Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand

I read this book in high school, and again in 1988.  It describes the rugged individualism required to succeed in life, and in my opinion gives insight as to how to succeed as a chiropractor.  Who is John Galt after all?  One of the best books I have read.  I am sure I will enjoy it yet again some day.

The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand

Dedication to principle is the theme.  Howard Roark could be BJ Palmer, Frank Lloyd Wright, or anyone with conviction, confidence and raw honesty.  Roark is my hero, and Rand brings him to life in a way that is pure and honest, just like the structure-function philosophy absent any unneeded decoration espoused by Roark in this book.  The parallels to chiropractic philosophy and practice in the world we live in are uncanny.

My Side of the Mountain, Jean Craighead George

I read this at least three times in grade school…I have read it aloud to my children, it is a wonderful story, full of lessons every child and adult should learn.  You can escape to the Catskill Mountains, and live off the land with Sam Gribley without leaving your easy chair.  However, I promise you will never look at a hawk, the mountains, or even a large tree the same after you live with Sam for a year...

Nearer My God, William F. Buckley

Bill Buckley reveals his personal relationship with God, by telling the story of his life and religion from a first person perspective.  Be sure you have a dictionary handy when you read Buckley, he has a command of the English language and a vocabulary that rivals Shakespear's.  However, you will be rewarded with not only the wisdom of this book, but also learn about writing and vocabulary from one of the champion authors of our time.

Shogun, James Clavelle

Learn about the rich culture of Japan, and what life was like when a code of honor was a way of life.  The Samurai code, and the beauty of subtlety come alive in this detailed contrast of life in feudal Japan.  A modern man from the West becomes a modern, timeless man of the East.  Blackthorn learns to live life in a completely new way.  What an adventure!

Intellectuals, Paul Johnson

This book really opened my eyes.  Read about how the great minds in history lived, often in stark contrast with what they taught, espoused, and advocated.  As President Reagan said, “trust but verify”, this book will help you to understand the men behind the thoughts, and the “Do as I say, not as I do…” philosophy of many of histories brightest minds.

Modern Times, Paul Johnson

If you hated history in school, give it a second chance.  Read Paul Johnson, (and Daniel Boorstin) and discover how wonderful it can be to learn about those that came before us… “Those that ignore the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them…”

The Prize, Daniel Yergin

An old friend gave this book to me as a gift.  It filled in all the gaps for me regarding the history of the world from the mid-1800's, and the movers and shakers that have shaped our modern world. This book teaches the history of oil, and all the characters that made it the commodity that it is today. A great present, and a great book…

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald’s story captures a slice of life, the veneer that is so beautiful, yet in reality, quite different.  The tragic tale of a man trying to improve himself, only to lose his identity by chasing a dream inconsistent with what really mattered.  Full of lessons, why you should never try to be something your not…

Books by Eric Hoffer

I discovered Eric Hoffer purely by accident when exploring a used bookstore in Mendocino, CA in 1992.  I collected and read all the books he wrote, fascinated by this self taught gentleman, with a unique perspective on life.  I especially think The True Believer will open your eyes to what is happening with the followers in chiropractic, politics and other mass movements.

The Ordeal of Change, Eric Hoffer

The Temper of Our Time, Eric Hoffer

Truth Imagined, Eric Hoffer

The True Believer, Eric Hoffer

First Things, Last Things, Eric Hoffer

Working and Thinking on the Waterfront, Eric Hoffer

Makers of Mathematics, Alfred Hooper

This book answered so many of the questions I had as a young boy about the “why” of mathematics, how the world has been shaped and changed by the application of mathematics to the natural world.  I learned a great deal from this book.

Summa Contra Gentiles, St. Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas was one of the most brilliant scholars in Western Civilization.  I read this particular text when a student at St. Mary’s College.  I learned a lot about the art of the intellectual argument, and how logic applied to our understanding of God, helps to support faith.

An Autobiography, Frank Lloyd Wright

I have read a great number of books about Wright, his work, and his thoughts.  I am fascinated by his work, and inspired by his intellect and thoughts, and sympathetic to his many challenges in life.  He was, like many geniuses, cast from a different mold.  He had many personal failings, yet always rose to the top due to his indefatigable spirit, and undying dedication to work at something bigger than self.  An inspiring individual that speaks to chiropractors from his organic and structure function origins in a way consistent with chiropractic philosophy.

The Natural House, Frank Lloyd Wright

I have read a great number of books about Wright, his work, and his thoughts.  I am fascinated by his work, and inspired by his intellect and thoughts, and sympathetic to his many challenges in life.  He was, like many geniuses, cast from a different mold.  He had many personal failings, yet always rose to the top due to his indefatigable spirit, and undying dedication to work at something bigger than self.  An inspiring individual that speaks to chiropractors from his organic and structure function origins in a way consistent with chiropractic philosophy.

Frank Lloyd Wright, A Film by Ken Burns

I have read a great number of books about Wright, his work, and his thoughts.  I am fascinated by his work, and inspired by his intellect and thoughts, and sympathetic to his many challenges in life.  He was, like many geniuses, cast from a different mold.  He had many personal failings, yet always rose to the top due to his indefatigable spirit, and undying dedication to work at something bigger than self.  An inspiring individual that speaks to chiropractors from his organic and structure function origins in a way consistent with chiropractic philosophy.

Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television, Jerry Mander

I read this book in 1991, after making the decision to eliminate cable television for a number of reasons…primarily to avoid wasting time!  I never looked back.  Since that time, I have not routinely had television as part of my regular day.   I certainly enjoy film, and when I travel, or spend time at the family lake home in California I will watch the food channel, or Discovery with some enthusiasm, however, TV has never been the influence in my life that it has been in others.  I always thought by the way that the commercials are the really interesting part of TV, and I do enjoy analyzing them I think it keeps me tuned into what is moving the folks out there in our country.

Books by Daniel Boorstein

Daniel Boorstin makes history read like a John Grisham novel!  I have read all his books, and enjoy them immensely.  He has a unique way of putting all the facts together and tells the story of history better than anyone I have ever read.  Read them all…really.

The Creators, Daniel Boorstin

The Discoverers, Daniel Boorstin

The Seekers, Daniel Boorstin

Cleopatra’s Nose, Daniel Boorstin

The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America, Daniel Boorstin

The Americans, Daniel Boorstin

The Not So Big House, Susan Susanka

Your space has a profound impact on your psyche…read this book for practical as well as philosophical understanding of this often overlooked factor in balance and success.

Patterns of Home, Jacobson, Silverstein, Winslow

The book that started it all, the understanding of space, and it’s influence on performance.  Your home is your castle, however, perhaps it should be viewed differently.  This book is for the person truly interested in architecture as a hobby or profession, and for the person building a house that could become a home.

Discover Your Genius, Michael Gelb

A good book for getting you thinking, and for perhaps changing some habits…if you want to start reading and writing with some of your free time, the exercises in this book will help you to start doing so.