A Place to Expand Your Horizon

Listening to ….

• Acquired
• My Life Story
• Coaching for Leaders
• Huberman Lab
• Woman in Innovation
• Redacted – Industrial Design Podcast

Nafahat-e Naft (The Whiffs of Oil): A Reflection on Petroleum Culture and Governmental Management by Reza Amirkhani

June 29, 2025

I believe today marks the fifth day of the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. In the chaos of war, shortly after leaving our home in Tehran, I bought this book, hoping to find answers to the many questions weighing on my mind in the days ahead.

The City of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

December 30, 2024

Zafón, with his Cemetery of Forgotten Books series, left an eternal mark on my mind. It’s a pity that his untimely death didn’t allow him to continue weaving his magical stories. In this book, he shared unfinished tales, among which I believe The Prince of Parnassus and Gaudí in Manhattan had the potential to become masterpieces.

Reading this book also sparked my interest in Don Miguel de Cervantes.

Winnicott by Adam Phillips

December 22, 2024

Someone once said that everything we are today rooted in how we lived and connected with our first love—our mother. I had never studied the dynamics of this relationship and the profound influence of a mother on life until this book gave me the opportunity. It’s incredible to realize that the map of our future is drawn in the brief span of childhood, and how sorrowful it is for children who, for any reason, are deprived of a mother’s love.

Children with depressed mothers face a burden they can never truly overcome. They feel compelled to maintain their mother’s vitality. The child keeps the mother alive, ensuring she at least appears to be a feeling being. At the cost of their own needs, the child internalizes the mother’s depression and guilt through identification, but outwardly, they mask their struggles to uplift her. The child experiences the mother’s depression so acutely that fulfilling their own desires seems impossible.

Missing Out: In Praise of the Unlived Life Book by Adam Phillips

December 9, 2024

Pain arises from the gap between the ego and the ideal ego, the distance between who I feel I am and who I want to be.

We always live two parallel lives: our current life and the life we think we should have, or might still attain. Despite all our efforts to live fully, the unlived life is always present as a shadow, following us step by step. This shadow can become the story of our lives, an illusion of our potential that haunts us. This illusion can even turn our lives into a tale of perpetual failure. From Adam Phillips’ perspective, if we can view our disappointments as a source of guidance, contentment can unexpectedly follow. In other words, the desire for a life without disappointment is akin to demanding a life devoid of the possibility of understanding our desires and realizing them.

The Body Keeps the Score book by Bessel van der Kolk

December 1, 2024

Human behavior and social interactions are deeply shaped by childhood experiences and life events. These experiences influence our perceptions of love, empathy, curiosity, and even our sense of identity. Over time, they play a pivotal role in shaping our choices and interactions within society. To foster a healthy community, it’s essential to prioritize many factors, including raising happy and curious children.

The Cemetery of Forgotten Books Series by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

September 8, 2024

Some books come into our lives at the perfect time, as if waiting for us to find them. My journey with The Cemetery of Forgotten Books began purely by chance—stumbling upon the first volume, The Shadow of the Wind. Until then, I had never ventured into the realm of fantasy interwoven with political and historical undertones. But this book, with its dramatic narrative set against the backdrop of Spain’s turbulent history, captivated me entirely.

While I had previously read about the dictatorships of Eastern Europe, this series struck a deeply personal chord. It resonated with my familiarity with the culture and people of Spain, perhaps even more so because of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s masterful storytelling. His eloquence and imaginative brilliance brought a bygone Barcelona to life—its alleys, its architecture, and its soul leaping off the pages.

One book was not enough. The allure of the series compelled me to read volume after volume. The emotions were overwhelming: the thrill of discovery, the ache of sorrow, the sting of disillusionment—all packed into every word, every sentence. With each page, I found myself asking, How can a writer craft such vivid worlds? How have I gone so many years without immersing myself in literature like this?

This series rekindled my love for reading. It reminded me of the magic of storytelling, the beauty of connecting with cultures and histories beyond our own, and the profound joy of losing oneself in the pages of a book. I am grateful to live in an age where I can read about the lives of people from all corners of the world, see their stories unfold, and even listen to their music.
Author Website: https://www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk/

Designs of the times by Lakshmi Bhaskaran

I have read most of the books on art history and the history of design, either as part of my university courses or through independent study. Yet sometimes I still enjoy revisiting them and exploring the works of each era again, dreaming of the day I can travel the world to see the original pieces up close.

