BrewLife With Reading

There have been many books to come across my desk over the years. Books encompassing a variety of genres and writing styles. Books written in the third person, those written in the first. Books that explain science and books that teach self discipline. I've tried my hand and each of these and have found a different kind of pleasure in each one.

Looking back on all the books I've read (which is in the hundreds at this point) there is one that stands out as the single most, life-changing book I've ever read.

It found its way to me in the form of a youtube video back in 2016. A friend of mine was in pre-med and was exploring ways to grow into the best version of himself he could brew (sorry, had to get a pun in here somehow).

My friend sent me dozens of videos during our months of studying together. He sent me videos on logic, mathematics, biology, physics, and just about any other kind of academic one can imagine. One day he sent me a different kind of video just before a test. I don't know how he knew but it was just the sort of thing I needed at that moment. The title? "The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday" posted from a channel called "FightMediocrity".

I was blown away. Such wisdom condensed into a 7 minute video. It motivated me. It pushed me. Made me want to become better. I saved it as a favorite so I could come back to it later. And I did, several times.

I wasn't much of a reader at this time of my life with really the only thing in my reading repertoire being the Harry Potter series (which make no mistake, is a great series). But this 7 minute video inspired me to want to read the book with the same title. Not too long after I picked up a copy and gave it a read.

Life changing.

The concept of accepting fate but controlling how we respond to it had a profound effect on me as a 23-year-old. This concept of course is the root of a deeper life philosophy known as Stoicism. This book was my introduction to self growth and since then I have continuously done by best to intentionally evaluate my actions and emotions in every situation. I often fall short but at least I can say it's not for the lack of trying. The stoic philosopher Seneca put it like this, "I will keep constant watch over myself and — most usefully — will put each day up for review." If we can start there then we are on the right track.

From this reading experience I have found dozens and dozens of other books that have helped shape me into the person I've become today. This page is meant to share those books with anyone who enjoys personal growth and life changing reads.

BrewCoffee. BrewLife.

-Taylor