Ask HN: Books on specific topics that have applied to many areas of your life?

What are books that you read for a specific topic, that you've found massive use for in a variety of areas in daily life?

I thought to submit this thread after reading

> Reading the book (on operant conditioning, with particular emphasis on how it can be used to train dogs) was transformative for me. Operant conditioning is such a major force in shaping our behaviour. I learnt an awful lot of things from this book which should have been taught in school; I see the principles around me in action every day, but they're just not the kind of thing one habitually pays attention to.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11425249

In regards to a book about dog training.

Other books I've seen this mentioned about:

- "The Inner Game of Tennis"

- "Nonviolent Communication"

- "The Design of Everyday Things"

- "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk"

What are books you read on a specific topic, that have ended up changing your view of daily life, or being useful in many more situations than just the topic of the book?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts. The book is a historical analysis of the culmination of zen buddhism from its roots in hindu, buddhist, and toaist philosophies. Watts presents a perspective on how to approach your everyday life (relationships, communication, work, play, boredom, stress, anxiety, happiness, sadness) that is contrary to how we're taught to live in the "western world".

Chaos. Godel, Escher, Bach. Flatworld.

You’ll get enough non-fiction recommendations. Something fictional (barely) and a lot more relaxed: The Remains of the Day, Ishiguro. It’s a chance to think about work/life split, life accomplishments, and professional vs personal identity.

If you like that, check out Larry’s Party by Carol Shields.