#130

Mentioned in 94 episodes

Anna Karenina

Book • 1877

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century.

The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg.

The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate.

Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life.

The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.

Mentioned by

Lenny Rachitsky

Dominic Sandbrook

Packy McCormick

Mentioned in 94 episodes

Mentioned by

Lenny Rachitsky

as being read currently, prompted by a recommendation from a previous podcast guest.

The AI-native startup: 5 products, 7-figure revenue, 100% AI-written code | Dan Shipper (co-founder/CEO of Every)

Mentioned by

Lenny Rachitsky

as a book he is currently reading.

How to build a team that can “take a punch”: A playbook for building resilient, high-performing teams | Hilary Gridley (Head of Core Product, Whoop)

Recommended by

Nabeel Qureshi

for its insights into human psychology and empathy, essential for product builders.

How Palantir built the ultimate founder factory | Nabeel S. Qureshi (founder, writer, ex-Palantir)

Mentioned by

Peter Thiel

when discussing company mottos and narratives, referencing a quote from Anna Karenina.

Mentioned by

Nabeel Qureshi

in a discussion about his views on art and morality.

13: Nabeel S. Qureshi - The Will to Care

Mentioned by

Dominic Sandbrook

and

Tom Holland

as a comparison point for "The Tale of Genji."

560. The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)

Mentioned by

Lex Fridman

in relation to Gary Saul Morson's interpretation of Anna Karenina.

#298 – Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts and Loneliness

Mentioned by Kevin Hood-Gary to illustrate existential boredom.

A Cure for Existential Boredom

Mentioned by

David Perell

as an example of a book that uses a thought-provoking statement as its opening line, contrasting with the typical structure of magazine features.

Nick Bilton: The Art of Storytelling in Films, Journalism, and Murder Mysteries | How I Write

Mentioned by

Peter Turchin

when discussing the diverse nature of societal collapses.

The ‘Decline’ of Nations: How Elite Surplus and Inequality Lead to Societal Upheaval with Peter Turchin

Mentioned by

Dan Jones

alongside War and Peace as a work offering insights into 19th-century Russian society.

#852 - Dan Jones - The Untold Story Of England’s Greatest King

Mentioned by

Stephen West

in relation to similar themes explored by Cioran regarding success and failure.

Episode #156 ... Emil Cioran part 2 - Failure and Suicide

Mentioned as the book being read as a book club version.

The summer I turned into a bookworm

Recommended by

David Brooks

, about characters whose soul is active and hungry.

David Brooks on Moral Courage for a Soulless Age

Mentioned by

David Senra

as a book read by Theodore Roosevelt during a river adventure.

#156 Theodore Roosevelt

Mentioned by

Tucker Carlson

as a book he read, highlighting its compelling nature and profound ideas.

Andrew Isker: Building a Christian Refuge to Fight Wokeness, Transgenderism, and Paganism

Mentioned by

Ben Shapiro

when commenting on Anna Karenina's complexity.

Ep. 2236 - Democrats DEFEND Illegal Immigrant Child Labor On Pot Farm?!

Mentioned by Leah Koch in contrast to romance novels, highlighting the difference in narrative structure and ending.

Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.

Mentioned by

Packy McCormick

in a discussion about classic literature and its relevance to modern times.

Hyperlegible 004: Alex Danco, Scarcity and Abundance in 2025

Mentioned as not being a romance novel because the character dies.

Readers Can’t Get Enough of BookTok. Publishers Are Cashing In.

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