Musashi- Eiji Yoshikawa
Tao te Ching- Lao Tzu
Both of these books are fascinating, and at the same time I am making this Mustachian journey, I can see the main characters and their similarities to different people's attitudes toward financial situations (and life in general really).
I won't spoil anything, but I will cite two of the main characters as examples. The story takes place during the Sengoku Period (1467-c.1615?). There are many ronin trying to make a name for themselves, not only for honor but in order to make a living. There is Miyamoto Musashi, who goes on a spiritual quest to master the Way of the Sword. He blames any shortcomings on himself and learns from his mistakes. When he senses trouble ahead, he prepares for it. When offered ways for a quick buck, he declines in pursuit of the greater goal he has dedicated himself to.
Then we have Hon'iden Matahachi. He is clueless, and wants desperately to prove himself in the world. He constantly dreams of being "somebody" in a world where many men with a sword and some training are attempting the same thing. Matahachi doesn't train his skills, and he blunders into trouble. When he sense trouble ahead, he panics. When he makes mistake after mistake, he blames the people around him. Nothing is ever his own fault. He knows he needs to do better, but it is just too hard. If he were born like Musashi, he wouldn't be so bad off. If it wasn't for (insert something here), he would already be famous.
I know it is silly to compare two people from the Sengoku Period of Japan to people in the modern day, but I can't help but find some willpower in Musashi to keep going with this Mustachian thing. I see many around me all the time with Matahachi's attitude. "If only this" "If only that". I can't fall into that line of thinking. I can't afford to make excuses for not bettering myself physically, mentally and financially.
And now I made a long post. Sorry.