Ep. 197: I’m Writing a New Book

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

This book tells the story of the search for a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, first conjectured by Pierre de Fermat in 1637. It recounts the lives and efforts of numerous mathematicians who attempted to solve the theorem over the centuries, including the eventual proof by Andrew Wiles in 1995. The book is based on Singh's award-winning documentary film and provides a compelling and accessible account of the mathematical and human aspects of this historic problem.

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.

In 'Effortless', Greg McKeown offers practical tools and strategies for achieving more with less effort. The book is organized into three parts: the effortless state, effortless action, and effortless results. McKeown argues that not everything has to be hard and provides methods for turning tedious tasks into enjoyable rituals, preventing frustration, setting a sustainable pace, and automating essential tasks. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding easier ways to accomplish what matters most, rather than perpetually overexerting oneself.

This book by Simon Singh tells the story of Fermat's Last Theorem, first conjectured by Pierre de Fermat in 1637. It recounts the centuries-long effort by numerous mathematicians, including famous figures like Euler, Sophie Germain, and Évariste Galois, who attempted but failed to prove the theorem. The book culminates with the story of Andrew Wiles, who finally proved the theorem in 1995 by linking it to the Shimura-Taniyama conjecture. Singh's narrative weaves together historical, mathematical, and personal stories, making the book accessible to a broad audience while highlighting the passion and dedication of mathematicians throughout history.

In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that following one's passion is the key to career happiness. Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love. Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big. He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.