Of course, reading is first and foremost an immense pleasure. But it goes far beyond that. Various studies have shown that reading allows us to press a single pause button to train and strengthen our brains. It also has the power to reduce stress and acquire new knowledge to benefit our cognitive reserve. And of course, reading can also give meaning to our choices. This is all the more important if you're a digital nomad and have chosen to radically transform your life. That's why we've come up with eight essential books to fuel your thinking. Here they are.
"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss
Published in 2009, Timothy Ferris's book had all the makings of a revolutionary work. Who, 16 years ago, would have dared to bet on a drastic reduction in the working week and its benefits? "The 4-hour week" remains a benchmark. In many ways, it's a must-read for digital nomads. Always relevant, it presents different strategies for escaping the traditional 9-to-5 grind, focusing on effective time management and creating income streams that allow individuals to work less and travel more. In short, it's all about inventing a new life, free of all spatial and temporal constraints.
"Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts
Let yourself be carried away by the unknown. That, in essence, is the message of the book. Rolf Potts emphasizes the transformative power of long-term travel. For the author, embracing the unexpected by immersing oneself in local cultures has a cathartic, almost redemptive virtue. For digital nomads, the book opens up endless perspectives and a truly philosophical approach to wandering the world.
"Remote: Office Not Required" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
This book is packed with practical advice on remote working. Whether you're an individual or a company, it offers an incredible number of tips to help you embrace the concept, meet the challenges, and reap the benefits of remote jobs. While digital nomads often blur the boundaries between work and leisure, the book offers real help in achieving a good work-life balance when you're constantly on the road.
"Digital Minimalism" by Cal Newport
It's an understatement to say that we're constantly connected. How, then, can we avoid drowning in a flood of information (which, admittedly, is far from always interesting)? In his book, Cal Newport argues for a mindful approach to technology. This should help digital nomads achieve a virtuous balance between staying connected and preserving moments of solitude. That's the whole point of the "digital minimalism" advocated by the author in order to promote creativity when traveling.
"The $100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau
Of course, even on the road, you have to earn money. The key? To be able to generate a steady stream of income so you can live your travels to the full. With this in mind, "The $100 Startup" is an invaluable read. Chris Guillebeau outlines practical steps to launch a microbusiness with minimal investment, allowing individuals to monetize their skills and expertise while on the move. This book empowers digital nomads to turn their passions into profit and create sustainable sources of income.
"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg
In this book, the author goes in search of the science behind our habits, which, as we know, are not without impact on our personal and professional lives. It can help digital nomads establish a minimal routine in unfamiliar environments which is an essential element in improving both productivity and well-being.
"Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
It's undeniably one of the classics of 20th-century world literature. Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha takes the reader on a rare spiritual journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. As digital nomads explore new horizons, this book offers a philosophical exploration of the paths to fulfillment and the pursuit of inner harmony. Its teachings can inspire them to seek deeper meanings as they have taken on a life of global adventures.
"Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer
Some people are familiar with the movie. But before Sean Penn adapted it for the big screen, "Into the Wild" was a book by Jon Krakauer. It recounts the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who left behind the comforts of society to embrace a life of adventure in the wilderness. This move can be seen as a bit extreme but this book prompts reflection on the essence of freedom, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a less ordinary life. In short, it stimulates the thinking of digital nomads by inviting them to meditate about the choices they make.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Please feel free to submit your own selection of books. We look forward to hearing from you...