The book this episode covers
How to Do Great Work
Paul Graham · Reading rank 22 · in 12 other episodes
David says the essay displaced his planned reading and gave him goosebumps.
Dedicated episode · Explicit praise · Founder theme
Books David recommends along the way
Against the Odds
James Dyson · Reading rank 1 · in 25 other episodes
David calls this his number-one book recommendation.
Explicit praise
Paul Graham's Essays
Paul Graham · Reading rank 29 · in 11 other episodes
David recalls spending three weeks reading and rereading Paul Graham’s essays, describing a practice he has continued for years.
Reread language
How to Do What You Love
Paul Graham · Reading rank 246 · in 4 other episodes
David reads Paul Graham’s How to Do What You Love and uses its passage on finding work one loves to frame project choice.
Founder theme
How to Work Hard
Paul Graham · Reading rank 375 · in 1 other episode
David calls How to Work Hard 'another great essay' and links it for listeners.
Explicit praise
Life Is Short
Paul Graham · Reading rank 408
David recommends reading Life Is Short directly after How to Do Great Work.
Explicit praise
Also mentioned
Lighting Out for the Territory
Roy Morris Jr. · Reading rank 175 · in 5 other episodes
Cross-episode reference
Each note is a short paraphrase of why David brings the book up. Book pages show every piece of evidence and its review status. How ranking works