbled upon some books that she wanted to adapt into TV series. Buried in the box was this best-seller and cult classic that happens to be George Clooney’s favorite book. Clooney co-directed the Catch-22 miniseries for Hulu, which he described as something he’s extremely proud of. He also requested the role of the buffoonish Col, which he naturally got.In case you haven’t read this Joseph Heller classic, the satirical novel is set during World War II in Italy, and follows the struggles of a young soldier named Yossarian in an absurd world.More reading inspiration:6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write5 Life-Changing Books That Continue to Inspire Matt Damon on a Daily Basis5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn’t Put Down5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning

5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning
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5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning

You know him from his master moves on the court among the top successful basketball players of all time. LeBron James not only landed several MVP awards but his plethora of endorsements have accumulated a net worth of $440 million. Athlete, philanthropist and business mogul, James doesn’t just study up the best plays or practice diligently to perfect his craft — he’s also quite the bookworm. He’s been pictured time and time again reading right before he dives (or dribbles?) into a game, since he finds it as a source of calm and clarity. From classic, inspiring reads that challenge upward mobility and confidence to best-selling trilogies that spark imagination... Here are a few secrets from James’ bookshelfThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoMaybe when you graduated from high school or college, one of your treasured friends or family members gifted you this easy-peasy read to get you excited for the unknown future ahead. Though The Alchemist is a quick-read, it’s also one of those classics that everyone should read within their lifetime. For James (who was pictured here paging through it) -- it’s a source of happiness and self-fulfilment, wrapped up in a book. He was gifted this iconic creation by Coelho from his athletic trainer and close friend, and it ended up changing his perspective. As he shared in a podcast: “The whole thing about empowerment of yourself and having your visions become a reality and the more and more that you dream and actually talk about something that you want to do, it can become true. That was one of the one things I got out of it. As complex as that book is and as deep as that book is — it is so, so deep — I was able to figure out a way to translate it to my life…’Oh I can remember when I was the 11-year-old kid and I was telling myself 'Why me?' some days and I was always telling myself, 'OK, let's change the narrative of why me, why us, why are we put in this position? Let's change the narrative.’”The Hunger Games series by Suzanne CollinsThough it’s been a few years since this three-part gem from author Suzanne Collins was dominating conversations and movie theaters, James is a long-time fan. During a press interview, he referenced how The Hunger Games and the playoffs share similarities, sharing, “It’s like the Hunger Games. We have to see if we can keep going” and “We've got to figure out how we can stay alive. I'll take some rest. Send me down some rest.” Though James hasn’t outwardly spoken about reading these dystopian fiction books, his knowledge of the plot lines and his thirst for great page-turners makes us think he’s a fan. The Godfather by Mario PuzoPerhaps we are noticing a trend with James: finding ways to relate his athletic career to some of the most important literature pieces ever published. When he was entering TD Garden, he lugged along a copy of The Godfather, and then later described his connection to the book (and movies) to an ESPN reporter who shared the insight: “What he did do was, last night, to settle himself down, he watched The Godfather: Part II. He has taken to watching The Godfather now throughout this postseason. No social media, no SportsCenter, none of that stuff. He’s watching movies. He’s watched The Godfather six times this postseason. He said, ‘Last night it just settled me down.’ It’s about family and so many other things, so that got him into the mood to go bust 41 tonight.” Decoded by Jay-ZBefore the NBA finals, James was photographed reading through Jay-Z’s autobiography, Decoded. Perhaps it was in pursuit of the thoughtful advice from a fellow all-star, but in music, or because he was searching for his name. As he revealed on an episode of Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, Jay-Z is sort of like his mentor. “Any time Jay says my name, it’s just very humbling. He’s like my big brother, so he takes care of me.” The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck HuntThough he doesn’t exactly shed any light on why he likes this book, James did list it as one of the tomes on his reading list in an interview with Oprah. The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream chronicles the life of three doctors who grew up in Newark, New Jersey — one of the most dangerous areas surrounding the Big Apple. Not only is it based on a true story, but the critical reviews give major kudos to how it illustrates and depicts the power of friendship.

