In J.R.R. Tolkien's enchanting tale, "The Hobbit," an unassuming hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is thrust into an extraordinary adventure when the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves invite him to reclaim their homeland from the fearsome dragon Smaug. As Bilbo traverses treacherous landscapes and encounters peculiar creatures, he discovers bravery he never knew he had. The journey is filled with riddles, battles, and the temptation of a mysterious ring that grants unimaginable power. Each twist and turn reveals the true meaning of friendship, courage, and the allure of the unknown. Will Bilbo emerge as the unlikely hero in a world brimming with magic and danger?
By J. R. R. Tolkien
Published: 2009
Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
View CollectionNaval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View CollectionJon Favreau is a multifaceted American filmmaker, actor, and author known for his significant contributions to both the film industry and literature. He co-created the "Iron Man" film series, which played a pivotal role in launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking a new era in superhero storytelling. Favreau also penned the insightful and humorous "The Jungle Book: The Making of a Disney Classic," providing an in-depth look at the creation of the beloved film. Beyond his screenwriting and directing achievements, he has authored several influential essays and articles on the art of filmmaking. Favreau's work continues to inspire both aspiring filmmakers and literature enthusiasts alike.
View CollectionLeigh Bardugo is a bestselling author known for her Grishaverse novels, including Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows. Her fantasy worlds are celebrated for their rich characters, intricate plots, and immersive world-building. Bardugo’s works have been adapted into the Netflix series Shadow and Bone, further expanding her influence in the fantasy genre. In addition to her fantasy novels, Bardugo has written adult fiction, including Ninth House, a dark fantasy novel set in the secret societies of Yale University. She is recognized for creating inclusive stories that resonate with a wide audience.
View CollectionGeorge R.R. Martin is the author of the acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the HBO hit series Game of Thrones. Known for his complex characters, intricate political intrigue, and epic world-building, Martin has reshaped modern fantasy literature. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo and Nebula awards, and is considered one of the greatest fantasy writers of his time. His storytelling, often marked by its unpredictable nature, has captivated millions of readers and viewers worldwide. Martin continues to work on the highly anticipated next installment of the series.
View CollectionElon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View CollectionCleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.
View CollectionJulie Zhuo is a product design expert and author, best known for her work as the Vice President of Product Design at Facebook, where she played a key role in shaping the platform's user experience. Zhuo is also the author of the best-selling book The Making of a Manager, which offers insights into leadership and team management, especially for first-time managers. She is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of leadership and product development. Since leaving Facebook, Zhuo has continued to focus on writing, advising, and mentoring leaders in the tech industry. Her expertise in design and management has made her a respected voice in Silicon Valley.
View CollectionChris Anderson is a British-American entrepreneur, journalist, and the curator of the TED Conference, where he has helped popularize the “TED Talk” format. Anderson has transformed TED into a global platform for sharing ideas, making knowledge accessible to millions of people worldwide through short, impactful presentations. He is also the author of TED Talks: The Official Guide to Public Speaking, where he offers insights into how to communicate ideas effectively. Anderson’s work has had a profound impact on the way people consume and share knowledge, and he continues to champion the power of storytelling and public speaking.
View CollectionEmily Blunt is an acclaimed British actress known for her versatility and powerful performances in film and television. Though not primarily recognized for contributions to literature, her portrayal of literary characters in film adaptations, such as "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, has brought literary works to a broader audience. Her role in this film was highly praised and showcased her ability to bring depth to complex characters. Blunt has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, solidifying her status in the entertainment industry. Her contributions extend beyond acting, as she continues to inspire through her diverse roles and commitment to her craft.
View CollectionGretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert, best known for her books The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. She explores the science of habits, happiness, and human behavior, helping readers improve their everyday lives. Gretchen’s popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to cultivate a more joyful and meaningful life. Her work emphasizes small, daily changes that can lead to long-term well-being. She continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics of happiness and habit formation.
View CollectionSahil Lavingia is an accomplished entrepreneur and writer, best known as the founder and CEO of Gumroad, a platform that enables creators to sell products directly to consumers. His book "The Minimalist Entrepreneur" distills his philosophy on building sustainable, lean startups that prioritize long-term vision and customer value over rapid scaling. Lavingia's work has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to focus on simplicity and self-reliance. Additionally, he is recognized for his thoughtful essays and blog posts that delve into the intersection of technology, business, and creativity. Through his contributions to literature and his leadership at Gumroad, Lavingia has significantly influenced modern startup culture.
View CollectionTaylor Swift is a globally renowned singer-songwriter and actress who has made significant inroads into literature with her autobiographical songwriting and storytelling prowess. Known for her narrative songwriting, Swift's lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, underscoring her impact on the music industry and popular culture. Swift's songwriting is often praised for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, which has inspired a generation of young writers and musicians. In addition to her music, she has also published personal essays and poetry, further showcasing her literary talents.
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