Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of personal growth through reading and reflection rather than solely focusing on technical skills [1][5][45] - It highlights five influential books that have significantly impacted the author's journey from engineer to CTO, focusing on their transformative effects on thinking and leadership [5][45] Group 1: Book Summaries - **The Pragmatic Programmer** by David Thomas and Andrew Hunt is recommended for its foundational principles that remain relevant today, emphasizing the importance of writing adaptable and maintainable code [6][7][8] - **Designing Data-Intensive Applications** by Martin Kleppmann is described as a comprehensive guide that reshapes understanding of data systems, focusing on reliability, scalability, and maintainability [14][16][17] - **A Philosophy of Software Design** by John Ousterhout addresses code complexity and offers strategies for creating simpler, more manageable modules, emphasizing readability and maintainability [20][23][28] - **Thinking, Fast and Slow** by Daniel Kahneman explores cognitive biases and decision-making processes, encouraging critical thinking and awareness of one's assumptions [32][34][37] - **The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People** by Stephen Covey provides a framework for personal leadership and effective communication, stressing the importance of proactive behavior and continuous self-improvement [38][40][44] Group 2: Key Takeaways - The books collectively serve as a form of ongoing education that extends beyond formal training, challenging conventional thinking and promoting personal development [45][46] - The article encourages the establishment of a "mentor bookshelf" to foster continuous learning and growth in one's career [45][46][47]