Section 1.1: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky is hailed as one of the greatest authors in history, and many consider Crime and Punishment to be one of the finest novels ever penned. Written in 1866, the story follows Raskolnikov, a destitute former student navigating the impoverished streets of St. Petersburg, Russia. He commits a murder without a shred of remorse, only to find his conscience haunting him as he evades a shrewd police inspector.

I’ll admit, I felt daunted by the thought of reading Crime and Punishment for a long time. The praise it garnered from others made me hesitate. However, after much delay, I finally picked it up, and it left me utterly astounded! I can confidently say that it ranks among the best books I’ve ever read. It’s simply extraordinary!

This novel compels you to reconsider your views on life. Dostoyevsky’s exploration of human nature and societal issues is nothing short of remarkable. Here are a few memorable quotes from the book:

• “To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s.”
• “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.”
• “Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.”

Section 1.2: Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Peter D. Kaufman

To many, Charlie Munger is best known as Warren Buffet’s business partner. However, he represents so much more. In Poor Charlie’s Almanack, Peter D. Kaufman expertly encapsulates Munger’s vast knowledge across a variety of topics, including business, finance, psychology, philosophy, history, and beyond.

This book provides an in-depth introduction to the mental frameworks Munger employs to navigate life, learning, investing, and decision-making, which have contributed to his success. I admire Charlie Munger greatly; he’s not only witty and intelligent but also profoundly wise. Poor Charlie’s Almanack has significantly transformed my approach to learning and life, making it one of my top reads this year.

Here are some thought-provoking quotes from the book:

• “In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time — none, zero. You’d be amazed at how much Warren reads — and at how much I read. My children laugh at me. They think I’m a book with a couple of legs sticking out.”
• “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up. Day by day, and at the end of the day if you live long enough like most people, you will get out of life what you deserve.”
• “Acquire worldly wisdom and adjust your behaviour accordingly. If your new behaviour gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group…then to hell with them.”

Section 2.1: Never Finished by David Goggins

Regarded as the "toughest man on the planet," David Goggins is a former Navy SEAL, ultra-marathon runner, and cyclist, with an astonishing record for the most pull-ups completed in a single day (4,025, to be exact!). If you haven’t heard of him, you must be living under a rock!

In Never Finished, Goggins invites us into his “mental lab,” where he has developed a formidable mindset over the years. He reveals that his past limitations were just the beginning, and the pursuit of greatness is a lifelong journey.

This book serves as a sequel to Goggins’ earlier acclaimed memoir, Can’t Hurt Me, which I have read multiple times. For some reason, I didn’t get around to Never Finished until last month, and I regret the delay, as it’s incredibly motivating and inspiring—much like its predecessor. If you’re seeking a book to ignite your motivation and help you get organized, Never Finished is the perfect starting point!

Here are some powerful quotes from Never Finished:

• “Every minute you spend feeling sorry for yourself is another minute not getting better, another morning you miss at the gym, another evening wasted without studying. Another day burned when you didn’t make any progress toward your dreams, ambitions, and deepest desires.”
• “I’m haunted by my future goals, not my past failures. I’m haunted by what I may still become. I’m haunted by my own continued thirst for evolution.”
• “It is a lifelong quest for more knowledge, more courage, more humility, and more belief. Because when you summon the strength and discipline to live like that, the only thing limiting your horizons is you.”

Happy reading,

See you next time,

Yours sincerely,

Tom

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