The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin is a meticulously researched biography that vividly portrays Franklin's transformation from a penniless runaway to a highly influential figure in American history. Drawing on previously unpublished letters and other sources, H. W. Brands explores Franklin's multifaceted life as a diplomat, scientist, philosopher, and statesman, emphasizing his crucial role in securing French support for American independence.
In 'Finding the Next Steve Jobs', Nolan Bushnell shares unconventional strategies for identifying and nurturing creative talent. Bushnell emphasizes the importance of hiring passionate individuals, celebrating failures, and fostering a culture of innovation. The book offers insights into creating a workplace that encourages creativity and risk-taking, drawing from Bushnell's experiences as a pioneer in the tech industry.
Janet Lowe ofrece en "Damn Right!" una biografía detallada de Charlie Munger, explorando su vida, su filosofía de inversión y su relación con Warren Buffett. La obra proporciona una visión íntima de la personalidad de Munger, su enfoque multidisciplinario y su búsqueda constante de conocimiento. Lowe presenta anécdotas y ejemplos que ilustran la aplicación práctica de los principios de Munger. El libro es una lectura esencial para comprender la mente de uno de los inversores más exitosos y perspicaces de la historia. Su prologo por Warren Buffett añade un valor adicional.
In this highly acclaimed book, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini explains the psychology behind why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically. The book outlines six universal principles of influence: Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity. The new and expanded edition includes a seventh principle, Unity, along with new research, insights, and examples. Cialdini uses memorable stories and relatable examples to make the subject accessible and easy to understand, helping readers become more skilled persuaders and defend themselves against unethical influence attempts.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic and influential work that covers various periods of Franklin's life. It is divided into four parts, written at different times, and includes his childhood, apprenticeship to his brother James, his early methodical plans for 'arriving at moral perfection,' his experiments with electricity, and his political career. The autobiography provides an intimate and honest account of Franklin's life, reflecting his determination, work ethic, and practical wisdom. Despite its tortuous publication history, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies ever written.
This biography by Walter Isaacson chronicles the life of Benjamin Franklin from his early days as a runaway apprentice to his later years as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. The book explores Franklin's contributions to science, politics, and literature, including his work on the Declaration of Independence, his diplomatic efforts in France, and his inventions such as bifocal glasses and the lightning rod. Isaacson also delves into Franklin's personal life, including his relationships and his philosophical underpinnings that shaped American society. The narrative highlights how Franklin helped forge the American national identity and his enduring relevance in the twenty-first century.
Bill Gurley's speech 'Runnin' Down a Dream' emphasizes the importance of pursuing deep personal interests and constantly improving one's skills to achieve success. It highlights the value of mentorship and collaboration in career advancement.
Originally published in 2005, Poor Charlie's Almanack is a collection of eleven talks delivered by Charles T. Munger between 1986 and 2007. Edited by Peter D. Kaufman, this book draws on Munger's extensive knowledge across various fields to provide a framework for rational and rigorous approaches to life, learning, and decision-making. It is renowned for its sharp wit and rhetorical flair, making it an essential read for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to enhance their wisdom and critical thinking skills.
This book chronicles the period from the conception of Disneyland in the 1940s to its significant additions in 1959. It delves into Walt Disney's innovative vision, the creative efforts of his team, and the financial and logistical challenges they overcame. The narrative includes biographical sketches of key figures involved in the park's design and construction, such as Roy Disney, Ward Kimball, and C.V. Wood. The book also details the park's opening day and its subsequent success despite initial setbacks, showcasing the unique blend of imagination, engineering, and perseverance that defined Disneyland's creation.
This book presents the essential steps of Charlie Munger's investing strategy, condensed from various sources such as interviews, speeches, writings, and shareholder letters. It is based on Ben Graham's value-investing system and includes commentary from fund managers, value investors, and business-case historians. The book is not only about investing but also about cultivating mental models for life, emphasizing the importance of 'elementary, worldly wisdom' in making rational and successful investment decisions.
This book is a compendium of quotes from Charlie Munger, culled from interviews, speeches, and questions and answers at the Berkshire Hathaway and Wesco annual meetings. It offers insights into Munger’s remarkable financial success and life philosophies. Described by Business Insider as 'sharp in his wit and investing wisdom,' Munger’s investment tips, business philosophy, and rules for living are unique, intelligent, and successful. The book is structured similarly to The Tao of Warren Buffett and The Tao of Te Ching, with commentary by David Clark, coauthor of the Buffettology series.
In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today[1][3][5].
What I learned from reading Damn Right: Behind the Scenes with Berkshire Hathaway Billionaire Charlie Munger by Janet Lowe.
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[16:02] I had a considerable passion to get rich. Not because I wanted Ferraris—I wanted the independence. I desperately wanted it.
[26:49] I met the towering intellectuals in books, not in the classroom, which is natural. My family was into all that stuff, getting ahead through discipline, knowledge, and self-control.
[37:44] He talked about business in a way that was animated and interesting though now I see he was almost broke. I knew he drove an awful car. But I never thought he was anything but a big success. Why did I think that? He just had this air-everything he did was going to be first class, going to be great. He had these enthusiasms for his projects and his future.
[38:48] Charlie drummed in the notion that a person should always "Do the best that you can do. Never tell a lie. If you say you're going to do it, get it done. Nobody gives a shit about an excuse. Leave for the meeting early, Don't be late, but if you are late, don't bother giving people excuses. Just apologize. They're due the apology, but they're not interested in an excuse.”
[42:22] The rabbit runs faster than the fox, because the rabbit is running for his life while the fox is only running for his dinner.
[49:15] He wouldn't accept anything on face value. His interest in almost everything can be so intense, he will have a perspective that others will not have.
[49:29] Do things that other people aren't doing.
[1:07:55] I am a biography nut myself and I think when you're trying to teach the great concepts that work, it helps to tie them into the lives and personalities of the people who developed them. I think that you learn economics better if you make Adam Smith your friend. That sounds funny, making friends among the eminent dead, but if you go through life making friends with the emìnent dead who had the right ideas, I thìnk it will work better in life and work better in education. It's way better than just giving the basic concepts.
[1:15:15] It is Charlie's philosophy that a first-rate man should be willing to take at least some difficult jobs with a high chance of failure.
[1:21:28] Though few companies last forever, all of them should be built to last a long time, says Munger. The approach to corporate control should be thought of as "financial engineering." Just as bridges and airplanes are constructed with a series of back-up systems and redundancies to meet extreme stresses, so too should corporations be built to withstand the pressures from competition, recessions, oil shocks, or other calamities. Excess leverage, or debt, makes the corporation especially vulnerable to such storms. It is a crime in to build a weak bridge. How much nobler is it to build a weak company?
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
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