Hi SCG,

11th portion of monthly reading review is ready for your consumption. What’s in it? Alex Kjerulf has kicked off my reading appetite with Happy Hour Is 9 to 5, then I have got my spirits high with Tales of Power. Gained strength from Castaneda’s piece was multiplied by Chris‘s first book The Art Of Non – Conformity and reading ride of November was topped by “bubbles” from Whoops , where John Lanchester gave us crispy outlook on world’s current state of affairs in mon(k)ey business – banking. Curious to know more? Step in, then;-)

#1

Alex’s book Happy Hour Is 9 to 5 was one of the quickest read of my life. I had a privilege to be present on Alex’s workshop about Happiness at work in Bratislava and apart from seeing Alex live, I was lucky to win his book at the end of his presentation. (thanks to knowing the author of the quote: “Do or do not, there is no try.” Do you know who said this?) Next day, I have met Alex and his wife for lunch and prior to filling our stomachs, Alex agreed to record video interview for Inspiring Shipments, so reading Alex’s book over-night was my preparation for it. It was truly ride of joy to be around Chief Happiness Officer. Should you read this book, too? YES, please!

P.S.: Alex was speaking at TEDxCopenhagen yesterday, I highly recommend you to watch Alex’s art in action.

#2

Second book on the list was already three times mentioned Carlos Castenda’s work about teachings of Don Juan. 4th part of this mystical work full of wisdom was Tales Of Power. I have decided to dedicate quotes of the month column to this book, so you can get an idea, why am I such fan of Castaneda’s art, especially of words by hero of the book Don Juan.

#3

No wonder, that Chris’s AONC blog has righteously earned to be among world’s A list bloggers. Chris has shipped, Chris has lived and he has shared his adventures with the world. He is true Linchpin and artist, which makes difference. His first book is truly inspiring read and I believe that none of true Super Cool Gang-er will be disappointed by picking up copy of The Art Of Non-Conformity. Be remarkable, live life at your own terms and leave legacy behind you in this world. If you wonder how – Chris will share his secrets to his out of “mainstream dogmas” meaningful life. Read it! And take action!

#4

Last piece of the month was cruelly straightforward explanation of the question, which bothered me quite a lot and which made me to write the longest post on #IS: why on Earth did we let money to rule our Earth? ever. John Lanchester explains in very human language, why did we reach stage of “Whoops”: Why Everyone Owes Everyone and No One Can Pay. I would make this book to be compulsory read for every business school and for every banker and broker and consumer, I guess it is a must read for everyone…

Quotes of the month column goes to Carlos Castaneda’s

Tales Of Power

The self-confidence of a warrior is not self-confidence of the average man. The average man seeks certainty in the eyes of the onlooker and calls that self-confidence. The warrior seeks impeccability in his own eyes and calls that humbleness. The average man is hooked to his fellow men, while the warrior is hooked only to infinity.

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If a warrior is to succeed in anything, the success must come gently with a great deal of effort but with no stress or obsession.

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When warrior learns to stop internal dialogue, everything becomes possible; the most far-fetched schemes become attainable.

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The humbleness of a warrior is not the humbleness of the beggar. The warrior lowers his head to no one, but at the same time, he does not permit anyone to lower his head to him.

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Solace, haven, fear, all these are words which have created moods that one has learned to accept without ever questioning their value.

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Warriors do not win victories by beating their heads against walls, but by overtaking the walls. Warriors jump over walls, they don’t demolish them.

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Nobody is born a warrior, in exactly the same way that nobody is born an average man. We make ourselves into one or the other.

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Only a warrior can withstand the path of knowledge. A warrior cannot complain or regret anything. His life is an endless challenge, and challenges cannot possibly be good or bad. Challenges are simply challenges.

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The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge, while an ordinary man takes everything as a blessing or a curse.

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The average man is aware of everything only when he thinks he should be; the condition of a warrior, however, is to be aware of everything all the time.