World domination…some of us want it but only one can get it. In an increasingly globalized world, expect more competition than ever on your quest for glory. And don’t think your college degree makes you secure! Even safe prospects such as global power are being outsourced to emerging economies in India and China. And with the older workforce being driven out, don’t be surprised if you find yourself training your replacement. Here are some books that I have read that may be pertinent to your current situation as well as your dreams for the future.

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli

A staple read for anyone with a drive. Does your pretentious friend use the word “Machiavellian” out of context? Well, read its origins to find out why. This short piece on power will be supremely relevant to your ambitions. Written in the 1500’s, it is your job as a 21st-century citizen to read it, understand it, and bring it forward into a new age.

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

If you read The Prince but don’t know where to go, this is your next book. Here, Robert Greene meticulously dissects knowledge from civilizations spanning history. From the ancient Chinese emperors to modern politicians, reading this tome will provide you with the ideas and concepts that have echoed throughout humanity.

Greene has actually received flak from this children’s story. Those who oppose Greene’s wisdom claim his “laws” are too harsh and “Machiavellian” (see, I used it in the proper context. Because I’m not a douchebag.). But that is actually the point. Robert Greene’s quest in writing this was not to give a rosey-eyed view of the world, but to scientifically explain what human beings will do to attain power and how they do it.

This is a superb read for anyone who loves history, but it is especially paramount for you. Read this now. It will serve as a guidebook for domination.

The Art of Power by Jon Meacham

One of America’s founding fathers and one of the strongest advocates for liberty. Thomas Jefferson was a complex individual. One with high ambitions, high intelligence, but a tumultuous life.

A Renaissance man who saw the beauty in nature and hope in humanity. With an otherwise impeccable character, his place in history is muddled with the reality of him being a slaveowner. Owning hundreds of slaves in his lifetime, it has become a stain on his legacy. Many would like to simplify this man as a hypocrite, but life is always more complex than that. Within these pages are the answers on how to juggle power, politics, and most importantly, oneself.

Read this to understand the complexities of morality, the different worlds history has lived in, and the responsibility of supreme authority. Internalize this, and if you still want to conquer the world, you should probably do the exact opposite as Thomas Jefferson.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Do you actually think this book is about colorful pictures and eating fun foods? Don’t be so naïve. Read it again and tell me what it is really trying to say.

An Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Box

Many don’t know this, but Orville has inserted cryptic messages within his popcorn. Nothing represents the dangers of authority more than the popcorn kernel. The way it emerges from nothing into a delicious snack is surely a metaphor for your journey. Read the nutrition facts to know how much the popcorn will account for your daily cholesterol, then read the inside to see Mr. R’s message on strength and leadership.

Thank you for reading all of the way through. Now understand that in this economy new opportunities are awaiting you left and right. Take the ideas in this blog as seeds for the future, and then pick those fruits of knowledge whenever necessary. Let me know if I missed any good reads and I will surely address them in the future.