Lista książek
Polecane książki
Książki, do których wracam: testowanie, software, strategia, kreatywność, biografie i inne przydatne objazdy.
86Polecanych książek
Pokazuję 86 z 86 polecanych książek.
AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation Models
AI Engineering by Chip Huyen offers a comprehensive look into the process of building effective AI applications using readily available foundation models. It explores the divergence from traditional machine learning engineering and underpins the new AI stack. The importance of model evaluations is stressed upon, highlighting potential approaches like the AI-as-a-judge method. It provides a clear roadmap for application developers to navigate in the ever-growing AI landscape, as well as techniques to overcome latency and cost bottlenecks. The book also outlines various model adaptation tactics and their functionality. This informative guide is useful for individuals with or without prior AI experience and complements Huyen's previous book, Designing Machine Learning Systems.
Antifragile
Antifragile is Nassim Nicholas Taleb's exploration of how to thrive in an uncertain world, proposing that some things actually benefit from chaos and volatility. By embracing uncertainty and stress, individuals and systems can become stronger and more resilient. Taleb's revolutionary ideas challenge traditional thinking and provide a blueprint for living in a world filled with unpredictable events. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate and prosper in today's unpredictable world.
Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a proven framework for improving every day by forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Clear draws on biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. With practical strategies and inspiring stories, this book will help you reshape progress and success by transforming your habits.
Beyond Vibe Coding
A follow-up perspective on thriving as a software engineer in the AI era, moving beyond prompt-driven coding alone. It emphasizes judgment, system thinking, and integrating AI into robust workflows where human decision-making, testing discipline, and long-term ownership still matter most.
Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War
"John Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War" tells the incredible story of John Boyd, an unsung hero in American military history. Boyd revolutionized fighter aviation, pioneered new tactics, redesigned fighter planes, and developed theories of military strategy still used today. A patriot and rebel, Boyd's legacy has had a lasting impact on the military and the country as a whole..png&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
Build a Large Language Model (From Scratch)
Sebastian Raschka walks through building an LLM step by step without hiding the core mechanics behind high-level abstractions. It is useful for engineers who want a concrete understanding of tokenization, training, attention, and how modern language models actually work under the hood.
Certain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd, Applied to Business
"Certain to Win" explores the application of Sun Tzu's principles to business strategy based on the teachings of Colonel John R. Boyd, a groundbreaking military strategist. Boyd's influence on military operations is well documented, but this book delves into his thoughts on business strategy, specifically in relation to the OODA loop concept. Other writers and strategists have since taken up Boyd's ideas and applied them to the business world, providing insight on how businesses can operate more profitably by following Boyd's principles.
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
A must-read guide for writing clean, maintainable code with practical examples and principles that directly apply to testing.
Clear Thinking: The Art and Science of Making Better Decisions
A practical guide by Shane Parrish for improving judgment and decision quality by avoiding predictable cognitive errors. The book emphasizes managing emotional triggers, building better defaults, and making clearer decisions under pressure and uncertainty.
Complete Guide to Test Automation
The Complete Guide to Test Automation is an exhaustive resource on test automation in software development. Shifting the perspective from traditional waterfall paradigms to newer, agile models, the book explores how automation tools can enhance productivity without sacrificing quality. It addresses the complexity of employing test automation effectively, including the factors that influence its value and costs, with the aim to help create the optimal automation solution for software projects. The hands-on guide teaches you how to write maintainable test code, and encompasses various topics such as test planning, implementation, test project architecture, and how to derive the most value from test automation. The book is intended for anyone involved in software development, including test automation leads, QA managers, developers, and even nonprogrammers.
Continuous Delivery
"Continuous Delivery: Reliable Software Releases through Build, Test, and Deployment Automation" by Jez Humble and David Farley presents groundbreaking principles and technical practices for achieving rapid, incremental delivery of high-quality software to users. The authors cover automation of the build, deployment, and testing process, as well as improving collaboration between developers, testers, and operations. This book offers essential guidance on implementing deployment pipelines, automated infrastructure management, and other state-of-the-art techniques to streamline the software delivery process and deliver value to businesses quickly and reliably.
Creativity Inc
In "Creativity, Inc.," Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull reflects on the management principles that have built the company's successful culture over the past thirty years. He shares the ideals and techniques that have made Pixar admired and profitable, emphasizing the importance of protecting the creative process and fostering a unique environment for innovation. The book has been expanded to include updates on Pixar's continuing development, providing insight into how to pursue and maintain excellence in a creative organization.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Deep Work by Cal Newport is a guide to mastering the skill of focusing without distraction on important tasks in order to achieve groundbreaking results in a competitive economy. This book offers a rigorous training regimen and actionable advice to help readers cultivate a deep work ethic and achieve true fulfillment in their professional lives. Through memorable stories and no-nonsense tips, Deep Work is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking success in a world filled with distractions..jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle
In this riveting memoir, linguist Daniel Everett recounts his life-changing experiences living among the Pirahã, a small tribe of Amazonian Indians in Brazil. His journey delves into the nature of language, thought, and life itself, offering a unique perspective on a fascinating culture.
Fooled by Randomness
"Fooled by Randomness" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb challenges the way we think about luck and skill in life and business. Through captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, Taleb explores the role of randomness in our lives and decision-making processes. Drawing on examples from trading, philosophy, and history, the book sheds light on the often overlooked influence of chance on our outcomes. A thought-provoking and entertaining read that will make you question your assumptions about success and failure.
Fundamentals of Software Architecture
This book is the first comprehensive guide for developers aspiring to become software architects. It covers architecture principles that apply across all technology stacks, including architecture patterns, component determination, diagramming, and presenting architecture. The authors, Mark Richards and Neal Ford, also address soft skills, modern engineering practices, and the importance of architecture as an engineering discipline.
Grokking Artificial Intelligence Algorithms
"Grokking Artificial Intelligence Algorithms," written by tech expert and AI group founder Rishal Hurbans, aims to teach software developers the fundamental concepts of AI. The book communicates essential development comprehension, featuring hands-on coding exercises and illustrations for complete understanding. Developers will learn to utilize different AI algorithms for applications like spotting fraud, interpreting text, and image recognition. Use cases for AI, intelligent search for decision making, biologically inspired algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks are thoroughly discussed, with simple language used to teach these complex concepts. This educational read is meant to guide the journey of aspiring AI application builders with high school-level math skills.
Hands-On Large Language Models: Language Understanding and Generation
A practical, implementation-focused guide to building with large language models, covering embeddings, prompt design, fine-tuning, evaluation, and deployment concerns. It balances intuition and code so engineers can move from experimentation to reliable production-grade LLM applications.
How Google Tests Software
"How Google Tests Software" is a comprehensive guide written by legendary testing expert James Whittaker and two top Google experts. The book provides insights into how Google tests software and offers a plethora of new best practices applicable regardless of your organization's size. From risk analysis and test planning to implementing a variety of testing methods, tracking issues, creating tools and more, you'll discover practical and scalable techniques to streamline your testing process and boost your organization's productivity.
How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
In this inspiring guide, author Michael J. Gelb teaches readers how to develop their full potential by following the example of Leonardo da Vinci. Drawing on Da Vinci's principles, readers will learn essential elements of genius and step-by-step exercises to master life-changing skills such as problem solving, creative thinking, and goal setting. Discover an exhilarating new way of thinking and harness the power of your own genius with this innovative book.
Hyperfocus: How to Manage Your Attention in a World of Distraction
In "Hyperfocus," Chris Bailey explores the power of managing your attention to boost productivity and creativity. Drawing on neuroscience research, Bailey provides practical strategies to harness focused and creative mental modes, control distractions, and work more deliberately. By mastering your attention, you can achieve greater purpose and fulfillment in your daily life.
Implementing Lean Software Development
This book is a comprehensive guide to implementing Lean software development techniques that leverage Lean principles for unprecedented agility and value. The authors provide practical advice, techniques, and case studies to help software teams transform their development processes. This sequel to Lean Software Development offers hands-on strategies for managing agile practices, building effective development teams, driving quality through feedback, making decisions Just-in-Time, and delivering fast. It is essential reading for managers, project leaders, developers, and architects in IT and software companies.
Influence
"Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini is the foundational guide to understanding the principles of influence and persuasion. With new research, insights, and examples, Cialdini explains how to use these principles ethically in business and everyday interactions. Learn how to apply the Universal Principles of Influence to become a more skilled persuader and defend yourself against unethical influence attempts. Backed by 35 years of scientific research, this book is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of persuasion..jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
Journey To Ixtlan
In "Journey to Ixtlan," the third installment of Carlos Castaneda's groundbreaking series, readers embark on a profound journey of self-discovery into the mystical teachings of don Juan, a wise Yaqui Indian spiritual leader. Initially a quest for knowledge about mind-altering plants, the journey evolves into a revelation about reshaping perception to truly understand reality. This narrative blurs the boundaries of anthropology, spirituality, and philosophy, challenging conventional beliefs while offering timeless wisdom. This enlightened read invites readers to question their own perceptions and explore alternate dimensions of thought and awareness.
Keep Going
"Keep Going" by Austin Kleon is a guide to staying creative, focused, and true to yourself in a non-linear, loop-like creative journey. With ten simple rules, Kleon encourages readers to find a daily routine, disconnect from the world, get outdoors, and pay attention to what truly matters. This practical and ethical book is for anyone looking to sustain a meaningful and productive life.
Lean Startup
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries offers a scientific approach for entrepreneurs to create successful businesses in uncertain conditions. By focusing on validated learning, rapid experimentation, and adapting quickly to customer feedback, Ries shows how companies of all sizes can innovate and thrive in today's fast-paced world.
Leonardo da Vinci - Biography
Walter Isaacson's biography of Leonardo da Vinci delves into the life and mind of history's most creative genius. Drawing from da Vinci's notebooks and new discoveries, Isaacson reveals how da Vinci's passion, curiosity, and imagination fueled his groundbreaking work in art and science. From The Last Supper to the Vitruvian Man, this book explores how da Vinci's unique combination of diverse interests and rebellious spirit continue to inspire creativity today.
Mastery
In this book by bestselling author Robert Greene, readers will discover that the secret to mastery lies within themselves. By studying the behaviors of historical and contemporary Masters, readers will learn how to unlock their passion, exceed their competition, and achieve greatness.).jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
More Agile Testing: Learning Journeys for the Whole Team
More Agile Testing is a comprehensive guide that delves into the evolving world of agile testing. Authors Janet Gregory and Lisa Crispin offer insights on adapting agile testing to different environments, improving test processes, scaling testing across teams, and overcoming challenges in automated testing. With real team examples and practical advice, this book covers a wide range of topics including collaboration with business experts, designing reliable automated tests, enhancing testing skills, and mitigating risks. Whether you are working in an enterprise, with distributed teams, on mobile/embedded systems, in regulated environments, or practicing DevOps, this book provides valuable strategies and techniques for agile testers looking to excel in their roles.
Musashi
Eiji Yoshikawa's classic novel inspired by Miyamoto Musashi, following his growth through discipline, strategy, and mastery. It blends philosophy and action, showing how patience, self-control, and long-term learning compound into exceptional performance.
Napoleon: A Life
Andrew Roberts's book Napoleon is a comprehensive and insightful biography of the famed soldier-statesman, Napoleon Bonaparte. Drawing on recently discovered letters and extensive research, Roberts paints a portrait of Napoleon as a complex and multifaceted figure, highlighting his military genius, political acumen, and personal relationships. This magisterial work offers a fresh perspective on one of history's most influential leaders.
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
Nothing to Envy is a powerful and eye-opening account of life inside North Korea, following the lives of six North Korean citizens over fifteen years. Award-winning journalist Barbara Demick provides a detailed look at the oppressive regime, revealing the struggles, ambitions, and disillusionment of its people. Through meticulous reporting, Demick brings to light the personal stories of individuals living in a world where freedom is a luxury and survival is a daily battle.
Peak: Unleashing Your Inner Champion Through Revolutionary Methods for Skill Acquisition
"Peak" by Anders Ericsson presents a powerful and revolutionary learning strategy derived from three decades of research into the success modes of chess champions, violin virtuosos, star athletes, and memory mavens. Debunking common myths and presenting a science-based approach, the book offers a detailed roadmap to improving in various fields, from athletics and music to workplace efficiencies and academic achievement. With its actionable insights, this transformative guide offers practical applications to enhance any skill that matters to you, fostering continuous personal growth and achievement.
Pre-Suasion
Robert Cialdini focuses on what happens before a persuasive message is delivered and shows how attention, context, and timing shape decisions. It is a practical companion to Influence for anyone trying to communicate ideas more effectively and ethically.
Professional Javascript for Web Developers
"Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, 5th edition" is the ultimate guide for experienced developers looking to upgrade their skills for ES 2023. Author Matt Frisbie covers advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, inheritance, and integrating JavaScript with HTML. Updated for the latest standards and featuring tips on optimizing performance, this book is a must-have for developers wanting to take their JavaScript game to the next level.
Project Phoenix
The 5th Anniversary Edition of The Phoenix Project follows the story of Bill, an IT manager at Parts Unlimited, as he takes on a critical project that is over budget and behind schedule. With the help of The Three Ways philosophy, Bill must streamline communication and improve workflow to save his department from outsourcing. This fast-paced and entertaining book offers real-world solutions for improving IT organizations.
Prompt Engineering for Generative AI
This book, authored by James Phoenix and Mike Taylor, offers a comprehensive understanding of generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs) and diffusion models like ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion. Readers will learn how to leverage these largely unexplored resources and apply them in automation tasks previously not considered suitable for such technology. The authors introduce and detail a set of principles called prompt engineering, enabling developers to optimize AI for their applications efficiently. The book illuminates the working of AI models, from the fundamentals of interaction chains to the transformation of application problems into document completion problems in the training domain. It also covers the impact of LLM and diffusion model architecture and their application in natural language processing, text and image generation, and code.
Public Relations
This book by Edward L. Bernays delves into the philosophy and methods of public relations, offering advice and insights gathered from his extensive professional experience. It emphasizes the importance of social integration and adjusting private and public interests, providing a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to communicate effectively with their publics..jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
Quick Start Guide to Large Language Models
In "Quick Start Guide to Large Language Models," Sinan Ozdemir provides a comprehensive resource for navigating the world of Large Language Models (LLMs). Despite their complexity, Ozdemir explains how to effectively apply LLMs on a large scale. This easy-to-follow guide provides step-by-step instructions for integrating and deploying LLMs, resources for customization to suit specific requirements, and insight into optimizing performance. This pioneering guide covers key models from OpenAI, Google, EleutherAI, Cohere, and Meta. It not only equips readers with the knowledge needed to understand LLMs' inner workings but also practical application strategies, including creating information retrieval systems, prompt engineering techniques, and aligning LLMs using Reinforcement Learning. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, this book serves as an essential tool to leverage the full potential of LLMs..jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
Science, Strategy and War (Strategy and History)
This book reexamines John Boyd's original contribution to strategic theory beyond his OODA loop model. By exploring diverse sources that influenced Boyd's thinking and offering a comprehensive overview of his work, the author shows that Boyd's ideas are more complex and influential than commonly believed. Boyd's work continues to shape Western military thinking, particularly in response to new strategic threats in the post-9/11 world..jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Seven Pillars of Wisdom ranks among the most powerful reflections on the combat experience of the First World War. Lawrence’s own sense of loss was personal—his younger brothers, Frank and Will, fell on the Western Front in 1915—yet his book, drafted between 1919 and 1926, shifts the scene to the very different struggle against the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East. There he depicts brutal reprisals, acts of vengeance, and a grim finale amid the stench and carnage of a makeshift “hospital” in Damascus. Far from a “Boys’ Own” adventure celebrating imperial glory, Seven Pillars of Wisdom is an ambitious, multifaceted work that claims a place in the same literary lineage as Melville and Dostoevsky and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Yeats, Eliot, and Joyce.
Shackleton's Way
Learn how to lead your business to survival and success by emulating the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. Through anecdotes, diaries, and Shackleton's own writings, discover his timeless leadership principles and crisis management skills that are applicable to the modern business world. Illustrated with rare photos, this book offers valuable insights for leaders looking to follow in Shackleton's footsteps.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
"Shoe Dog" is a revealing and inspiring memoir by Nike founder Phil Knight, chronicling the company's start as a small import business to becoming one of the world's most iconic and profitable brands. Knight shares the risks, setbacks, triumphs, and relationships that shaped Nike into the powerhouse it is today, offering a candid look at the journey to business success.
Show Your Work
"Show Your Work!" explores the importance of generosity and sharing in the creative process. Austin Kleon provides practical advice on how to become findable in a digital age, emphasizing the benefits of openness, bravery, and productivity. Through ten transformative rules, Kleon offers a user's manual for embracing the communal nature of creativity and succeeding as an artist or entrepreneur.
Skin in the Game
In "Skin in the Game," Nassim Nicholas Taleb challenges long-held beliefs about risk and reward, politics and religion, finance and personal responsibility. He redefines what it means to understand the world, succeed in a profession, contribute to a fair society, and influence others, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of one's risks. Using examples from history to modern day, Taleb argues that having "skin in the game" is essential for individuals in all aspects of life, from military interventions to financial investments to religious beliefs. By sharing insights and practical advice, Taleb demonstrates how this concept can lead to greater fairness, justice, and personal integrity.
Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach
Small Unit Leadership provides a practical guide on how to build confidence, trust, and loyalty among soldiers in order to effectively lead them into battle and achieve success on the battlefield. Colonel Malone offers specific techniques and strategies for company grade officers and non-commissioned officers to ensure victory in land battles.
Software Architecture - the Hard Parts
This book explores the difficult decisions and trade-offs involved in software architecture, focusing on distributed architectures. Through a fictional story about a group of technology professionals, the authors discuss strategies for choosing an appropriate architecture, managing workflows, contracts, transactions, and more. Readers will learn how to analyze trade-offs, make better decisions, and effectively document their choices in a highly distributed environment.
Software Testing with Generative AI
"Software Testing with Generative AI" is a comprehensive guide by Mark Winteringham that illustrates how to enhance, expand and automate software testing using Large Language Model-based AI tools. The book offers umpteen strategies to improve test capacity, quality, automation, and formulate new ideas during testing. With the use of AI tools such as Copilot, ChatGPT, and OpenAI API, developers, testers and quality engineers can learn to generate synthetic testing data, receive personalized feedback, and customize Large Language Models to suit their business needs. The book includes practical suggestions and exercises, making it a valuable resource for those looking to speed up testing processes and enhance the overall quality of their software.
Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track
"Staff Engineer" is a guide for software engineers looking to advance their careers without transitioning into engineering management. This book offers insights and strategies for navigating the technical leadership path towards achieving a Staff engineering role and succeeding within that position.
Steal Like An Artist
"Steal Like an Artist" is a guide to unlocking your creativity in the digital age. Embrace influence, remix and reimagine, follow your interests, and take risks to discover your own artistic path. Forget clichés and stay true to yourself to build a more creative life.
Strategy: A History
In "Strategy: A History," Sir Lawrence Freedman dives deeply into the broad evolution of strategic thinking, investigating its applications in war, politics, and everyday life. Drawing from diverse sources, from primate groups' tactical practices to classical tales, historical military advances, societal struggles, corporate strategies, and modern social science, Freedman explores the fluid and adaptable nature of strategy. The unpredictability of the environments within which the strategies operate and the ability to adapt and reassess initial approaches when confronted with unforeseen circumstances form the core of his discourse. This profound examination of strategic theories summarises decades of research, encapsulating the essence of strategy from ancient times to the application of game theory in contemporary economics.
Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman!
In this celebrated science book, Nobel Prize winner Richard P. Feynman shares his wild adventures and unconventional stories from his life as a physicist. From trading ideas with Einstein to cracking top-secret safes, Feynman's eccentricity and genius shine brightly in this captivating read. Now with a new introduction by Bill Gates, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the life of a legendary scientist.
System Design Interview - Volume 1
"System Design Interview - An Insider's Guide (Volume 1)" provides a step-by-step framework for tackling system design interview questions. With real-world examples and detailed solutions, this book equips readers with the knowledge and strategy needed to excel in technical interviews. From scaling systems to designing complex algorithms, this book covers a wide range of topics essential for success in system design interviews.
System Design Interview - Volume 2
Volume 2 of the System Design Interview series provides a step-by-step framework and solutions to system design questions. It includes 13 real-world examples with detailed explanations and 300+ diagrams to help you approach interviews confidently. Perfect for readers with a basic understanding of distributed systems.
System Design on AWS: Building and Scaling Enterprise Solutions
"Designing and Scaling Enterprise Software Architecture" by Jayanth Kumar and Mandeep Singh is a practical guide to using AWS for building and scaling large-scale applications. This book provides software architects and engineers with essential knowledge of AWS and system design, offering insight into making the best decisions to overcome the associated challenges. Delving into specific use cases, it presents an understanding of how these principles and resources can be applied to real-world problems. Readers will learn the basics and best practices of system design, understand key AWS services, and explore engineering patterns that support large-scale systems. The book also provides information on how to design architecture with scalability, operations, and resilience in mind, and what performant and cost-optimized architectures on AWS look like, including the best tools and frameworks for specific use cases.
Team Geek: A Software Developer's Guide to Working Well with Others
"Team Geek" is an insightful book by renowned software engineers Brian Fitzpatrick and Ben Collins-Sussman, offering vital strategies to help software engineers navigate the often challenging human aspect of the industry. The authors delve into crucial engagement skills, illustrating both beneficial techniques and pitfalls to avoid when collaborating with colleagues and users. The lessons contained within are particularly valuable to those who have honed their technical abilities and are seeking to enhance their overall impact through effective collaboration and the cultivation of "soft skills". This guidance culminates in an approach that maximizes the potential for success in the often-complicated world of software creation, asserting the importance of the human component in a predominantly technical field.
The Art of Doing Science and Engineering: Learning to Learn
"The Art of Doing Science and Engineering" by Richard Hamming is a revolutionary examination into the process behind groundbreaking ideas and the intellectual strides that change the world. Building on his influential 1986 work "You and Your Research," Hamming explores how specific thinking styles foster profound insights, and shares tales of exceptional minds and their achievements as models rather than mere sources of admiration. The book delves into crucial theories and roles such as Shannon’s information theory, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and Grace Hopper’s work on programming, among others. Hamming candidly discusses his own career, offering lessons from his successes and failures alike. First published in 1996 as a progression from Hamming's teachings at the US Naval Postgraduate School, this thought-provoking text is a testament to the universal accessibility of learning and creativity, preparing the next generation for unparalleled discoveries.
The Art of Learning
In The Art of Learning, Josh Waitzkin narrates his journey of achieving excellence in two vastly different disciplines - chess and Tai Chi. He shares his understanding and mastery of the learning process, revealing how a principled, systematic approach to learning differentiates between success and failure. Waitzkin draws on his own experiences to explain how to use defeat as a stepping stone, channel emotions into fuel for creativity, and turn challenges into opportunities. From early encounters with chess hustlers to international championships, he provides practical advice for harnessing the everyday method to reach peak performance in any competitive or professional circumstance.
The Black Swan
"The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the concept of highly improbable events that have a massive impact on our world. These events, known as black swans, are unpredictable and often explained away after they occur. Through a blend of philosophy, empirical evidence, and entertaining anecdotes, Taleb challenges the way we think about the world and encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and complexity. This groundbreaking book will change the way you view the world and offers tools to navigate a Black Swan world.
The Charisma Myth
"The Charisma Myth" by Olivia Fox Cabane debunks the idea that charisma is an inherent quality some people are born with. Instead, Cabane reveals that charismatic behaviors can be learned and perfected by anyone. Drawing on techniques from Harvard and MIT, she breaks down charisma into its components and shows readers how to become more influential, persuasive, and inspiring without changing their fundamental personality..jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9imALLeyt8f9sVWr1HpJaqBxLZ2W)
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a riveting story about Edmond Dantes, an innocent man wrongly imprisoned in the grim fortress of If. He learns about a hidden treasure and plans not only his escape but also his retribution against those who caused his downfall. This Penguin Classics edition, a lively and complete translation by Robin Buss, includes an introduction, explanatory notes, and reading suggestions.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being
In The Creative Act, legendary music producer Rick Rubin shares deep wisdom on creativity, offering insights on how to connect with the wellsprings of creativity and make a profound impact on the world. With a focus on being, rather than doing, Rubin explores how creativity has a place in everyone's life and how we can all tap into our innate creative potential. This beautifully crafted book is a must-read for writers, artists, and anyone looking to reconnect with their creative spirit.
The Evolution of Desire: Strategies of Human Mating
David M. Buss explores the evolutionary logic behind human mating behavior, preferences, jealousy, and relationship dynamics across cultures. The book combines empirical research with practical insight into how inherited strategies influence modern attraction and long-term partnership choices.
The Goal
The 30th Anniversary Edition of "The Goal" is a gripping novel that is transforming management thinking worldwide. Follow plant manager Alex Rogo as he races against time to save his factory from closure and discovers the Theory of Constraints. A must-read for managers in any industry seeking ongoing improvement and success.
The Great Mental Models, Volume 1: General Thinking Concepts
Introduces core mental models and thinking tools to improve reasoning, clarity, and decision-making across domains. It provides a compact framework for better judgment by combining first principles, probabilistic thinking, and perspective shifting.
The Great Mental Models, Volume 2: Economics and Art
Applies key ideas from economics and the arts to explain incentives, trade-offs, and better real-world decisions. It helps connect abstract concepts to everyday choices in business, creativity, and long-term strategy.
The Great Mental Models, Volume 3: Systems and Mathematics
Uses systems thinking and mathematical principles to help readers understand complexity, feedback loops, and uncertainty. It offers practical ways to reason about second-order effects, nonlinear outcomes, and hidden dependencies.
The Great Mental Models, Volume 4: Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Draws from natural sciences to build intuition about cause and effect, constraints, adaptation, and second-order consequences. It shows how scientific lenses can sharpen everyday problem solving and improve decisions in complex environments.
The Laws of Human Nature
"The Laws of Human Nature" by Robert Greene explores the importance of understanding people's behaviors, motivations, and drives. Drawing from historical figures and examples, Greene provides tactics for success, self-improvement, and self-defense in various aspects of life. Learn how to detach from emotions, develop empathy, see behind masks, and resist conformity to achieve your goals.
The Mind of War: John Boyd and American Security
The Mind of War provides a comprehensive look at the life and ideas of US Air Force Colonel John Boyd, a pioneering military strategist who revolutionized American military policy and practice. Through interviews and analysis of Boyd's work, Grant T. Hammond explores Boyd's contributions to jet aerial combat, fighter design, and tactical strategies that shaped military operations in Vietnam and the Gulf War. This intellectual biography highlights Boyd's enduring legacy as a visionary thinker and influential advisor to military and political leaders.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
A National Bestseller and Man Booker Prize winner, this powerful novel follows the life of Australian surgeon, Dorrigo Evans, through World War II and beyond. Haunted by a past affair, Dorrigo's daily existence becomes a battle for survival in a brutal Japanese POW camp on the Thai-Burma Death Railway. His life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a life-changing letter. This riveting tale explores themes of good and evil, truth, and transcendence as Dorrigo comes of age, achieves prosperity, and confronts the losses of his past. Now a Prime Video series directed by Justin Kurzel.
The New Makers of Modern Strategy
"The New Makers of Modern Strategy" offers an in-depth exploration of military and political strategy throughout history up to the present day. This new edition, compiled by an esteemed collection of world-renowned scholars, provides a global view on strategic thinking from past to present, with a focus on both enduring principles and the drastic changes facing strategy-makers in contemporary times. It includes insights from influential strategists, from antiquity to the modern era, emphasizing its relevance amidst rising global disorder.
The Software Engineer's Guidebook
This book provides a comprehensive guide for software engineers at all levels, focusing on both technical skills and soft skills. It covers various career stages from entry-level developer to senior engineer and beyond, offering practical advice and insights to help readers advance in their careers. With six parts covering different aspects of software engineering, this book serves as a valuable resource for engineers looking to grow and excel in their roles.
The Staff Engineer's Path
This book challenges the conventional wisdom of promoting engineers to management roles and instead advocates for the staff engineer path. Tanya Reilly provides insights on how to excel as a staff engineer, including mastering strategic thinking, leading without authority, and setting technical standards while continuing to grow as an expert in your field. A must-read for engineers looking to make a big impact in their organizations without transitioning into management.
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
In "The War of Art," Steven Pressfield explores the internal obstacles that prevent individuals from pursuing their creative endeavors. Drawing parallels to Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," Pressfield provides a battle plan for overcoming self-doubt and achieving success in any creative field. This practical and motivational guide encourages readers to harness their inner resolve and embrace a disciplined approach to achieving their goals.
The Welch Labs Illustrated Guide to AI
A visual, hands-on guide to artificial intelligence by Stephen Welch that builds intuition through diagrams, narrative explanations, and practical exercises. It moves from core neural network ideas to modern generative AI patterns with code-backed examples you can explore on your own.
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough's biography of Wilbur and Orville Wright, tracing their methodical engineering process, experimentation discipline, and path to powered flight. Beyond history, it is a case study in deliberate practice, rapid feedback loops, and relentless refinement under real-world constraints.
Thinking Fast and Slow
In "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive our thinking - fast, intuitive System 1 and slower, logical System 2. Through engaging examples and practical insights, Kahneman reveals how these systems shape our judgments and decisions, offering strategies to overcome cognitive biases and make better choices in both our personal and professional lives. This contemporary classic has transformed the way millions of readers approach decision-making.
Thinking in Systems
"Thinking in Systems" is a groundbreaking book that teaches readers how to develop systems-thinking skills crucial for problem-solving on scales ranging from personal to global. Author Donella Meadows explores the interconnected nature of major world issues and offers insight on how to approach complex problems with a broader perspective. This essential primer emphasizes the importance of paying attention to what is important and staying humble in a world that is constantly growing more complicated and interdependent.
Thinking-Driven Testing
This innovative book redefines software testing, emphasizing critical thinking, system thinking, and rationality as core tester skills. It moves away from traditionally tool-focused viewpoints, offering a unique meta-approach for creating effective testing strategies, grounded in modern psychology, economics, system sciences, and logic. The book introduces new testing concepts such as Thinking-Driven Testing (TDT) and TQED to optimize testing ideas. Various types of testing techniques are covered, alongside potential pitfalls turned learning opportunities. The final chapter applies theory into practice with practical exercises to enhance tester's crucial skills. The book encourages readers to challenge conventional software testing wisdom and evolve into value-adding professional testers.
Tidy First
This practical guide by Kent Beck, creator of Extreme Programming, offers advice on tidying up messy code to make it more readable. Beck suggests breaking code into manageable sections and provides examples to help readers improve their code while considering the overall structure of the system. The book covers software design theory, including coupling, cohesion, discounted cash flows, and optionality, and offers tips on how to make large changes in small, safe steps. Beck also emphasizes the importance of approaching software design as an exercise in human relationships.
Understanding Distributed Systems
This book is a comprehensive guide to building distributed systems for web and mobile applications. Covering communication, coordination, scalability, resiliency, and operations, it provides essential knowledge for developers looking to create large-scale systems. With practical insights and hands-on examples, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to delve into the complexities of distributed systems without the need to scour the internet for scattered information.
Vibe Coding: Building Production-Grade Software With Generative AI
Addy Osmani explains how to move from quick AI-assisted prototypes to reliable production software. The book focuses on practical engineering guardrails, review practices, and architectural habits that help teams use generative AI without sacrificing quality, maintainability, or delivery confidence.
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
"What Do You Care What Other People Think?" is the New York Times best-selling sequel to "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" In this book, Richard P. Feynman shares funny and moving stories that showcase his thirst for adventure and ability to recount important moments from his life. From his first wife's teachings on love to his investigation into the Challenger's explosion, Feynman's narrative reveals the man behind the genius.