#211 Jonathan Brown - Preparing for the coming Crash

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.

In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind.

Written by Benjamin Graham, 'The Intelligent Investor' is a seminal work on value investing that has inspired millions since its original publication in 1949. The book emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between investing and speculation, calculating the intrinsic value of companies, and maintaining a margin of safety. The revised edition includes updated commentary by Jason Zweig, who provides modern examples and insights to help readers apply Graham's principles in today's market. Warren Buffett, a disciple of Graham, has praised the book as 'the best book about investing ever written'.

In 'Your Erroneous Zones,' Wayne Dyer introduces the concept of self-defeating behavior and erroneous zones—areas of life where negative thinking and misconceptions act as barriers to success and happiness. The book offers strategies to break free from guilt, worry, and other negative emotions by taking control of one's feelings and reactions. Dyer emphasizes the importance of self-love, living in the present, and overcoming societal and self-imposed barriers to achieve true self-reliance and personal growth.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

In this book, Gavin de Becker argues that every individual should learn to trust their gut instinct when it comes to situations of danger or potential violence. He highlights the predictability of violence by identifying pre-incident indicators (PINS) such as forced teaming, charm and niceness, too many details, typecasting, loan sharking, and the unsolicited promise. De Becker also discusses his MOSAIC Threat Assessment Systems and provides practical advice on how to spot danger signals, handle threatening situations, and manage fear effectively. The book is particularly valuable for women and others who may be at higher risk of violence, offering strategies to enhance situational awareness and personal safety.