5 Books for 2026
You will surely notice that the selection—much like last year—only tangentially relates to the internet and web development. This is intentional. The internet, on a smaller scale, represents the world at large—in both its positive and negative aspects. Instead of getting lost in the minutiae of various technologies and developments, I believe it’s more important to maintain a bird’s-eye view of the significant trends and moods of our world.
Feel inspired—and please feel free to write to me at kontakt@netjutant.de to share your thoughts on this selection and which books you would recommend.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb: Fooled by Randomness
We humans often believe that we have our lives and careers firmly in our own hands. However, this is a fallacy. In the Book of Proverbs, written around 3,000 years ago, the wise King Solomon states: “A man makes many plans in his heart; but the counsel of the LORD stands.“
Believers refer to it as the counsel of God, while Taleb calls it randomness. Either way, it is important to recognise that we are all subjected to this uncontrollable force, as well as to acknowledge that the talk shows and bookshelves of this world are filled with individuals who mostly had luck in their lives and careers. We see success, overlook failures, and tend to seek connections where none exist.
The book “Fooled by Randomness” raises awareness of these cognitive errors and contemplates how to find a wise path in a world that we cannot control.
Title: Fooled by Randomness – The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets
Author: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Publisher: Penguin Random House
ISBN: 9780812975215
Trump / Schwartz: The Art of the Deal
Since his re-election last year, no one can ignore Donald Trump. Despite this being his second term, confusion remains widespread in Germany and Europe as a whole: How can we filter out what is truly important from the daily media frenzy on the USA and their president? What are Trump’s actual intentions? Are there guidelines that influence his actions?
Similar questions were asked about Germany and its new leader around 90 years ago—and people would have been wise to read his autobiography. This would not only have provided them with a better understanding of this man’s essence and worldview but also of his political plans and ideas.
History is repeating itself today. Yet, almost no one has read Trump’s autobiography. In it, he clearly explains his policies and attitudes—making it abundantly clear that a positive “deal” for himself is paramount for him. Above everything.
Title: The Art of the Deal
Authors: Donald J. Trump / Tony Schwartz
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
ISBN: 978-0399594496
Harro v. Senger: The Book of Stratagems
While Donald Trump’s plans keep us on our toes, the People’s Republic of China is also pursuing its grand ambitions in the background. Few would doubt that China already plays a decisive role in the theatre of great powers—a role that is likely to grow even larger in the future.
One concept that every schoolchild in China learns, which has shaped strategic thinking for thousands of years, is the “36 Stratagems.” Stratagems are lists that can be applied in both wartime and peacetime to achieve the most favourable outcome for one’s own side. I have already introduced one of these, Stratagem 20, in a blog post.
If you are interested in China, its history, and the mindset of its rulers, I highly recommend this book by China expert Harro von Senger. It is extremely engaging to read and not only provides a deep insight into the fascinating culture and history of China but also recounts numerous anecdotes from world history to make the stratagems vivid and illustrative.
Title: The Book of Stratagems: Tactics for Triumph and Survival
Author: Harro v. Senger
Publisher: Viking
ISBN: 978-0670839629
Mark McCaughrean: 111 Places in Space That You Must Not Miss
For those seeking a bit of distraction after a dive into current world politics, I recommend the book “111 Places in Space That You Must Not Miss.”
Frequent travellers may be familiar with the book series “111 Places…”, which is available in both German and English for various locations around the world. Recently, there has been a similarly diverse travel guide released for outer space. Fancy a trip to Jupiter and its moons? Or perhaps to the 90-metre-high cliffs on the comet “Tschuri”? Or even to other galaxies?
The stunning images, along with the scientifically grounded yet humourously written texts in the style of classic travelogues, fill me with reverent awe for the enormity of the universe—reminding us to put the problems of this world into the right perspective.
Title: 111 Places in Space That You Must Not Miss
Author: Mark McCaughrean
Publisher: Emons Verlag
ISBN: 978-3-7408-0601-9
Peter Frankopan: The Silk Roads
The theme of this collection of books for 2026 is to recognise the broader trends of the world, enabling us to adapt more effectively in both work and private life. A look into history is always helpful, as it serves as an important teacher for the present.
Those of us who, like me, grew up in Germany typically have a very Western-centric view of world history. In his book “Light from the East,” Peter Frankopan attempts to broaden this perspective. While reading, I often experienced moments of revelation, where cultural and historical connections became clear that I had previously overlooked. I find it fascinating that the Vikings dined on Chinese porcelain, how the first stock exchanges were established, and how the British ultimately triumphed over the Spanish crown, despite being late to exploit the New World. But I don’t want to spoil too much—let yourself be surprised!
Title: The Silk Roads – A New History of the World
Author: Peter Frankopan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
ISBN: 978-1-4088-3999-7
Books Transform
What do you think about my book selection this year? Is there anything you feel is missing? Let me know! And let’s work together towards a good and successful year in 2026!