"Three
books that every student should read just after completing graduation" are
essential reads that offer powerful life lessons beyond the classroom.
These
books help young adults transition into the real world by teaching them how to
manage money, build strong habits, and find purpose in life.
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Author:
Robert T. Kiyosaki
Published:
1997
Genre:
Personal Finance / Self-Help
The book teaches that financial success doesn’t come from
high income, but from smart financial education, managing money wisely, and
investing in assets.
Rich Dad Poor Dad is a must-read for anyone stepping
into adult life, especially right after graduation. It contrasts the financial
philosophies of two father figures:
Poor Dad (Kiyosaki’s biological father): Focuses on
job security, formal education, and playing it safe.
Rich Dad (his friend’s father): Teaches about
investing, entrepreneurship, and making money work for you.
Key Lessons:
Assets vs. Liabilities – Learn the importance of
acquiring income-generating assets.
Financial Education Matters – Schools don’t teach you
how to manage money.
Don’t Work Just for Money – Learn skills, build
businesses, and generate passive income.
Mindset Shift – Think like an investor, not just a worker.
Why Graduates Should Read It:
- Helps build a financial foundation early in your career.
- Encourages smart money habits and long-term thinking.
- Motivates readers to seek financial independence, not just a paycheck.
2. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Genre: Spirituality / Autobiography
First Published: 1946
Hindi Title: योगी कथामृत (Yogi Kathamrit)
What the Book Is About:
Autobiography of a Yogi is the life story of Paramahansa
Yogananda, a revered Indian spiritual teacher who introduced millions in the
West to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga. This book gives a deep
insight into Indian spirituality, yogic practices, and the lives of saints and
sages.
Key Themes:
Spiritual Journey
Yogananda shares his early spiritual experiences, his search
for truth, and his deep connection with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar.
Science of Yoga and Meditation
Explains ancient yogic techniques like Kriya Yoga and how
they lead to spiritual awakening and inner peace.
Miracles and Saints
Describes fascinating encounters with enlightened masters,
yogis with supernatural powers, and miraculous events rooted in faith.
East Meets West
Yogananda travelled to the U.S. in 1920 and spread Indian
spiritual wisdom, founding the Self-Realisation Fellowship to guide seekers
worldwide.
Why You Should Read It:
- Deepens your understanding of Indian philosophy, yoga, and meditation.
- Inspires inner transformation, calmness, and spiritual discipline.
- Steve Jobs had this book on his iPad and read it every year—it’s that impactful.
Suitable For:
Anyone interested in spirituality, yoga, meditation, or the
meaning of life.
Readers seeking peace, purpose, and personal growth.
For Inner Clarity
After graduation, life can feel uncertain. This book offers
deep spiritual insights that help calm the mind and guide you toward inner
clarity and self-awareness.
To Understand Purpose Beyond Career
It encourages you to look beyond just earning money or
building a career, to seek a higher purpose, inner peace, and true fulfilment.
Inspiration for Discipline and Focus
The author’s journey of self-mastery and devotion shows the
power of focus, commitment, and spiritual discipline—skills that are valuable
in every area of life.
Broader Perspective on Life
It opens your eyes to spiritual philosophies, yogic science,
and the power of meditation, offering a holistic view of success and well-being.
Timeless Wisdom in Modern Times
Even though written decades ago, its teachings are more
relevant than ever in a fast-paced, stressful world, especially for young minds
shaping their futures.
3. “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
Author: Napoleon Hill
Genre: Self-help / Personal Development
Published: 1937
Main Focus: Success through thought power, desire,
and persistence
“Think and Grow Rich” is a classic personal development and
self-help book written by Napoleon Hill and first published in 1937. Despite
the title, it's not just about making money — it's about cultivating a mindset
that leads to success in any area of life.
Core Idea:
Hill studied over 500 successful people (including Henry
Ford, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie) and identified 13 principles that are
common among them. These principles focus on the power of thoughts, beliefs, and
goal-setting to achieve wealth and success.
Key Principles from the Book:
- Desire – Strong desire is the starting point of all achievements.
- Faith – Believing in yourself and your goals is crucial.
- Autosuggestion – Repeating affirmations programs the subconscious mind.
- Specialised Knowledge – Education is important, but specialised knowledge creates value.
- Imagination – Ideas and creativity are key to success.
- Organised Planning – A definite plan turns dreams into reality.
- Decision – Successful people make firm decisions quickly.
- Persistence – Keep going even when things get tough.
- Power of the Master Mind – Surround yourself with a group of like-minded, supportive people.
- The Subconscious Mind – Use it to reinforce your beliefs and goals.
- The Brain – Think of it as a broadcasting and receiving station for thoughts.
- The Sixth Sense – Intuition or the “hunch” that guides decisions.
- Fear – Recognise and overcome common fears (poverty, criticism, loss, etc.)
Why You Should Read It:
- It teaches goal-setting, mental discipline, and self-belief.
- It shows that success begins in the mind.
- It's timeless — its lessons apply to careers, relationships, health, and money.
- It has influenced millions, including top entrepreneurs and leaders.
