Posts tagged Books
Seth Godin's latest book (and gadget) recommendations
I regularly choose reading material from Seth’s book list recommendations. Worth a look.
The Guardian review of 'The Righteous Mind' by Jonathan Haidt
Ian Birrell:
Drawing on everything from advertising to anthropology, he argues that liberals are driven by a morality based on compassion, the desire to fight oppression and, to some degree, fairness. Conservatives have a broader set of six “moral tastes”, sharing such concerns but balanced by the binding foundations of loyalty, authority and sanctity.
It is, he says, as if the left has three taste buds but the right has six. While the right can “taste” issues such as compassion and fairness, the left struggles to embrace patriotism or religion, seeing traditional institutions and hierarchies as obstacles to their fight for liberty and equality. Haidt calls this “the conservative advantage”.
Indeed, he goes further, saying that western progressives seeking a secular, rational society are out of step with the vast majority of people on the planet.
I started reading this book earlier this week and am thoroughly enjoying it. In many ways it feels like a passionate plea for people to take the time to understand each other and with that open up channels of respect and tolerance.
A humanist reviews 'Religion for Atheists'
I’ve still not yet read Alain de Botton’s Religion for Atheists, but I’ve been enjoying reading different people’s reviews and perspectives on it.
This review by the humanist James Croft is one such interesting perspective. Whilst positive on some levels, he has his fair share of criticisms too.
Though many of de Botton’s suggestions for secular appropriation of religious practices are charming, some are merely odd. A “Temple to Perspective” — in which seekers would marvel at the scale of the universe — is probably not the best way to spend millions of dollars. Equally curious is his criticism of universities for failing to teach us “how to live.” The primary purpose of universities is to generate new knowledge and develop scholarly expertise, not to instruct young people on how to navigate life.
The difference willpower makes
Roy Baumeister and John Tierney:
People with stronger willpower are more altruistic. They’re more likely to donate to charity, to do volunteer work, and to offer their own homes as shelter to someone with no place to go. Willpower evolved because it was crucial for our ancestors to get along with the rest of the clan, and it’s still serving that purpose today. Inner discipline still leads to outer kindness.
I mentioned a few months ago that I was interested in reading this book and, though it’s taken me a while, I finally finished it last night.
Honestly, it’s been one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in quite a while. Each chapter is filled with so many insights on topics ranging from decision making to finances, to parenting and dieting. And, for a book of this type, it’s thoroughly practical too. I can’t remember the last time I found myself highlighting so many sections of a book.
The premise of the book is this: Willpower is like a muscle that can be strengthened with practice and improved over time. The latest laboratory work shows that self-control has a physical basis to it and so is dramatically affected by simple things such as eating and sleeping - to the extent that a life-changing decision may go in different directions depending on whether it’s made before or after lunch.
It was intriguing to see, as part of their conclusion, the link between willpower and altruism as quoted above. All in all, the point that the books seems to make is that if we want to have a better life, and if we want to live in a better work, then willpower needs to be a muscle that we take time to develop and build up.
All in all, highly recommended and a definite thumbs up from me.
The Righteous Mind
I keep coming across this book and, after seeing it again in Waterstones this afternoon, I think it’s definitely going onto my electronic books to read pile. It looks like it’ll be a really interesting read.
It’s certainly getting some positive reviews too. This from Paul Bloom is just one of many recommendations: “A brave, brilliant, and eloquent exploration of the most important issues of our time. It will challenge the way you think about liberals and conservatives, atheism and religion, good and evil.”
Has anyone else read it already? I’d love to know what you thought and if you’d recommend it.
Here’s the official blurb from the cover:
Why can it sometimes feel as though half the population is living in a different moral universe from you? Why do ideas such as ‘fairness’ and ‘freedom’ mean such different things to different people? Why is it so easy to see the flaws in others’ arguments, and less in our own?
Jonathan Haidt, one of the world’s most influential psychologists, reveals that the reason we find it so hard to get along is because our minds are designed to be moral. Not only that, we are hardwired to be moralistic, judgemental and self-righteous too. Our intrinsic morality enabled us to form communities and create civilization, and it is the key to understanding everybody. It explains why some of us are liberal, others conservative. It is often the difference between war and peace. It is also why we are the only species that will kill for an ideal. Drawing on moral psychology, ancient philosophy, modern politics, poetry, advertising and the semantics of bumper stickers, Haidt’s incredibly wise and enjoyable book examines how morality evolves; why we are predisposed to believe certain things; how our surroundings can affect our morality; and how moral values are not just about justice and fairness - for some people authority, sanctity or loyalty are more important.
Morality binds and blinds, but with new evidence from his own empirical research, Haidt proves it is possible to liberate us from the disputes that divide good people and cooperate with those whose morals differ from our own. After all, they might just have something to say.
The Justice Department just made Jeff Bezos dictator-for-Life
Jordan Weissmann in The Atlantic:
By shackling publishers, the Justice Department is only ensuring one half of a free market. It’s hard to imagine that bodes well for anyone long term, even if it means low prices today.
It’s seems the real consensus is that the only winner from the US Government suing Apple and the big five publishers is Amazon. Who knew a government would go so far out of its way to aid a company who already holds a monopoly.
