Summer is upon us. Hopefully you’ve been like me, able to sneak outside in between projects to steal a few minutes of sunshine and fresh air. When spring comes, I always intuitively up my reading game thanks to inspiration from all the new life flitting about outside. I’ve been on a roll lately, and a few suggestions came to mind that I thought would interest you.
If you’re a subscriber to Freedom Journal, I know you’re already no lackadaisical thinker. You take life seriously, and because of that you have a love of reading as well, and not reading just any old thing. Like me, you understand the importance of reading with intent. Of digging through hundred-year-old texts for truth. Of revisiting classics. Of discovering contemporary voices who aren’t afraid to go against the grain.
The recommended reading list below will be one of several throughout these sunny, warmer months. One is an entire book dedicated to teaching you how to critically read and really process what you consume from a literary perspective (it sounds a bit mundane, but civilization depends on it, so it’s really very intriguing).
Economics play a heavy role in the recommendations as well. With the volatile situation we’re experiencing, knowledge can be a powerful antidote to fear.
Philosophy recommendations are also included, because well, in my opinion philosophy is the most important subject you could ever study. It is vital to your happiness, and contrary to popular beliefs, your happiness is incredibly important.
Whether you find yourself lazing about by the pool or taking in a picturesque beach day, pick one of these reads and compliment your vacay with a little mental fitness. Your mind (and body) will thank you.
*Some of these recommendations are online publications. You may need to sign up for a free account, or you may get access to a certain amount of articles per month. These are highly regarded, top shelf publications and are well worth your time. I think if you spend some time on their platforms you’ll probably end up finding yourself signing up for a subscription as well. All are highly recommended.
How to Read a Book
For the serious bookworm - Adler & Van Doren
While it’s nice to occasionally break away from reality and read a page-turning crime novel or book club approved romancer, I’m of a (perhaps small) camp of people who believe reading should be looked at as a means to face reality, as a discipline, just like working out and eating healthy. Like weights and proper nutrition strengthen your mind, certain kinds of books and reading critically strengthen your mind. And you can’t strengthen the physical without strengthening the mental. Endurance is impossible this way.
How to Read a Book was published in 1940, back when reading was still looked at as something disciplinary to tackle, partly because our modern publishing landscape hadn’t come to fruition yet. Books were still special because you couldn’t just download the newest releases onto your tablet the second they debuted.
Once considered to be standard reading, How to Read a Book teaches you not only how to read from a critical perspective, but why, because your life and civilization depend on it.
Case in point, 50 Shades of Grey is one of the best-selling books ever, but what has it done for society in comparison to another popular classic, Atlas Shrugged, which at one time sold more copies second only to the bible?
What we consume, we become, both physically and mentally.
Focusing on an effort to return back to the traditional view of reading, How to Read a Book is broken down into sections, Elementary Reading, Inspectional Reading, Analytical Reading, and Syntopical Reading. Each form of reading serves a different purpose, and each form builds upon one another.
The book is almost 500 pages, offering a detailed and comprehensive approach to reading critically. Up your reading game and check out this classic, and continue to revisit it throughout your literary journey.
And check out a great, detailed review of the book at one of my favorite publications, The Objective Standard.
Objective Communication
How to defend liberty clearly and concisely - L. Peikoff
Geared towards those whose professions deal with clearly communicating abstractions, philosophical principles, and big picture topics, I’d argue Objective Communication by Ayn Rand’s heir, Leonard Peikoff, is useful to anyone who wishes to better be able to defend liberty from a rhetoric standpoint. These days, freedom is under such heavy fire, you’ve probably found yourself wading through an ad hominem fueled argument or two even if you’re a casual libertarian.
As defenders of freedom, we must lead by example and be able to calmly and clearly communicate our positions in regards to liberty, autonomy, and the rights of the individual amid even the most vicious attacks (and man, can they get brutal. Ever towards liberty, though!).
A compilation of lectures by Peikoff, student papers, and works by Rand herself, Objective Communication not only serves as a valuable tool for polishing your own communication skills, but it acts as a great reference while consuming and studying everything from commercials to online lessons and classroom lectures. By learning how to better communicate, you’ll be able to recognize others who communicate well too, and learn from them and emulate their tactics.
Understanding Money Mechanics
An essential Austrian economics primer - R. Murphy
What happens to your money when you deposit it into your bank? Why is inflation so darn high? How did the Federal Reserve get away with printing 5 trillion dollars in just a few short years?
Economist and writer Robert Murphy answers these questions and much more in his book, Understanding Money Mechanics.
Whether you’re an Austrian Economics layman or a seasoned vet, the book has something for everyone.
Those who wish to somehow wrap their head around the twisted banking policies of both America and abroad will find answers here. Thankfully, he explains them in such a way even I, a doggedly logical person, can grasp. I say this because in other books, when attempts are made, explanations of our banking system sound like witchcraft, it’s all double double, toil and trouble. But Murphy’s expertise allows him to explain it simply, which is highly necessary when it comes to FED-backed banking practices.
Veteran Austrian economics studiers will appreciate the book’s historical anecdotes, and the sound review of fundamental Austrian economics theory.
It’s an easily digestible read, and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for another economics book to have in your arsenal.
The Epoch Times
Breakdown and overview of current state of economy - J. Tucker
Jeffrey Tucker Provides a daily economics-focused column for The Epoch Times, and no matter how grim conditions seem, the iconic libertarian figure writes so eloquently, your blood pressure lowers and your stress fades.
Here, he masterfully breaks down exactly what is happening with our economy right now. While traditional media sources play politics with your livelihood by lying to you about why you might not be able to afford groceries right now, Tucker lays out step by step the first domino and its many effects when it comes to government intervention in the economy.
From the Federal Reserve’s role with our money supply to inflation and what the policies from the last 20 years (you read that right) have really done to our purchasing power, this writeup will get you up to speed. In a society that wants you to be fearful all the time because you’re easier to control, knowledge is power, because it frees you from the shackles of confusion and conventionally accepted untruths. You’ll gain major insight with one scan of this exceptionally written piece.
Stay tuned for more summer reading recommendations! And if you have any of your own, make sure to share them in the comments. Happy reading!
Rebecca Day is the creator and editor of Freedom Journal, a publication dedicated to the advancement of liberty, truth, and individualism. She also contributes content for The Epoch Times’ arts and culture division (Epoch Bright) and writes for several other publications as well. Her love of music is as strong as her love of words, and she combines them as a singer, songwriter, performer, and frontwoman of country group, The Crazy Daysies.
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