Books · Side Quests
Design, leadership, a little perspective.
And a few pages away from a screen.
A year of short readings that brings Stoic philosophy into everyday life. Holiday and Hanselman pair ideas from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus with reflections on how we judge events, choose our actions, and respond to what we cannot change.
Second edition
A practical guide to the psychology behind intuitive products. Yablonski connects familiar design patterns to the ways people notice, remember, decide, and act, helping designers explain why an experience works and apply those insights responsibly.
Elad Gil examines the leadership and organizational changes needed as a startup becomes a large company, drawing on operator experience and founder interviews.
A history of interactive computing through J. C. R. Licklider and the people who helped turn his vision into networked, personal technology.
Claire Hughes Johnson explains how to build the operating practices that help people and companies grow, from hiring to feedback and development.
Learning to Learn
Hamming explores how to develop the thinking behind significant scientific and engineering work, using lessons from his own career and other innovators.
A guided companion for turning Stoic ideas into a regular writing practice. Prompts and reflections create space to consider the day ahead, look honestly at the day behind, and connect philosophy to choices you actually make.
Robertson follows the life of Marcus Aurelius to explore Stoicism as a lived practice. The story connects an emperor’s challenges with ways of examining our judgments, handling difficult emotions, and acting according to our values.
Kevin Leman explores the lasting influence a father can have on his daughter’s confidence and relationships. Drawing on parenting stories and practical advice, the book puts the everyday father–daughter relationship at the center.
A collection of daily reflections on showing up as a parent. Holiday draws on history, stories, and his own experience to explore patience, perspective, and the steady work of being the role model a child needs.