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Soul in the Game: The Art of a Meaningful Life
Soul in the Game is a book of inspiring stories and hard-won lessons on how to live a meaningful life, crafted by investor and writer Vitaliy Katsenelson.
Drawing from the lives of classical composers, ancient Stoics, and contemporary thinkers, Katsenelson weaves together a tapestry of practical wisdom that has helped him overcome his greatest in work, family, identity, health―and in dealing with success, failure, and more.
Part autobiography, part philosophy, part creativity manual, Soul in the Game is a unique and vulnerable exploration of what works, and what doesn’t, in the attempt to shape a fulfilling and happy life.
Drawing from the lives of classical composers, ancient Stoics, and contemporary thinkers, Katsenelson weaves together a tapestry of practical wisdom that has helped him overcome his greatest in work, family, identity, health―and in dealing with success, failure, and more.
Part autobiography, part philosophy, part creativity manual, Soul in the Game is a unique and vulnerable exploration of what works, and what doesn’t, in the attempt to shape a fulfilling and happy life.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published June 21, 2022
195 people are currently reading
1445 people want to read
About the author
Vitaliy N. Katsenelson
8 books83 followersVitaliy Katsenelson was born in Murmansk, Russia, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1991. After joining Denver-based value investment firm IMA in 1997, Vitaliy became Chief Investment Officer in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Vitaliy has written two books on investing and is an award-winning writer. Known for his uncommon common sense, Forbes Magazine called him “The New Benjamin Graham.”
He’s written for publications including Financial Times, Barron’s, Institutional Investor and Foreign Policy. Vitaliy lives in Denver with his wife and three kids, where he loves to read, listen to classical music, play chess, and write about life, investing, and music. Soul in the Game is his third book, and first noninvesting book.
He’s written for publications including Financial Times, Barron’s, Institutional Investor and Foreign Policy. Vitaliy lives in Denver with his wife and three kids, where he loves to read, listen to classical music, play chess, and write about life, investing, and music. Soul in the Game is his third book, and first noninvesting book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 19, 2024
There’s 5 star books.
And then there’s 5 star books that are so good you don’t just rate them. You don’t just review them. And you don’t just recommend them but, you buy them as gifts.
That’s my take on Soul in the Game: The Art of a Meaningful Life. And with over 100 Kindle Notes and Highlights (a new record for me) I took in a lot!
In fact, this book was so good that it motivated me to create a brand-new list on Goodreads… My 5 Star Books Great Enough to Gift. There’s some other great ones on this new list too!
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Soul In The Game but I was not expecting a 5 star read so good that I thought of a number of people, including my kids, to gift it.
This is a book about life and lessons told with vulnerability, humility, humor and experience. Something I liked in particular is how Vitaliy N. Katsenelson weaved in many philosophers and quotes and added modern context, reminiscent of another great read Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential. Along with sage advice, interesting perspectives, and insights on a wide spectrum of subjects, it’s also peppered with well-timed humor (as you’ll see in my Kindle Notes and Highlights too)
So, get and read this book because, if you don’t, I might just get it for you!
ps: As a final bonus, the author shares his father’s extraordinarily beautiful paintings at the end of the book, and they are a gift to the reader as well.
And then there’s 5 star books that are so good you don’t just rate them. You don’t just review them. And you don’t just recommend them but, you buy them as gifts.
That’s my take on Soul in the Game: The Art of a Meaningful Life. And with over 100 Kindle Notes and Highlights (a new record for me) I took in a lot!
In fact, this book was so good that it motivated me to create a brand-new list on Goodreads… My 5 Star Books Great Enough to Gift. There’s some other great ones on this new list too!
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Soul In The Game but I was not expecting a 5 star read so good that I thought of a number of people, including my kids, to gift it.
This is a book about life and lessons told with vulnerability, humility, humor and experience. Something I liked in particular is how Vitaliy N. Katsenelson weaved in many philosophers and quotes and added modern context, reminiscent of another great read Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential. Along with sage advice, interesting perspectives, and insights on a wide spectrum of subjects, it’s also peppered with well-timed humor (as you’ll see in my Kindle Notes and Highlights too)
So, get and read this book because, if you don’t, I might just get it for you!
ps: As a final bonus, the author shares his father’s extraordinarily beautiful paintings at the end of the book, and they are a gift to the reader as well.
June 18, 2022
The author’s insight into living your best life is profound. Soul in the Game was written over a number of years which added so much depth as we witness his life as a father, husband and even as an adult son himself. He tells of his personal growth through his work relationships, family relationships, creativity and hobbies. I loved his wit and wisdom!
