A vehicle of progression
Uncertain as it might be, that we project books on reality. They do, however, give me new perspectives on it. As I once remarked to another person they're like spectacles. So they help with visual acuity. This of course does not limit itself to one true perspective. Think of the lens of a microscope or a telescope they alter perspective instead of focus acuity.
So different books offer different perspectives, in keeping with the metaphor of spectacles one could suggest that newer ones would yield greater acuity. However, this is not always the case.
These perspectives have been a great source of information, and on more then one occasion helped me when I felt stuck. Furthermore, reading is supposed to keep the brain functioning properly so what's not to like.
These elements combined make for a great engine to progress.The knowledge yields discernment, and the cognitive functioning aids in the decision making process.
My cup of tea
The books I like to read vary considerably. Themes I like concern society at large, the individual and society, utopia and dystopia, psychology, some self improvement, and the odd theological orientation.
Although I like hard philosophical books, and some scientific books. Fiction is nice too. Fiction can not only change the pace, but can also paint concepts in a vivid way, making them more tangible. It gives me joy to learn from books. Both recognition (uhu) and epiphany (aha). Sometimes you realize special meaning or deeper layers of books (long) after you read them. That's golden to me.
Life can make you feel like you've seen it all. Those sudden twists and insights can keep you humble and open.
Once my head is full, and I need some downtime, page-turners can be a good choice. The fun thing I noticed on my first really big journey (+1200 pages) was the shifts is writing styles. Some parts where deep thoughtful, and hard to digest, while others read as smooth as a speeding train.
Books that influenced me
The first serious books I've read were heart of darkness Konrad Lorentz, and The Republic by Plato. Especially the latter had a great influence on me, and has kept influencing me ever since.
Further obligatory dystopias like 1984 (George Orwell), and Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) had a big impact on me. However, these made me a bit skeptical and critical of society (and economy). A good counterbalance was Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Not only does this shows the warm side of proper functioning capitalism, it also paints industrialists/entrepreneurs in a positive way. Explaining their effort and struggle.
While reading Julian Barnes' The Noise of Time, it also made me realize that Atlas Shrugged perfectly displays the weakness of despotic power.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has been a great influence on both my efficiency and effectivity, and interpersonal skills. Although this did put me in overdrive for quite some time. A serious pitfall of drive, ambitious people, and this book. Having all three combined makes for some serious danger.
This (over)drive, however, did improve my personality to certain/great extent. Moreover, my material surrounding improved with it. So that was a mixed bag.
Recently I've completed heaven and Hell by Emanuel Swedenborg, and boy was this an intense ride. Not only did a lot fell in to place it was also a nice perspective on the games people can play.
However, Swedenborg's perspective limits itself to two battling forces/teams, omitting the possibility of a plurality. This can capture ones thinking, and make the individual join in this struggle, thus maintaining/enforcing a mental prison.