The Books That Shaped Lives and Careers of DGINS presenters and session chairs!
Books have the power to transform lives, offering new perspectives, inspiring change, and providing comfort. When asked about book that had the biggest impact on their life or career, several of DGINS presenters and session chairs shared their experiences.
Go ahead and find inspiration in this diverse and exciting reading list.
Dan Bogdanov finds inspiration in both fiction and non-fiction. While science fiction fuels his imagination, "Couples that Work" by Jennifer Petriglieri has been particularly influential. As a planner, this book helped him envision his future, considering aspects like work, study, and leisure activities. Currently, he is reading "Career and Family" by Claudia Goldin, which he anticipates will further shape his outlook.
Angelique Berg was deeply moved by "The Choice" by Edith Eger, a powerful memoir that explores themes of survival, resilience, and healing.
Georges-Simon Ulrich humorously credits "The Jungle Book" for its early influence but acknowledges Jürgen Habermas's "Three Normative Models of Democracy" as the book that truly impacted his understanding of the role of official statistics in society.
Jörg Decker found motivation in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." The epic trilogy taught him the value of perseverance and pursuing goals despite changing and challenging circumstances.
Anil Arora was profoundly influenced by "Social Thought: From the Enlightenment to the Present" by Alan Sica, which provided a comprehensive understanding of social theories and their evolution.
Geir Axelsen drew early inspiration from Roy Jacobsen's novel "The Victors," which chronicles the transformative journey of a Norwegian family, mirroring societal shifts from agrarian to industrial eras.
Tobias Thomas was impacted by Anthony Downs's "An Economic Theory of Democracy," a seminal work that explores the intersection of economics and political science.
Apolonija Oblak Flander credits the atlas, or book of maps, for shaping her career. Her love for travel and geography led her to become a statistician, where she often considers international perspectives. The atlas continues to guide her in discovering new professional goals and destinations.
Jennifer Banim has always enjoyed Edgar Allan Poe's "The Murders in Rue Morgue." This pioneering work of crime fiction, with its intricate deductive reasoning, laid the foundations for the genre and influenced her appreciation for storytelling.
Markus Sovala humorously notes the influence of the telephone catalogue, a once-essential resource that played a significant role in his life.
These diverse responses highlight the unique ways in which books can influence our lives, shaping our thoughts, careers, and personal journeys. Whether through fiction, memoirs, or academic texts, the written word continues to be a powerful force in our lives.
We hope you found some inspiration for your next bedside book!