5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn't Put Down
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5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn't Put Down

There are very few entrepreneurs who fundamentally shift culture and society. Mark Zuckerberg will go down in history as one of them. As the founder and CEO of the world’s most popular social networking site, Facebook — which he founded while still in college — Zuckerberg has created a dynamic place for conversation and connection. Though his career hasn’t been without controversy, he continues to be a sought-after thought leader, and stands as one of the richest people in the world. This father of two and philanthropist is an active reader and often shares his must-reads widely. Though your chances of mimicking his success may be small, you can dive into some of his genius by giving these favorites a flip-through. Here, the books that Facebook’s leader can’t put down:The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. KuhnZuckerberg’s perspective on science is that it’s a constant force for good in the world — often investing in research and causes that advance this forward-thinking.According to his Facebook post, this best-seller from Thomas S. Kuhn is an important digest for everyone: “It's a history of science book that explores the question of whether science and technology make consistent forward progress or whether progress comes in bursts related to other social forces... I think we'd all be better off if we invested more in science and acted on the results of research. I'm excited to explore this theme further.” World Order by Henry Kissenger If you’re a parent, you know first-hand how much life changes once you welcome your first child into the world. Zuckerberg experienced this shift and with it, came a new perspective and approach to life. That’s why this book is one he recommends for everyone to read — regardless if they’re a mom or dad, or not: “It's about foreign relations and how we can build peaceful relationships throughout the world. This is important for creating the world we all want for our children, and that's what I'm thinking about these days."Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull No matter what profession or industry you’ve decided to pursue, there are a few requirements for all workers. These include reliability, flexibility, and -- believe it or not -- creativity. Even jobs that may be less art or content-focused challenge professionals to bend their mind to problem-solve, or create solutions. To foster this dedication to innovation, Zuckerberg recommends this read, written by the founder of Pixar, discussing just that. “His theory is that people are fundamentally creative, but many forces stand in the way of people being able to do their best work,” Zuckerberg shared. “I love reading first-hand accounts about how people build great companies like Pixar and nurture innovation and creativity. This should be inspiring to anyone looking to do the same, and hopefully there will be lessons we can apply to connecting the world!”The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker Though there are more news reports discussing crimes these days, some people conclude that violence has actually declined throughout history. Zuckerberg was fascinated by this book from Steven Pinker — even if it took him awhile to digest. As he shared, “Recent events might make it seem like violence and terrorism are more common than ever, so it's worth understanding that all violence -- even terrorism -- is actually decreasing over time. If we understand how we are achieving this, we can continue our path towards peace.”The Idea Factory by Jon GertnerAnother book that zeroes-in on creativity is this best-seller from Jon Gertner. On a quest to create a dynamic workforce, company and planet, Zuckerberg turns to this page-turner to answer questions — and seek inspiration. “I'm very interested in what causes innovation -- what kinds of people, questions and environments. This book explores that question by looking at Bell Labs, which was one of the most innovative labs in history,” he shared.

5 Life-Changing Books That Continue to Inspire Matt Damon on a Daily Basis
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5 Life-Changing Books That Continue to Inspire Matt Damon on a Daily Basis

