Ep. 179: Do Techniques Beat Talent?

Published in 1937, 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression. The narrative revolves around their dream of owning a small farm, a symbol of the American Dream. However, their plans are continually thwarted by circumstances, including Lennie's accidental killing of the ranch owner's daughter-in-law, which leads to a tragic conclusion. The book is known for its vivid portrayal of farm life, its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of the labor system, and its objective narrative style. It has been widely adapted into stage and film versions and remains a significant work in American literature.

In 'Living with a SEAL,' Jesse Itzler chronicles his experience of hiring Navy SEAL David Goggins to live with him and his family for 31 days to transform his physical fitness and mental toughness. The book details the rigorous training regimen imposed by Goggins, who is referred to as 'SEAL' throughout the narrative. Itzler's journey is marked by intense workouts, humorous moments, and significant personal growth. The book emphasizes themes such as respect, minimalism, and total commitment, showcasing the transformative impact of pushing beyond one's perceived limits.

Reamde is a technothriller that delves into the world of online gaming, international espionage, and cybercrime. The story centers around a fictional MMORPG called T'Rain and the real-world implications of virtual gold farming. It explores themes of technology's impact on society, human nature, and the blurring lines between virtual and physical realities. The novel is known for its fast-paced action sequences and intricate plot twists.

Cathedral of the Wild is Boyd Varty's memoir about his life on the Londolozi Game Reserve, where he learned to track animals and connect with nature. The book explores his journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, highlighting the transformative power of the wild. Varty recounts his adventures, including surviving dangerous encounters with wildlife, and reflects on the lessons he learned from his family and the land.

Patrick T. Reardon's "The Loop" delves into the history of Chicago's elevated train tracks, exploring their impact on the city's development, economy, and identity. The book combines urban history, biography, engineering, architecture, transportation, culture, and politics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Loop's significance. Reardon reveals how the Loop shaped Chicago's downtown, unified the city, and protected it from the effects of suburbanization. He also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of key figures like Charles Yerkes and John Alexander Low Waddell. The book offers new insights into the factors that have contributed to Chicago's unique urban character.

Seveneves tells the story of an apocalyptic event where the Moon suddenly breaks apart without warning, leading to a catastrophic 'Hard Rain' of moon fragments that will render Earth uninhabitable for thousands of years. The novel follows the global efforts to save humanity by evacuating people to a swarm of 'arklet' habitats in orbit. The story is divided into three parts, covering the immediate aftermath, the long-term survival in space, and the eventual re-colonization of Earth five thousand years later. The book delves into themes of science, technology, genetics, and the long-term implications of human survival and societal rebuilding.

In 'The Fall', Albert Camus explores themes of guilt, judgment, and the human condition through the narrative of Jean-Baptiste Clamence. Clamence, a self-proclaimed 'judge-penitent', recounts his life as a successful but hypocritical lawyer in Paris. His story is marked by a pivotal event where he failed to act when a woman jumped to her death from a bridge, leading to a deep sense of guilt and existential despair. Through his monologues, Clamence delves into the complexities of human nature, the inevitability of judgment, and the universal guilt that underlies human existence. The novel is set against the backdrop of Amsterdam and reflects on the broader implications of World War II and the Holocaust, inviting readers to confront their own moral failings and the inherent hypocrisy in human behavior.

Published in 1992, 'Snow Crash' is a science fiction novel by Neal Stephenson that delves into a future where the United States has fragmented into corporate city-states and the internet has evolved into a virtual reality called the Metaverse. The story follows Hiro Protagonist, a pizza delivery driver and part-time hacker, and Y.T. , a teenage skateboard courier, as they navigate a complex world threatened by a mysterious computer virus and a powerful drug known as Snow Crash. The novel explores themes of history, linguistics, anthropology, and computer science, and is noted for its prescient vision of the metaverse and its influence on Silicon Valley innovators.

In 'Voices in the Ocean', Susan Casey embarks on a global journey to explore the world of dolphins, from their intelligence and social complexity to the dark side of human-dolphin interactions, including captivity and hunting practices. The book offers a blend of scientific research, personal stories, and a call to action for their conservation.