Book Review: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

What is it about?

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant isn’t a typical self-help or business book. It’s more like a collection of life lessons from someone who has figured out a lot about both wealth and happiness—and wants to share it in the simplest way possible.

Naval Ravikant, a well-known entrepreneur and investor, has spent years tweeting, podcasting, and sharing his thoughts on what it really takes to build wealth and live a good life. This book, put together by Eric Jorgenson, pulls all those ideas into one place.

Why it appealed to me?

In your 20s, you’re constantly juggling two big questions: How do I build wealth? And how do I find happiness? You’re figuring out your career, making financial decisions, and trying to piece together a life that feels meaningful. For the longest time, I thought these were two separate things—you work hard to make money first, and happiness follows. But this book made me realise it doesn’t have to be that way.

Naval’s approach is different. He doesn’t talk about grinding endlessly or chasing traditional success. Instead, he flips the script—wealth isn’t about money, it’s about freedom. Happiness isn’t about achievement, it’s about mindset.

My biggest takeaways

One idea that completely changed how I think about time was setting an hourly rate for yourself. Naval suggests deciding on a personal rate—say £100/hour—and using that as a filter for decision-making. If something costs less than your rate but takes up too much of your time and energy, it’s not worth it. For example, if you can outsource the work and save time, its much more worth doing so. Sometimes, paying a little extra for convenience is actually the smarter choice.

Another idea that stuck with me is when faced with two decisions, choose the one with short-term struggle but long-term gain. Because by default our brain wants to avoid pain in the shorter term. But whether it’s career moves, personal growth, or even fitness, the harder path in the short run usually leads to better results down the line.

One of the most thought-provoking parts of the book for me was Naval’s take on financial freedom. He says you need to define what financial freedom means for you—not just follow a generic idea of being "rich." That made me think: What is my goal? Do I want a certain income? The ability to take breaks when I want? More time for passion projects? The definition of freedom looks different for everyone, and getting clear on it helps you work toward the right kind of wealth instead of just chasing more money for the sake of it.

And then there’s reading. Naval calls it the best mental model you can build, and I couldn’t agree more. He talks about how books are the fastest way to learn from the smartest people in history—people who spent years refining their ideas, and you get to absorb them in a few hours. This reinforced my belief that consistent reading is a cheat code for growth. It’s not just about information; it’s about training your brain to think better.

Should you read it?

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning what it really means to be successful, or if you’re constantly caught between chasing wealth and finding happiness, then yes, you should absolutely read this book. It’s not a typical self-help book filled with motivational fluff—it’s a collection of practical wisdom from someone who has actually lived what he preaches.

What makes The Almanack of Naval Ravikant special is that it doesn’t give you a step-by-step formula for success. Instead, it gives you a new way to think—about wealth, time, happiness, and decision-making. You’ll walk away with insights that can shift how you approach work, money, and even personal growth.

That being said, this book might not be for you if you’re looking for straightforward, tactical advice on how to make money. It won’t teach you how to invest in stocks, start a business, or negotiate a raise. Instead, it focuses on principles and mental models—things that, when applied consistently, can lead to wealth and freedom in the long run.

If you’re someone who enjoys books that challenge conventional thinking—like The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel or Atomic Habits by James Clear—then you’ll love this one. It’s a book you don’t just read once—you keep coming back to it.

So, should you read it? If you want to redefine your relationship with wealth, success, and happiness, then yes—this book is 100% worth your time.