Part Two: Mark Zuckerberg: The Worst Person of the 21st Century (So Far)

This book tells the story of how a small group of libertarian entrepreneurs, including Peter Thiel and Larry Page, hijacked the original decentralized vision of the internet in the 1990s. It details how these firms created a surveillance marketing monoculture, tolerating piracy and promoting opaque business practices. Taplin offers a history of how these companies shaped online life and proposes solutions for artists to reclaim their audiences and reimagine the design of the World Wide Web.

In 'Lean In,' Sheryl Sandberg combines personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to address the challenges women face in their careers. The book encourages women to 'sit at the table,' seek challenges, take risks, and pursue their goals with gusto. Sandberg provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, while also discussing the importance of work-life balance and equal partnership in household responsibilities. The book aims to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can, and it recognizes the structural and internal barriers that women face in achieving leadership roles[2][4][5].

The Accidental Billionaires tells the captivating story of how Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, two socially awkward Harvard students, created Facebook. The book explores themes of genius, betrayal, and the impact of success on relationships. It is based on real events but includes speculative elements, as Mark Zuckerberg did not participate in the book's creation. The story was adapted into the film 'The Social Network'.

In 'Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging', Sebastian Junger delves into the human desire for community and belonging. Drawing from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger examines why many individuals, including combat veterans, often feel a stronger sense of belonging in tribal or wartime environments than in modern society. He argues that the lack of community in affluent societies can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, while disasters and wars can paradoxically bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The book challenges the notion that modern society is superior to tribal societies, highlighting the benefits of egalitarianism and community found in the latter. Junger also discusses how the absence of these communal bonds can affect veterans returning from war and suggests that societal changes could help reintegrate them and improve overall societal well-being.