How an economy grows and why it crashes by Peter Schiff and Andrew Schiff

May 21, 2024

Countries have paid their staggering debts by destroying their currency, resulting in their people sinking into the depths of misery.

This book seems overly simple to understand, yet its straightforward narrative effectively illustrates major economic changes in America. Through engaging storytelling, it skillfully explains concepts like recession, inflation, and imbalances, making it an excellent starting point for anyone looking to build their economic literacy. Not only does it enhance political awareness, but it also challenges our current, and perhaps overly simplistic, views of governments and political leaders.

Whoever tells the best story wins by Annette Simmons

May 5, 2024

Those who never dare to take the plunge and explore the world have very few stories to tell.

This book delves into the essence of storytelling, going beyond the techniques we often hear about and admire, wishing we could master them ourselves. It also offers practical exercises, which I found so engaging that I would complete them immediately while reading.

Storytelling, in my view, is a profound form of respect for our audience—those who dedicate their time and attention to our words. In return, we owe them authenticity, sharing our journey from triumph to failure in the most concise and meaningful way.

However, this isn’t a skill that can be mastered overnight or by simply reading a book. Becoming an accomplished storyteller requires daily practice, keen observation, and critical analysis of our narratives. It’s a journey of constant growth and self-reflection that ultimately shapes us into skilled narrators. Author Website: https://annettesimmons.com/

The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier

April 2, 2023

“A man’s intelligence is revealed by his answers, and his wisdom by his questions.” — Naguib Mahfouz

The most distinctive trait of talent-nurturing leaders is intellectual curiosity, which significantly empowers their teams compared to talent-crushing leaders. In fact, other essential leadership behaviors—such as asking great questions, active listening, coaching, and challenging others—all stem from this intellectual curiosity.

Before diving into this book, it’s recommended to read the author’s previous book “The Coaching Habit” to better internalize the concepts. The author emphasizes replacing advice-giving with curiosity and offers practical ways to tame this “advice monster.” Author Website: https://www.mbs.works/

The power of powerless by Václav Havel

March 26, 2024

Ideology is one of the pillars that supports and sustains the superstructure of a regime. However, this pillar is built on a very fragile foundation—a foundation constructed on lies. This structure will endure only as long as people are willing to live under a roof of falsehoods.

For someone like me, living in this sensitive and pivotal era of my country’s history, deep social awareness has become inevitable. My remedy these days is reading, researching, analyzing, and drawing parallels with history, seeking a turning point—a path toward freedom.

This book offers an essay on post-totalitarian regimes, a system that constantly touches people’s lives but always with hands concealed in ideological gloves. It is true what they say: those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. I read to understand what has left my Iran weary and wounded today and to discover how to find a way to the light, leaving darkness to the written pages of history.

Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools & The Thinker’s Guide to Fallacies books by Richard Paul & Linda Elder

December 31, 2023

I became deeply familiar with the power of critical thinking during my IELTS writing preparation two years ago. It was then I realized how crucial this skill is, especially in an era where information overload and persuasive narratives can easily shape our beliefs, goals, and perceptions. Understanding the logic behind every statement and claim is no longer optional; it’s a necessity.

It wasn’t your fault by Beverly Engel

December 3, 2023

“If everyone received the encouragement they need to grow, the genius in most everyone would blossom, and the world would produce abundance beyond our wildest dreams.” — Sidney Madwed

This book delves into three types of childhood abuse—emotional, physical, and sexual—often inflicted by close individuals, especially parents, which lay the foundation for deep shame and significant failures in adulthood. It also includes practical exercises that I found enjoyable and impactful while reading. Author Website: https://beverlyengel.com/it-wasnt-your-fault/

Think Least of Death: Spinoza on How to Live and How to Die by Steven M. Nadler

October 6, 2023

A free person is someone who lives guided by reason and is not ruled by fear but is directly led by the desire for goodness. This means their actions, life, and preservation of their being are based on their own benefit. Thus, they think of death less than anything else. Instead, their wisdom lies in thinking about life.

