Ralph Waldo Emerson declares, "If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads."

In other words, if you encounter a man (or woman) of great intelligence, it is a MUST you inquire about their sources of knowledge. This is by no means an advisement to be a copycat, but it is to encourage seeking out sources of information and knowledge. And what better people to gain knowledge from than those who have successfully did it themselves?

Literature is a powerful tool that can transform anyone's life when they read deliberately and often.

With that being said, I have spent many night reading articles, tweets and blog posts from various successful, intelligent people. This has led me to curate a list that I believe every college should read.

The following books have expanded my mind and helped lay a blueprint for my life as a post-college adult.

1. "Generation Unbound: Drifting into Sex and Parenthood without Marriage"

Since turning 18, I always paid close attention to the social and economic positions, decisions, and outcomes of people I came in contact with. Whether it be at work, social outings, or social media, I paid close attention. I was (and still am) a keen observer of what the different classes of people do and how they ended up where they did.

Let's be honest, everyone here is an adult. We all think about our futures and what decisions we need to make that will be essential to living the lives we all dream about. In this book, Sawhill discusses two of the major choices that affect our socioeconomic outcomes: marriage and childbirth. These issues will set upon you before you know it, and Sawhill does an excellent job of discussing just how beneficial or detrimental these choices can be to one's life.

2. "How to Lie with Statistics"

We all engage with statistics in our daily lives. Whether it be from sources such as books, articles, news, class or debates, we encounter many statistics being thrown at us. People use these statistics from research to help the point they are trying to make. Unfortunately, when most hear a statistic added to a claim they figure it to be legitimate.

Here, Huff urges great caution when encountering statistics. He makes the powerful claim, that many people do not consider - that there is a way to lie with statistics. Huff's evaluation on the numbers described how statistics can be used as an eye-opening revelation that every college should be aware of to be a more productive member of society.

3. "Politics and the English Language"

Politics affects our daily lives. Things we buy, create, participate in, etc. is a regulated through politics. It is extremely imperative that all participating citizens understand the depth of how politics govern our lives.

Orwell's essay, arguably his most important, highlights the importance of language and its place in politics. Orwell makes it apparent to the reader how language can be deceptive and how to understand the politics of language. Language is a powerful tool. The same way it can be used to liberate is the exact same way it can be used to oppress. This book is essential to any person participating in the political process to understand.

4. "101 Secrets for Your Twenties"

For every traditional college student, this is all our first go round in the dub club (20s). This book gives every 20-something a book full of great advice, laughs, and perspective. This will help all those who read it troubleshoot their postgraduate adulthood lives.

5. "Who Owns the Future?"

Millennials are entering a post-industrial economy - one that is totally different from the our parents and grandparents entered and retired from. So, some of the advice you receive may not be as accurate and/or updated.

Lanier is targeting the important aspects that one faces in their careers and the future workforce, the power of the big tech companies, the dying middle class, and "the obscuring of humanity." This book should be a staple on anyone's to-do-list.

6. "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business"

Have a habit that you're aware of but can't break? Many things we do in our daily lives are done out of habit. We do them without thinking.

Duhigg identifies habit, seeks to explain that cause of the habit and how to change it and/or replace it. Duhigg's insight will help anyone transform their lives.

7. "Marriage Markets: How Inequality is Remaking the American Family"

Similarly to "Generation Unbound," "Marriage Markets" addresses the same issues, except with an in-depth focus on marriage. Once again, it is essential for college students to understand what faces them in future relationships and how it will affect their lives and the lives of their children.

8. "The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy"

We all wish for the lifestyle and security that millionaires have. The luxury cars, flashy clothes, fancy homes, best schools, etc. Many people look at those lifestyles and that is what they work towards. Stanley uncovers the truth behind those who live these lavish lifestyles and put their respective wealth' (or lack thereof) into perspective. Stanley defines what it rally means to be wealthy, how one can obtain wealth without making millions a year, and how to maintain it. This book is essential for those who plan on obtaining a life of real financial security and not one that appears so.