Books Recommended by David Heinemeier Hansson
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Turn the Ship Around!
A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders
L. David Marquet
Source: "A wonderful book about a naval [Admiral] that was running one of the worst performing U.S. nuclear submarines and turned it around to be the best performing U.S. submarine." - DHH
The Pathology of Normalcy
Erich Fromm
Source: "[The author] has touched on the idea that certain types of mental illness can be looked at in part as the sane reaction to an insane world." - DHH
1 recommenderPolitical Order and Political Decay
From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy
Francis Fukuyama
Source: "Traces back nation states all the way back to 4,000 years B.C. and goes through all the case studies of the rise of China and so forth." - DHH
2 recommendersGive and Take
Why Helping Others Drives Our Success
Adam Grant
Source: "I almost gave up on the book immediately, but then I'd find a sentence that perked my interest, then read a little more." - DHH
Hate Inc.
Why Today’s Media Makes Us Despise One Another
Matt Taibbi
Source: "Telling the story of how TV, newspapers, and now the internet has reverted to the old partisan ways of the original media outlets." - DHH
1 recommenderI and Thou
Martin Buber
Source: "Treating humans as ends in themselves, not means to an end is perhaps the defining characteristic of humanism." - DHH
1 recommenderThe Road to Wigan Pier
George Orwell
Source: "It’s amazing how much of the abusive ideology revealed in his account of the miners is still present in today’s gig economy." - DHH
3 recommendersDrive
The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Daniel Pink
Source: "Takes some of those same ideas about motivations and rewards and extrapolates them in a little bit." - DHH
The Talent Code
Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.
Daniel Coyle
Source: "Main complaint seems to be 'this is a layman's description of not-new ideas'. I'm just fine with that." - DHH
The Lost Writings
Franz Kafka
Source: "You're not here for a complete story, a narrative, but to bathe yourself in [the author]'s mind." - DHH
1 recommenderThe Management Myth
Why the Experts Keep Getting it Wrong
Matthew Stewart
Source: "A funny mix of stories, but it's worth the trip for the historical account of scientific management alone." - DHH
1 recommenderThe Myth of the Spoiled Child
Coddled Kids, Helicopter Parents, and Other Phony Crises
Alfie Kohn
Source: "A great book [...], which is even more specific about nurturing and supporting kids and so forth." - DHH
1 recommenderA Doll's House
Henrik Ibsen
Source: "Classic Danish play from the 19th century [...] Surprisingly relevant for today." - DHH
1 recommenderEscape from Freedom
Erich Fromm
Source: "One of my all-time top ten favorite books. Applies well in both business and politics." - DHH
1 recommenderBullshit Jobs
A Theory
David Graeber
Source: "Essentially a victory lap of the original essay and the response it provoked." - DHH
1 recommenderA Guide to the Good Life
The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
William B. Irvine
Source: "An easy way to learn about [Stoicism] and recognize why this resonates." - DHH
Understanding Exposure
How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
Bryan Peterson
Source: "Probably one of the first primers I read on [improving my photography]." - DHH
1 recommenderPunished by Rewards
The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes
Alfie Kohn
Source: "Outlines all the scientific research on why incentive systems don't work." - DHH
1 recommenderThe Origins of Political Order
From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
Francis Fukuyama
Source: "[This book and "Political Order and Political Decay" is] a fantastic two-part book." - DHH
2 recommendersEither/Or
A Fragment of Life
Søren Kierkegaard
Source: "[The author]'s funny, he's straight forward (even when sarcastic), he's INTERESTING." - DHH
2 recommenders
FAQ
Did David Heinemeier Hansson recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by David Heinemeier Hansson, it also includes a variety of titles that David Heinemeier Hansson has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects David Heinemeier Hansson's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know David Heinemeier Hansson mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to David Heinemeier Hansson. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where David Heinemeier Hansson has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which David Heinemeier Hansson referred to the book.
Did David Heinemeier Hansson actually create this list?
No, David Heinemeier Hansson did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from David Heinemeier Hansson. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect David Heinemeier Hansson's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by David Heinemeier Hansson?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with David Heinemeier Hansson. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by David Heinemeier Hansson in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by David Heinemeier Hansson. Our team keeps a close eye on David Heinemeier Hansson's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
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