Over the past 15 years, I have read more than 8,000 books, including novels, which brings the total to over 10,000. My office alone houses over 3,000 books, and I often find myself recommending books to friends and colleagues. Although every book has its own lesson to offer, there are a few that have profoundly impacted my life and shaped the person I have become.
[1] The Courage to Be Disliked [Read 5+ times]
This book was a turning point for me, as I used to excessively worry about the opinions of others, such as my parents, friends, and colleagues. It inspired me to name my company “Adler” and provided me with courage during challenging times in my life, like when I dropped out of Seoul National University, underwent gender transition, and decided to leave the company I founded. Despite being widely known, it is a book that many overlook without understanding its depth.
[2] How to Win Friends and Influence People [Read 4+ times]
Its enduring popularity for over 80 years since its publication in 1936 is no coincidence. This book has fundamentally changed the way I view people, highlighting that even criminals do not repent and advising against stirring the beehive to get the honey. It’s closely related to the essence of marketing, and I’ve read and shared the section about emailing customers countless times.
[3] Zero to One [Read 4+ times]
This book offers the clearest explanation on how companies like Apple and Google were built, which has been my ambition since childhood. It taught me that to achieve unprecedented success in the market, one must have a “Secret” akin to a cult. Despite others’ doubts, it encouraged me to think deeper and maintain my own perspective. Implementing its ideas has proven to be incredibly difficult and lonely, making it the hardest book to practice in my life.
[4] The E-Myth Revisited [Read 4+ times]
A definitive guide on the structure of business, I consider it the best book in defining what a business is. It ingeniously categorizes the necessary roles in business—entrepreneur, manager, and technician—and illustrates how a company transitions from its infancy to a mature organization. Although moderately challenging to implement, it took a long while to fully apply its concepts.
[5] Managing by Harold Geneen [Read 3+ times]
This book offers the clearest definition of management I’ve encountered. The realization that “Managers Must Manage” truly resonated with me. Many managers blame external circumstances for their failures, but this ignores their fundamental responsibility. This book has been instrumental in forming the backbone of Adler’s work principles, fostering a mindset of achieving despite challenges.