December 24, 2022
As postscript says, not a perfect one but some good probes into a better life. Covers a lot of different topics with a flowing genuine sincere writing; family, culture (difference between US, Russia, EU, etc.), writing, investing, philosophy (stoics especially), music, stress handling, etc. I am sure everybody can find some useful nuggets for oneself in it.
November 12, 2022
Ikke les denne, Ørjan.
Det var mye rart eller galt med denne. Den er skrevet av en boomer som ikke vet han er en boomer, og som vil fortelle deg om alt han er opptatt av og interessert i. Når dette unntaksvis ikke er tilfeldige livsvisdommer fra et halvlevd liv og han faktisk er innom reell kunnskap, er det likevel vel så greit å gå til primærkildene enn å bli belært av ham. Han er sikkert en koselig familiefar og en flink fyr, men dette var en innadvendt brøddeig som este over kanten av bollen sin og aldri ble ferdig.
Det var mye rart eller galt med denne. Den er skrevet av en boomer som ikke vet han er en boomer, og som vil fortelle deg om alt han er opptatt av og interessert i. Når dette unntaksvis ikke er tilfeldige livsvisdommer fra et halvlevd liv og han faktisk er innom reell kunnskap, er det likevel vel så greit å gå til primærkildene enn å bli belært av ham. Han er sikkert en koselig familiefar og en flink fyr, men dette var en innadvendt brøddeig som este over kanten av bollen sin og aldri ble ferdig.
June 8, 2022
I have been reading Vitaliy's newsletter for the past 3 years and I have always looked forward to reading his articles and have been a big fan of the simplicity of his writing! This book has trully touched my soul in many ways, his amazing sense of humor makes difficult topics very easy to absorb, his ability to show his vulnerable sides of his life, his story telling ability (reminds me of Anthony Bourdains writing style). I have read half of the book and could not stop myself from giving a 5 star review! Both me and my wife discuss the content of the book like excited kids sharing their instagram posts! This book and his writing has changed my life for the good and its like a guiding north star for living a happy satisfying life! Highly highly recommend this to everyone and this is going to my my most gifted book for this year for sure!
January 3, 2023
«النقد عديم الجدوى لأنه يضع الشخص في موقف دفاعي وعادة ما يجعله يسعى لتبرير نفسه. النقد خطير لأنه يجرح الكبرياء الثمين للشخص ، ويضر بإحساسه بالأهمية ويثير الاستياء»
فيتالي كاتسينيلسون
فيتالي كاتسينيلسون
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June 17, 2022Exceptional book. Insightful with lessons to be applied in every area of work and life. Great read.
May 22, 2024
Got properly introduced to Stoicism. Something I need to learn more about. Cool book. Odd structure, but it kind of works.
July 13, 2022
When An Investor Infuses His Soul in The Game
In a world where people are often expected to inhabit polarities – pro-capital or pro-labor, liberal or conservative – Vitaly Katsenelson dwells in a rare liminal or middle space. He is, as he describes himself in his latest book, an investor with a soul.
He is the CEO of IMA, an investment management firm and also the author of wildly popular books on investing including Active Value Investing. With his works translated into many languages – Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, Polish, Romanian, and Russian – he notes, with wry amusement: “I am not certain, but I may be as popular in South Korea as Psy (of Gangnam Style fame).”
More significantly, his writing has expanded his vistas, prodding his pen into a broad range of topics: classical music, stoic philosophy, creativity or anything else that might spark his fancy. The role that he possibly finds most gratifying is that of being a parent to his three children. It’s a domain that he approaches with curiosity and trepidation, determined to impart the attributes that his Russian Jewish parents transmitted to him. As Vitaly says: “Being a parent is the most transformative experience of all.”
Read more at https://brindasnarayan.com/soulintheg...
In a world where people are often expected to inhabit polarities – pro-capital or pro-labor, liberal or conservative – Vitaly Katsenelson dwells in a rare liminal or middle space. He is, as he describes himself in his latest book, an investor with a soul.
He is the CEO of IMA, an investment management firm and also the author of wildly popular books on investing including Active Value Investing. With his works translated into many languages – Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, Polish, Romanian, and Russian – he notes, with wry amusement: “I am not certain, but I may be as popular in South Korea as Psy (of Gangnam Style fame).”
More significantly, his writing has expanded his vistas, prodding his pen into a broad range of topics: classical music, stoic philosophy, creativity or anything else that might spark his fancy. The role that he possibly finds most gratifying is that of being a parent to his three children. It’s a domain that he approaches with curiosity and trepidation, determined to impart the attributes that his Russian Jewish parents transmitted to him. As Vitaly says: “Being a parent is the most transformative experience of all.”
