Michelle Seitz on Alternative Investments (Podcast)

In 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,' Yuval Noah Harari provides a sweeping narrative that covers 13. 5 billion years of pre-history and history. The book begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition and explores the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions that have shaped human history. Harari examines the role of evolving humans in the global ecosystem, the rise of empires, and the impact of human activities on the planet. He also looks ahead to the future, discussing how humans are now bending the laws of natural selection and acquiring the ability to design not only the world around them but also themselves. The book is known for its original approach, integrating history and science to reconsider accepted narratives and connect past developments with contemporary concerns.

In 'Factfulness,' Hans Rosling, along with his son Ola and daughter-in-law Anna, addresses why people systematically get answers wrong about global trends. They identify ten instincts that distort our perspective, such as dividing the world into 'us' and 'them,' the influence of fear-driven media, and the misconception that most things are getting worse. The book argues that, despite its imperfections, the world is in a better state than many believe and provides a framework to see progress clearly by focusing on facts rather than biases.

In 'The Code Breaker,' Sally Pierson Dillon tells the story of Donnie, a young boy who, after breaking his leg, discovers intriguing secrets from his family's past through the sounds he hears in the old house. The book explores themes of family history, personal growth, and the importance of understanding one's roots.

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

The New Money Masters by John Train is a sequel to his earlier work, The Money Masters. It profiles eight prominent securities traders and mutual fund managers from the 1980s, offering insights into their investment techniques and philosophies. The book includes profiles of notable figures such as George Soros, Peter Lynch, and Jim Rogers, providing a glimpse into their approaches to investing during a volatile period in financial history.