Gabor Maté's When the Body Says No explores the mind-body connection in illness, arguing that repressed emotions and chronic stress significantly contribute to various chronic conditions.

Maté uses case studies illustrating how patients' emotional coping mechanisms, often rooted in childhood experiences, impact their physical health.

The book examines multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions, highlighting the role of emotional repression and the inadequacy of solely biomedical approaches.

Maté emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional expression in promoting healing and preventing disease.

Finally, he challenges the prevailing medical dualism separating mind and body, advocating for a more holistic understanding of health and illness.

Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score explores the lasting impact of trauma on the brain, body, and mind. The book examines various approaches to trauma treatment, highlighting the importance of somatic therapies and reconnecting with the body to overcome the effects of trauma.

Kolk details his experiences treating patients with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind and body. He also discusses the limitations of traditional talk therapy and the effectiveness of alternative methods like EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback.

Finally, the text advocates for a broader understanding of trauma that considers its developmental impact and social context.

Yuval Noah Harari's Nexus examines the history of information networks, arguing that human cooperation, enabled by the ability to share and believe in stories, has driven the development of large-scale societies.

The book contrasts democratic and totalitarian systems, analyzes how different information networks manage truth and order, and focuses on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence.

Harari explores the interplay between mythology and bureaucracy in shaping societies, highlighting the potential for both beneficial and harmful uses of information technologies.

The book also discusses the impact of mass media and the ongoing tension between maintaining societal order and pursuing truth. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic self-correcting mechanisms in the age of powerful AI.

Adlerian psychology, as explained through a philosophical dialogue in The Courage to Be Disliked, asserts that past traumas are irrelevant to present happiness. The book argues that individuals create their own unhappiness by setting self-defeating goals and avoiding responsibility.

It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, courage, and contributing to the community to achieve true fulfillment. The book details how to overcome feelings of inferiority, break free from interpersonal relationship problems by separating tasks, and ultimately find happiness in the present moment.

Kishimi & Koga stress that freedom is not about satisfying others' expectations but about living authentically and accepting the possibility of being disliked.

Thibaut Meurisse's "Dopamine Detox" explains how overstimulation from modern technology and readily available rewards hijacks the brain's dopamine system, leading to procrastination and decreased productivity.

The book proposes a three-step method for a dopamine detox—identifying distractions, adding friction to bad habits, and creating a positive morning routine—to regain focus and achieve goals.

Different detox durations are suggested, ranging from a partial detox to a 48-hour complete digital and sensory fast.

The book emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, planning, and building sustainable habits to avoid relapsing into overstimulation.

Finally, it promotes cultivating "here-and-now" neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin to counter dopamine's effects and achieve lasting fulfillment.

Meditations by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius explores Aurelius's life, highlighting his philosophical leanings and pragmatic rule of the Roman Empire. 

Excerpts from Meditations showcase Aurelius's Stoic philosophy, offering reflections on virtue, death, and the nature of reality.

The work emphasizes self-improvement, acceptance of fate, and pursuing a virtuous life within the context of personal and imperial responsibilities. Finally, the text includes acknowledgements and annotations, providing context for the translation.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich offers a realistic portrayal of a single day in the life of a Soviet prisoner in a forced labour camp.

The storyfocuses on Shukhov's experiences, including his unjust punishment, his struggles to survive the harsh conditions, and his interactions with fellow prisoners and guards. 

Shukhov's resourcefulness and resilience are highlighted as he navigates the day's challenges, from avoiding unnecessary work to securing food and maintaining his dignity.

The narrative depicts the dehumanizing aspects of the camp system, emphasizing the constant struggle for survival and the importance of camaraderie among prisoners. "The Baptists" are emblematic figures of elevating beyond suffering and living in the moment despite unpredictable cruelty.

Solzhenitsyn masterfully weaves together the mundane details of daily life with the larger political context of the Stalinist regime.

Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago is an abridged account of the Soviet forced labour camp system. The book offers excerpts, focusing on the experiences of prisoners, the methods of interrogation and torture employed by the NKVD, and the vast scale of the Gulag system.

It details the various waves of arrests targeting diverse groups, from political opponents to common criminals, illustrating the system's arbitrary nature. 

Solzhenitsyn highlights the psychological impact of imprisonment and the moral compromises faced by both prisoners and guards.

Finally, the selection concludes with reflections on the enduring consequences of the Gulag and the lingering societal effects of the system's brutality.

Nick Trenton's "Stop Overthinking" presents 23 techniques to manage anxiety and overthinking.

The book explores the interplay of genetics, environment, and personal thought patterns in contributing to anxiety. It offers practical strategies, including the "4 A's of Stress Management" (avoid, alter, accept, adapt), journaling techniques, and the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method for immediate relief.

Furthermore, Trenton details relaxation methods, such as autogenic training, visualization, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to reframe negative thoughts. Finally, he emphasizes cultivating positive attitudes to foster long-term mental well-being.

Robert Greene's The Laws of Human Nature explores the irrational forces driving human behaviour. It analyzes various biases and psychological patterns, such as envy, grandiosity, and the shadow self, illustrating them with historical examples.

Greene also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and the cultivation of rationality to navigate social interactions and achieve personal goals. Furthermore, Greene discusses the significance of understanding one's character, adapting to changing circumstances, and developing a strong sense of purpose.

Finally, he explores the dynamics of leadership and influence, highlighting strategies for projecting authority and mastering the art of persuasion.