I began my journey into Western philosophy many years ago with the writings of Marcus Aurelius, which were remarkably straightforward and easy to grasp. In contrast, Spinoza’s works have proven to be far more complex, demanding multiple readings and consultation with several sources to fully comprehend.

Skin in the Game: The Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

June 10, 2022

Taleb examines how individuals’ decisions can significantly impact others without affecting themselves. He introduces the concept of the “minority rule,” illustrating how a small, intransigent group can influence societal norms and behaviors. Author Website: https://nassimtaleb.org/

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal

May 31, 2022

This book explains the process of creating a lasting and impactful product for users. One of the interesting quotes from the book is by Paul Graham, who says:
“Instead of asking, ‘What problem should I solve?’ ask yourself, ‘What problem do I wish someone would solve for me?’ Author Website: https://www.nirandfar.com/hooked/

Made to stick: Why Some Ideas Survive, and Others Die by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

May 6, 2022

The book provides excellent examples of both successful and unsuccessful ideas, highlighting the key factors that contribute to their success. It explains where we should present our ideas emotionally, where they should be simple and concrete, or even unexpected, to make them more impactful and memorable.

Inevitable by Kevin Kelly

January 22, 2022

This book offers an insightful exploration of future technological trends, highlighting twelve forces that will shape our lives in the coming decades. While Kelly presents an optimistic view of technological advancements, it’s important to recognize that such progress can be exploited by authoritarian regimes. These governments may leverage emerging technologies to enhance surveillance, suppress dissent, and maintain control, leading to new forms of oppression.

For instance, advancements in artificial intelligence and data analytics can enable mass monitoring of citizens, infringing on privacy and civil liberties. Without transparency and ethical governance, the same technologies that have the potential to empower individuals can be used to perpetuate systemic abuses. Therefore, while The Inevitable provides a comprehensive roadmap of technological evolution, it’s crucial to approach this future with a critical perspective, advocating for safeguards that prevent misuse and promote human rights. Author Website: https://kk.org/

Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely

December 25, 2021

This book, focused on behavioral economics, explores the underlying structures and factors influencing our decisions through scientific research and tangible examples. Dan Ariely discusses how our initial experiences can anchor our perceptions and decisions, a concept related to herd behavior. This idea suggests that our first encounters set a precedent, influencing subsequent choices and leading us to follow established patterns. Author Website: https://danariely.com/

Indistractable; How to control your attention and choose your life by Nir Eyal

November 30, 2021

Taking control of our moments with high productivity is not only deeply satisfying but also leaves tangible and meaningful results. This book introduces methods and tools to help us improve our focus.

However, after years of observing myself, I’ve realized that each person must discover their own path to achieving focus. For me, the key to deep concentration lies in a simple yet effective routine. Every morning, I start my day by reading a book and writing a few lines about my emotions. Afterward, I light a candle and listen to Secret Garden’s music. No technology has ever been as helpful to me as pen, paper, and my own awareness. This routine has become my way of creating clarity and mindfulness in a noisy, distracted world. Author Website: https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable/

Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke

November 6, 2021

I listened to this book on the Taaghche app, and I feel it’s worth revisiting in physical form.
In summary, if we free ourselves from the trap of outcome-focused thinking, we can grow and make better decisions.

The death of expertise By Tom Nichols

Jul 10, 2020

If democracy is seen as an endless demand for unwarranted respect for unfounded beliefs, anything becomes possible, including the end of the democratic republic.

Ancient Chinese wisdom warns: Beware of the craftsman who claims to have 20 years of experience when, in reality, they have only repeated one year of experience 20 times.

Today, anyone with the most accessible tool—a mobile phone—can consider themselves an expert, simply because they can access vast amounts of information with a quick search. I read this book about five years ago, back when Instagram wasn’t a primary source of education.

Now, in 2025, I see people turning to this platform for guidance on parenting, earning income, interacting with their spouse or others, and, most alarmingly, addressing health issues. The gap between experts and the general public has grown exponentially. Even professionals, at least in Iran, often turn into trend-driven bloggers, producing shallow content to stay relevant. Author Podcast: https://podcast.thebulwark.com/guests/tom-nichols