233: Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau

In this book, Chip and Dan Heath explore the anatomy of ideas that stick and provide methods to make ideas more memorable. They introduce the SUCCESs formula, which stands for Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Stories. The book is filled with examples from urban legends, business stories, and personal anecdotes, demonstrating how these traits can be applied to make any idea stickier. It is particularly useful for anyone interested in influencing others, whether in business, education, or other fields.

Originally published in 1940 and revised in 1972, this book is a classic guide to intelligent reading. It describes the art of reading as the process by which a mind elevates itself through its own operations on the symbols of readable matter. The authors emphasize active reading, highlighting the importance of keen observation, available memory, range of imagination, and an intellect trained in analysis and reflection. The book provides practical lessons on how to read books effectively, including inspectional reading, analytical reading, and syntopical reading, to achieve a deeper understanding of the material.

In this book, Chris Guillebeau shares insights from 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from minimal investments. He focuses on 50 intriguing case studies, highlighting how people with no special skills turned their passions into profitable ventures. The book emphasizes the importance of finding the intersection between your expertise and what others are willing to pay for, and it provides practical advice on starting and growing a business without needing an MBA, a business plan, or employees. Guillebeau stresses key principles such as the importance of action over planning and the value of selling solutions rather than teaching skills.

In 'The Technological Society,' Jacques Ellul discusses the concept of 'technique,' which he defines as the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency in every field of human activity. Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations. He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control. The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life.