Actor, film producer and screenwriter, Matt Damon, is not only one of the highest-grossing entertainers of all time, but he’s an outspoken family man. Originally from the Boston area — alongside best bud Ben Affleck — Damon’s long-lasting career has awarded him with many gold stars from the industry, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes and more.His rise to fame began in Mystic Pizza but really began to soar once he wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting. Since then, he’s performed in countless blockbusters, including Saving Private Ryan, The Departed, Manchester By the Sea and the Bourne trilogy, as well as the Oceans trilogy.In addition to his stage acts, he also like to read between the lines, often sharing his latest page-turner. Because they inspire his writing and his directing, he turns to many books as his source of inspiration and creativity. Here, a few on his bookshelf that you could add to yours, too:A People's History of the United States by Howard ZinnHe’s not just a fan of this book — but of the author, since Zinn is an old friend. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Damon explained why it’s a must-read not only for those hoping to learn more about the United States, but for Americans, most of all. “It gets people — particularly young people — excited about history because it’s your duty to be excited about it. You have a responsibility, as a citizen, to make history.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe B.A.A. at 125: The Official History of the Boston Athletic Association, 1887-2012 by John HacIf you’ve ever watched any interview with Damon (or his buddy, Affleck) — you’ll notice how they find a way to weave their hometown of Boston into a conversation. They’re proud — and not afraid to sing the praises. That’s partly why he loves this book. In fact, he wrote the forward for it! Here’s his handy wordsmithing work: “Running connoisseurs who sample marathons around the world will tell you exactly what my family has known for decades: ‘There’s only one Boston Marathon.’ And I think what you’ll learn from this book is that there’s only one Boston Athletic Association.Their history and the characters behind them make up another fascinating part of the history of sports in my hometown — and another reason I’m proud to be a Boston sports fan.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Martian by Andy WeirOne of Damon’s most memorable acting performances was based off this book, so of course, as the lead actor, he had to read it. In a conversation with Space.com (go figure), he discussed how the book spoke to him and informed his role. “The book does a very good job — he doesn’t go too deep into the weeds. At least, he doesn’t lose someone like me and I’m really a layman and that’s what we wanted to retain in the movie. We wanted it to feel like the science wasn’t beyond our capacity to understand,” he shared.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMSaving Private Ryan by Max Allan Collins Another one of his breakthrough roles that audiences everywhere love to watch time and time again, Damon spoke about his experience paging through this legendary tale of conflict. “Nobody has ever seen this war examined in this way. I know when I saw it I had this visceral reaction to the combat because it doesn’t pull any punches. When people see it [the movie], they’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the people that were there and fought,” he told ScreenSlam.com.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMTrue Grit by Charles Portis Do you notice a trend here? When Damon sets to star in a film, he takes the time to read the book. Because it gives insight into the inspiration that provoked the author, he’s able to adapt his character more effectively. Even if hey, sometimes, it takes a little push to get him to focus. “They [the Coen brothers] we’re gonna do True Grit and I hadn’t seen the original movie. I said, ‘should I go watch the movie?’ And they said, ‘no, what you should really do is read the book because it’s an American classic and everything’s going to be clear to you when you read the book. I got the book and read it, and I was surprised that I missed this book. I was an english major in college and I pride myself in being pretty well read, and it’s a terrific, terrific book,” he told Fox.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COM