Read more at https://brindasnarayan.com/soulintheg...
October 17, 2022
Fantastic book that’s not like other investment books. Read a lot of business books that repeat the same thing but this was unique. Vitaliy did a great job of explaining how to live a fulfilled and fruitful life, outside of just making money. Repeated a lot of what I’ve read from the ancient stoics and how to change your perspective on every day situations to be more calm and less stressed. Also love how the format was unique and not a typical non fiction book.
Some notes I took:
Stoic philosophers practice negative visualization where you imagine you are going to lose someone or somebody to make the loss less painful and appreciate the person much more
Soul in the game: when your creation is indistinguishable from your identity
For an autism, the love of his craft is his primary motivation - financial considerations are always secondary
Maintaining the attitude of a perpetual learner, being open minded to new knowledge is paramount to preventing your ego and success from hindering your learning and self improvement
Single focus and constant improvement and student of life = incredibly powerful force
‘Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see’ - JFK
Ego stifles growth - it stops learning
‘As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it’ - Einstein
Abundance often devalues thing we enjoy
For more notes and quotes, see here - https://www.anichexperience.com/book-...
Some notes I took:
Stoic philosophers practice negative visualization where you imagine you are going to lose someone or somebody to make the loss less painful and appreciate the person much more
Soul in the game: when your creation is indistinguishable from your identity
For an autism, the love of his craft is his primary motivation - financial considerations are always secondary
Maintaining the attitude of a perpetual learner, being open minded to new knowledge is paramount to preventing your ego and success from hindering your learning and self improvement
Single focus and constant improvement and student of life = incredibly powerful force
‘Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see’ - JFK
Ego stifles growth - it stops learning
‘As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it’ - Einstein
Abundance often devalues thing we enjoy
For more notes and quotes, see here - https://www.anichexperience.com/book-...
November 13, 2022
One can very well relate to this book. Good ideas on how to improve on various aspects of life. How he did it and what he did, gives good insight.
June 21, 2025
He has put his soul into the book, not just in the game. This is not an investing book, and is not meant to be one, you will not learn any winning formulas or whatnot. But I generally like to hear about the human beings behind these successful people, and this book delivers that. If I had to nitpick, there was too much about classical music/art/family, hindering the revisit value. I also don't understand the not eating dessert part, life should be a bit more about hedonism, imho.
However, he conveys with passion all the inputs that helped him shape his life, such as the Stoics, and offers a nicely distilled wisdom based upon them. This Soicism part is big, which is welcome. But I still don't like Epictetus specifically (the rest are okay), and I'm not against Sophists (every marketer will do a double facepalm at the idea proposed by them (like describe a fish steak matter-of-factly as a dead body of a fish with herbs)). But the idea of having an inner scorecard and a value system that is entirely one's own, resonated with me well.
A shoutout to books also makes an appearance, such as the very useful Why We Sleep by Matt Walker, but Nassim Nicholas Taleb's work is also touted, along with Atomic Habits, and a mention of a quote from The Little Prince made me smile as well.
I kept wondering how much (more) would he accomplish if he didn't "need" to resort to such an early morning waking time "just to" have a few quiet hours for himself before he needs to carry his kids to school or wherever. Yes, the childfree in me always smiles when hearing about such hindrances. I may choose to wake up early but it stems from a vastly different perk set. Long showers I can understand, cold ones I've tried but meh.
If you've read his other books, their titles will also sound familiar as he writes briefly about them too. He writes a lot actually. The mentioned journaling habit is also something that I do. So I found lots of commonalities and was happy to learn more about him as I tend to enjoy his materials. Not sure if he has a Russian accent, but if he does, it's a pity the book wasn't narrated by him :D
He tries to excuse himself for not writing a book with the usual structure, but I never mind that. It's a collection of essays in no particular order and without a story arch, but this kind of book doesn't need that. I'm a fan of books made from blog posts as well (even helped Nick Maggiulli make one), so this aspect didn't bother me at all.
However, he conveys with passion all the inputs that helped him shape his life, such as the Stoics, and offers a nicely distilled wisdom based upon them. This Soicism part is big, which is welcome. But I still don't like Epictetus specifically (the rest are okay), and I'm not against Sophists (every marketer will do a double facepalm at the idea proposed by them (like describe a fish steak matter-of-factly as a dead body of a fish with herbs)). But the idea of having an inner scorecard and a value system that is entirely one's own, resonated with me well.
