"The Golden Age" by John C. Wright - just awesome, and I agree with the values of the main character

"Chronicles of Amber" by Roger Zelazny - for imagination and badassery

Favorite short story is "Understand" by Ted Chiang - mind-expanding ;)

Also in general the lesser known Heinlein books are amazing. Not a fan of Stranger in a Strange Land. Named my current company after a reference to The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.