Bottom of the first: A veteran VC’s take on the AI landscape

In this book, Robert J. Shiller argues that economic events are significantly driven by contagious narratives or stories that spread among the public. He contends that these narratives, whether true or false, can go viral and impact economic decisions, such as investments, spending, and saving. Shiller uses historical examples, including stock market crashes, the rise and fall of Bitcoin, and the Great Depression, to illustrate how these narratives shape economic outcomes. He advocates for incorporating the study of these narratives into economic analysis to better predict and mitigate financial crises and other major economic events.

Winning with Data explores the cultural changes big data brings to business and provides a blueprint for companies to adapt and leverage data to maximum effect. Authors Tomasz Tunguz and Frank Bien draw on their extensive backgrounds in big data, business intelligence, and business strategy. The book emphasizes the importance of building an organizational culture that creates and leverages data daily in every aspect of the business. It includes real-world examples from companies like Warby-Parker, ThredUp, Venmo, and HubSpot, illustrating how data can disrupt markets, optimize processes, and enhance productivity. The book covers topics such as instrumentation, data literacy, and the core responsibilities of data teams, providing practical advice on transforming business strategy through data-driven decisions.

This book, first published in 1978, tracks various financial crises through time, from 'Tulipmania' to the global financial crisis of 2008. It disentangles the narrative of many financial disasters into their component parts and educates readers on how to identify different phases of the financial cycle. The book covers historical financial manias, typical patterns of crisis evolution, and fraudulent behaviors. Later editions, updated by Robert Z. Aliber and Robert McCauley, include new chapters on cryptocurrency, the US as the global lender of last resort, and recent financial bubbles in China and the US housing market. The book is a valuable resource for finance and economic researchers, students, practitioners, and policymakers[2][3][4].

Carlota Perez's "Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital" examines the interplay between technological innovation and economic development. The book argues that technological revolutions unfold in distinct phases, each characterized by specific economic and social dynamics. Perez identifies key technological revolutions throughout history, analyzing their impact on investment, employment, and global power structures. Her work emphasizes the role of financial capital in driving technological change and shaping economic cycles. The book offers a comprehensive framework for understanding long-term economic trends and the challenges of managing technological transitions.