[jonnytran]

I second both of these. Even though they write a lot about tech, you can replace the specific technologies with the modern day equivalent and it's still relevant. For a lot of the topics, I haven't come across anything else that better articulates it.

The next level is getting into the mind of Kathy Sierra. The idea that helping people become passionate -- or badass, as she later rewords -- is an end in itself. This isn't just about tech.