A shoutout to books also makes an appearance, such as the very useful Why We Sleep by Matt Walker, but Nassim Nicholas Taleb's work is also touted, along with Atomic Habits, and a mention of a quote from The Little Prince made me smile as well.
I kept wondering how much (more) would he accomplish if he didn't "need" to resort to such an early morning waking time "just to" have a few quiet hours for himself before he needs to carry his kids to school or wherever. Yes, the childfree in me always smiles when hearing about such hindrances. I may choose to wake up early but it stems from a vastly different perk set. Long showers I can understand, cold ones I've tried but meh.
If you've read his other books, their titles will also sound familiar as he writes briefly about them too. He writes a lot actually. The mentioned journaling habit is also something that I do. So I found lots of commonalities and was happy to learn more about him as I tend to enjoy his materials. Not sure if he has a Russian accent, but if he does, it's a pity the book wasn't narrated by him :D
He tries to excuse himself for not writing a book with the usual structure, but I never mind that. It's a collection of essays in no particular order and without a story arch, but this kind of book doesn't need that. I'm a fan of books made from blog posts as well (even helped Nick Maggiulli make one), so this aspect didn't bother me at all.
June 25, 2022
I started reading Vitaliy Katsenelson’s newsletter years ago for its investing content, but it is the family stories he includes that keep me hooked. With Soul in the Game, Vitaliy leaves his investment topics to the side and focuses on life, family, and self-growth. This was a good choice for him and for me. His shift to writing a book about living an active, engaged life grew him as a writer and matched well with my need for a post-Covid kick in the butt this summer to think about more important issues than investing as well.
Vitaliy’s writing style is not to hit you over the head with an idea, but rather it is to just plant the idea in your head so that you might want to try it. In my case, there is a straight-line path between Vitaliy writing in his newsletter about skiing with his family, and me finally getting my family out to the slopes among at least a half dozen other ideas of his that I’ve borrowed over the years.
He repeats this same approach in Soul in the Game, but significantly he is not just writing about family relationships this time. He is also writing about his own personal growth and challenges. You would have to be a committed ideologue to another viewpoint not to appreciate his use of Stoic based principles to help him grow as a person. Simple, but not necessarily easy to adopt, concepts such as identifying what is truly in your control and choosing your reaction to the stimulus you are presented, are clearly working for him and might just work for me too. As a result, I’ve started to incorporate this thinking into my daily life. Why after reading introductions to Stoicism by others am I now getting serious? Probably, it is because Vitaliy’s approach is more empirical than theoretical. He’s not trying to show me how smart he is and throw buzzwords around, he just wants to share something that works for him and now I think it is going to work for me too.
Lastly, Vitaliy includes a chapter with a brutally honest assessment of a tough period in his work and how he got through it. Anyone working in a field where good processes usually, but don’t always, lead to good outcomes, should read this chapter and bookmark it for the time when they get visited by more than their share of bad outcomes. It could provide the positive shift in perspective you may need in a difficult time.
Learn and enjoy!
Vitaliy’s writing style is not to hit you over the head with an idea, but rather it is to just plant the idea in your head so that you might want to try it. In my case, there is a straight-line path between Vitaliy writing in his newsletter about skiing with his family, and me finally getting my family out to the slopes among at least a half dozen other ideas of his that I’ve borrowed over the years.
He repeats this same approach in Soul in the Game, but significantly he is not just writing about family relationships this time. He is also writing about his own personal growth and challenges. You would have to be a committed ideologue to another viewpoint not to appreciate his use of Stoic based principles to help him grow as a person. Simple, but not necessarily easy to adopt, concepts such as identifying what is truly in your control and choosing your reaction to the stimulus you are presented, are clearly working for him and might just work for me too. As a result, I’ve started to incorporate this thinking into my daily life. Why after reading introductions to Stoicism by others am I now getting serious? Probably, it is because Vitaliy’s approach is more empirical than theoretical. He’s not trying to show me how smart he is and throw buzzwords around, he just wants to share something that works for him and now I think it is going to work for me too.
Lastly, Vitaliy includes a chapter with a brutally honest assessment of a tough period in his work and how he got through it. Anyone working in a field where good processes usually, but don’t always, lead to good outcomes, should read this chapter and bookmark it for the time when they get visited by more than their share of bad outcomes. It could provide the positive shift in perspective you may need in a difficult time.
Learn and enjoy!
May 11, 2024
As a subscriber to Mr Katsenelson's email newsletter I am familiar with his work. When he started discussing stoicism and mentioned it was in his new book, "Soul in the Game" I was all in. The book is a compilation of his newsletters organized around themes. I had not seen the majority of them but was familiar with his children whom he frequently writes about. Apparently their relationship to him and their growing up provides Mr. Katsenolson with ample ammo to write about and gives us the reader his point of view on many topics including his own personal growth and investment strategies (which was my primary reason for following his newsletter).