5 Enlightening Reasons Why the College You Attend Shouldn't Define You
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5 Enlightening Reasons Why the College You Attend Shouldn't Define You

It seems like it’s the most important choice in an 18-year-old's life thus far -- where they choose to attend college. Most parents wish the best for their son or daughter when they are born: it’s almost every parent’s aspiration for their child to be happy, healthy and attend an Ivy League school.The reality: it’s a small pool of young adults who do attend elite schools. Recent news of the pay-for-play college scandal has brought to light the extreme competition and pop-culture fascination that only children who attend top-tier colleges and the Ivy League will be successful. That’s simply not true. Where your child attends college is just a part of who they will become and what they can achieve. Here are some reasons that a college choice shouldn't define you.Understand the true cost of an undergraduate educationNot everyone can afford the hefty price tag of elite colleges, and more and more parents -- and their teens -- are realizing that the cost of attending can impact their lives long after four years.“One thing that is commonly overlooked by students and their parents is the cost of student debt,” says Brian Morris, communication coordinator with DirectTextbook.com, a free service that helps students save textbooks. “The more expensive the college, the more likely students will have debt and the further behind students will be upon graduation.” He says saving money on college costs may help graduates avoid financial traps that make it difficult or impossible to own a home, buy a car or invest in a business after graduation. Successful people come from all walks of lifeWe’ve all heard about billionaires who aren’t even college graduates. So, here’s proof your success isn’t reliant on what college you attend. “Many times it’s your own drive to success which fuels it,” says Elaine Rubin who has more than a decade of experience working in higher education finance and policy. “Yes, of course, sometimes it can be pure luck, or your life circumstances. But here’s the thing, not every successful person has graduated from an elite college, some may have even opted to not attend college.” Keep college hype in checkAs a college career strategist, Elizabeth Venturini, helps parents and students focus on the result of receiving a college education: a job after graduation. Vital tips for college-bound students are to pick a college major that will provide the most marketable skills and jobs after graduation at a cost they can afford, and to choose programs at a college not just the college name. Stick to the education value, not the fluff or hype, she says. “Steer clear of ‘The College Perks War.’ Instead of emphasizing education to attract students to enroll in college, colleges are engaged in a ‘perks war,’ outspending each other with fancy dorms, student services, and sports facilities. Focus on the quality of the education your teen will receive,” she says.True success is what you do to help others Success in the truest sense depends on what value can you add to this world and how many lives you touch. “Both of these markers never require you to present to them the evidence of what degree you hold, let alone which college you attended,” says Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D,, learning advocate and founder of WeAreAlwaysLearning.com. Joshi’s advice is to keep looking at opportunities to add value to your fellow students, faculty members, and administrative staff while in college. “You'll get a much richer experience and when you graduate: you'll have that degree, and in addition, you'll probably have a clearer sense of direction and people who can help you get there add and how many lives you touch.”A college degree doesn’t determine your value “If you allow where you earn your college degree to determine your value, you will always be asking for permission and not realize your true potential,” Joshi affirms. Think about it. What do you want from your life? “Most people want the freedom to make their own choices and live their lives on their own terms,” says Joshi. “If that describes you then instead of focusing on how a college degree from a certain college provides an elevated value, think of how you can elevate your own value.”

