The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish

#18 Naval Ravikant: The Angel Philosopher

10158 snips

Apr 11, 2017

Naval Ravikant, CEO of AngelList and renowned thinker on personal growth and decision-making, shares insights that provoke deep reflection. He discusses his unconventional daily routine and unique reading habits, shaped by the distractions of modern life. Naval critiques common habit advice while revealing his successful techniques for breaking destructive patterns. He also reflects on the education system's flaws and advocates for self-directed learning. With memorable thoughts on happiness and life’s meaning, this conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom.

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ANECDOTE

Naval's First Love

Naval Ravikant's first love was reading; he spent his childhood afternoons at the library.
No one dictated his reading choices, allowing his tastes to evolve naturally from comics to philosophy.

ADVICE

Invest in Books

Read physical books or use a Kindle for convenience, but buy physical copies of books you love.
Don't hesitate to spend money on books; they are investments, not expenses.

ADVICE

Reading Habits

Treat books like blog archives, skimming and reading selectively, without feeling obligated to finish them.
Read daily, even if just for short periods, to cultivate a reading habit.

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Pre-Suasion

A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade

Robert Cialdini

In this book, Robert Cialdini explains that optimal persuasion is achieved through optimal pre-suasion. He argues that the key to successful persuasion lies in the moment before the message is delivered, where the communicator must redirect the audience's focus of attention to make them receptive. Drawing from extensive research and various examples, including advertising, marketing campaigns, and historical events, Cialdini outlines techniques to prepare audiences and increase the likelihood of agreement. The book is praised for its scientific rigor and practical applicability, making it an essential tool for anyone serious about science-based business strategies.

Thinking Physics

Understandable Practical Reality

Lewis Carroll Epstein

Thinking Physics is a rigorously correct, lighthearted, and cleverly designed Q and A book that targets topics such as wing lift, tides, and more obscure phenomena like the Bernoulli sub and the artificial aurora created by hydrogen bombs. The book is broken into many short sections and includes Epstein’s own playful hand-drawn illustrations. It not only provides the right answers but also explains why incorrect answers are wrong, making it a valuable resource for physicists of all ages.

The story of philosophy

The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers

Will Durant

In 'The Story of Philosophy,' Will Durant profiles several key Western philosophers, starting with Socrates and Plato and continuing through to Friedrich Nietzsche. The book highlights the interconnection of their ideas and how each philosopher's thoughts influenced the next. Durant also delves into the economic and intellectual environments that shaped these philosophers' works, as well as their personal traits and adventures. The book is known for its accessible and humanizing approach to philosophy, making complex ideas understandable and engaging for a broad audience[2][3][5].

Six Easy Pieces

Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher

Richard Feynman

Six Easy Pieces is a collection of six lectures from Richard Feynman's celebrated Lectures on Physics, designed to introduce the general reader to the basics of physics. These lectures, delivered at the California Institute of Technology from 1961 to 1963, revolutionized the teaching of physics. Feynman covers topics including atoms, basic physics, energy, gravitation, and quantum mechanics, presenting each discussion with minimal jargon and using wonderful examples and clever illustrations. The book is praised for its clarity and accessibility, making it an ideal primer for both nonscientists and those interested in understanding the fundamental principles of physics.

Sex at Dawn

The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality

Christopher Ryan

Cacilda Jethá

In 'Sex at Dawn', Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá present a compelling argument that human beings evolved in egalitarian groups where food, child care, and sexual partners were shared. The authors use evidence from anthropology, archaeology, primatology, anatomy, and psychosexuality to debunk the standard narrative of human sexual evolution. They contend that before the advent of agriculture, human societies were characterized by sexual freedom and promiscuity, which strengthened social bonds and ensured the well-being of the group. The book challenges modern concepts of monogamy and sexual exclusivity, offering a fresh perspective on human sexuality and its implications for modern relationships.

The Checklist Manifesto

How To Get Things Right

Atul Gawande

In 'The Checklist Manifesto', Atul Gawande explores the power of checklists in overcoming the complexities of modern professional work. He argues that despite advanced training and technology, professionals often fail due to the sheer volume and complexity of knowledge. Gawande illustrates how checklists, first introduced by the U.S. Air Force, have been successfully adopted in various fields, including medicine, to reduce errors and improve outcomes. He provides compelling examples, such as the reduction of fatalities in surgical procedures and the elimination of hospital infections, to demonstrate the effectiveness of checklists. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing autonomy and control, empowering frontline workers, and continuously improving checklists based on feedback and experience[1][3][5].

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

Carlo Rovelli

In this book, Carlo Rovelli condenses the key revelations of post-Newtonian physics into seven brief, accessible lessons. The book covers Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, the architecture of the cosmos, particles, grains of space, probability, time, and black holes. Rovelli uses a literary approach to explain these complex concepts, making the book enjoyable and understandable for non-specialized readers. The book also explores the nature of time, the role of humans in the universe, and the interworking of the universe at both grand and minute scales.

