This article was originally published at KnowledgeForMen.com.
Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, two of the world’s richest men, were both interviewed on separate occasions and asked the exact same question.
“If you could have any superpower what would it be?”
Without a moment of hesitation, they both responded, “Speed reading”.
Not flight, not super strength, not invisibility, or the ability to grant wishes like Alladin’s Genie… Speed reading.
And I am inclined to agree with them.
If you look back at history, all of the world’s greatest men, with a few rare exceptions, were voracious readers. The men who made the biggest impact and difference in this world were also the men who devoted themselves to massive self-education.
After interviewing more than 350 high performers, thought leaders, and industry moguls, I have compiled a list of the 50 best books that every strong grounded man must have in his personal library.
But before we dive in… I want to leave you with a word of warning.
Reading great books alone will not make you successful.
Taking massive action on the lessons that you have learned from reading those books will.
If you are looking for a nifty list of books that you can purchase to leave on your nightstand and make everyone think that you are smart, then this isn’t the article for you.
However, if you are looking for a comprehensive list of the books every man should read that will help you master your health, wealth, relationships, and happiness through consistent action, then you are in for a treat.
The books on this list have changed my life and the lives of countless high achievers, and if you are willing to apply the lessons that you learn in these pages, they will change your life too.
Oh! I almost forgot!
If you want to get any one of these books for free, I have partnered with audible.com to get each of my readers a free audiobook just to say thanks for being a part of the Knowledge for Men community.
To claim your free audiobook, just click here!
Books Every Man Should Read: Personal Growth and Self-Actualization
1. Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins
Awaken the Giant Within is possibly one of the most comprehensive and actionable personal development books in the world. In this sequel to Unlimited Power, Tony Robbins lays out a clear step by step plan to take you from where you are in life to where you want to be.
If you only read one book from this list, then I suggest reading this one. Tony will take you by the hand and show you the exact steps that you need to take to master your life and create an incredible reality for yourself and the people you love.
2. Mastery
Regardless of your craft, I believe it is safe to assume that, if you are on this website, you want to become one of the best in the world at what you do. Luckily for you, Robert Greene has created one of the most detailed and intensive studies of the world’s greatest masters ranging from Mozart to Benjamin Franklin to Carl Jung.
In his 300+ page behemoth, Greene lays out a clear and actionable framework for achieving mastery in any craft that you desire. This book steers off the beaten path, away from airy-fairy personal growth and into a darker and more pragmatic approach to life and success.
3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
If you want to bring more presence, power, and joy into your life, then look no further than The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. In this critically acclaimed guide, Tolle clearly lays out his philosophy on life, success, and happiness and explains how living in the present moment or “The Now” can transform and revolutionize every facet of your existence.
4. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Viktor Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist who was captured during the Second World War and sent to a Nazi death camp. After suffering through the loss of his entire family and being subjected to unspeakable horrors, Frankl somehow found a way to assign meaning and purpose to the tragedy in his life.
He dubbed it “Logotherapy” and, upon his release from Auschwitz, spoke all over the world about his powerful framework for finding purpose in the pain and living an incredible life in the face of insurmountable odds. Man’s Search for Meaning is the culmination of teachings and experience and it is possibly the most powerful book that you will ever read.
5. The Alchemist
The Alchemist is one of the only fictional books on this list and with good reason. In this masterpiece, Paulo Coelho tells the story of Santiago, a young farmer, and his search for a hidden treasure.
Filled with exceptional storytelling, clever allegory, and a deep and impactful message, the Alchemist is one of the must read books for men who are searching for their place in the world.
6. Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
A powerful series of letters from Stoic philosopher Seneca to his protege Lucilius, Seneca lays out the keys to mastering your mindset and living a good life. A bit like a secular version of the Bible, Letters from a Stoic provides readers with a powerful framework for living a great life no matter their outside circumstances.
7. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
The Tao Te Ching or “Book of the Way” Lao Tzu lays out a simple set of tenants for becoming the best version of yourself and leaving a positive impact on the world. Insightful, brief, and at times controversial, the Tao Te Ching is a powerful read that you can knock out in less than a few hours. It’s one of the best books on being a man and a powerful guide to living a simple and enlightened life.
8. Meditations
Written by one of the greatest Roman Emporers and Generals in history, Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations” is a series of letters, private notes, and thoughts on the Stoic philosophy that pack a powerful punch.
From mastering your fear of death to devoting yourself to the highest caliber of work possible, Meditations provides a fantastic and easy to understand introduction to stoicism and easily one of the best books for men of any age.
