9 Must-Read Books to Make Yourself Smarter

Books are the pathways to change and modify our thinking and mindset. Knowledge is a dynamic and ever-flowing river, and books are the means of expanding our knowledge. So, read books to understand multiple aspects of life in depth.

So, I have a list of 9 books to help you understand everything (from various genres) so that you can choose one or all of them to understand multiple aspects of life!

Reading all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries. – Rene Descartes

It is time to try it out if you have never read a book. You might be interested in philosophy, money, health, psychology, self-help, etc. As JK Rowling said, “If you don’t like reading, you haven’t found the right book.”

Genre – History of Human 

Book – Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 

You must have heard the name of this famous book at least once.

Written by Yuval Noah Harari, the book focuses on the history of humankind right from the Stone Age to the present, the twenty-first-century homo sapiens. The story of humankind is told with a perception of a blend of natural sciences with social sciences. It focuses on Cognitive Revolution, Agricultural Revolution, and Scientific Revolution.

It has Anthropology, Science, History, and Philosophy. The language is lucid and easy for beginners. The book was, at first, the lectures given by Harari to the history students. So, this is the right choice if you are a history lover.

Genre – Universe

Book – The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene 

Although not an easy book to comprehend, The Elegant Universe concentrates on the planets, particles, and the universe’s beginning. It is an intriguing read, and if you love reading about the secrets of the universe and theories connected with it– it is a perfect pick for you. It also contains a detailed study of string theory, as the author is a string theorist.

The book is for ordinary people– or those who may not be a student of science. If you are willing to challenge your knowledge, this one is for you!

Genre – Money

Book – The Psychology Of Money by Morgan Housel

A compilation of short stories about 19 people and their weird way of thinking about money, the author teaches the readers how people make decisions regarding money, how they invest and use it, and what value it holds in our lives. As the title suggests, the book attempts to perceive money with a psychological attitude.

The book has around 250 pages, so it is excellent for those who do not classify themselves as readers. It is not only for investors; the content can teach everyone some fantastic lessons.

Genre – Philosophy 

Book – A History Of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell 

Written by an influential philosopher Bertrand Russell, the book begins with the pre-socratic philosophers stretching to the early twentieth century. The book is globally acclaimed in the genre of philosophy.

However, it has 900 pages (which is not enough to understand everything about philosophy), but the easy-to-understand language makes it a quick read. If philosophy piques your curiosity, reading it won’t take a lot of time and effort.

Genre – Biology of Human Behaviour

Book – Behave by Robert Sapolsky

Have you ever wondered why we behave the way we behave? Do you think of your actions and decisions and the guiding factor behind them? What causes humans to murder each other, and the same species also transmit the potential to exhibit benevolence and kindness? The biologist Sapolsky tries to explain the behavior of humans through biology, taking us back to the time when we were adolescents, children, or didn’t exist. Sapolsky’s work will be a gift if you think psychology is your cup of tea.

Genre – Self-Development 

Book – 12 Rules Of Life by Jordan Peterson

A self-help book with 12 rules to follow in your life, Jordan Peterson can be easily found on YouTube with some excellent lectures if you want to find out about the author first.

The surface-level advice in the 12 Rules Of Life is based on the author’s history, religion, and personal accounts. Sometimes, we know certain things in life, but we are unaware that we know them. 12 Rules of Life makes them real and palpable. Although stretched at some points, the author’s writing style is still convincing, and the book is thorough and informative.

Genre – Mortality of Human 

Book – Lifespan by David Sinclair 

“Address one of these, and you can slow aging,” says Sinclair. “Address all of them, and you might not age.”

In the book, David Sinclair claims that whatever we are informed about aging is incorrect, and he shares startling methods scientifically proven to slow down the aging process. The author is a Harvard Medical School Doctor and has heralded a place in the list of TIME’s 100 most influential people on the earth.

Genre – Health and Care

Book – In Defense Of Food by Michael Pollan 

The book answers the question – ‘What should a human eat?’

Pollan argues that what we are eating today is an ‘imitation of the actual food.’ for this, Pollan says that people should ‘Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.’ However, these simple words are explained wonderfully in the book.

The book explores the dark side of global food suggestions by proving how years of nutritional advice have made us sicker and fatter.

Genre – Cosmos 

Book – Until The End Of Time by Brian Greene

If you are interested in cosmology, this book is an excellent pick. Written by the renowned physicist Brian Greene, Until The End Of Time explores the cosmos right from the beginning of the universe till the end of it. Greene’s books are the right preference for the general public, who love to see the starry skies and search for them on a full moon night. If you are someone who has never considered picking up tough and meticulous books on cosmology but your love for it still thrives, this one would be a good read for you.