Books have always been my quiet companions. Some entertain. Some educate. But a few? They shake something inside you. These are the three that did that for me — deeply, permanently.
By Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
This book challenged how I see myself and others. It’s a conversation between a philosopher and a youth, exploring Alfred Adler’s ideas. The biggest lesson? My past doesn't define me — only my actions now do.
I used to worry a lot about what others thought. This book helped me realize that seeking approval can trap you, and that living honestly — even if it means being disliked — is a kind of freedom. It’s not always easy, but it’s real.
“Freedom is being disliked by other people.”
By Dr. Anna Lembke
This one hit hard. It explains how addiction works — not just to drugs, but to anything that gives us quick pleasure: scrolling, snacking, YouTube, even working too much. I saw myself in those pages.
It helped me understand the dopamine–pain balance and how we’re wired to chase short-term pleasure, even if it leads to long-term pain. I started taking more "dopamine fasts", building habits that feel boring at first — like reading or walking — but restore balance over time.
“The relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain.”
By Marie Kondo
At first, I thought it was just about cleaning. But it’s really about intentional living.
Marie Kondo’s method of asking “Does this spark joy?” became a way for me to evaluate not just objects, but tasks, goals, even people. I started decluttering my home — and then, unintentionally, my life. I found more space to think, more energy to act, and more clarity about what I wanted.
It taught me that physical space affects mental space — and that simplifying doesn’t mean losing; it means choosing.
These three books are very different — one’s philosophical, one’s scientific, one’s practical — but they all share one thing: they helped me see myself more clearly.
They didn’t just teach me something.
They changed how I live.
If you’ve read any of these, or have a book that changed your life, I’d love to hear about it.