Day 1
Made in Japan is the autobiography of Akio Morita, who co-founded Sony and grew it to become one of the largest electronics companies in the world.
Akio shares his advice for management, leadership and innovation.
He also explains many differences in the working culture between Japan and the West.
"No matter how good or successful you are or how clever or crafty, your business and its future are in the hands of the people you hire. To put it a bit more dramatically, the fate of your business is actually in the hands of the youngest recruit on the staff." —Akio Morita
Day 2
Shoe Dog is an inspiring story of entrepreneurship from Nike's founder Phil Knight.
He started as a regular kid who loved running and built the largest sportswear brand ever.
But there were many challenging times that Nike barely survived.
"Let everyone else call your idea crazy... just keep going. Don't stop. Don't even think of stopping until you get there, and don't give much thought to where 'there' is. Whatever comes, just don't stop." —Phil Knight
Day 3
The Way of Zen is a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism, including the history and practices.
Alan Watts explains how the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism combined with Indian Buddhism to form Zen.
He also shares many practices of Zen such as meditation, koans, and arts.
"..." —Alan Watts
Day 4
Ikigai is about finding our life purpose and living longer, according to wisdom from Japan where people do live longer than average.
The key ideas include: doing activities that make us feel 'flow', nurturing enjoyable relationships, keeping busy after retirement, and daily light eating and exercise.
"Concentrating on one thing at a time may be the single most important factor in achieving flow." —Hector Garcia
Why read it?
This book sends you on a heroic quest to uncover your life's secret mission—minus the tights and cape.
Your ultimate purpose is *spoiler alert* probably not binge-watching the latest series, but finding that sweet spot where your passion, mission, and other people's needs intersect.
Sounds intimidating?
You don't need to cure cancer.
It's just about finding a reason to jump out of bed in the morning, even if it's about feeling joy in the little things with a community you belong to. 🕺
Day 5
The Courage to Be Disliked is a philosophical self-help book written as a conversation between a young man and a philosopher.
Based on the ideas of psychologist Alfred Adler, it challenges the belief that your past defines you.
Instead, it argues that you control your present choices—and that true freedom comes from taking full responsibility for your life and letting go of the need for approval.
"Your life is not something that someone gives you, but something you choose yourself, and you are the one who decides how you live." —Ichiro Kishimi
Why read it?
You should read The Courage to Be Disliked because it’s basically a philosophical slap in the face—in the best way possible.
It tells you that your past doesn’t matter, your excuses are lies, and your desire to be liked is what’s ruining your life.
But somehow, it makes all that feel incredibly freeing.
It's like getting life advice from a calm, slightly smug monk who knows exactly why you're miserable—and then shows you how to stop being your own worst enemy.
If therapy, stoicism, and a pep talk had a baby, this book would be it.
