In a world driven by soundbites, virality, and noise, the best ideas still live in books tucked between lines, layered in nuance, and too thoughtful to trend.
At Nines, we often say: “The loudest voices rarely shape the most lasting outcomes.” This applies to leadership, capital, and influence. It also applies to how we read.
We’ve curated a reading list for those who value depth over dopamine books that have quietly shaped how leaders think about legacy, decisions, reputation, and restraint. These titles don’t shout. They stay.
This isn’t your typical reading list. It’s for those inside the Circle where attention is scarce, but insight is sacred.
1. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Why it matters: Because smart investors often fail not due to lack of knowledge but lack of temperament. This book offers timeless wisdom on behavior, decision-making, and emotional discipline around wealth. It's required reading for anyone building multi-generational capital.
2. Range by David Epstein
Why it matters: Because deep generalists not narrow specialists will lead the future of innovation. This book shows why breadth of experience and interdisciplinary thinking often outperform early specialization a valuable lens for modern founders and investors.
3. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
Why it matters: Because your biggest risk isn’t ignorance, it’s cognitive bias. Dobelli distills dozens of behavioral traps that skew decisions, investments, and leadership. It’s the perfect read for anyone who wants to lead with clarity, not assumption.
4. Legacy by James Kerr
Why it matters: Because culture, humility, and collective excellence build what talent alone cannot. This book reveals leadership lessons from the All Blacks arguably the most successful sports team in history. A goldmine for founders building lasting cultures.
5. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
Why it matters: Because wisdom compounds faster than capital. A modern classic on wealth, leverage, and self-awareness, ideal for decision-makers who value independence over applause, and long-term thinking over urgency.
Why This Reading List Matters Now
In a high-noise, low-depth digital economy, these books offer something rare: mental whitespace. They help leaders think slower, decide better, and lead more deliberately.
From wealth psychology to systems thinking, each of these titles supports the values that define the Nines Network - intentionality, discretion, and quiet excellence.