Introduction

Before we begin, I can already hear those of you complaining about all the “Blue Pill” Hollywood fantasies and delusions and the “fictional characters and scripts” in movies and books. I’ve never understood what you all have against “fiction.”

Some of these works of “fiction” have been among the greatest pieces of literature known to man. Bar none.

Of course they’re works of art. Movies. Books. Paintings. TV Shows. They’re fiction and art for a reason.They can’t be fully expressed in reality. But that’s what so great about them. These works of art allow us to explore depths of humanity and possibilities which he have cannot through direct observation through our own two eyes.

Fiction offers us new worlds, new perspectives, and new possibilities through a new lens of reality—one in which we can actually incorporate into our own lives. They can teach us lessons through powerful visual stimuli and offer another edge to understanding the world around us and dreaming of new possibilities.

Fiction is just another form of a paradisal dream—another goal to ascend towards and model yourself after. It's another tool for us to use on our journeys towards self-actualization. So take advantage of it, unapologetically.

Books

There are a billion fucking books out there. And within these books contains the combined span of over two thousand years of knowledge. Condensed into these little paper-bound pieces of gold are all the experiences, wisdom, and lessons men have deemed worthy enough to pass on in history. Don’t waste them. I’ll offer a short summary next to each.

Some of these books are going to be modern, leaning towards RP principles and theory, and others will just be essential pieces of literature all men should read. Yes, there will be esoteric, confusing works here which will require much time to digest and internalize. We’re not here to read fucking comic books.

Obviously I will not cover every single book you guys have ever read, but I’m going to list the main, core reads that I think every man could benefit greatly from. So don’t go complaining down below saying “why didn’t you add XYZ?!”.

Again, these are my recommendations. You may disagree with some, and agree with others, but to each man his own.

Red Pill Books

The Rational Male by Rollo Tomassi - Needs no explanation. Explains all RP principles.

No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert Glover - Needs no explanation. Cure for the extreme beta.

Sex God Method by Daniel Rose - Needs no explanation. See title.

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene - Needs no explanation.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - Lists multiple ways to improve your charisma and become “likable.” Warning: Don’t become a people-pleaser by using this book.

Novels

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad - Emphasizes the lies and fallacies of civilization and society and focuses on the deepest, innate drives of man towards his true self.

Animal Farm by George Orwell - A story of farm animals as an allegory for the 1917 Russian revolution, explaining the class system in society.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Do I really need to explain this one?

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky - Describes the journey of three Russian brothers through a lens of philosophical and psychological insight.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - Explores themes of rebellion, identity, and connection through the eyes of one very strange boy.

Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell - Offers an instance of governmental oppression and a dialogue on liberty.Lord of the Flies by William Golding - Describes the natural state of man when liberated from the chains of society.

Philosophy/History

Note: Some of the philosophy here is extremely advanced. Stoicism is beginner-friendly to open up and digest, but beyond Stoicism, other philosophies and dialogues will be difficult to understand at first glance.

Letters from a Stoic by Seneca - A series of letters from Seneca to a friend describing, in detail, many different areas of life through a Stoic lens. Essential.

On the Shortness of Life by Seneca - A brief dialogue on why most men waste their time and how to take the most value out of yours.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Introduction to Stoicism and how to achieve fortitude under adversity, mental clarity, and become a virtuous man.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Ancient dialogue on the art of war, literally.

Schopenhauer as Educator by Friedrich Nietzsche - Describes the way of the heroic man and the ultimate ideal of masculinity.

Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche - Leaves behind traditional morality and introduces his prelude to a philosophy of the future.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche - Philosophy of the Ubermensch and the ultimate goal of man.

(All books by Nietzsche, really.)

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus - Introduction to Existentialism and his take on the myth of Sisyphus and his eternal damnation.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl - An account of his stay in Auschwitz and the extremely valuable philosophical and psychological lessons he took from it.

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Covers the first fifteen-hundred years of modern history. Fucking brilliant.

Movies

These might not be seminal works of art, but each one has valuable lessons and models to follow and learn from.

Fight Club - Rule 1. You do not talk about Fight Club. Just fucking watch Tyler Durden, for god’s sake.

Scarface - “Say hello to my little friend!” Tony Montana’s a fucking masterful character.

American Psycho - Although Bateman is driven by some retarded insecurities, Bale’s depiction of the psychopathic killer is an insightful and thought-provoking dialogue on the manifestation of the “Dark Triad” of traits in a man.

The Godfather I, II, and III - Michael and Vito Corleone demonstrates some of the most valuable lessons known to man in their rise to power.

James Bond Films - James Bond is the epitome of masculinity and high-status. But don’t start trying to imitate him exactly—it won’t work. Watch his character carefully.

Die Hard - Yippie ki yay, mothafucka. Needs no more explanation.

The Matrix - Red Pill or Blue Pill?

Gladiator - Maximus played by Russell Crowe embodies the Stoic attitude and character while fighting against the newly-crowned emperor of the Roman Emperor. Alpha all the way.

The Dark Knight Trilogy - Bruce Wayne hardens himself through pain and suffering, demonstrating the power of vengeance and true drive on the path towards success.

TV Shows

Californication - If you look up charisma, witty, charm, and alpha in a dictionary, you’ll find the character Hank Moody. Disregard his attitude towards his ex-wife and what you’re left with is the perfect model of male charisma, witty dialogue, IDGAF personality, and alpha behavior.

Mad Men - If you don’t know who Don Draper is, find out. Fucking powerful show. Great themes and takes on life, society, and identity. Bible of masculinity.

Suits - Harvey Specter is another witty and charismatic genius. Hank Moody’s better though.

The Sopranos - Another fucking Bible of masculinity.

Closing Thoughts

Whatever your opinions and tastes may be towards different works of art, there are universally recognized pieces of artistic genius that emerge through all sorts of textual and visual modes of communication. It’s up to us to find those out.

I only listed my absolute favorites for each of these genres. If I listed all the books, movies, and TV shows I would recommend, this list would go on and on.

Forget the idea of a “Hollywood” lie or any “BluePill” prerogative. It’s true, these themes do emerge often in books and movies. However, the lessons that we can glean from the truly valuable pieces of literature and cinema are invaluable. We’re also given a plethora of masculine models and ideals to look up to. What more could you ask for?

I also wouldn't recommend wasting too much time watching TV shows. They can become excessively time-consuming and fuck up your time. Be careful.

Feel free to share any of your recommendations below. I’m always looking for more myself.

Godspeed.