If Attia recommends a book, it is not just another bestseller — it`s scientifically backed reading that offers more than motivational posters in the gym. In case you haven’t yet read Attia’s Outlive, we offer quite a detailed summary of it here. In this article, we have collected some of his recommendations to improve your life, so read on!
1. Uncover the secrets of humanity with Sapiens
Looking at all the modern technologies, it is hard to imagine people once didn't know how to write, read, and even speak. How did humanity reach such heights? In the Sapiens book, you can find a fascinating blend of anthropology, biology, and economics that takes you through the history of humankind.
This book is not a dry scientific lecture — it’s an engaging journey into how we got from using a stone pickaxe to creating Instagram. One of the main ideas of Sapiens is the human ability to invent and believe in imaginary concepts such as religion, nation, or money, which allows people to unite into large groups. Yuval Noah Harari also looks ahead, analyzing how artificial intelligence and biotechnology can change our lives over time. If you are swamped with responsibilities and don't have any time to read the full book, we offer you our Sapiens summary.
2. Find your inner peace with The Four Agreements
Want to know how to improve your relationship with your inner self? Don Miguel Ruiz presents his book as a guide to spiritual growth and self-improvement. Many of our problems stem from imaginary limitations holding us back from happiness. That`s why the author talks about four simple agreements that can improve life and help you break free from unnecessary beliefs. What are they about? No more spoilers — we'll keep it a secret until you read the work. We also recommend our The Four Agreements summary, which provides all the key insights you need to know.
3. Keep calm with Altered Traits
Do you think meditation is just sitting on the floor with your eyes closed? Altered Traits shows the other side of the coin. This book uses real science to show how regular meditation can actually change your brain structure, affect your emotions, and even influence your genes.
Daniel Goleman shows meditation goes beyond momentary calm. Simple mindfulness practices help with stress, sharpen your focus, and might even make you wiser. If you want to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, or stop stress-eating an entire chocolate bar, this book offers practical guidance. To save time and focus on what truly matters, check out our Altered Traits summary for you.
4. Dispel weight loss myths with Good Calories, Bad Calories
Some people sincerely believe they can lose weight quickly by moving more and eating less. However, Gary Taubes challenges this belief, proving such patterns do not always work. The author claims the problem is not the amount of food, but its quality.
Taubes explores how carbohydrates alter our metabolism, causing the body to accumulate fat, regardless of how many calories you consume. This book is not about getting the best diet to lose weight but about explaining the importance of food and its components. So, if you want to understand why low-carb diets are a cheap trick and why calorie deficits is not a good option, we invite you to read Good Calories, Bad Calories.
5. Open new brain horizons with How to Change Your Mind
The human mind is like a bowl constantly filling with new information. How can we manage it and improve our brain activity? Michael Pollan studies the influence of psychedelics and analyzes whether they can enhance cognitive function.
Of course, drugs are always associated with something dangerous for the human body. The author looks at it from a different perspective, defining it as a potential breakthrough in medicine. Yet, this book is not only about drugs but also about the incredible capabilities of the brain and its scale. Do you want to learn how it works and how you can change your thinking for the better? Then, How to Change Your Mind is a must-read for you.
6. Find the formula for happiness with Solve for Happy
Mo Gawdat approaches happiness like a math problem with a set of rules. It is not an accident or luck, but the fruit of our work, taking step by step towards a happy life. Drawing from his engineering background, the author sees happiness as something we can figure out systematically.
The book shows how faulty thinking makes us unhappy. Unlike typical self-help books filled with empty motivational quotes, Gawdat offers practical strategies based on science and personal experience. For anyone wondering why their mind sometimes sabotages their happiness, Solve for Happy delivers clear solutions. It's a straightforward handbook for retraining your brain to find lasting satisfaction.
7. Discover science from a new perspective with The Double Helix
Science is not boring theory and incomprehensible terms. It is ambition, innovation, and unique solutions in the midst of intense competition. The Double Helix book tells the story of one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century — the structure of DNA.
James D. Watson blends research with a story about the pursuit of scientific glory, intellectual battle, and unexpected twists. The book reads like a detective novel, where scientists try to get ahead of their rivals and collect scattered pieces of the puzzle. If you like such an unusual plot, we highly recommend reading The Double Helix.
Now you never have to wonder "What should I read next?" with this valuable list of best nonfiction books. The life of your dreams is within your reach — you just need to find the motivation to embrace it. Take the first step — open a new book to meet changes.
