Posts about books
Life, as it turns out, isn’t actually short—it’s just that most of us waste it. That’s the central argument of On the Shortness of Life by Seneca, a work that has remained startlingly relevant despite being written nearly 2,000 years ago. While the ancient Roman philosopher was addressing the concerns of his time—politicians chasing power,…
In “The Infinite Game”, Simon Sinek introduces the concept of the “infinite game” – a fundamental shift in how we approach competition, success, and the purpose of business. Sinek contrasts the “finite game” with the “infinite game”. Finite games have clear rules, agreed-upon players, and a defined end point where a winner is declared. Examples…
Raising Mentally Strong Kids In “Raising Mentally Strong Kids”, psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen provides a comprehensive guide for parents on nurturing the mental health and resilience of their children. Drawing from his decades of clinical experience, brain science research, and insights as a parent, Amen lays out a holistic approach to building mental strength and…
Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, shares his insights on fostering creativity and managing a successful creative organization in “Creativity, Inc.” The book details Pixar’s journey from a small tech company to an animation powerhouse, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and maintaining a creative culture. Catmull emphasizes the importance of creating an environment…
“The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday is a modern interpretation of Stoic philosophy, particularly focusing on how to overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities. The book draws heavily from the teachings of ancient Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. Key points of the book include: The underlying Stoic philosophy emphasizes…
“Meditations” is a collection of personal reflections and philosophical thoughts written by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. Known as the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher who wrote extensively on how to live a life of virtue, resilience, and rationality amidst the challenges of ruling…
“Measure What Matters” by John Doerr is a compelling guide to the use of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting system pioneered at Intel and later adopted by companies like Google and Amazon. Doerr demonstrates through numerous case studies and personal anecdotes how OKRs can drive alignment, focus, and accountability within organizations of any…
Simon Sinek’s “Leaders Eat Last” is about how good leaders prioritize the well-being of their team. He uses the metaphor of a tribe, where leaders historically made sure everyone got fed before they did. This idea applies to today’s workplaces, where great leaders create a safe and supportive environment, looking out for their team’s needs…