The books I learned the most from in 2023

Out of all the new books I read in 2023, these are the 5 I learned most from.

 

 

 

Shane Parrish, Clear Thinking

I enjoy the Farnam Street. This book helps you confront reality with clear thinking. Useful (if painful) for any lobbyist.

 

Roy Swartz, Mike Allen, Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less

A lobbyist I respect mentioned this over lunch a few months ago. It provides a helpful method for writing material that the intended reader will enjoy.

 

Umberto Eco, How to Spot a Fascist

I picked this up in a Florence bookshop. I simply enjoy the clarity and wit of Umberto Eco. This entry point has led me to enjoy more of his work, And, the tell-tale signs are a useful checklist.

 

Thomas Hager, Ten Drugs: How Plants, Powders, and Pills Have Shaped the History of Medicine

 

Thomas Hager’s books are excellent. He explains complex issues clearly. I stumbled across one of his books early this year, and am quietly enjoying them all. Lobbyists should try and emulate his clarity and explanations.

 

William Heitman, The Knowledge Work Factory

 

This book impacted my thinking the most. A must for knowledge workers. Too many think their work is special and unique and can’t benefit from systems. This book shows how wrong they are.

Annual Reads

 

There are two books I find myself reading every summer. Every time I come across something useful and new.

Robert B Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

 

 

Caldini’s masterpiece should be a staple of any lobbyist. The techniques are core to the craft. And, the late Charlie Munger recommended the book, so that should be enough.

Richard Haas, The Bureaucratic Entrepreneur: How to Be Effective in Any Unruly Organization

 

A timeless classic. Haas wrote the book because he found the academic material on the practicalities of working in government lacking. We should give thanks he did.

 

Lighter touch

I am grateful for being introduced to Mick Herron‘s grim, realistic and hilarious spy novels.