His turn to stoicism and the teachings of ancient Greeks, Romans and others was fascinating to me. I had never come across Stoic teachings in school, and I know I missed something huge. Mr. Katsenelson revealed how he puts this way of thinking and living to work in his life. I'm still reading the book and learning so much from it. This book starts off as a fun read, introducing you to the author and his family - he was born in Russia, his parents migrated to the US when he was a young adult. The book then moves you to his discovery of Stoicism and how it has improved his personal and work life. It's worth a read for those interested in stories of migrating (legally!) to the USA, adjusting to life here and it acknowledges how great a country we live in, and how to live in a country with endless choices and freedoms.
His turn to stoicism and the teachings of ancient Greeks, Romans and others was fascinating to me. I had never come across Stoic teachings in school, and I know I missed something huge. Mr. Katsenelson revealed how he puts this way of thinking and living to work in his life. I'm still reading the book and learning so much from it. This book starts off as a fun read, introducing you to the author and his family - he was born in Russia, his parents migrated to the US when he was a young adult. The book then moves you to his discovery of Stoicism and how it has improved his personal and work life. It's worth a read for those interested in stories of migrating (legally!) to the USA, adjusting to life here and it acknowledges how great a country we live in, and how to live in a country with endless choices and freedoms.
June 20, 2022
“Soul in the Game” is a refreshing and unique book that is both personal and global. Vitaliy’s writing style is easy to follow and appealing, with chapters broken down into brief snippets that are easy to digest and allow the reader to knock off a little at a time. His background as a Russian émigré is interesting, and his assimilation into American society and business from a standing start as a young adult is both inspirational and aspirational.
There are many relatable entries in this book that range the gamut from diet discipline to interacting successfully with people and their wide range of human emotions. I have no doubt Vitaliy’s skill as a storyteller lends itself to his success as an investment manager, and he offers a good balance of advice that features both humility and obvious skill that would serve anyone well.
It is very hard to maintain an honest passion for everything we touch in life, but Vitaliy’s words will resonate with any parent, traveler, investor, student, and entrepreneur. At the same time, wise counsel about learning to not dwell on things in life we cannot control that is featured in the section on “stoicism” is alone worth the price of admission. A great value for the $28.99 price tag!
There are many relatable entries in this book that range the gamut from diet discipline to interacting successfully with people and their wide range of human emotions. I have no doubt Vitaliy’s skill as a storyteller lends itself to his success as an investment manager, and he offers a good balance of advice that features both humility and obvious skill that would serve anyone well.
It is very hard to maintain an honest passion for everything we touch in life, but Vitaliy’s words will resonate with any parent, traveler, investor, student, and entrepreneur. At the same time, wise counsel about learning to not dwell on things in life we cannot control that is featured in the section on “stoicism” is alone worth the price of admission. A great value for the $28.99 price tag!
September 5, 2025
No real depth to it.
It starts brilliantly and I really thought I was at a start of an amazing book. There were cool ingredients to it. It offered a unique perspective of a successful investor who grew up as a jew in communist Russia and migrated to USA as an 18 year old or so. The writing was clear and succint. Finally a book from someone who appreciates beauty, art and family and writes interestingly about it?
It all dissolves quickly. It turns into a poorly edited sequence of blogs. How many times should the reader know the writer wakes up at 5AM?
The topics the writer picks are interesting - but superficial. It's all blogs you're reading so the book never goes deeper to the really interesting bits. Yes, there's good stuff about stoicism here, but it would be smarter to read books about it. There's good things about composers, but it would be betrer to read books about them. Same could be said about any of many topics he covers here or there.
It's just a mess. Wouldn't recommend it. When I think about it, when I decided to read it after seeing a comment from Nassim Taleb, I should've realized he wasn't being supportive: this book does feel like a conversation - just one that goes all over the place.
It starts brilliantly and I really thought I was at a start of an amazing book. There were cool ingredients to it. It offered a unique perspective of a successful investor who grew up as a jew in communist Russia and migrated to USA as an 18 year old or so. The writing was clear and succint. Finally a book from someone who appreciates beauty, art and family and writes interestingly about it?
It all dissolves quickly. It turns into a poorly edited sequence of blogs. How many times should the reader know the writer wakes up at 5AM?