5 Life-Changing Books That Bill Gates Says He Can't Put Down
Entrepreneurs

5 Life-Changing Books That Bill Gates Says He Can't Put Down

As the founder of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates is a legendary pioneer in science, math and computers, revolutionizing the world with his research and expertise. These days he works part-time while running the Bills & Melinda Gates Foundation, an expansive charitable initiative he runs alongside his wife of 24 years.Though he is known for many feats -- including being the second richest person in the world with a networth of $89.9 billion --there is one great love is he outwardly vocal about: reading. Every year, he release the books that changed his perspective, taught him something new or impacted him greatly. These have included everything from fiction and non-fiction to biographies and beyond.RELATED: According to Bill Gates, This Book Will Teach You to Stop Worrying and Start Living Anxiety-FreeIf you want a glimpse into the type of reads Bill Gates couldn’t put down, here are a few to add to your reading list. Enlightenment Now by Steven PinkerIf you want to unique perspective on the world we’re living in now and how we are positioned for the future, this might be the type of investigative, riveting read you’re looking for. Especially since it’s at the top of the list for Microsoft’s founder. Gates doesn’t simply like this book, but says it is the best book he’s read in a decade and if he could recommend just one book for someone to read, it would be this one. “I’m all for more reason, science, and humanism, but what I found most interesting were the 15 chapters exploring each measure of progress,” he raved. “Pinker is at his best when he analyzes historic trends and uses data to put the past into context. I was already familiar with a lot of the information he shares—especially about health and energy—but he understands each subject so deeply that he’s able to articulate his case in a way that feels fresh and new.”For Gates, the beauty of this deep-dive is just that: how willing the author is to use data sources to pull out ‘unexpected signs of progress.’ “I tend to point to things like dramatic reductions in poverty and childhood deaths, because I think they’re such a good measure of how we’re doing as a society. Pinker covers those areas, but he also looks at more obscure topics,” he wrote on his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMMeasure What Matters by John DoerrIf you work at a start-u -- or any forward-thinking type of company -- you’ve probably heard the term ‘OKR’ as a way to measure goals and progress. This concept was developed by the author of this book, and is something Gates is a fan of. On his blog, he detailed a personal experience when he put himself in a tricky situation that taught him a valuable lessons. In the early days of Microsoft, he was confident in his coding skills but was still getting a grasp on project management, which he shares became ‘abundantly clear’ when he promised Intel that he’d deliver a form of their basic software in four weeks. “They thought I was crazy to promise it that fast, and it turned out that they were right. We were two weeks late,” he shared.To his rescue -- and serving as one of his mentor -- was what Gates called a ‘precise, hard-driving guy’, Andy Grove. “...Andy oversaw their strategy and operations, and he championed the idea of management by objective. Andy and I became friendly over the years, I studied several of the business books he wrote early on, and Microsoft adopted some of the methods that Intel used. I consider Andy one of the great business leaders of the 20th century,” he explained. And the way Andy ran the show? It’s based on Doerr’s OKR -- Objectives and Key Results -- management system. This book describe why this is an effective way of measuring employees, company metrics and beyond. “I’d recommend John’s book for anyone interested in becoming a better manager—and I’d say that even if I hadn’t been interviewed for a super-nice chapter about the Gates Foundation,.” he shared in his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMBad Blood by John CarreyouLittle known fact about Gates that might not be all that surprising: while he usually feels as if he can’t put a book down, he doesn’t subscribe to the genre of ‘page turners.’ Except for this one read that he said was so compelling, he couldn’t tear himself away from each and every last paragraph. So what’s it about? A gripping glimpse into the reality of the Silicon Valley, based on a true story. “Bad Blood tackles some serious ethical questions, but it is ultimately a thriller with a tragic ending. It’s a fun read full of bizarre details that will make you gasp out loud. The story almost feels too ridiculous to be real at points—no wonder Hollywood is already planning to turn it into a movie). I think it’s the perfect book to read by the fire this winter,” he shared in his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalanithiPrepare to cry, since this one will definitely get right to your soul. Even for Gates, who didn’t love ‘The Last Lecture’ or ‘Tuesdays With Morrie’, two of the most infamous tear-jerkers about death. Though he’s a fan of this best-selling book as a hole, he called out the epilogue specifically as a time when he chokes up, where the wife of the author writes: “I visit his grave often, taking a small bottle of Madeira, the wine of our honeymoon destination. Each time, I pour some out on the grass for Paul … and rub the grass as if it were Paul’s hair. Cady [their daughter[ visits his grave before her nap, lying on a blanket … grabbing at the flowers we’ve laid down.’ It’s one of those books that Gates knows he’ll read again, just to take more away from the pages. “This short book has so many layers of meaning and so many interesting juxtapositions—life and death, patient and doctor, son and father, work and family, faith and reason…,” he continued. “I don’t know how Kalanithi found the physical strength to write this book while he was so debilitated by the disease and then potent chemotherapy. But I’m so glad he did. He spent his whole brief life searching for meaning in one way or another—through books, writing, medicine, surgery, and science. I’m grateful that, by reading this book, I got to witness a small part of that journey.”>> SEE IN ON AMAZON.COMEducated by Tara WestoverGates calls this recent best-seller an amazing story—and one that reminded him of the Netflix documentary, ‘Wild, Wild Country.’ “Both explore people who remove themselves from society because they have these beliefs and knowledge that they think make them more enlightened. Their belief systems benefit from their separateness, and you’re forced to be either in or out,” he explains. He appreciates Westover’s approach to detailing her upbringing, never being what Gates considers cruel, but being honest. “It’s clear that her whole family, including her mom and dad, is energetic and talented. Whatever their ideas are, they pursue them,” he continued. “I was especially interested to hear her take on polarization in America. Although it’s not a political book, Educated touches on a number of the divides in our country: red states versus blue states, rural versus urban, college-educated versus not.”A tantalizing look into the education system, family dynamics and self-imposed expectations, Gates says Westbrook captures all of these growing pains beautifully. “It’s the kind of book that I think everyone will enjoy, no matter what genre you usually pick up. She’s a talented writer, and I suspect this book isn’t the last we’ll hear from her. I can’t wait to see what she does next,” he raved in his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:7 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Be a Leader9 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Tom Hanks to Live His Most Purposeful Life5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Meryl Streep to Live Her Most Colorful Life

5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Meryl Streep to Live Her Most Colorful Life
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5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Meryl Streep to Live Her Most Colorful Life

