16 Books That Will Make You Smarter Than 99% of People

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to intellectual growth, recommending 16 books across philosophy, economics, science, and business to foster critical thinking and practical knowledge. The speaker, with a background in value theory, emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education for creativity, personal freedom, and informed decision-making. The list includes books on logic, ethics, applied ethics, decision theory, micro and macroeconomics, Austrian economics, neuroeconomics, social sciences, AI, computer science, quantum computing, cosmology, sales, marketing, cash flow management, and an overarching view of business operations.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker attended Columbia University and found that while classmates excelled in tests and grades, they often lacked introspection and critical thinking skills.
• 📚 After 15 years of experience, the speaker discovered 16 books across four categories that can foster true intelligence beyond a Columbia education.
• 🤔 The first category is philosophy, which is foundational for critical thinking and conceptual analysis, allowing individuals to expand knowledge across various fields.
• 📘 Four types of philosophy books are recommended: logic for argument structure, ethical theory for moral understanding, applied ethics for practical situations, and decision theory for understanding the process of decision-making.
• 💼 The second category is economics, which is essential for being an informed global citizen and includes microeconomics, macroeconomics, Austrian economic theory, and neuroeconomics.
• 🧠 The third category is science, with a focus on social sciences for understanding behavior, artificial intelligence for future advancements, computer science with an emphasis on quantum computing, and cosmology for a broader perspective on life.
• 🚀 The fourth and final category is business and entrepreneurship, which is crucial for applying knowledge practically and includes sales, marketing, cash flow management, and a broad understanding of business operations.
• 🛒 Sales skills are universal and important for leading people to take action, and ethical selling can be achieved without manipulation.
• 📈 Marketing is distinct from sales and is vital for attracting people, which can be the difference between securing or missing opportunities.
• 💡 Cash flow management is key for business success and personal budgeting, with understanding of income and expenses being crucial.
• 🌐 A broad understanding of business operations provides insights into creating and delivering value, which is beneficial even outside of business contexts.
• 📘 'A Personal MBA' by Josh Kaufman is highly recommended for a comprehensive overview of business and its practical applications.

Q & A

What did the speaker realize about their classmates at Columbia University?

The speaker realized that their classmates were good at taking tests and getting good grades but lacked introspection and critical thinking skills, using their knowledge superficially.

How many years of experience does the speaker have in theoretical and practical fields?

The speaker has more than 15 years of experience in theoretical fields like value theory and education, as well as in the practical field of sales.

What are the four categories of books mentioned by the speaker to make one intelligent?

The four categories of books mentioned are philosophy, economics, science, and business.

Why is philosophy considered the foundation for critical thinking and conceptual analysis according to the speaker?

Philosophy is considered the foundation because it equips individuals with critical thinking and conceptual analysis skills, which are essential for expanding knowledge into various fields.

What are the three key reasons for having knowledge in a variety of fields as stated by the speaker?

The three key reasons are to increase creativity, enhance self-efficacy leading to greater personal freedom, and to make better decisions in life.

What type of philosophy book is recommended for understanding the structure of good and bad arguments?

A book on logic is recommended, such as 'Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking' by D.Q. McInerny.

Which book is suggested for gaining a broad overview of different ethical systems?

An introduction to ethics by Jeffrey Thomas is suggested for understanding various ethical systems like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics.

What is the importance of studying applied ethics according to the speaker?

Studying applied ethics is important as it deals with practical situations and helps in thinking through complex issues such as patient care allocation, labor union negotiations, and issues like abortion and euthanasia.

Why is understanding economics important for being an informed citizen?

Understanding economics is important because it fuels our lives, influences world events, and helps in making informed decisions in an increasingly connected world.

What is the significance of studying neuroeconomics as per the speaker's perspective?

Neuroeconomics is significant as it studies the brain processes underlying economic decisions, revealing that humans are not always rational decision-makers and providing insights into why and how we make certain decisions.

What is the role of studying business and entrepreneurship according to the speaker?

Studying business and entrepreneurship is essential as it helps in applying knowledge creatively, growing personally, and understanding how to create and deliver value in various aspects of life, not just in business.

What book is recommended for gaining a broad understanding of how businesses work?

A Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman is recommended for a broad yet detailed overview of how businesses operate.

Why should knowledge be practical according to the speaker?

Knowledge should be practical because it should help build a better life in tangible ways, make us more moral, better decision-makers, and inform our opinions on global issues.

What concept by Aristotle is emphasized by the speaker for a balanced approach to knowledge and action?

The concept of the golden mean by Aristotle is emphasized for a balanced approach to knowledge and action.