Essential readings on philosophy, personal development and critical thinking
The year 2026 is just beginning and there is no better time to renew the reading list. If you are looking for recommended books to read in 2026 that will help you reflect, grow, and better understand today’s world, this list is for you.
I have already read the following 12 books (some even reread) and I recommend them for their depth, validity and ability to leave a mark. Time is limited, so the sooner you start reading, the better.
1. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
A short but deeply symbolic novel. It combines narrative simplicity with a great philosophical charge about perseverance, dignity and personal struggle. Its message changes depending on the stage of life you are in, making it a constant rereading.
👉 I have a review published on the blog.
2. Non-Things – Byung-Chul Han
My first approach to this contemporary German philosopher, which today I consider essential. It looks at how we’ve gone from owning physical objects to living surrounded by digital experiences: photos, memories, music, and entertainment hosted in the cloud. A key book to understand digital alienation and contemporary life.
3. The Dip – Seth Godin
One of the most honest books on the concept of giving up on time. Godin explains why insisting on dead-end projects can cost us our most valuable resource: time.
Short, direct and actionable, ideal for entrepreneurs and creatives.
4. 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think – Brianna Wiest
A collection of short essays loaded with introspection and practical advice. It’s a book that you can always come back to when you need clarity, focus, or motivation.
👉 I also have a review available on the blog.
5. Breaking the habit of being yourself – Joe Dispenza
A book to question deep beliefs and understand how mental habits shape our reality. Although it may sound mystical, its approach is based on neuroscience and quantum physics. Ideal if you’re at a personal or professional point of change.
6. Scary Smart – Mo Gawdat
A disturbing and necessary reflection on the future of artificial intelligence. The author, a former Google executive, lays out both the risks and opportunities of this technology. A book that seems like science fiction, but that could become reality faster than we think.
7. Lessons from the Pandemic – J. A. Méndez (Spanish Edition)
My second novel, written with an approach that mixes fiction and non-fiction. It is developed as a TED-type conference, where real solutions for a post-pandemic world are proposed.
A current, thoughtful and provocative book. As bonus you can look up my first novel THE PLAN which is available in English and serves as an introduction to this one.
8. The Stranger – Albert Camus
One of the best introductions to existentialism and the philosophy of the absurd. Its beginning is one of the most memorable in modern literature. I recommend accompanying it with The Myth of Sisyphus for a deeper understanding.
9. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – Eric Jorgenson
A compilation of ideas, quotes and reflections by Naval Ravikant on wealth, happiness and personal freedom. A practical, inspiring book that is perfect as a recurring reference work.
10. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
Unfiltered self-help. Manson gets straight to the point and invites you to take full responsibility for your life. One of the best books in the genre for its brutal honesty and clarity.
11. Contemplative Life – Byung-Chul Han
The author’s second book on this list (and rightly so). A defense of silence, boredom and contemplation as antidotes to modern autopilot.
Highly recommended to reconnect with creativity.
12. Humankind – Rutger Bregman
A profoundly human and necessary book. Bregman demonstrates, with historical data and facts, that cooperation and empathy have been the basis of human progress.
A hopeful read in times of uncertainty.
Conclusion
If you can only read 12 books in 2026, these are the ones I personally recommend. Each one has given me ideas, questions and inspiration that I continue to use today.
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