A selection of books from the members of Aspen Institute Kyiv’s Supervisory Board as part of the “National Reading Week” campaign

We are joining the National Reading Week campaign and publishing a selection of books from the members of the Supervisory Board of Aspen Institute Kyiv.

We want these books to inspire. We want them to stimulate ideas and actions. We want them to become a valuable experience for you.

The Ukrainian Book Institute organizes the National Reading Week campaign every year. The goal is to consolidate Ukrainian society around reading as a life strategy.

• Natalia Jaresko, Managing Director of Ernst & Young U.S.LLP (EY), Chairman of the Supervisory Board of The Aspen Institute Kyiv.

“On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” by Timothy Snyder.

“If we are willing to learn, this book allows us to recognize the signs of tyranny, to draw conclusions from the Nazi and Stalinist past, and to act to prevent new episodes of tyranny. This book reminds us that the danger of tyranny is always present, and we cannot and should not be complacent. We should learn from the lessons of history, but it seems that we have not done so, and that is why the inhumanity of tyrants is still evident today. We all have a responsibility to understand the signs, to take action to prevent and to protest in defense of our struggling democracies under such attacks. The danger is real and ever-present.”

• Thomas Amond-Laritaz, Founder and CEO of Highgate, member of the Board of The Aspen Institute Kyiv.

“The World Yesterday” by Stefan Zweig.

“Stefan Zweig is one of the most famous German-language writers of the 20th century. In “The World of Yesterday”, he describes the evolution of Europe as he saw it during his lifetime, from the end of the 19th century to the heyday of the 3rd Reich. It is an extraordinarily moving account that helps us understand European identity, the course of history, the cultural scene of the early 20th century, and the life of an extraordinary artist.”

“In Search of God” by Swami Ramdas

“Swami Ramdas is one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the 20th century. In his book “In Search of God”, he tells the story of his pilgrimage through India. This rare and extraordinary story introduces us to Indian culture and spirituality. It also demonstrates the power that each of us has to change ourselves by putting practice into action, and how love can radiate outward. A mesmerizing and unforgettable reading.”

• Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President of The Aspen Institute (USA), observer in an advisory capacity at The Aspen Institute Kyiv.

“The Enlightenment of Kazuo Nakamatsu” by Augusto Higa Oshiro.

“Published in English earlier this year, Augusto Higa Oshiro’s The Enlightenment of Kazuo Nakamatsu is a fascinating and intoxicating reflection on collective trauma, memory, and healing. It tells the story of a contemporary Japanese-Peruvian hero who remains deeply affected by the violence experienced by members of the Japanese diaspora during and after World War II. The novel reads almost like poetry, and Jennifer Shue’s translation is an amazing achievement in itself. In the end, it is a very hopeful and beautiful story of humanity in the midst of sorrow.”

• Kateryna Zagoriy, co-founder of the family charitable foundation Zagoriy Foundation, member of the Supervisory Board of The Aspen Institute Kyiv.

“Deep Work” by Cal Newport.

“This is a fascinating book for anyone looking to dramatically increase their productivity and focus in a digitally distracted world. Newport offers insightful strategies for developing the deep work ethic necessary to achieve high levels of cognitive performance and career success. The book challenges the status quo of being constantly plugged in, offering a fresh perspective on how to regain focus and make meaningful professional progress. It is an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to master complex skills and produce their best work in an era of increasing competition and distraction.”

“The Gospel of Wealth and Other Contemporary Essays” by Andrew Carnegie.

“A seminal work in philanthropy and economics. Carnegie, one of the richest men of his time, shares his philosophy on wealth, responsibility, and social progress. The book is notable for promoting the “Gospel of wealth”, which states that the rich have a duty to distribute their wealth in a way that promotes the well-being and happiness of ordinary people. Carnegie’s essays are not only historically significant, but also continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions of wealth inequality and corporate responsibility. Reading this book will give you a valuable insight into the worldview and ethics of one of the most influential philanthropists in history.”

• Andriy Stavnitser, founder of the Superhumans Center, co-owner and CEO of TIS, member of the Supervisory Board of The Aspen Institute Kyiv.

“Diplomacy” by Henry Kissinger.

Empires are not interested in acting within the international system; they want to be the international system. Empires do not need a balance of power.