When I was A young man, I hated reading. I don’t remember ever picking up a book and enjoying it. That is sad because books have become a staple in my life. I would not be where I am without books. It would be hard for me to nail down when I embraced book but I have not looked back since. Here are 10 Books all men should read. These books have been imperative in my development as a man but more importantly as a human being. Click the photo to grab these books for yourself!
#1 King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
Robert L Moore and Douglas Gillette put this book are based on Jungian archetypal psychology. This book breaks down the psychology of men. It starts from the psyche of the boy and moves into the psyche of a man.
The Premise of this book is that we have different ways of acting that coincide with a particular archetype. These archetypes have a full form as well as a shadow form that will transition into maturity.
This book is great for any man trying to understand what it means to be a man, or how a man should be acting when they are fully mature. The pages reveal information that will unveil connections you would never believe.
#2 Extreme Ownership
Jocko Willink and Leif Babin are retired Navy SEALS and they brought a book to market that has changed the way I think about teams and leadership. The concepts within this book are important for anyone who is leading or even part of a team. The main idea is that no matter what happens within an organization/team you are responsible for what happens.
One of the most important books all men should read. Simple. If you find yourself on a team where the leader is blaming everyone but themselves for issues then know that is a red flag. This book shows the importance of everyone (especially the leaders) on a team baring the burden of all mistakes or setbacks that happen. A great book for everyone.
#3 Iron John
Robert Bly masterfully uses Jungian psychology alongside stories and myths to bring you an excellent fiction story that all men can directly relate to. It is the classic monomyth of a boy moving through adolescence into manhood. A great book and story. All men should read and connect with this book.
#4 Hero With A Thousand Faces
Joesph Campbell is one of the most renowned mythologists of our age. He has many books on how myth connects directly with our lives but none more important than this book. The Hero With A Thousand Faces brings to life the heroes journey or monomyth.
The story of a man being called to action and moving into a realm unknown only to come back home a hero. There is more to it than that but it is something you MUST read to deeply understand. Joesph Campbell does a great job connecting ancient myths and stories directly with the monomyth.
#5 Fire In The Belly
This book was made for the man of the 1990’s but it works surprisingly well for a man in this day and age. A lot of the connections he makes in this book will ring true for men in 2018. Sam Keen breaks ground on the male consciousness and how we should be paying direct attention to how we connect with the women in our lives. It is a great book on how we should be acting as men. You will be surprised with his concepts but also refreshed with them as well!
#6 Warrior Ethos
Steven Pressfield is known for his great works like The War Of Art, and Gates Of Fire. He has made this short books that brings some of the greats warrior cultures to light. He shows what it means to be a warrior and how you can bring these same ideas into your own life!
#7 The Art Of War
An ancient text that was used as a military treatise is now used as a tool for all businesses and people all over the world. It is a short book that is worth a read no matter what you are doing in life.
#8 The Book Of 5 Rings
Another Ancient text that brings to life some really practical pieces of advice. The one the really stuck with me is: “Study strategy over the years and achieve the spirit of the warrior. Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.” This book and most of Musashi’s work is a great template for how to live a life full of meaning.
#9 Mans Search For Meaning
Another short book, but one of the most profound books on this list. Dr. Frankl was a prisoner in one of the histories most disgusting times, the holocaust. This book breaks down his experience inside of Germany’s concentration camps. It is a story of how he found meaning even in the worst of situations and how you can do the same.
#10 Mastery
Robert Greene is one of the great minds of our time. He has made so many groundbreaking books including the 48 laws of power. This book, however, may be my favorite of all his works. This book shows the reader what it takes to become a master in whatever field you choose. You must have a deep love for whatever it is you are doing as a prerequisite for mastery. This book will guide you on your journey as give you a roadmap that will help you get to the level of a master!
Honorable Mentions
This is only a short list of 10 books. I could make this list 100 books long and still have only scratched the surface of books men would benefit from. Here are a couple more books that I think you should take a peek at.
The Way Of Men by Jack Donovan
Wild At Heart by John Eldridge
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
How To Win Friends And Influence People By Dale Carnegie
