Zero to One:
• Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal, wrote Zero to One in 2014 based on lectures notes from his student at Stanford. I usually stay away from business books, too many claim to have the secret to making us all millionaires. But this book dove into philosophy, macroeconomics, common sense, and futurism.
• I was a little disappointed with the second half of the book (alternate title, Zero to 0.5?), but overall a short thought-provoking read.
• The section on pessimism and optimism was similar to other sources, but he created a 4 quadrant grid that included definite and indefinite goals. Here he weaves in modern and ancient philosophy, prescribing America a return to the 1950s definite optimism.
• He has several checklists: 4 characteristics of a monopoly (you want your company to be a covert monopoly), 4 big (wrong) lessons Silicon Valley startups believe, 7 questions every business must answer.
• For a broad look at civilization, value, and the future, check out this book.
Holy Fool:
• Pulled this one from Malcolm Gladwell’s new book Talking to Strangers. Needless to say, you will be compelled to finish this one in a few days, Gladwell does not disappoint in storytelling. Many pearls as he investigates why humans misunderstand each other so often and so devastatingly.
• One passage mentioned the Russian Folklore archetype the yurodivy, or Holy Fool. The Holy Fool appears often in literature, and in real life of course. The Holy Fool sees, but most importantly can speak up about, truths that the rest of us deny or are afraid to admit. Peter Thiel asks “What important truth do very few people agree with you on.” Look around at the truth tellers, and don’t be afraid to question convention.
Plant Toxins:
• Nautilus article from 2014, linked from a Mark’s Daily Apple post. I think I had come across this article in the past but did not realize how densely packed and cogently argued it was. Great look at hormesis, free radicals, antioxidants, epigenetics, evolution.
Low Carb Oatmeal:
• Speaking of plant toxins, you cannot ignore the evidence for oatmeal as a healthy food. Of course the glycemic index (lower than most grains) and carb count present a problem. A few different seeds can be added to oats to “cut” them, dilute out the carbs. Chia seeds are ok, flax seeds decent, nuts do very well in oatmeal, but Hemp hearts are the best.
• Throw 1 part hemp hearts in with 1 part oatmeal (any any combination of the others), and you’re dropping the carb count in half, with an excellent flavor and texture.
Small Teaching:
• I have had the pleasure to participate in the Small Teaching faculty development workshops with Dr Rabalais and Staci Saner. This book is superior to Make it Stick and How We Learn for its practical advice in each chapter. Though the book is geared toward classroom teaching, our work group envisions application in the clinical setting. We have covered the first few chapters so far, with focus on learner retention.
• One well validated technique is asking your learners to rehearse/recite what they have learned. I realized we ask our kids to rehearse automatically but not mindfully. I have now become more goal-oriented in having my kids recount their day at school and what they learned while we drive home. I try to tie the lessons to real life and ask them to predict what might come next in school. Educators must read Small Teaching, but all parents would gain valuable skills in teaching our children how to learn.
Soft J:
• If you haven’t seen anchorman, stop reading and watch it immediately. Once you have done this, it is very important that you do not progress on to the sequel, which was a massive disappointment.
• Ron Burgundy talks about a new activity, Jogging or Yogging, where “apparently you just go out and run.” Folks who know me have heard me disparage “chronic cardio,” but I use the (albeit) convincing data in this argument mostly because I hate running.
• BUT, trail running is a different sport altogether. Looking for sticks and rocks that are trying to trip you, avoiding bikers, pulling your dog along, running up and down hills, this is the opposite of boredom. Extra points if you wear a weight vest. No one has run away from me in fear. Right before you head out the door, watch any of David Goggins’s Instagram posts. Thanks Withington for the recommendation.
Quote:
To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.
– Lao Tzu
No one dances sober, unless he is insane.
-Cicero
Amen, brother