9. Backbone
The majority of the self-help world has a feminine edge that fails to speak to the heart of most men. Backbone is not a part of this world. In this powerful and insightful guide to living with real masculinity, David Wagner gives men a simple framework for balancing their masculine and feminine energies, exercises for building real backbone, and a humorous approach to the modern world of men.
This is one of my favorite books being a man and has the power to transform every aspect of your life for the better.
10. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
With a title as controversial as this one, it’s hard not to be curious about the book. In this superbly written “Anti-Self Help” book, Mark Manson presents his readers with a “Counterintuitive approach to living a good life”. And it all stems from, you guessed it, not giving a f*ck. This is one of the best books for guys who struggle with people pleasing and the “nice guy” syndrome.
11. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Brandonson
For any man struggling to master his self-esteem and inner confidence, this book is a must-read. Nathaniel Brandonson’s classic provides readers with everything they need to know to boost their confidence and develop rock-solid self-esteem. This is one of the great books for men that will teach you how to develop your self-esteem, master your self image, and become the man you’ve always known you could be.
12. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
Don’t you wish that you could distill all of the advice from billionaires, world leaders, and industry icons into a not-so-small guide? Well, not to worry, the Four Hour Emperor, Mr. Tim Ferriss himself has done it for you.
Tools of Titans is the culmination of all the advice and wisdom that Tim has personally learned after interviewing hundreds of experts and world leaders on his podcast “The Tim Ferriss Experiment”, and it is easily one of the best books for men ever written. From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Jaime Foxx to Seth Godin to Tony Robbins… It’s all here.
13. Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously
“Courage is not the absence of fear It is, rather, the total presence of fear, with the courage to face it.” Osho
In his book, Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously, Indian philosopher and mystic, Osho offers a rich and compelling explanation for what it means to be courageous in the modern world and he provides a plethora of actionable steps and meditations to help his readers step up in their own lives and take action on the most important things. Of all the good reads for men, this is one of my all time favorites.
If you’ve been struggling to move the needle forward in any area of your life or feel that you are being paralyzed by fear, then this is the book for you.
14. How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World
How I found Freedom in an Unfree World at first glance, appears to be a book about Libertarian politics and philosophy. However, upon further investigation, most of you will likely come to the conclusion, as I did, that Harry Browne’s masterpiece is first a foremost, a book about the individual.
Namely, a book about individuals living a life of radical honesty and self reliance and the societal ramifications for a world in which every individual lives in such a way
Regardless of your political leanings and beliefs, Browne makes a powerful case for personal freedom, responsibility, and liberty, and offers an insightful and informative read that should be required reading for all men.
15. The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
It is rare to find two more dichotomous subsets of the population than hippies and millionaires. However, in his book The Surrender Experiment, Michael Singer, better known as “Mickey” Singer explains how he was able to go from a small town hippy living on a tiny plot of land, to flying in his company’s private jet and generating billions of dollars in revenue.
For anyone who is interested in the world of meditation and mindfulness, but isn’t yet ready to fully embrace a new practice, this is the book for you.
16. Iron John by Robert Bly
In his beautifully written book, poet and translator Robert Bly has an open and honest conversation about what it means to be a man in the modern world. Combining myth, grandeur, and his own personal experiences, Robert presents one of the best selling books for men and a powerful but down to earth framework for reclaiming our lost masculinity and creating a more wholesome and balanced society. It’s long
17. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Thought leader and internationally acclaimed author and speaker presents a powerful case for massive vulnerability and authenticity in her book, Daring Greatly.
She explores how a deep vulnerability allows us to experience all human emotions at a much deeper level and live a life of fulfillment in a world of “Never Enough”.
18. Fearless
In this rare “Insiders Look” into the Seal Team Six brotherhood, author Eric Blehm examines the life and legacy of Navy Seal Adam Brown, a man who overcame drug addiction and a plethora of other obstacles and persevered into the highest ranks of the United States special forces.
Powerful, gripping, and truly inspiring, once you pick up Fearless, you won’t want to put it down. It’s one of the best books for guys enamored with the military who want to bring the discipline and resilience of the special forces into their own life.
19. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This short but powerful read has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Don Miguel Ruiz, presents his readers with four simple agreements, that, if kept, will bring more joy, love, and fulfillment into your life. This is simultaneously the simplest and most profound personal development book that I have ever read and deserves its own shelf in any man’s library. It’s one of the best books to read for men who have fallen out with organized religion but still long for a deeper spiritual purpose and connection.
