177: Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz

This play, adapted by Jeremy Sams from the original sitcom by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, follows Tom and Barbara Good as they transform their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. They grow their own food, keep livestock, make their own clothes, and generate electricity from manure. The play reunites the beloved characters, including Geraldine the goat, and explores issues of sustainability and community, blending old and new comedic elements.

In this philosophical work, William James examines the question of whether life is worth living. He discusses how our beliefs, particularly religious beliefs, can shape our lives and give them meaning. James argues that even if an invisible, eternal world does not exist, living as if it did can lead to a more fulfilling life. He also explores the concept of free will and its role in determining the meaning of life, drawing on his knowledge of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. The book emphasizes the importance of hope, faith, and the adjustment to an unseen order in finding meaning in life.

The E-Myth Revisited challenges the common assumption that most businesses are started by entrepreneurs. Instead, Gerber argues that most businesses are started by technicians who understand the technical work but not the business itself. The book introduces the concept of the E-Myth and explains that successful business owners must balance three roles: the Entrepreneur (the visionary), the Manager (the planner and organizer), and the Technician (the one who performs the technical work). Gerber emphasizes the distinction between working 'in' your business and working 'on' your business, and he provides strategies for systemizing and scaling businesses, including the concept of the Franchise Prototype.