This book tells the remarkable story of Polaroid, from its origins during World War II to its rise as a technological and cultural icon. Written by Christopher Bonanos, it chronicles the life and work of Edwin Land, the inventor of instant photography, and the company's evolution through its innovative products, including the SX-70 camera. The book also explores Polaroid's interactions with famous artists like Ansel Adams and Andy Warhol, and its eventual decline in the face of digital photography. Bonanos' narrative is engaging and well-illustrated, capturing the essence of Polaroid's influence on photography and popular culture[2][4][5].
This book details Dyson's journey from his early life to the development of his revolutionary bagless vacuum cleaner. It includes his struggles, legal battles, and eventual success after finding support in Japan. The book also critiques various aspects of the British education system and industry.
In this work, Ortega y Gasset traces the genesis of the 'mass-man' and analyzes his constitution, describing the rise to power and action of the masses in society. He criticizes the masses and the mass-men, contrasting 'noble life and common life' and highlighting the barbarism and primitivism he sees in the mass-man. The book does not refer to specific social classes but targets the bourgeois educated man who believes he has all the answers and extends his command over others, contemptuous of his ignorance in many areas. Ortega argues that the advances of civilization have led to the accession of the masses, which threatens the future of civilization[1][4][5].
Go Like Hell by A.J. Baime tells the story of Henry Ford II's ambitious quest to conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans, challenging Enzo Ferrari's dominance. The book chronicles the development of the Ford GT40 and the strategic partnership with Carroll Shelby, highlighting the technological innovations and human determination that defined this era of motorsport. The rivalry between Ford and Ferrari not only reshaped the racing world but also left a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
This biography provides a detailed account of Enzo Ferrari's life, from his early days as a racer to his founding of the Ferrari company. It explores his complex relationships, political dealings, and the impact he had on the automotive world. Drawing on extensive research, the book offers insights into Ferrari's personal life and his role in shaping the Ferrari brand.
What I learned from reading The Bugatti Story by L’Ebe Bugatti.
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(2:01) If there was a prototype operation for what Enzo Ferrari envisioned it had to be what the legendary Ettore Bugatti built in Molsheim. — Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine by Brock Yates. (Founders #220)
(7:00) Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans by A. J. Baime. (Founders #97)
(14:30) I determined to build a car of my own. I had realized by then that I was completely taken by mechanics. My ideas gave me no rest.
(16:00) The two inventors described to each other a singular experience: Each had imagined a perfect new product, whole, already manufactured and sitting before him, and then spent years prodding executives, engineers, and factories to create it with as few compromises as possible. — Instant: The Story of Polaroid by Christopher Bonanos. (Founders #264)
(22:00) Faster progress would be made in all fields if conceit did not cause us to forget or disdain the work done by others before us. There is a tendency to believe that nothing worthy of note has been done in the past, and this has an unfortunate bearing on our judgment; thus the present trend toward mediocrity.
(23:45) I was hypnotized, drawn more and more to the mechanics of motors. These exciting problems had me completely under their sway, and so began for me the hard uphill task, the thankless labor of constructing and destroying and beginning again, without a break or rest, and for days, months, years even, until success finally rewarded all my efforts.
(27:00) Bugatti made no attempt to compete with the low price models already on the market. The price of the Bugatti was higher than any other car of equal horsepower.
(37:00) Bugatti is the personification of Paul Graham’s essay How To Do Great Work(Founders #314)
-Work on what you have a natural aptitude for and a deep curiosity about.
-Make a commitment to be the best in the world at what you do.
-Care deeply about making truly great work.
(42:00) All the finest trophies were won easily by engaging in every important race without pause.
(44:00) Nothing is too good. Nothing is too dear. You've got to win whatever the cost. You work day and night if necessary.
(44:30) There was a factory. However Molsheim was more than that. It was a house and a family. It was a little world where the attitude to things and the relations between people were out of the ordinary.
(45:30) The personality of its founder continued to show in even the smallest details and unexpected ways.
(46:00) You get the feeling of being suddenly confronted with something unusual and beyond classification.
(49:30) His starting point was always to create the most extraordinary things.
(50:30) Against the Odds: An Autobiography by James Dyson (Founders #300)
(52:00) The root principle was to do things your way. It didn't matter how other people did it. As long as it works and it is exciting people will follow you.
(58:30) A human life, by its very nature, has to be devoted to something or other, to a glorious or humble enterprise, an illustrious or obscure destiny. This is a strange but inexorable condition of things. — The Revolt of the Masses by Jose Ortega y Gasset
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested, so my poor wallet suffers.” — Gareth
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“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth
Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
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