On Happy Money, Daily Rituals, and Paleolithic Health Benefits
Books that changed my life
Hello all!
Here is your weekly dose of books that changed my life!
1. Personal finance
Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending
Summary
This was such a fun read. I still use principles from this book in my day-to-day life. For example, the planning for and anticipation of an upcoming trip can be just as enjoyable or even more enjoyable than the trip itself. Don’t keep it a secret!
Principle: Experiences provide more happiness than material goods in part because experiences are more likely to make us feel connected to others (this helps to explain why moving to a nicer home often fails to enhance happiness).
Insight: People are rarely in an unpleasant mood while exercising, praying, reading, or having sex.
Quote: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. -Mark Twain
Happiness principles
Buy experiences
Make it a treat
Buy time
Pay now, consume later
Invest in others
Authors: Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton
Themes: Personal finance, Personal development, Living a full life
My personal notes from the book
2. Personal development
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work
Summary
I love to study how other people structure their day. What is their morning routine? How do they chunk their day out to be most productive? There is no one right path to being more productive–the hundreds of books published on productivity proves there are many systems that work. This book opens the door so that we can “sit and watch” how some of the greatest artists arranged their day.
Principle: If you write a half hour a day it makes a lot of writing year by year. -Gertrude Stein
Insight: On his walks he carried a pen and paper to record his thoughts -Jonathan Edwards
Quote: Getting your first draft finished is like pushing a peanut with your nose across a very dirty floor -Joyce Carol Oats
Author: Mason Currey
Themes: Productivity, Personal development, Living a full life
My personal notes from the book
3. Health and wellness
The New Evolution Diet: What Our Paleolithic Ancestors Can Teach Us About Weight Loss, Fitness, and Aging
Summary
I am not one for diet books (in fact, I believe there is no such thing as a successful diet). Nonetheless, this was a fascinating read and touched on diet and health principles that I was unfamiliar with. It challenged my previously held beliefs. The advice makes sense. I’ve adopted a few new behaviors from this book. There will be other health and wellness books in future Three Book Thursday’s that I’d recommend more than this one. But, The New Evolution Diet is worth a read. See what you think.
Insight: Of all athletes, those who sprint-basketball, soccer, rugby players, and football players, are the most capable and have the best bodies.
Insight: Walking and sprinting are the safest and most beneficial forms of aerobic exercise.
Insight: Muscle is medicine against developing metabolic diseases.
Insight: Doing a few intense muscle exercises, each lasting about 30 secs, dramatically improves your metabolism in just two weeks.
Author: Arthur De Vany
Themes: Health and wellness
My personal notes from the book
That’s a wrap. Thanks for reading!
Best,
Adam
P.S. Do you have a favorite book that changed your life? Please share it with me by replying to this email.
Previous Three Book Thursday editions
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All Three Book Thursday Personal Notes