One of the most generous—and quietly transformative—perks we have at Automattic is the freedom to buy books, with no limit, no questions asked. It’s not just a benefit, but an offering that feels like a statement. Here, people trust you and want you to grow—both professionally and personally.
Fortunately, this isn’t just about technical books, as I’ve never been particularly interested in them. While I usually prefer classic and fictional works, some books improve how I think and work from time to time. Here are three that did precisely that, and I am thankful for having them covered by Automattic.
‘Fallen Leaves’ by Will Durant
I’ve always been good at listening to older people, which probably explains my appreciation for meditations by figures like Seneca. That might also be why ‘Fallen Leaves’ by Will Durant resonated so profoundly with me. In his most personal work, Durant, one of the great historians of the 20th century, shares his wise collection of reflections on life, love, war, youth, aging, and belief. He looks back honestly and clearly, questioning himself about the meaning of it all. Not as a manual but as a mirror, ‘Fallen Leaves’ helped me reconnect with a deeper sense of ethics and humanity.
‘Ways of Seeing’ by John Berger
John Berger’s slim ‘Ways of Seeing’ remains one of the most revolutionary works I’ve ever read on visual culture. It completely transformed how I see and create images. It powerfully shows that art, advertising, and photography are never neutral but instead reflect dominant systems of power, capitalism, and gender.
A vital read for those in visual or communication fields, it offers a language for understanding representation that I had sensed but struggled to articulate. Just as Durant illuminates life, Berger sheds light on how we see it portrayed.
‘Chromorama’ by Riccardo Falcinelli
While Durant explores what we see and Berger critiques how we see it, Falcinelli clarifies vibrancy—literally. ‘Chromorama’ by Riccardo Falcinelli investigates the cultural, political, and historical significance of color.
It demonstrates how color choices are never purely aesthetic; they are rituals filled with stories, from ancient pigments to modern brand palettes. It also encourages us to be more conscious and intentional in our work with visual ideas.
Though not “work books” in the traditional sense, these titles deeply influenced my professional outlook. Durant reminded me to stay human. Berger sharpened my perspective. Falcinelli broadened my understanding of multiplicity.
Thanks to the unlimited book policy, Automattic sees us not just as roles to be filled, but as minds to be nurtured. That’s rare. And it works.
If you’ve read something recently that positively impacted you, either professionally or personally, I’d love to hear about it.
One response
This is an underappreciated benefit, and I’m so glad that you took it to its full spirit. “I will never stop learning.”