Sometimes life feels like being trapped in a river, moved by a current far stronger than we are. For me, Santiago's fight against the billfish, in The Old Man And The Sea, is a metaphor of this struggle. When the outside world is ruthless and everything is out of your control, the only solution must be inside.

One of my favorite theatrical works, this classic of French literature is beautifully written in verse, but also really funny. But is also provides a profound reflection on masculinity and the heroic figure. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the concept of 'panache', the art of integrity and courage even when the odds are stacked against you.

Scientists often seek the ultimate truth, but Russell asks: What can we actually know for sure? In The Problems of Philosophy, he argues that the true role of philosophy is to help us define the grounds of solid knowledge and the necessity of doubt. 

In Ancient Greece and Rome, philosophy wasn't just a scholarly discipline; it was a way of life. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, taught me the core of Stoicism through his Meditations: how to pick my battles and let go of the things I cannot control.

Learning how to sleep, alongside daily journaling, is probably the most influential habit I have worked to optimize. This book was my entry point into sleep science. It taught me that sleep is not just downtime, it is the foundation for performing better physically and cognitively, stabilizing my mood, and, at the end of the day, living a happier life.

My work as a researcher requires periods of intense focus to think, innovate, and write. Focusing without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks is more than a skill, it is a true superpower that must be mastered. In a world where distractions and outside demands are increasingly difficult to manage, Newport provided the framework I needed.

Biology is for me a fascinating and beautiful science. Richard Dawkins is my favorite guide to the amazing complexity of life and the evolutionary process. The Selfish Gene holds a special place in my heart: it was the book that, at a pivotal moment, revived my passion for reading.

Thomas Kuhn is a major figure in the philosophy of science. His work introduced the concepts of paradigms, normal science, and scientific revolutions. This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand how science truly progresses, not through steady accumulation, but through radical shifts in how we perceive the world.