Ep. 202: TikTok Dismisses Facebook

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 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', Yuval Noah Harari examines the future of humanity, predicting that in the 21st century, humans will strive for happiness, immortality, and god-like powers. The book discusses how technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, will shape human society. Harari speculates on the possibilities of overcoming death, creating artificial life, and the potential risks and philosophical implications of these advancements. He also explores the impact of humanism, individualism, and transhumanism on our future and questions the continued dominance of humans in a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.

In 'Shop Class as Soulcraft,' Matthew B. Crawford argues that the manual trades offer a unique form of intellectual and personal satisfaction. He critiques modern society's emphasis on 'knowledge work' and the devaluation of manual labor, highlighting the cognitive demands and personal fulfillment that come from working with one's hands. Crawford draws on his own experiences as a motorcycle mechanic and philosopher to illustrate the importance of craftsmanship, self-reliance, and the integration of thinking and doing in meaningful work. The book challenges consumerist culture and advocates for a more humane economy that values and rewards meaningful labor.

In 'Do Hard Things,' Alex and Brett Harris combat the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility. They weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. The book maps out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change, and is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life 'rebelutionaries' in action. It challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

In 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,' Barbara Kingsolver and her family chronicle their year-long experiment of eating only foods they grew themselves or obtained locally. The book contrasts their experiences with the ecological costs of modern industrial agriculture, including the transportation and chemical preservation of food. The family's journey involves learning about farming, animal husbandry, and seasonal cooking, and it explores the broader implications of food choices on health and the environment. The 10th anniversary edition includes new chapters from all family members, reflecting on how their decision to adopt a locally produced diet has continued to shape their lives and contribute to the locavore movement.

The Seven Storey Mountain is Thomas Merton's autobiography, written while he was a monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani. The book chronicles Merton's early life, his conversion to Roman Catholicism at age 23, and his decision to join the Trappist order at the age of 26. It is a unique spiritual autobiography that mirrors Dante's journey from hell through purgatory to paradise, reflecting Merton's transition from a worldly life to monastic life. The book has been highly influential and has touched millions of lives, translated into more than twenty languages and recognized as one of the most influential religious works of our time.

In 'Blockchain Revolution,' Don and Alex Tapscott explain the profound impact of blockchain technology on global commerce and society. The book discusses how blockchain facilitates peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, ensuring privacy, security, and transparency. It highlights the potential of blockchain to transform various industries, from finance and government to the Internet of Things, and its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The authors provide a high-level primer on blockchain, making it accessible to readers new to the technology while also exploring its deeper implications and future possibilities.