The topics the writer picks are interesting - but superficial. It's all blogs you're reading so the book never goes deeper to the really interesting bits. Yes, there's good stuff about stoicism here, but it would be smarter to read books about it. There's good things about composers, but it would be betrer to read books about them. Same could be said about any of many topics he covers here or there.
It's just a mess. Wouldn't recommend it. When I think about it, when I decided to read it after seeing a comment from Nassim Taleb, I should've realized he wasn't being supportive: this book does feel like a conversation - just one that goes all over the place.
October 6, 2022
I am a fan of Vitaliy, having read his email epistles for several years. This book is a compilation of his writings that were generated over time. The author runs a brokerage company that specializes in value investing. However, very little space is allocated to investing in this book.
Soul in the Game is divided into several sections. Most of the essays contain autobiographical examples which make it interesting and relevant. The section entitled Stoicism-The Philosophy for Life is most interesting. The author applies the principles of ancient stoic philosophy to modern life in a way that makes it very contemporary and relevant. In a nutshell, the book is a resource for living a good and happy life. The author has developed a habit of rising early each morning and writing about various subjects that have crossed his mind. Like Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, he does not claim to be a physician, but a patient describing the progress of his treatment to fellow patients in the hospital beds beside him.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Soul in the Game is divided into several sections. Most of the essays contain autobiographical examples which make it interesting and relevant. The section entitled Stoicism-The Philosophy for Life is most interesting. The author applies the principles of ancient stoic philosophy to modern life in a way that makes it very contemporary and relevant. In a nutshell, the book is a resource for living a good and happy life. The author has developed a habit of rising early each morning and writing about various subjects that have crossed his mind. Like Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, he does not claim to be a physician, but a patient describing the progress of his treatment to fellow patients in the hospital beds beside him.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
Looking forward to reading any and all of Vitaliy’s next book(s) …Soul is full of life changing stuff…if only I was a young man and had this as my bible. I’ve read a couple hundred books this year…and having filled a room with over 3000 books, I had to switch to Kindle since I’d need a much larger house. I don’t read fiction (other than the classics, and/or certain authors who must be read, Joseph Conrad, Hemingway, Cervantes) and television watching is limited to World Cup soccer, PBS documentaries, and the like…I’ve been learning about life for 6 decades, and I’ve told my kids and grand-kids, and a lot of other people, that they need to read Soul in the Game because it’s a life book, an important one. I have my 33rd degree black belt in reading, and life, and 6 months after finishing ‘Soul’ I’m still referring to it almost daily. This is the first review I have ever written... for anything, but I’m making a rare exception for book that should be essential reading for anyone who strives to continue improving their life. Keep writing Vitaliy…we need you !! Sincerely, W.Williams. Student of life. Canada
February 6, 2024
Actually, I found it to be an exceptional guide that profoundly urges readers to embed passion and purpose into every facet of their lives. The book delves into the essence of committing fully not just to one's work but to life as a whole, providing rich stories, philosophies, and actionable advice. It showcases individuals from various fields who live the principle of having a 'soul in the game,' highlighting the universal applicability of its teachings.
What struck me most was the book's balanced approach, combining motivational insights with practical strategies that resonated deeply with me. It prompts one to reflect on how to align daily actions and choices with the deepest values and ambitions. The clarity and conciseness of the writing made complex ideas approachable, engaging in a meaningful exploration of what it means to live with intention and integrity (though writings can be lying)
"Soul in the Game" is more than just a book; to me, it felt like a roadmap for living a purpose-driven life. It challenges to elevate life and work beyond the mundane, toward a journey filled with passion, perseverance, and soul.
What struck me most was the book's balanced approach, combining motivational insights with practical strategies that resonated deeply with me. It prompts one to reflect on how to align daily actions and choices with the deepest values and ambitions. The clarity and conciseness of the writing made complex ideas approachable, engaging in a meaningful exploration of what it means to live with intention and integrity (though writings can be lying)
"Soul in the Game" is more than just a book; to me, it felt like a roadmap for living a purpose-driven life. It challenges to elevate life and work beyond the mundane, toward a journey filled with passion, perseverance, and soul.
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July 20, 2022Es interesante. No quiero caer en un argumento ad hominem y quiero rescatar lo más importante que pueda.
Es una mezcla de autobiografía, escritos de filosofía estóica, autoayuda, diario de viajes, un poco sobre compositores de música clásica e incluso incluye hasta pinturas hechas por su papá (que por cierto están mjy bonitas).
Fue muy entretenido leerlo, para mí lo más divertido fue leer sobre su historia personal, se trata de un ruso judío que emigró a EEUU y habla mucho sobre paternidad y algunas historias sobre sus hijos que me enternecieron y entretuvieron mucho.
