Mere Mortals Book Reviews

 I dive into Walter Isaacson's biography of Elon Musk, highlighting eight powerful learnings about Elon’s work ethic, team structure, reality distortion, and the maniacal sense of urgency that shaped his ventures. From OpenAI’s origins to "X" continuity, the insights offer an inspiring yet extreme look into innovation and grit.(00:00) - Welcome & Intro: Learnings from Elon Musk(00:53) - Steve Jobs Comparison: Creating Reality Distortion(02:26) - Elon’s Childhood: Mixed Realities & Influence on Leadership(04:05) - The Vision of X.com: From 1999 to Twitter’s Reinvention(06:17) - Team Structuring: Why Engineers Lead at Tesla & SpaceX(08:10) - The Urgency Principle: Unrealistic Timelines to Achieve Big(10:37) - Success Under Insane Deadlines: The 6-Week Rocket Turnaround(13:02) - OpenAI Origins: Elon Musk’s Early Collaboration with Sam Altman(14:03) - The Algorithm: Musk’s Five Commandments for Success(17:09) - The Raptor Meetings: Midnight Work Ethic & Drive to Deliver(18:05) - Final Reflections: Insane Yet Motivational Work EthicValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome back to  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Is it moral to trick a willing participant in a deadly game?'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a sci-fi war scenario between humanity and hive mind insect aliens. Humanity survived two space battles but must prepare for the all important third. They recruit gifted children & train them mercilessly to be strategic commanders in the International Fleet. Ender Wiggin is the most talented of the bunch and must do brutal things to save those he loves. It consists of 15 chapters mostly titled for an important person in the book.Huge thanks to Deezlaughs for supporting the show, it is very much appreciated!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:17) Themes/Questions(00:16:18) Author & Extras(00:17:18) Summary(00:21:00) Value 4 Value(00:22:15) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 Dive into Walter Isaacson's latest biography, Elon Musk, an in-depth exploration of the visionary entrepreneur's life, challenges, and unrelenting drive for innovation. This detailed review highlights the meticulous research and storytelling that captures Musk's complexity, motivations, and impact on industries ranging from space exploration to social media.(00:00) - Welcome & Book Introduction(00:30) - Comparing Isaacson's & Vance's Biographies(01:10) - Walter Isaacson: The Biographer's Credentials(02:15) - Book Structure: A Deep Dive into 95 Chapters(03:50) - The Early Years: Childhood and PayPal Mafia(04:40) - SpaceX Beginnings: Overcoming Challenges(06:20) - The Second Half: A Day-to-Day View of Musk(08:00) - "Demon Mode": Musk's Work Ethic Explored(09:15) - Relationships & Personal Life: A Brief Look(10:10) - Comparing Isaacson's Work to Others(10:40) - Final Thoughts & Personal TakeawaysValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome back to  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Why do poor wolves and foxes get picked on?'The Fables Of Aesop' by Aesop are a series of extremely small stories (aka fables) with usually a proverb to sum them up. They are mostly told via animals interacting in various contexts, with certain animal species used to highlight human traits. Often times they are contradictory and require nuance to perceive the difference in similar situations. Highly enjoyable and perfect for kids with the illustrations as well.Huge thanks to Vratislav Karpisek for supporting the show, it is very much appreciated!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:42) Themes/Questions(00:11:39) Author & Extras(00:15:58) Summary(00:18:20) Value 4 Value(00:20:59) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Can hierarchies exist in a world of networks?'The Square & The Tower' by Niall Ferguson examines a selection of networks across history. In particular it focuses upon hierarchies & how they operate compared to decentralised/distributed collections of people. You'll learn about nodes & hubs, geopolitics of WW1/2, secret societies of Freemasons & Illuminati, the connectedness of Kissinger & James Watt, the East India shipping companies & modern technological advances in communication.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:24) Themes/Questions(00:17:02) Author & Extras(00:22:02) Summary(00:24:47) Value 4 Value(00:26:08) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Are they killing others or really killing themselves?'For Whom The Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway is a fictional account of an American dynamiter behind fascist lines during the 1936 Spanish Civil War. He must blow up a bridge and enlists the help of a Republican guerilla group living in the mountains. He falls in love with a girl, encounters difficulties with the leader & ultimately must make do in a tough situation. It switches between narration & internal dialogue but still kind of is in 3rd person throughout. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:54) Themes/Questions(00:19:04) Author & Extras(00:23:04) Summary(00:27:37) Value 4 Value(00:30:07) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Inspiring quotes can get rather tiresome.'A Calendar Of Wisdom' by Leo Tolstoy is a compilation of modified quotes that follow the days of the year. Each day will have 4-6 snippets related to a subject he cares about. Common occurrences are on religion, love, good/evil, morals, vegetarianism & self-improvement. The quotes are sourced widely from notable individuals around the world and condensed into the format that Tolstoy desired.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:25) Themes/Questions(00:12:36) Author & Extras(00:17:39) Summary(00:20:49) Value 4 Value(00:24:00) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

The ultimate male fantasy is rather flat & boring.'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is told from the point of view of an unnamed narrator. It takes place in a USA where there has been an overthrown government and everything is now dystopian. Our girl is 33 yrs old & a handmaid, whose only purpose is to give birth. Life is very different: family structures changed, super totalitarian (everyone is watched), a lot of violence (capital punishment/suicide/torture), monotonous routine & a sprinkle of religiosity. It has very short chapters interspersed with her recollections of the past plus a little future historical context right at the end.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:46) Themes/Questions(00:24:30) Author & Extras(00:27:30) Summary(00:29:43) Value 4 Value(00:31:30) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 This review delves into "The Little Book of Versace," evaluating its limited depth and focus on visuals over meaningful insights. While the book covers Versace’s designs and runway moments, it lacks a cohesive narrative, leaving the reader to seek additional context elsewhere. Overall, it's deemed more of a coffee table accessory than an informative resource on the iconic brand.(00:00) - Introduction to the Book Review(00:51) - The Versace Legacy in Brief(01:16) - Thoughts on Book’s Structure and Style(02:28) - The Book’s Visual Appeal vs. Informational Value(03:15) - Focus on Gianni Versace’s Influence(04:05) - The Book’s Shallow Dive into Fashion Culture(05:03) - Personal Research for Versace’s Backstory(05:58) - The Medusa Symbolism Explained(06:36) - Supermodels & Versace’s Influence(07:23) - Coffee Table Book or Fashion Reference?(08:08) - Final Thoughts and RecommendationValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome back to  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast