Charles Holland Duell never said that. Say what? “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” That would be a great quote had the former U.S. Commissioner of Patents uttered those words in 1902. While the line is apocryphal, the message reminds me of business and management books. That is, every great business book that can be published has already been written.
Finding the Next Great Shoe Dog or Zero to One
When the calendar flips to a new year, I start thinking of the books I want to read. This year, I want to read two of the classics that have been on my backburner for a while. The Count of Monte Cristo and Don Quixote are priorities. I also want to read The Power Broker, a book that I never finished a few years ago. If I just read those three books, my reading year will be complete.
Business books? Management books? I have several advanced media copies I’ll be reading to prep for future guests on the podcast. But what else is there to be reading that hasn’t been written about already.
I know, there are probably hundreds of titles if not more. But this is coming from the guy who reads 100 to 120 books annually. I’m getting to the point where my mind is numb. I find it rare to read something new from the management field that is interesting, unique, and potentially impactful.
We now come to the reason for the purpose of these words of encouragement. Consider going back to some of your favorite books and reread them this year. That’s what I’ll be doing.
Books I’ll Be Rereading This Year
A picture is worth a thousand words. Wait, did someone really say that? If so, let’s apply this line to our continued growth this year.
A few book covers are worth lots of reading ideas.
Accordingly, here are some books I’m rereading this year. I vouch for every title as being mind-altering or inspiring.
The Bonus Section
I have three more ideas for you in addition to rereading great books.
Scroll through your Kindle or look at your bookshelves. What books did you start reading and never finish because you got busy? That’s the case with me on The Power Broker. Obviously, you are going to do that with the titles you liked and would like to finish.
Next, if you don’t have one already, keep a list that you can add to each time you hear someone mention or recommend a book. As that list grows to about twenty or thirty titles, pick about two or three and read them.
Finally, identify one or two topics where you’d like to learn more about the subject. It can be personal or professional. Keep your list short. Then go long by picking a few titles to scratch that itch.
As always, I’m always interested in your reading ideas.
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