As one of the most renowned and respected American actresses, Meryl Streep’s long-lasting career is an inspiring and impressive one at least. Because of her captivating ability to take on a vast variety of roles and adopt accents effectively, it’s no wonder she holds the record nomination for Academy Awards, with 21 under her belt, three of which, she took home. She’s also been nominated for 31 Golden Globes and won eight of them, more than any actor. All of these accolades have awarded her prestigious recognition—from the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.RELATED: 5 Daily Habits to Steal from Meryl Streep Including Her Powerful Mantra for Self-ConfidenceIn general, Streep tends to keep her personal life just that, but has sometimes shared tidbits about those things that bring her joy. One of those is literature -- especially since many written works inspire the films she acts so beautifully in. Though she hasn’t been quite as outspoken as other actors about what’s on her bookshelf, we were able to dig up some information to inspire your book-buying habits. After all, who doesn’t want to embody the wisdom of Streep?The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James WallerStreep is honest about how much she read of this timeless classic, sharing she didn’t quite finish the book since it’s not the type of thing she thought she’d be interested in. However, she was proven wrong when two legendary influences in the entertainment industry convinced her otherwise. While chatting about the experience of making this iconic novel into a movie in the documentary, ‘An Old Fashioned Love Story: Making ‘The Bridges of Madison County,’ she shared: “...Then my friend Carrie Fisher gave Clint Eastwood my home phone number and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s a book about their dreams — and they’re dreams not really meshing.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMOne True Thing by Anna Quindlen Infamous—and beloved—author and journalist Anna Quindlen has written many masterpieces, one of which Streep can’t get enough of. This story details the life of a successful magazine writer in New York City who finds out her mother is dying of cancer. To care for her, she leaves her high-paying gig and her fancy life to spend the last days with her family. For the first time, this writer feels connected to her mom who was more traditional than ambitious. The story takes twists and turns, and it’s one that Streep had to be part of. As she shared in the documentary ‘Making Of: One True Thing’: “When you have a favorite book, you feel like you own it in some way. When there was news that they were gonna make a film of it, I called my agent and said ‘find out about that.’”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMYou Don't Look Your Age by Sheila NevinsIf humor is your prefered genre of books, then you can steal this one from Streep’s collection that definitely gives a refreshing look at aging and the pressures females face from society. Streep thanked Nevins for writing an ‘honest story about women’: “Thank you to Sheila Nevins for putting all this down for posterity. Women need this kind of honest excavation of the process of living.” So what’s it about? As a famed documentary producer and president of HBO Documentary Films for more than 30 years, she—hilariously—goes through the types of issues every female professional faces. This includes dealing with men at the top level, what it feels like to be a working mother, how to stay relevant in a world that focuses on youth, and of course, marriage, feminism and children. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Sign on Rosie's Door by Maurice Sendak On this author’s 80th birthday tribute, Streep proudly read an excerpt from this iconic book, detailing how powerful she found the pages. “There was a sign on Rosie's door that said, ‘If you want to know a secret, knock three times.’ One day, Kathy, Rosie's good friend, knocks three times and learns the secret—that Rosie is no longer Rosie, but Alinda, the lovely lady singer. What follows is the story of real children, playing as only children know how,” she raved. For a look into the world of children and how they experience life, Sendak says no one can quite capture their magic like Sendak, who masterfully weaves together sentences.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMPostcards from the Edge by Carrie FisherIn this book, readers follow along the story of a young actress who goes through the difficult process of drug rehabilitation from a ‘drug hospital.’ Written by late actress Carrie Fisher, best known for her role in Star Wars, the story weaves through the world of Hollywood effortlessly. It’s one that Streep related to greatly, sharing with 92Y: “The book was so well written. Then the screenplay came and it was really sharp, amazing, and interesting, and filled with so many interesting illusions. I also that this [story] sounded like me.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMMorning Song by Sylvia PlathThough she didn’t share her own perspective on this poem, she did choose it to read out loud at the Academy of American Poets annual Poetry & the Creative Mind. Perhaps something about this brilliant words of Plath touched Streep: “Love set you going like a fat gold watch. The midwife slapped your footsoles, and your bald cry. Took its place among the elements. Our voices echo, magnifying your arrival. New statue. In a drafty museum, your nakedness Shadows our safety. We stand round blankly as walls. I’m no more your mother. Than the cloud that distills a mirror to reflect its own slow. Effacement at the wind’s hand. All night your moth-breath. Flickers among the flat pink roses. I wake to listen: A far sea moves in my ear. One cry, and I stumble from bed, cow-heavy and floral In my Victorian nightgown. Your mouth opens clean as a cat’s. The window square. Whitens and swallows its dull stars. And now you try. Your handful of notes; The clear vowels rise like balloons.” You can find the entire poem within the "Ariel" collection.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:3 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Will Smith to Succeed7 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Be a Leader9 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Tom Hanks to Live His Most Purposeful Life