According to reports, people now spend more time using digital media than reading physical books and materials. The use of social media is addictive. Sadly, it is destroying the habit of reading books because it has progressively become a part of our way of life. Did you know that reading books can have a lifetime of positive effects on our physical and mental health? Studies have revealed that reading books allows one to hit the pause button to increase comprehension and insight. By doing so, the brain is forced to work harder and more effectively than by spending time on social media. Reading books is a wise place to start if you want to overcome your addiction to social media. To help you kick-start your reading habit, here are the top 10 books about greatness and people:

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

In this book, significant lessons in self-change are discussed. A “holistic, integrative, principle-centered strategy for tackling personal and professional difficulties,” according to Amazon.com, is presented there. Among the seven vices are: Take initiative. Consider the end when starting. prioritise your needs first. Think win-win. Prioritize understanding over being understood. Synergize. Refine the saw.

What justifies reading this book? It provides a step-by-step guide for living with justice, honesty, service, and human dignity—principles that allow us the security to adapt to change and the knowledge and ability to seize the opportunities that change generates. It also contains profound insights and pointed anecdotes.

2. 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated) by Timothy Ferris

This book by Timothy Ferris, a New York Times bestselling author, was published in 2009, but it is still relevant today. Since we operate in a hybrid environment and are continuously connected to our devices, it appears that our houses are already an extension of our offices.

What justifies reading this book? This book teaches us how Ferris transitioned from earning $40,000 per year and working 80 hours per week to earning $40,000 per month and working only four hours per week. It also includes more than 50 useful tips and case studies from readers. These include families who have doubled their income, overcame common obstacles, and reinvented themselves using the original book as a guide.

3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

According to some, our social media posts reveal something about ourselves and our personalities. According to researchers, each and every post we make can reveal a little bit about us to our audience—not everything, but a little bit. On social media, we frequently present a joyful, pleasant, and upbeat persona while in reality, we are not. We are internally dying.

What justifies reading this book? Over 3 million copies of this book were sold, catapulting Manson’s career to overnight celebrity. Manson has become one of the best-selling authors in the New York Times. Because Mark Manson, the author, teaches us “how to stop striving to be positive all the time so we can genuinely become better, happier people,” this book is incredibly appropriate given the present fixation with positivity and happiness on the outside. A genre was redefined by it. We were reminded that it’s acceptable to refuse. Last but not least, not giving a fuck does not imply indifference; rather, it simply indicates that you are at ease with diversity.

4. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

How do you actually acquire, observe, or resist total control? Over 1.2 million copies of this non-fiction book have been sold in the US, making it a New York Times bestseller. One of the Laws of Power is to “never outshine the master,” another is to “never place too much trust in friends, and learn how to use adversaries,” another is to “always speak less than required,” another is to “so much depends on reputation; preserve it with your life,” and there are 43 more.

What justifies reading this book? Therefore, you can get advice like this: “When you’re attempting to impress people with words, the more you speak, the more ordinary and in control you seem. If you say anything vague, open-ended, and sphinx-like, it will sound original even if it isn’t. Powerful individuals scare and impress by speaking less. You’re more likely to say something stupid if you speak more.

5. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwarts

According to this book, success can be attained without being extraordinarily brilliant or original. Thinking big can inspire one to improve work performance, increase income, and increase happiness and fulfilment in life.

What justifies reading this book? This one of the most significant books is a must-read if you want to learn how to sell more, manage better, earn more money, and – most importantly – achieve true happiness and peace of mind. Schwarts provides readers with a practical strategy and a well-thought-out plan for making the most of your career, marriage, family, life, and community. Some readers claim that it will radically change your life.

6. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzi and Christine Lamb

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani advocate for girls’ education and the recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. When the Taliban seized control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, Malala refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. Malala’s tale is told in this book. On October 9, 2012, she was 15 years old when she was fatally shot in the head at close range while taking the school bus home. Few predicted that she would live, yet miraculously she did. She is now a recognised global symbol of nonviolent protest at the age of 16.

What justifies reading this book? The story of a young woman who bravely campaigned for women’s rights and human rights in Pakistan is extraordinary. She fought to end child illiteracy. It is also the story of her devoted parents, who raised their daughter with support and affection in a culture where men are the most treasured offspring.

7. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs was an American business mogul, industrial designer, media mogul, and investor. He served as Apple’s chairman, CEO, and co-founder. Six industries underwent radical change as a result of Jobs’ unrelenting ambition and passion for perfection: digital publishing, music, animated films, mobile phones, and personal computers. Although Jobs has been universally praised as a genius and visionary who was successful in creating the technology we use today, he is said to have lagged behind in his personal relationships, professional connections, and management style.

What justifies reading this book? Based on more than 40 interviews with Steve Jobs done over a two-year period as well as conversations with more than 100 members of his family, friends, foes, rivals, and colleagues, it tells the narrative of his turbulent personality and life. Tim Cook, Jobs’ replacement as Apple CEO, said of him in a thesun.co.uk article: “Steve was so many things: bright, witty, and wise, a husband, a parent, a friend, and a visionary. He pushed us to look beyond what the world was to what it may be. And he enabled a lot of others, including myself, to recognise our own potential. Cook shared this in an internal memo for employees in honor of Steve Jobs’ 10th anniversary.

8. Becoming by Michelle Obama

The 448-page memoir Becoming, written by former US first lady Michelle Obama, was released in 2018. Obama discussed her upbringing, how she came to find her voice, as well as her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her mothering duties in this book. It sold 2 million copies in the 15 days following its release, making it the best-selling book released in the United States in 2018.

What justifies reading this book? It’s motivating. It seems as though you are sharing tea and a life story with a good friend. It provides insight into the political climate of today. It reveals the romance between Barack and Michelle. Finally, it’s distinctive. There are also parenting tips, a celebration of womanhood, and a hopeful tale.

9. Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir by Bob Odenkirk

The author discusses his career highs and lows, his cult following as a comedy author, and what it was like to recast himself as an action film ass-kicker at the age of 50. American actor, comedian, and director Bob Odenkirk is best known for playing Saul Goodman on the drama series Breaking Bad (2008–2013) and its spin-off Better Call Saul (2015–2022). For this role, he has been nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

What justifies reading this book? This passionate memoir by Odenkirk, who has devoted a lot of time to making others laugh, is both humorous and heartwarming. You’ll learn that comedians are humans in this book. They battle, much like Odenkirk, who had a heart attack while filming the popular television series “Better Call Saul,” which he claimed was one of the reasons he decided to write an autobiography. It is a frequently humorous examination of the challenges of humour and the process by which a well-known comic becomes a serious actor.

10. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

This classic book was written by English author George Orwell and was originally published in 1933. It tells the story of a British author who was impoverished and lived among the poor in London and Paris. He worked as a dishwasher and led a nomadic lifestyle. He was exposed to the lives of tramps, homeless persons, and free lodging facilities. He exposed the reality of social injustice and poverty.

What justifies reading this book? It’s designed to highlight all the issues with hotels and restaurants. What it’s like to work like a slave, live in the most chaotic workplace, and have coworkers that only care about their weekend alcohol consumption. According to Book Riot, this book is among the most famous memoirs ever written.

Wrap-up

How about you? Do you have similar books on your list? Which ones would you recommend? I’d love to know your thoughts.

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