For many successful entrepreneurs, books serve as both inspiration and instruction. Alejandro Betancourt stands out as someone who not only consumes literature but actively integrates it into his thinking and writing. Through his essays and recommendations, we gain insight into the texts that have helped shape his unique approach to business and life.
Philosophical Foundations
At the core of Betancourt’s reading habits lies a strong interest in classical philosophy, particularly Stoicism. His essay “Applying Stoic Principles in Everyday Life” opens with a quote from Taleb Nassim Nicholas: “A Stoic is someone who transforms fear into prudence, pain into transformation, mistakes into initiation, and desire into undertaking.” This appreciation for Stoic thought appears throughout his writings, suggesting deep engagement with philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca.
The practical wisdom of these ancient thinkers seems particularly relevant to Betancourt’s dual roles as entrepreneur and single father. Their emphasis on focusing energy on what can be controlled while accepting what cannot aligns perfectly with the realities of business leadership and parenting. His application of these principles demonstrates how classical texts remain relevant in contemporary contexts.
Modern Thinkers
While classical philosophy provides foundational concepts, Betancourt also draws significantly from contemporary authors. He frequently recommends works like “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman, which explores cognitive biases and decision-making processes. Given Betancourt’s interest in how perception shapes reality, as shown in essays like “The Biased Ways Our Minds Craft Our Reality,” Kahneman’s research clearly resonates with his thinking.
Another modern influence appears to be Ryan Holiday, whose book “The Obstacle Is the Way” Betancourt recommends in his essay “Soaked and Smirking.” He describes it as “not some stuffy philosophy…it feels more like a conversation with a friend who’s obsessed with old Stoic wisdom and keeps it real.” This preference for accessible presentations of profound ideas characterizes his own writing style as well.
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Cross-Disciplinary Reading
Perhaps most interesting about Betancourt’s literary influences is their diversity. Rather than limiting himself to business texts, he draws from psychology, philosophy, fiction, and memoir. This cross-disciplinary approach allows him to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts and apply them to both business challenges and personal growth.
In “Spinning Through the Dark,” he recommends “The Order of Time” by physicist Carlo Rovelli, noting that “this guy’s a physicist who writes like he’s your buddy breaking down the universe over a drink.” This appreciation for experts who can communicate complex ideas clearly reflects Betancourt’s own communication style in his business ventures and writing.
Literary Reflection in Business Practice
The impact of these literary influences extends beyond Betancourt’s personal development into his business practices. His investment decisions at ALMA Capital suggest an application of philosophical principles regarding long-term thinking and values-based choices. Similarly, his approach to creating products like the children’s book “Alex the Dragon: The Quest to Tame Its Fire” shows an understanding of how storytelling can convey complex emotional concepts.
His recommendations often emphasize books that blend practical wisdom with deeper meaning—works that offer both immediate applications and long-term perspective shifts. This balance mirrors his own entrepreneurial approach, which combines pragmatic business decisions with more profound considerations about purpose and impact.
Building Your Own Library
For readers interested in following Betancourt’s literary path, several starting points emerge. Begin with accessible introductions to Stoic philosophy like Holiday’s “The Obstacle Is the Way.” Explore psychological insights through works like Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow.” Add perspective-changing science writing such as Rovelli’s “The Order of Time.”
What distinguishes Betancourt’s relationship with books is not just what he reads but how he reads—actively engaging with ideas, testing them against real-world experience, and synthesizing insights across disciplines. This approach transforms reading from passive consumption into active dialogue, creating a foundation for both personal growth and business innovation.
Through his thoughtful engagement with diverse texts, Alejandro Betancourt demonstrates that an entrepreneur’s most valuable resource might be not just their network or capital, but their bookshelf—carefully curated and deeply explored.
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