Notes and observations from a lifelong pursuit of learning.
Articles & Podcasts of Note (Week of 01/13/2020)
Posted on
A Decade of Sore Winners (outline.com): “The underdogs that are top dogs, the upstarts who are establishment — these people refused to admit they had any power, even if they had all of it.”
Advertising Makes Us Unhappy (hbr.org): A survey of 27 European countries concludes that country’s with higher ad spending have less happy citizens.
Everything I Know (nikitavoloboev.xyz): Nikita Voloboev’s personal knowledge wiki. Innovative example of how to present this information publicly.
Haters (paulgraham.com): Everyone wants fans but we forget the opposing force on the other side of the spectrum: the haters.
How to Invest in Startups (samaltman.com): “You need to do three things: get access to good investment opportunities, make good decisions about what to invest in, and get the companies you want to invest in to choose you as an investor.”
The Joe Rogan Experience #1309: Interview with Naval Ravikant (podcastnotes.org): I’m late to the party on this podcast episode, but the podcast episode is as idea-dense as advertised. Guest Naval Ravikant is an articulate thinker who draws interesting connections across a range of disciplines.
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast: Being a Victim (jordanpeterson.com): I didn’t care for Peterson’s book “12 Rules for Life,” but this speech given in Norway during his 2018 book tour provides a glimpse into his thinking.
Night Rider: 21 Years Sleeping on a London Bus (bbc.com): “For more than two decades after his asylum application was rejected, Sunny found a safe haven aboard the buses that zigzag across London at night. What's it like to spend every night on the lower decks?”
Physician Burnout is Widespread, Especially Among Those in Midcareer (wsj.com): “Physicians between the ages of 40 and 54 experience a higher rate of burnout than older or younger doctors, according to a recent survey of more than 15,000 physicians.” Married to a midcareer physician so this is of particular interest.
Sports Wars (wondery.com): Fun podcast featuring topics like Nadal vs. Federer, Manning vs. Brady and LeBron vs. the Golden State Warriors. Each topic is treated as a 4-6 episode miniseries.
Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories (nytimes.com): “American history textbooks can differ across the country, in ways that are shaded by partisan politics.” Examples from California and Texas illustrate the cultural divide.
War is a Racket (github.com): A decorated U.S. marine, Major General Smedley Butler, owarns about the dangers of the war-industrial complex. Originally published in 1935.
Why Video Gaming Will Take Over (matthewball.vc): Bullish analysis on the strategic advantages gaming holds over other media like television.