Apple finally speaks up about accusations of collusion with publishers
Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr:
The DOJ’s accusation of collusion against Apple is simply not true. The launch of the iBookstore in 2010 fostered innovation and competition, breaking Amazon’s monopolistic grip on the publishing industry. Since then customers have benefited from eBooks that are more interactive and engaging. Just as we’ve allowed developers to set prices on the App Store, publishers set prices on the iBookstore.
Keep reading books in order to avoid becoming narcissistic
Justin Zoradi commenting on some alarming - if unsurprising - statistics about how little Americans read after leaving school:
I’m not too worried about the lack of reading for the sake of the book industry or ensuring profit for publishing houses.
I’m worried that the lack of reading is a canary in the mineshaft, warning us of a stifling narcissism in our midst.
The connection he makes between a lack of reading (plus experiencing different cultures, contexts, etc) and narcissism is fascinating but makes a lot of sense. Reading broadens the mind to different perspectives and view points which inevitably fosters an understanding of the world that is bigger than just me, me, me. Though, if you only read books that you know you’ll agree with and don’t stretch you, then the impact will no doubt be significantly reduced.
Ultimately, if you want to avoid being totally narcissistic, it would seem that reading a diversity of books on a broad range of subjects and view points is going to be a good starting point.
Amazon trying to rewrite the rules of publishing
This is an interesting article that doesn’t put Amazon in a very good light. It’s both a fascinating and uncertain time for books and publishing and Amazon’s tactics - and their fast approaching monopoly - should be something that makes all book lovers nervous. Amazon don’t seem to have had much close, investigative reporting done by the media, and very little negative reporting at all. They’re still somewhat of a media darling. But I for one hope that they don’t get a free, unchallenged waltz into a position of monopoly status when it comes to books. We need there to be healthy competition.
Willpower: Rediscovering Our Greatest Strength
Publishers description of the book Willpower:
Can you resist everything except temptation? In a hedonistic age full of distractions, it’s hard to possess willpower - or in fact even understand why we should need it. Yet it’s actually the most important factor in achieving success and a happy life, shown to be more significant than money, looks, background or intelligence. This book reveals the secrets of self-control. For years the old-fashioned, even Victorian, value of willpower has been disparaged by psychologists who argued that we’re largely driven by unconscious forces beyond our control. Here Roy Baumeister, one of the world’s most esteemed and influential psychologists, and journalist John Tierney, turn this notion on its head. They show us that willpower is like a muscle that can be strengthened with practice and improved over time. The latest laboratory work shows that self-control has a physical basis to it and so is dramatically affected by simple things such as eating and sleeping - to the extent that a life-changing decision may go in different directions depending on whether it’s made before or after lunch. You will discover how babies can be taught willpower, the joys of the to-don’t list, the success of Alcoholics Anonymous, the pointlessness of diets and the secrets to David Blaine’s stunts. There are also fascinating personal stories, from explorers, students, soldiers, ex-addicts and parents. Based on years of psychological research and filled with practical advice, this book will teach you how to gain from self-control without pain, and discover the very real power in willpower. The results are nothing short of life-changing.
This looks like a really fascinating read! I’ve sent a sample to my iPad and will check it out soon hopefully. I’ve not heard of it before; has anyone else read it and got any thoughts?
Apple’s War On Amazon Starts Thursday
Intriguing look at how Apple may be about to change the future of book publishing and tackle Amazon at its core business.
Books That Haunt Us
This is a great post by my brother-in-law, Russell Thompson. Ever feel guilty about the unread books on your bookshelf? You are not alone!
Thinking about Thinking
I started reading ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on the bus this morning. I can already tell I’m going to love it. Seems like it’ll be a fascinating look at rationality, intuition and the workings of the human mind. This link is to an interview with the author - Daniel Kahneman - by Sam Harris.
Seth Godin on books and publishing
Seth Godin reflects on his book publishing venture, the Domino Project, as it publishes its last book and offers lots of interesting thoughts and insights on the future of books, ebooks, publishing, and being an author. Well worth a read.
Engage: The fall and rise of Matt Hampson
‘Engage!’ was the last word Matt Hampson heard before dislocating his neck while in rugby training with other young England hopefuls.
On a cold, grey, overcast day in 2005, the cream of young English rugby gathered at a Northampton training ground. Matt Hampson, ‘Hambo’ to his mates, was one of them. He had dreamt of playing rugby for England ever since he had picked up a rugby ball at school. His skill, conviction and dedication had brought him to the cusp of realising that dream, in an England U21 team that included Olly Morgan, Toby Flood, Ben Foden and James Haskell. But as the two sets of forwards engaged for a scrum on the training field, the scrum collapsed and Matt, who played tight-head prop, took the full force of two opposing sides. In that moment his life changed forever.
Paul Kimmage went to visit Matt as he recuperated, and wrote a piece for the Sunday Times which won him his third successive SJA sports interviewer of the year award. They struck up a friendship and here, Paul tells Matt’s whole story, in all its intimate detail. From the build-up to the dreadful day, to Matt’s recuperation, to his struggle to adjust to normal life again, to his family and friends, to other tragic incidents on the rugby field, to the response of the RFU, this is a story of terrible sadness yet unadorned triumph and joy, of anger yet of reconciliation and peace … of a boy who became a man.
I’ve heard SO many positive reviews of this book and Matt’s story that I’ve finally added it to my iBooks library. Looking forward to reading it.
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