Evolution of Everything

Matt Ridley

In this book, Matt Ridley presents a wide-ranging argument that evolution, rather than design, is the driving force behind many of the significant developments in human society, technology, and culture. He argues that change in these areas is incremental, gradual, and spontaneous, often resulting from the interactions of millions rather than the plans of a few. Ridley draws on evidence from science, economics, history, politics, and philosophy to demonstrate how bottom-up processes shape our world, from the evolution of the universe and morality to the development of technology and the internet. The book challenges conventional assumptions that major events and trends are dictated by those in positions of power, instead highlighting the role of emergent phenomena and natural selection in shaping our world[1][2][5].

The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg

In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and change. He explains the 'habit loop' consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward, and how understanding this loop can help in changing bad habits or forming good ones. The book includes numerous examples from various fields, such as how Procter & Gamble successfully marketed Febreze, how Alcoa transformed its business by focusing on safety, and how individuals like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. benefited from specific habits. Duhigg argues that by harnessing this science, individuals and organizations can transform their lives and businesses[2][4][5].

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnegie

First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills. The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument. The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours. It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations[2][3][5].

Stories of Your Life and Others

Ted Chiang

This collection includes eight short stories by Ted Chiang, each exploring unique and thought-provoking themes. Stories such as 'Tower of Babylon' and 'Story of Your Life' delve into concepts of time, space, and human perception, while 'Understand' and 'Division by Zero' examine the consequences of advanced knowledge and the breakdown of mathematical principles. The collection also includes 'Hell Is the Absence of God,' which probes the nature of belief and faith in a world where divine entities are real. Chiang's stories are known for their rigorous imagination, sharp intelligence, and ability to raise profound questions about the nature of reality and humanity.

Thing Explainer

Complicated Stuff in Simple Words

Randall Munroe

In Thing Explainer, Randall Munroe uses line drawings and a limited vocabulary of the 1,000 most common English words to explain a wide range of complex subjects. The book covers topics such as technology (e.g., microwaves as 'food-heating radio boxes'), human organs (e.g., cells as 'tiny bags of water you’re made of'), and conceptual subjects like the periodic table and the solar system. Munroe's approach makes these explanations both humorous and understandable, appealing to a broad range of readers from children to adults. The book is praised for its creative use of language and its ability to make complex ideas accessible and entertaining[2][4][5].

The Three-Body Problem

None

Cixin Liu

Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.

Tools of Titans

The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers

Ryan Holiday

Mike Del Ponte

Therese Plummer

Ray Porter

Tim Ferriss

Kaleo Griffith

Kevin Rose

Jocko Willink

Tim Kreider

Tools of Titans is a comprehensive guide to achieving peak performance and personal transformation. The book is divided into three main sections: Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. It features insights and strategies from over 200 interviews with successful individuals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ariana Huffington, and many others. Ferriss highlights common patterns among these high achievers, including daily meditation, disciplined routines, and the ability to turn weaknesses into strengths. The book is designed to be a resource for continuous learning and improvement, providing actionable advice and tools for readers to enhance their health, wealth, and wisdom.

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

Superintelligence

Paths, Dangers, Strategies

Nick Bostrom

In this book, Nick Bostrom delves into the implications of creating superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains. He discusses the potential dangers, such as the loss of human control over such powerful entities, and presents various strategies to ensure that superintelligences align with human values. The book examines the 'AI control problem' and the need to endow future machine intelligence with positive values to prevent existential risks[3][5][4].

Sapiens

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

The Lessons of History

Will Durant

Written by Will and Ariel Durant after completing the 10th volume of their 'The Story of Civilization' series, 'The Lessons of History' provides an overview of the themes and lessons observed from human history. The book examines history from various perspectives including geography, biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, growth and decay, and progress. The Durants discuss the recurring themes of history, such as the balance between liberty and equality, the role of economics, and the inevitability of human nature's influence on historical events. They argue that while there are no predictable regularities in the course of civilizations, there are common factors that contribute to their growth and decline[1][3][5].

Naval Ravikant is the CEO and co-founder of AngelList. He’s invested in more than 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, Yammer, and many others.

It’s difficult to nail down exactly what we discuss in our conversation because I had so many questions to ask him. Naval is an incredibly deep thinker who challenges the status quo on so many things. This is an interview you’ll want to listen to, think a bit, and then listen to again.

Here are just a few of the many things we cover in this episode:

What a “typical day” looks like (not the answer I expected, and not one you’ve likely heard before)
How Naval developed his legendary reading habits and how he finds time to read no matter how busy life gets
How the internet has impacted book reading (both good and bad) and how to make sure you’re getting the best information from the most reliable sources
What popular habit advice Naval thinks is BS and why
Naval’s habit stacking technique that helped him overcome a desire for alcohol and other potentially destructive habits
How Naval’s core values give direction to his life and how those values developed over time
Naval’s thoughts on the current education system and what we can do to facilitate better learning for our children
Naval’s favorite mental models for making critical high-stakes decisions
His brilliant two-factor calendar authentication concept to keep him focused on only the most important projects
Naval’s definition for the meaning of life (buckle up for this one)
His amazing response to the investor who wanted to be just like Steve Jobs

And so, so much more.

Just a heads up, this is the longest podcast I’ve ever done. While it felt like only thirty minutes, our conversation lasted over two hours!

And although it is the longest, it’s also our most downloaded episode on the Knowledge Project, so make sure you have a pen and paper handy. There’s a lot of wisdom up for grabs here.

Enjoy this amazing conversation.

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