Books

I’ve been reading psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman’s highly influential book Thinking, Fast and Slow, a foundational work in behavioral psychology, decision-making, and the biases inherent to the mind. The book centers around the concept of System 1, the immediate and automatic part of our thought process responsible for intuitions and snap-judgements. While reading, I couldn’t help but find implications of Kahneman’s findings to the social domain. Whether it’s currying favor with a boss or impressing a love interest, there are gems in this book that can be valuable in scoring key social points. I’ve distilled the key insights in this post. ...

The Book in 3 Sentences Consciousness is the only undoubtedly real thing in the universe, and one’s relationship with its contents (thoughts, sights, emotions) determines the quality of their experience. Religion is a flawed and acutely dangerous path to spirituality that must be replaced by a more experiential, rational approach to contemplation. Constant identification with the contents of consciousness, namely thoughts, shapes the illusion of the self that is responsible for much of human suffering. How I Discovered It I’ve listened to several podcasts that Sam Harris has appeared in where he has mentioned this book. He frequently quotes passages in the Waking Up app too. ...

The Book in 3 Sentences Society objectively reflects back the value that you provide it, and also the attitude with which you thrive in it. Value independence above all else - independence from your internal monologue, the burdens of desire, the constraints of lacking leverage. Being firm on the basics is far more important than having a surface-level knowledge of advanced topics; read the classics before any contemporary take. How the Book Changed Me I have become far more conscientious during my morning meditation, using some of the quotes from this book as prompts to notice when my mind wanders. I have also re-calibrated my current conception of a career path to value independence and accrue leverage through skills that would allow me to subsist beyond the confines of a company. Being a creator of sorts has been a distant goal for the past few months but now I’m more specific on what I need to aim for. The idea of starting a company feels within reach now. Valuing honesty, clarifying my values, being focused on my goals, and prioritizing action. Lastly, my ability to accept what’s not within my control has improved through Naval’s framing of the matter. ...

What It’s About Alternating between two distinct yet converging narratives, Murakami provides a multifacted piece on psychology, consciousness, and existentialism through a whirlwind of genres. The protagonist, an unnamed divorced man in his thirties lives in isolation as a Calcutec - a specialized worker biologically altered to scramble datasets for privacy-seeking clients. He agrees to a gig without the knowledge of his organization, The System, for a reclusive biologist who is later revealed to be responsible for the discovery of the mind-altering procedure that allows Calcutecs to perform shuffling. After shuffling the biologist’s data, the narrator returns home with a mysterious skull that draws the attention of a safety inspector hired to steal it. This leaves the protagonist paranoid and even more intrigued by the skull which increasingly resembles that of a unicorn. ...

What It’s About It’s New York in 1985 during the height of tensions concerning a potential nuclear fallout against Russia during the Cold War. Formerly known as the Comedian, Edward Blake has largely retired after the passage of the Keene Act which banned masked vigilantes. One day, he is thrown off a building, prompting Rorschach, a nihilist member of the Watchmen, to investigate this alleged mask-killer. During his quest, Rorschach is arrested after being framed for the murder of the retired villain to the Watchmen named Moloch. Dr. Manhattan leaves to Mars after being burdened by allegations of causing cancer and more so because of his breakup with Laurie Jupiter, the Silk Specter. Somewhat convinced of Rorschach’s concerns, Laurie and Dan Dreiberg (Nite Owl) eventually break him out of prison. Thereafter, Dan and Rorschach uncover Adrian Veidt’s (aka Ozymandias) role in the events that unfolded thus far and travel to Antarctica to confront him. After a failed attempt to neutralize Veidt, the two of them learn that he has unleashed a false alien invasion in New York, wiping out half the city. After a depressing conversation with Manhattan, Laurie returns with him to New York to find a city drenched in corpses and blood. ...

The Book in 3 Sentences Deep personal change occurs from the fundamental paradigms and principles from which attitudes and behaviors stem. There must be a balance in producing results and maintaining that ability to keep producing (P/PC balance) Growth is a function of mastering oneself and applying that internal stability to have a positive effect in the lives of others. How the Book Changed Me How my life / behaviour / thoughts / ideas have changed as a result of reading the book. ...

What It’s About It is as much a work of fantasy and science-fiction as it is a coming-of-age novel. The protagonist, Paul, is introduced as an unsuspecting heir to the Duke of a planet but over the course of the novel, he assumes the role of a leader, prophet, military general, and father. The novel is largely a commentary on power, politics, and greed - all stemming from an intense covet for the melange spice of Dune. Enriching its world-building, Dune also delves into the ecology of Arrakis with vivid images of the monstrous sandworms and the stillsuits designed by the Fremen to retain the limited moisture of the planet. ...

The Book in 3 Sentences All actions are done largely in self-interest and one should be aware of others’ intentions. People operate on appearances, and those who can manipulate it come out on top Respond according to the situation with deliberation and self-awareness How I Discovered It Robert Greene was one of Lewis Howes’ guests whose ideas (which I can’t exactly recall at the moment) resonated with me. As such, I was compelled to pick up this book with its enticing title. ...

The Book in 3 Sentences Instead of fearing the new, embrace it by being courageous, innovating, and escaping the shackles of the status quo. It is crucial to recognize one’s pitfalls and not be overly consumed by a position of influence. Treat others with honesty, integrity, and confidence, for which they will deliver extraordinary results. How I Discovered It I believe it was one of Ali Abdaal’s book videos that provided a brief introduction to this particular book. Seeing that it was readily available on Libby, I immediately picked it up. The fact that it’s about Disney was also quite appealing. ...