El capítulo sobre estoicismo me llamó mucho la atención, últimamente se ha puesto muy de moda, e incluso he leído las meditaciones de Marco Aurelio, pero no sentí que hubiese aprendido mucho, en este libro se explican conceptos de forma muy sencilla y se sugieren lecturas adicionales.
Creo que lo voy a releer para ahondar un poco más en algunos capítulos que me gustaron.
Es una mezcla de autobiografía, escritos de filosofía estóica, autoayuda, diario de viajes, un poco sobre compositores de música clásica e incluso incluye hasta pinturas hechas por su papá (que por cierto están mjy bonitas).
Fue muy entretenido leerlo, para mí lo más divertido fue leer sobre su historia personal, se trata de un ruso judío que emigró a EEUU y habla mucho sobre paternidad y algunas historias sobre sus hijos que me enternecieron y entretuvieron mucho.
El capítulo sobre estoicismo me llamó mucho la atención, últimamente se ha puesto muy de moda, e incluso he leído las meditaciones de Marco Aurelio, pero no sentí que hubiese aprendido mucho, en este libro se explican conceptos de forma muy sencilla y se sugieren lecturas adicionales.
Creo que lo voy a releer para ahondar un poco más en algunos capítulos que me gustaron.
August 28, 2023
*Snark mode activated*
Since value investing underperformed for more than a decade, fund managers have to look for a different grift. Inspired by Warren Buffett, they turn to become philosopher kings enlightening us with deep wisdom and folksy humor.
Vitaliy takes it even one level lower: as he doesn't have the wisdom of the Buffett and Munger, he turns to summarizing your airport productivity-bro literature of *yesterday*: stoicism, eat your veggies, exercise and spend time with family.
Sprinkle this with really trivial stories from his life (like arguments with kids about what music to play in the car) and short bios of western composers (for some reason).
*Snark mode de-activated*
4 stars. The canonical example of the halo effect - I like Vitaliy, so I enjoyed this suuuper norm-core book. I guess that makes me a mid too.
Since value investing underperformed for more than a decade, fund managers have to look for a different grift. Inspired by Warren Buffett, they turn to become philosopher kings enlightening us with deep wisdom and folksy humor.
Vitaliy takes it even one level lower: as he doesn't have the wisdom of the Buffett and Munger, he turns to summarizing your airport productivity-bro literature of *yesterday*: stoicism, eat your veggies, exercise and spend time with family.
Sprinkle this with really trivial stories from his life (like arguments with kids about what music to play in the car) and short bios of western composers (for some reason).
*Snark mode de-activated*
4 stars. The canonical example of the halo effect - I like Vitaliy, so I enjoyed this suuuper norm-core book. I guess that makes me a mid too.
June 21, 2022
Seeds for Explorers of every description
If we are wise we choose problems that merit persistent effort and exploration, so that our work can draw from within and outside of us previously unguessed stories, shapes, colors, and tones from which will gradually emerge a life resembling an artistic composition, one never, as Karl Popper declared in Unended Quest, ended. I love explorers of all kinds, and this book I would give to any of them, expecting each to find something of value. The author kindly and generously, invites us to hear a portion of his own emerging life composition. If Karl Popper were alive I would dare give Soul in the Game to him and would consider the risk of doing so a part of my own adventure. One more thing: Vitaliy’s book makes me smile a lot.
If we are wise we choose problems that merit persistent effort and exploration, so that our work can draw from within and outside of us previously unguessed stories, shapes, colors, and tones from which will gradually emerge a life resembling an artistic composition, one never, as Karl Popper declared in Unended Quest, ended. I love explorers of all kinds, and this book I would give to any of them, expecting each to find something of value. The author kindly and generously, invites us to hear a portion of his own emerging life composition. If Karl Popper were alive I would dare give Soul in the Game to him and would consider the risk of doing so a part of my own adventure. One more thing: Vitaliy’s book makes me smile a lot.
June 24, 2022
You can find some great ideas to live by written by a thoughtful man. I met Vitally at a investment conference a few years ago. Since then I’ve occasionally read his emails that are very well constructed. This is the first book of his I’ve read and I’m pleasantly surprised by the topic and the quality of the thinking and writing. This book dives into the mental development side of investment and thinking. The development of psychology of a investor is as important as learning the fundamentals of analysis. Vitally carries on a tradition of well read great thinker in value investing like Benjamin Graham, Charlie Munger, and Warren Buffett. You don’t have to be a investor to learn from or enjoy this book it’s great for any life long learner.