20. The 50th Law
Best-selling author Robert Greene and Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent) have joined forces to create what many call the Bible of Success. Based on the simple principle of fearing nothing, The 50th Law draws from Curtis Jackson’s experiences on the street and in the world of rap and hip hop, and shares the stories of many other prolific individuals to provide one of the most comprehensive and inspiring personal development books in the world. This is one of the best books for young men who are looking to make their way in the world and achieve the success they’ve always desired.
21. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
“The obstacle is the way. What is in the way becomes the way” ~Ryan Holiday
The apprentice of Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday has become one of the leading voices in the modern stoic movement. His book The Obstacle is the Way, lays out a simple and easy to understand translation of stoicism and it’s applications in the modern world.
This book has garnered the attention of many A-list individuals including the “Governator” Arnold Schwarzenegger, LL Cool Jay, and James McGee, and has quickly become a cult classic in the world of personal growth. This is one of the great books for men and will teach you how to create simple framework for living your best life, The Obstacle is the Way might be one of the most important books that you ever read.
Best Books for Men: Wealth, Business, & Finances
22. Scaling Up (Rockefeller Habits 2.0)
Scaling Up has won more awards than most A-list actors that I know of. Also known as “The Rockefeller Habits 2.0”, this groundbreaking book is the most important book that you can read if you want to launch, build, and scale your business. Detailing everything from building your companies values to hiring & firing to marketing and sales, Scaling Up will provide you with everything you need to know to dominate your industry and build a business that will stand the test of time.
23. Unshakeable by Anthony Robbins
For those of you who don’t have time to consume Tony Robbin’s 600-page behemoth, Unshakable is the shorter, more condensed version that provides you with all of the actionable steps that the larger book discusses. This is one of the best books for young men (and truly one of the great books for all men) who are looking to master their finances and overcome the common pitfalls of the modern economic system.
24. Wealth Can’t Wait by David Osborn
Written by David Osborn and Paul Morriss, Wealth Can’t Wait gives readers access to a powerful set of wealth building tools to help them master the game of money, earn what they are worth, and generate enough passive income to cover their expenses… Forever.
25. How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis
Written by the late Felix Dennis (founder of Maxim), How to Get Rich, much as the pretentious title suggests, is a simple playbook for… How to get rich.
Filled to the brim with actionable steps and entertaining anecdotes, How to Get Rich is possibly one of the most important books that any entrepreneur can read.
26. Think and Grow Rich
Widely considered the most important book for anyone who is looking to master their money mindset and take control of their financial life, Think and Grow Rich was written nearly 100 years ago but remains just as relevant and actionable as ever before.
Author Napoleon Hill studied and interviewed countless moguls and billionaires and distilled their methods for success and fulfillment into this simple and powerful book.
27. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
While the title might be a little bit misleading, Tim Ferriss’s 4-Hour Work Week is the essential guide for anyone looking to ditch average, travel the world, and build a life and business on their terms.
Whether you want to keep your job and simply enjoy more freedom or you want to build a business that can passively support your passions, it’s all here.
28. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
One of the simplest and most easy-to-read finance books on this list, Rich Dad Poor Dad tells the fictional (?) story of Robert Kiyosaki’s two “Dads”, his biological father who is poor and his friend’s father, who is rich.
In his book, he lays out the simple principles and habits that his “fathers” taught him and he clearly outlines the contrast between the rich and poor mindset.
29. Ready, Fire, Aim
There are a few books every man should read before 30 if they want to have an incredibly successful and fulfilling life. Whether you are still thinking about starting a new business or you’re trying to scale an existing one, Ready, Fire, Aim is one of those books. It has everything you need to know to lead and succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors.
The self-made millionaire, best-selling author, and reluctant business guru Michael Masterson (a.k.a. Mark Ford) shares all of the knowledge that he has learned on his journey from $100,000 in debt to a net worth of more than $50,000,000.
30. The Choose Yourself Guide To Wealth
James Altucher’s follow-up guide to Choose Yourself! the Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth gives readers an actionable framework for applying the Choose Yourself mentality and “daily practice” to their wealth mindset and financial habits. Whether you are looking to find an idea, start a business, or scale and existing business, James’s writing will provide you with everything you need to know to accelerate your success and results.
31. I Will Teach You To Be Rich
If you are looking for a fantastic and easy to understand guide to mastering your personal finances and automating your banking, then this is it. Ramit Sethi lays out one of the most comprehensive and proven systems to take control of your financial destiny and, as the title suggests, become rich!
32. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
T. Harv Eker went through the first 27 years of his life completely broke. As he shared during our podcast interview, he had always assumed that his lack of financial success was because he hadn’t found the right “Vehicle”. However, after a candid conversation with his father’s rich friend, he realized that the vehicle didn’t matter if the driver sucked.
