Economics

Veblen's analysis of status, waste, and social signalling in affluent societies. The book introduced concepts such as conspicuous consumption and treated economic behaviour as inseparable from prestige, rivalry, and display.

The foundational text of value investing and fundamental securities analysis. Graham and Dodd lay out a disciplined method for evaluating stocks and bonds through balance sheets, earnings power, asset values, and the margin of safety principle.

Benjamin Graham's classic statement of value investing, focused on intrinsic value, margin of safety, and the discipline required to resist market emotion. Still the foundational text for anyone trying to think clearly about long-term investing.

Spitznagel's synthesis of Austrian economics, Taoist philosophy, and investing strategy. Argues for the "roundabout" — taking an indirect path to outsized long-term gains by prioritising intermediate positions over immediate profit.

The collected wisdom of Charlie Munger — Warren Buffett's long-time partner at Berkshire Hathaway. A masterclass in mental models, multidisciplinary thinking, and rational decision-making from one of the greatest investors and thinkers of the 20th century.

Taleb's framework for things that gain from disorder and volatility. Introduces the concept of antifragility as the opposite of fragility.

Taleb's analysis of rare, high-impact events and our tendency to explain them after the fact. A fundamental challenge to how we think about risk and prediction.

The founding text of macroeconomics, arguing for government intervention to manage economic cycles.

Kahneman's summary of a lifetime of research on the two systems of human cognition and their implications for judgment and decision-making.

Friedman's argument for economic freedom as the foundation of political freedom. Introduced the negative income tax and school vouchers.

Mises' comprehensive treatise on economics from the Austrian School perspective. The most rigorous systematic exposition of free-market economic theory.

Hayek's warning that central economic planning inevitably leads to political tyranny. Written during WWII, it became the intellectual foundation of free-market conservatism.

The founding text of modern economics, arguing for free markets, the division of labour, and the invisible hand.