Ankur Warikoo Book Recommendations

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a philosophical novel that follows the journey of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of discovering a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Guided by mysterious omens and encounters with symbolic characters like a king, an alchemist, and a desert woman named Fatima, Santiago learns that the true treasure lies in the pursuit of one’s “Personal Legend.” Blending mysticism, spiritual wisdom, and simple storytelling, Coelho’s novel inspires readers to listen to their hearts, follow their dreams, and trust the journey. It’s a timeless fable about purpose, destiny, and the transformative power of faith.

Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens charts the epic history of humankind, from early Homo sapiens to today's complex world. It explores the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions that defined our development. Harari examines the role of shared beliefs in enabling mass cooperation and questions the essence of our humanity and future. This insightful work offers a broad perspective on our origins, progress, and the challenges we face.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear reveals how small, consistent actions can lead to life-changing results. Contrary to the belief that big change requires big effort, Clear shows that success is built through the compound effect of tiny habits—like doing two push-ups or waking up five minutes earlier. Drawing on cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience, he explains powerful techniques like Habit Stacking, the Two-Minute Rule, and the Goldilocks Zone. Through real-life stories of Olympians, CEOs, and scientists, Clear illustrates how these simple strategies foster lasting change. Practical, inspiring, and deeply insightful, this book is a blueprint for transforming your life—one habit at a time.

In Shoe Dog, Nike founder Phil Knight shares the gripping story of how he turned a $50 loan into a global empire. Starting in 1962 with a dream to import affordable athletic shoes from Japan, Knight sold them from his car and earned $8,000 in his first year. Through bold risks, setbacks, and an unorthodox path, he built Nike into a $30 billion powerhouse. This memoir reveals the man behind the swoosh—his travels, trials, and the scrappy team who helped forge a revolutionary brand. Honest and inspiring, Knight’s story captures the spirit of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the power of belief.

Ikigai, by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, explores the Japanese concept of "ikigai"—a reason for being. Based on interviews with residents of Okinawa, one of the world’s longest-living populations, the book combines insights from Japanese philosophy, lifestyle, and longevity research. It offers practical advice on staying active, finding purpose, nurturing community ties, and living mindfully. Blending cultural wisdom with modern science, Ikigai serves as a gentle guide to living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In 'Thinking, Fast and Slow,' Daniel Kahneman, a renowned psychologist and Nobel laureate, delves into the fascinating world of our thought processes. He introduces readers to the two systems that drive the way we think: the fast, instinctive and emotional System 1, and the slow, deliberate and logical System 2. Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking experiments, Kahneman explores the biases and heuristics that influence our decisions, leading to both enlightening and unsettling revelations about human cognition. This groundbreaking book not only challenges our understanding of decision-making but also offers valuable insights into how we can navigate the complexities of our minds to make better choices.