Independent thinking is cultivated through habitual practice rather than being an inherent trait. The eight books highlighted in this article serve as tools for readers to develop their critical thinking skills. For instance, 'Strangers to Ourselves' by Timothy D. Wilson emphasizes the importance of skepticism towards one's own beliefs, while 'The Checklist Manifesto' by Atul Gawande advocates for humility in complex situations by using checklists to prevent mistakes. Eliezer Yudkowsky's 'Inadequate Equilibria' provides insights on when to trust expert consensus and when to challenge it. Jonathan Rauch's 'The Constitution of Knowledge' defends the social systems that underpin knowledge, essential in today's chaotic information landscape. Other notable mentions include Ian Leslie's 'Curious', which frames curiosity as a trainable habit, and Richard Hamming's 'The Art of Doing Science and Engineering', which encourages tackling challenging problems. Anand Giridharadas's 'The Persuaders' explores the art of changing minds, while David Deutsch's 'The Beginning of Infinity' discusses the nature of good explanations. Collectively, these works instill a persistent voice that prompts better questions and deeper engagement with ideas, ultimately fostering a more independent mindset.