And so, he committed himself to the art and science of making money and within 2 years, he went from broke to millionaire. In his book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, he shared a simple formula for rewiring yourself for financial success and mastering your money blueprint. Largely considered the “Think and Grow Rich” of the 21st century, this book will give you everything you need to get master your subconscious mind and become a money-making machine.
33. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
Released in 2017, Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass at Making Money is possibly one of the most enjoyable books that I have ever read. Approaching the subject with an irreverence similar to The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Jen lays out a simple and easy to understand path to financial freedom.
Whether you are struggling to master your finances or are already a “badass” at making money, this is a great and easy read that will help you uncover your hidden subconscious blocks and bring the flow of money back into your life.
34. The Millionaire Fastlane by M.J. DeMarco
If you have already mastered your internal financial blueprint but lack the actionable steps required to take you from $0 to $1,000,000, then MJ DeMarco’s The Millionaire Fastlane, is a must-read.
Spitting in the face of everything that you were told as a child, MJ destroys the age-old “Slow Lane” mentality of going to school, getting a safe secure job, and investing 10% in your IRA.
Instead, he gives his readers and simple and actionable framework to get rich quick (but he sure as hell makes it clear that you won’t get rich easy). This is one of the best books for men who are tired of the 9-5 grind and ready to make their first million.
35. The Education of Millionaires by Michael Ellsberg
For those of you who either chose not to attend college or felt cheated by the lackluster education that you received, this is the book for you. Michael Ellsberg interviewed dozens of millionaires and billionaires to fill in the gaps that our modern education leaves. He discusses everything from sales to marketing to self-knowledge in this powerhouse of a book.
36. Be Obsessed or Be Average
At 27 years old, Grant Cardone was standing in line to claim his unemployment check. A few minutes later, his Uncle pulled him out of line and drove him to a local car dealership to start a new sales job. Only a few years later, Grant was a multimillionaire and expert sales coach. Today, his real estate and sales empire is worth more than $500 million and he is well on his way to a billion.
In his book, Be Obsessed or Be Average, Grant lays everything bare and shows readers what it will really take to become a success in today’s world. This is one of those books men should read when they’re ready to take their business to the next level and become obsessed with achieving a spectacular life.
37. Good to Great
In Good to Great, best-selling author Jim Collins researches and contrasts 28 companies over five years to uncover the difference between “good” and “great” companies. In this insightful and powerful expose, Jim,reveals everything you need to know to take your company, as the title of the book suggests, from good to great.
Must Read Books for Men: Relationships
38. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
As the description of this book says, “Falling in love is easy, staying in love is hard”.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is your guide to staying in love once you have found the person that you want to build your life with. This practical and insightful guide will give you the knowledge that you need to identify your partner’s love language and understand how you can show up in your relationship as the most powerful version of yourself. It’s one of the best books to read for men who are serious about leveling up their relationships and showing up as the man their partner wants them to be.
39. How to Win Friends & Influence People
An absolute classic in the personal growth and relationships world, Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People has been in circulation for more than 75 years and it is still as applicable and actionable today as it was in 1936.
Dale reveals a simple set of principles for mastering your relationships, winning friends, and becoming the social powerhouse that you have always longed to be.
40. The Dating Playbook For Men by Andrew Ferebee
Over the past decade I have fallen on my face in the dating game more times than I care to admit. However, after years of trial, error, and failure, I finally cracked the code to meeting and dating the beautiful women that you truly desire. In my book The Dating Playbook for Men, I unveil a simple but powerful 7-step process to help any man overcome his limiting beliefs, develop rock solid confidence, and become the kind of man that women flock to.
This isn’t about pickup and I’m not here to teach you any weird tricks or NLP tactics that will “automatically” make women fall in love with you.
My book is all about becoming the right kind of man so that you can attract the right kind of woman. I might be biased, but I believe The Dating Playbook for Men is one of the books every man should read…even if you have an existing girlfriend or wife. No matter what challenges you’re facing in your romantic life, this book will help you solve them.
41. The Porn Pandemic by Andrew Ferebee
Nothing will drain your vitality and confidence more than a pornography addiction. The problem is, in our modern society, most men are totally oblivious to the negative effect that porn and masturbation have on their lives. In my book The Porn Pandemic, I lay out a powerful framework for acknowledging and overcoming porn addiction so that you can regain your confidence and spend your time dating and experiencing real women, not just the pixelated replacement to which we have become so accustomed.