June 20, 2022
I retired ten years ago from a 45-year career that involved research and writing. I wish I had this book sooner. There is so much in Vitaliy’s life that I can relate to, from his roots in Eastern Europe, to the impressive insightfulness of his children (and now my grandchildren). His views on the subconscious mind, brain health, visualization, maximizing use of time, adding value to the world, and achieving a meaningful life are relevant to any career.
I put off starting reading, thinking I needed a large block of time. Once I started it took me less than two days. It easily kept me continuing reading to the end.
I put off starting reading, thinking I needed a large block of time. Once I started it took me less than two days. It easily kept me continuing reading to the end.
August 4, 2025
This is not a book about investing. It’s a manifesto for a way of life including parenting, relationship, finance, writing, classical music, and Stoic philosophy. The author offers more than financial wisdom. He presents a deeply personal philosophy of living and facing life endless challenges.
At its core, the book shows readers how to apply Stoic principles (e.g. Dichotomy of Control, negative visualization, Reframing, etc.). Whether it's in the face of market volatility or personal uncertainty through his personal anecdotes. There’s also advice on personal finance centered on long-term planning that might actually save your nerves and even your marriage. Highly recommended.
At its core, the book shows readers how to apply Stoic principles (e.g. Dichotomy of Control, negative visualization, Reframing, etc.). Whether it's in the face of market volatility or personal uncertainty through his personal anecdotes. There’s also advice on personal finance centered on long-term planning that might actually save your nerves and even your marriage. Highly recommended.
June 21, 2022
Soul In The Game was a surprise to me in how sharing lessons from one's life can be so profoundly powerful. Based on his writing, I would consider that a casual conversation with Vitaliy would be one of those rare moments where you leave the encounter a fundamentally better, or at least wiser, person for speaking with him. This is fairly light and easy reading but don't let that fool you—there are plenty of insightful takeaways to be found within. Very well written and quite relatable, Soul In The Game is worth your time.
July 19, 2022
In Soul in the Game: The Art of a Meaningful Life, @vitaliyk takes you through his personal journey and how he has structured his life to live it to the fullest and in accordance with his values. A roadmap for anyone thinking about how to live the good life.
Vitaliy’s personal stories and learnings distill timeless wisdom spanning topics including habit formation, mindfulness, Stoicism, the creative process, and happiness. A requisite addition to any lifelong learner’s bookshelf.
#soulinthegame
Vitaliy’s personal stories and learnings distill timeless wisdom spanning topics including habit formation, mindfulness, Stoicism, the creative process, and happiness. A requisite addition to any lifelong learner’s bookshelf.
#soulinthegame
July 22, 2022
I first discovered Vitaliy through his website ContrarianEdge, and I was immediately hooked on him. It was through Vitaliy that I discovered the great thinker Nassim Taleb. I was super excited for this book coming out, and it did not disappoint! The early parts where Vitaliy discusses his father and their relationship was especially touching to me.
We live in a world with chronic low and medium levels of stress, caught up sometimes in the meat grinder. Vitaliy helps us get some perspective to sort through it all and focus on what is truly important.
We live in a world with chronic low and medium levels of stress, caught up sometimes in the meat grinder. Vitaliy helps us get some perspective to sort through it all and focus on what is truly important.
January 6, 2023
The personal side of a portfolio manager
Vitaliy shares his interests, history, and philosophy in this book. He discusses a wide range of topics, from classical music to writing to stoicism in a very readable manner. Investing is only touched on briefly, mainly in his discussion of pain and its management. In his topics one gets a good picture of his personal life and history. Lots of storytelling holds the reader's interest. Not a heavy read, but a thoughtful and thought provoking one just the same.
Vitaliy shares his interests, history, and philosophy in this book. He discusses a wide range of topics, from classical music to writing to stoicism in a very readable manner. Investing is only touched on briefly, mainly in his discussion of pain and its management. In his topics one gets a good picture of his personal life and history. Lots of storytelling holds the reader's interest. Not a heavy read, but a thoughtful and thought provoking one just the same.
February 16, 2023
It was enjoyable to read, although felt like the book was an amalgamation of other works into his life. So for me as I had read many of the books he references it did not provide many new ideas just a consolidation of previous concepts.
Nevertheless, an pleasant read for someone who has not reads many of the works he references.
Ultimately this is the issue with the “self help” genre it is very hard to come up with new and original ideas as ultimately it is the practice of self improvement not purely the study of it.
Nevertheless, an pleasant read for someone who has not reads many of the works he references.
Ultimately this is the issue with the “self help” genre it is very hard to come up with new and original ideas as ultimately it is the practice of self improvement not purely the study of it.
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