Ep. 136: LISTENER CALLS: Reversing Burnout

In this critically acclaimed book, Dreyfus and Kelly argue that our search for meaning was once fulfilled by our responsiveness to forces greater than ourselves, such as gods or a single God. They contend that as we began to rely on our own independent will, we lost our skill for encountering the sacred. Through a discussion of Western literature from Homer's Odyssey to Melville's Moby Dick, the authors show how we can rediscover the sacred and intense involvement with the world's wonder and beauty by re-reading our cultural classics.

In 'A World Without Email', Cal Newport argues that the constant digital communication, which he terms the 'hyperactive hive mind', has become a productivity disaster. He contends that this workflow, driven by email and other messaging tools, reduces profitability, slows economic growth, and makes workers miserable. Newport proposes a workplace where clear processes, not haphazard messaging, define task management. He advocates for each person working on fewer tasks but doing them better, with significant investment in support to reduce administrative burdens. The book lays out principles and concrete instructions for streamlining important communication and reducing the central role of inboxes and chat channels in the workplace.

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

In 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', Yuval Noah Harari examines the future of humanity, predicting that in the 21st century, humans will strive for happiness, immortality, and god-like powers. The book discusses how technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, will shape human society. Harari speculates on the possibilities of overcoming death, creating artificial life, and the potential risks and philosophical implications of these advancements. He also explores the impact of humanism, individualism, and transhumanism on our future and questions the continued dominance of humans in a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.

In 'Blockchain Revolution,' Don and Alex Tapscott explain the profound impact of blockchain technology on global commerce and society. The book discusses how blockchain facilitates peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, ensuring privacy, security, and transparency. It highlights the potential of blockchain to transform various industries, from finance and government to the Internet of Things, and its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The authors provide a high-level primer on blockchain, making it accessible to readers new to the technology while also exploring its deeper implications and future possibilities.

In '21 Lessons for the 21st Century', Yuval Noah Harari tackles the most pressing questions of our time. The book explores issues such as the crisis of liberal democracy, the rise of nationalism, the impact of technological advancements, the threat of terrorism, and the challenges posed by climate change and nuclear war. Harari presents these complex contemporary challenges clearly and accessibly, inviting readers to consider values, meaning, and personal engagement in a world filled with noise and uncertainty. He emphasizes the need for critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in navigating the future and suggests that individuals must identify strongly with a global community to confront global problems effectively.

In 'The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin', Gordon S. Wood delves into the life of Benjamin Franklin, challenging the common perception of him as an emblematic American figure. The book explores Franklin's complex journey from being deeply rooted in British culture to becoming a key figure in the American Revolution. Wood examines Franklin's personal and political transformations, offering a nuanced view of his role in shaping American history.

This book offers a multifaceted approach to understanding Benjamin Franklin's religious beliefs, examining his journey towards a 'theistic perspectivism' that justified the liberty of conscience he advocated throughout his life. Walters' analysis provides insight into Franklin's eclectic religious views, combining elements of deism with a personal quest for divine guidance.