Review: The book Principles by Ray Dalio is packed with ideas. Clearly, Ray Dalio is a brilliant guy who has accomplished an enormous amount. He’s a pioneer in management and investment.

The problem is that, except for the beginning, the book reads like an automobile instruction manual. Dalio thinks of companies as giant machines, and his book is a list of principles that he has developed over the years.

The principles are worthy, but the writing style is minimalistic. There aren’t a lot of great stories in this book. It’s really an HR manual, which is perfect if you’re seriously thinking about implementing his policies in your organization but doesn’t make for a thrilling read. I literally fell asleep while reading it.

That’s not to say there aren’t gems in here. A lot of it is common sense, but he does offer some novel insights and advice for managers and HR teams.

The best part about the book is his determination to stick to radical truth and transparency. That’s what makes him an exceptional leader and a worthy role model. I just wish this were a more exciting read.

Rating: ★★★