The Art Spirit

Book Cover: The Art Spirit

The book is recommended by the Twitter and Square Cofounder, Jack Dorsey. I first knew the book from Y Combinator. It's written by the American Artist, Robert Henri. Jack said it's an inspiring book to teach him the process is as important as the result. This is particularly important in the painful startup life.

I am still reading the first chapter at this moment. The book is like the "Zen" of Art. Whether painting, music, writing or even tech, they are all art in different forms.

Everyone is practicing art in daily life.

Check it on Amazon:
The Art Spirit

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Excerpt:

Embodying the entire system of Robert Henri's teaching, The Art Spirit contains much valuable advice, critical comment, and inspiration to every student of the arts.

The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

Book Cover: The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

My Review:
How can you turn your obstacle into an opportunity with a new perspective?

The book gives you different ways to consider a problem. I don't find it very useful, may be because I've faced too many difficulties in my career...

If you're facing a bottleneck, you can give it a shot. It may give you a hand.

Check it on Amazon:
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

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Excerpt:

The Obstacle is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do. 

If you’re feeling frustrated, demoralized, or stuck in a rut, this book can help you turn your problems into your biggest advantages. And along the way it will inspire you with dozens of true stories of the greats from every age and era.

Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald’s

Book Cover: Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's

"He either enchants or antagonizes everyone he meets. But even his enemies agree there are three things Ray Kroc does damned well: sell hamburgers, make money, and tell stories." --from Grinding It Out

Few entrepreneurs can claim to have radically changed the way we live, and Ray Kroc is one of them. His revolutions in food-service automation, franchising, shared national training, and advertising have earned him a place beside the men and women who have founded not only businesses, but entire empires. But even more interesting than Ray Kroc the business man is Ray Kroc the man. Not your typical self-made tycoon, Kroc was fifty-two years old when he opened his first franchise. In Grinding It Out, you'll meet the man behind McDonald's, one of the largest fast-food corporations in the world with over 32,000 stores around the globe.

Irrepressible enthusiast, intuitive people person, and born storyteller, Kroc will fascinate and inspire you on every page.

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Reviews:Benny Chan wrote:

Before the movie was shown in public, I finished the book during my bedtime.

The book was written by the boss of McDonald, Ray Kroc. He bought the company from the McDonald brothers. I didn't find him evil as it's just another deal for me. On the contrary, some ppl may find him as a douche.

Ray Kroc was a great guy. He successfully transformed himself from a milkshake machine sales rep to a business owner in his 50s. It's not easy without a strong determination.

I am not sure if I will be still passionate at this age. Or I'll just wait for retiring?


Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson

Book Cover: Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson

A special 20th anniversary edition of the beloved international bestseller that changed millions of lives

Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.

For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago.

Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?

Mitch Albom had that second chance. He reconnected with Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class:" lessons in how to live.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.

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Reviews:Benny Chan wrote:

Very insightful book. I never wonder what happened when I've got few months left. Then a question came to my mind in a second,

"What would be the most important thing to do before I leave the world?"

I really couldn't figure out an answer for the question. Startup? My dream? Family?

Anyway, it's ok. I knew I would get the answer one day, just not too soon.

Thanks, Morrie. You gave me a very great final lesson. You'll always stay in our mind.


禅的人生观 (Zen’s view on life)

Book Cover: 禅的人生观 (Zen's view on life)

本书从大量的禅的文献、禅的语录与禅的故事中,精选出了充盈着禅的智慧、隐含着人生真谛的经典与精华内容。其中所讲述的每一则故事都令人回味,每一段道理都让人开悟,每一个点评都劝人警醒。全书文风轻松自然、风趣幽默。书中既介绍了超然物外、睿智慈悲的禅人、禅事,又汇集了清风甘泉、拓智启慧的禅智、禅语。书中所阐述的道理贴近生活,从而能够帮助读者领悟禅的高妙智慧与独特魅力。

Check it on Douban!

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Reviews:Benny Chan wrote:

想不透的時候最好就是讀禪, 工作差不多十年, 剛好踏進瓶頸期, 諸事不順的時候, 最好的回應就是積極的等待~