On Books

Books that have significantly influenced me.

Edmondo de Amicis: Heart

(As a child, I found it hidden in my Dad’s bookcase.) It’s a large B4-format book with exquisite engravings; its content completely fascinated me and attuned me once and for all to an idealistic-sentimental-romantic view. I kept it in my room and never really told my Dad how much it enchanted me because I thought I would have been teased for liking a book that some might consider kitsch. And there was something about it that didn’t quite ring true.
However, the book was, and still is, beautiful; I often think about it and I still know exactly where it is in my bookcase.It was around this time that I started to create my own concept of life as a heavenly garden in as much as we wish and believe it to be. And the heavenly garden is full of beautiful colours and sounds, tame and harmless animals, loyal friends, intelligent, sophisticated yet passionate people, outstanding artists, excellent food, brilliant cooks, radiant women and handsome men.

Napoleon Hill:Think and Grow Rich

(I have read this book three times in succession.) A slender book that appeared at the right time, in the right place. The right place was in my hand and in the Czech Republic. The right time was 1990; ‘year zero’. I devoured the book word by word; on the tram, on the bus, before going to sleep and upon waking. It was this book that taught me to believe in myself, to pursue my own aims but still treat others well. I would call this period of life my ‘managerial period’; a time of pursuing material dreams and pleasing my ego. All of this, too, is essential for personal growth.

Erhard Freitag: The Subconscious Mind: A Source of Unlimited Power

(I read this book over and over again between 1996 and 1997.) I often go back to this book. It really touched me deeply and convinced me that my own faith can do amazing things. It also taught me how to understand myself and my feelings. This book is incredibly optimistic. And just like Napoleon Hill, Erhard Freitag encourages us to do incredible things.

And I mustn’t forget to mention one more book:

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche: The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep

Some parts of this book are simply amazing. No further comment needed.

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