Data & Goliath

The book begins by highlighting the staggering scale of data collection in today’s interconnected world. Corporations and government agencies amass vast amounts of information about individuals, often without their knowledge or explicit consent. Schneier argues that this data collection is not just a matter of benign marketing; it has profound implications for personal freedom, democracy, and societal norms. Surveillance economy - personal data has become a valuable commodity, traded and sold among companies. ...

November 26, 2023 · 2 min · 294 words · Bruce Schneier

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Harari begins by delving into the pervasive sense of disillusionment in modern society, attributing it to information overload and the human tendency to process information through narratives rather than objective facts. Information Overload: The inundation of facts, numbers, and equations contributes to mental fatigue and disillusionment. Narrative Thinking: Harari argues that humans naturally think in stories, making it challenging to process overwhelming amounts of information. Political Implications: Political disillusionment, exemplified in various European countries, is explored as a consequence of the clash between narrative thinking and information overload. Work - A glimpse into a workplace with increased AI integration and automation. AI should create new opportunities for humans (instead of replacing them). ...

November 26, 2023 · 3 min · 432 words · Yuval Noah Harari

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

Outlive by Peter Attia offers readers a comprehensive roadmap to enhancing their lifespan and healthspan. It combines scientific insights with practical advice, encouraging individuals to take charge of their well-being through personalized approaches to nutrition, exercise, hormone management, and more. The book also explores the potential of emerging longevity technologies while emphasizing the ethical considerations that come with them. Ultimately, it empowers readers to optimize their health and vitality throughout their lives. ...

September 12, 2023 · 6 min · 1210 words · Peter Attia

How Not to Die

The book is divided into various chapters covering major health problems. Diet power of a plant-based diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases consume wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts minimize the intake of processed foods, animal products, and added sugars The book explores the health benefits of various foods, highlighting their disease-fighting properties. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale contain compounds that can help prevent cancer Berries are rich in antioxidants and can improve brain function Dr. Greger also emphasizes the importance of spices such as turmeric, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. ...

July 4, 2023 · 2 min · 329 words · Michael Greger, Gene Stone

How to Lie with Statistics

Critical thinking has never been more important than in the current information times. In a world saturated with statistics, it is crucial to approach numerical information with skepticism and critical thinking. Many statistical claims are presented with an air of authority, but readers must question the source, methodology, and underlying agenda behind the numbers. Statistical Deception: Huff highlights the prevalence of statistical manipulation in various fields, including advertising, politics, and scientific studies. He warns readers about the danger of accepting statistics at face value without examining the underlying methodology. ...

May 17, 2023 · 2 min · 267 words · Darrell Huff

Influence

One of the key takeaways from the book is that people are often influenced by factors beyond the merits of an idea or proposal. Understanding the principles of influence can help you recognize when someone is trying to persuade you and make more informed decisions. Another important insight is that these principles can be used for both good and bad purposes. For example, social proof can be used to encourage people to donate to charity, but it can also be used to manipulate people into making poor decisions. ...

April 21, 2023 · 4 min · 848 words · Robert Cialdini

Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?

Sandel argues that there are three main theories of justice: Utilitarianism, which emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number, Libertarianism, which emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, Egalitarianism, which emphasizes equality and fairness. Throughout the book, Sandel uses a range of examples and case studies to illustrate the complexities of applying these theories in practice and to challenge readers to consider their own moral intuitions. Sandel ultimately argues that justice is not just a matter of applying abstract principles, but requires a deeper understanding of the moral and ethical considerations at stake in any given situation. ...

April 11, 2023 · 4 min · 678 words · Michael J. Sandel

The Lessons of History

History is cyclical The authors argue that history is cyclical and that human behavior tends to repeat itself. They point out that there are patterns in history that are often repeated, such as the rise and fall of civilizations, the recurrence of wars and revolutions, and the recurring themes of love, power, and the pursuit of happiness. Importance of geography and biology The authors emphasize the importance of geography and biology in shaping human civilization. They argue that the natural resources, climate, and terrain of a region all have a significant impact on the development of civilization. They also point out that biology plays a role in shaping human behavior, with factors such as genetics, hormones, and evolution influencing human actions. ...

April 4, 2023 · 2 min · 413 words · Will Durant, Ariel Durant

The Complete Guide to Fasting

Fasting is amazing. Another great resource is Andrew Huberman’s podcast, where he discusses Intermittent fasting - Link to episode. Key Points Fasting is a natural and ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote health and longevity. Fasting can help improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Fasting can also help promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake and increasing fat burning. There are several different types of fasting, including intermittent fasting, alternate-day fasting, and extended fasting. It’s important to listen to your body during a fast and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are not putting your health at risk. Fasting can have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and promoting cellular repair. Fasting can be challenging at first, but it becomes easier with practice and can ultimately lead to a healthier and happier life. Fasting is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Obesity is a hormonal imbalance, not caloric. The basics of good nutrition can be summarized in these simple rules. Eat whole, unprocessed foods. Avoid sugar. Avoid refined grains. Eat a diet high in natural fats. Balance feeding with fasting. ...

March 28, 2023 · 1 min · 209 words · Dr. Jason Fung

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Good communication skills are essential. We negotiate daily, it’s not only about when something big is at stake. Excellent book with a lot of tips to digest. The author also has a video course which I plan to do in the near future. The New Rules Tactical empathy: Use empathy to influence the other person’s behavior. Empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with the other person, but rather understanding their perspective. ...

March 12, 2023 · 3 min · 501 words · Chris Voss, Tahl Raz