42. The Break Up Manual For Men by Andrew Ferebee
Look… Breakups suck. They can be devastating and heart wrenching affairs that drop us to our knees and keep us there for months or years. But just because you have experienced a breakup doesn’t mean that you have to continue suffering. I’ve had the distinct (mis)fortune of being dumped by countless women, some of whom I was madly in love with. And after years of heartbreak and struggle, I finally cracked the code to recovering from a breakup, getting back in the game, and living the awesome life that you deserve.
43. The Alabaster Girl
Written by master seduction artist Zan Perrion, The Alabaster Girl is part fiction, part poetry, and possibly one of the most powerful seduction manuals ever written and one of the best books for men period. Zan’s methods fly in the face of everything that modern pickup artists teach and he prescribes a radical new approach to dating and seduction that is based on authenticity and vulnerability, not gimmicky techniques or canned lines. It’s one of the few great books for men that provides an honest and authentic approach to deep relationships and real love.
44. No More Mr Nice Guy
If you have ever struggled to stand up for yourself, state your intentions with honesty, and go after the things that you want in life, then this is the book for you. Dr. Robert Glover is one of the world’s most acclaimed men’s therapists and counselors who has helped countless men reclaim their masculinity and save relationships that other “experts” deemed to be broken. This is a classic for a reason and one of the best books for young men struggling with people pleasing patterns and standing up for themselves.
45. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
David Deida’s powerful manual The Way of the Superior man lives up to its promise to help men master the challenges of work, women, and sexual desire. While this book isn’t an easy read, the principles and tactics that David lays out will help any man to reconnect with his masculine core and create a life on his terms. It’s one of the great books for men who are looking to develop their masculinity, spiritual power, and day to day presence.
46. She Comes First by Ian Kerner
Sex is one of the most fundamental parts of human existence. Unfortunately, as men, we were never taught how to be good at it. We recieved our sex education from overly aggressive porn flicks and going into adulthood, most of us have some pretty screwed up beliefs about what women want in the bedroom. She Comes First fills in the gaps that our highschool sex ed left and teaches men how to become the lover that women truly desire. This is one of those books that every man should read before his first sexual experience…but since that ship has already sailed for most of you reading this, it’s a book you should read before your next sexual experience (yes, it’s that important).
47. Models
Three-time podcast guest Mark Manson presents one of the most insightful and counterintuitive approaches to mastering the world of women and dating that I have ever seen. He lays out how any man can overcome their social anxiety and become a dating powerhouse through (as the subtitle says) Brutal Honesty.
If you want to learn how to attract women by being yourself, then this is one of the only books that you will ever need to read.
48. Mate
Written by recovering a**hole Tucker Max and Dr. Geoffrey Miller (who has a Ph.D. in evolutionary psychology) Mate: What Women Want and How to Give it To Them, is possibly one of the most insightful and evidence-based “Pickup” books ever written. Drawing from Tucker’s immense experience in the world of dating and relationships and Dr. Miller’s extensive knowledge of human psychology, Mate presents a simple and easy to understand framework that can help any guy become the man that women really want.
Best Books for Men to Read: Health
49. The Wild Diet by Abel James
The Wild Diet by Abel James is one of the most enjoyable diets that I have ever tried. If you are wanting to shred fat, enjoy your favorite foods, and experience more energy and vitality than you’ve ever had before, then you must try out the principles and recipes laid out in this book.
50. Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews
Mike Matthews, one of the only podcast guests to appear on the Knowledge for Men show three times, has effectively created the Bible for men looking to build the perfect body. In his book Bigger Leaner Stronger, Mike reveals science backed methods for getting, well… Bigger, leaner, and stronger.
Whether you are looking to build muscle, improve your performance, lose fat, or you simply want a challenging new training routine, this is one of the top books for men who are ready to take their body to the next level.
51. The New Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson
If you are looking to reclaim your lost evolutionary strength and live in a way that is congruent with your evolutionary hard wiring, then this is the book for you. Mark Sisson, the founder of Mark’s Daily Apple and one of the leaders of the paleo movement outlines a very clear and easy to understand formula for eating and living in a way that will help you perform at your absolute best.
Bonuses
Conclusion
There you have it! The top books for men that will change your life. Like I said in the intro, knowledge is not power, only applied knowledge is power.
I know that there’s a lot of content to dig through, but don’t feel overwhelmed. Find a few books that speak to your needs and goals, read them, take action, then rinse and repeat.
Whether you are looking to make more money, build a killer body, or master your romantic relationships, the books in this list will provide you with everything that you need to know, but it’s up to you to take action!
What did you think of the list? What books have you read that really helped you out? Let me know and if you found this article helpful, please share it on your favorite social channel.
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