A great book that isn't really about economics at all but rather looking at everyday issues through a thought provoking lens of statistical economics.
As an example a whole chapter on how you can tell a persons likely skin colour and income level from the names they give their children.
Thursday 1 June 2006
Breaking the Spell - Relidgion as a natural phenomenon
Daniel Dennett studies the roots of religion and belief and why it evolved within society.
Why are such ideas so common across societies and so powerful within them? He doesn't contest religious beliefs but rather argues that we need to understand why the phenomenon is so deeply rooted.
Why are such ideas so common across societies and so powerful within them? He doesn't contest religious beliefs but rather argues that we need to understand why the phenomenon is so deeply rooted.
The Paradox of Choice - Why More is Less
An insigtful book for anyone trying to sell. Schwartz explains why having more choice actually reduces the chances of a successful sale, or from th eother side why increased choice increases stress and decreases happiness.
As well as the explanation, he gives practical advice on how to survive in a world where the mantra of ever increasing choice is alomost unavoidable - or how to lead a more contented life.
Those who manage to be grateful for what they have, who experience and express gratitude - lead longer healthier lives and are more optimistic about the future. Such individuals are more alert, enthusiastics, and energetic and are more likely to achieve personal goals.
As well as the explanation, he gives practical advice on how to survive in a world where the mantra of ever increasing choice is alomost unavoidable - or how to lead a more contented life.
Those who manage to be grateful for what they have, who experience and express gratitude - lead longer healthier lives and are more optimistic about the future. Such individuals are more alert, enthusiastics, and energetic and are more likely to achieve personal goals.
The Impact Code
Nigel Risner explaining his model for a more fullfilled life that I first picked up on the Wyko Management Development program.
I have seen Nigel present this material several times and although I can't immediately remember what all the letters of IMPACT stand for, I do remember the point about being 'in the room' (you will have to read the book to find out what it means).
In summary:
In the room
Model from the best
Passion & Purpose
Action
Comic Relief
Trust
I have seen Nigel present this material several times and although I can't immediately remember what all the letters of IMPACT stand for, I do remember the point about being 'in the room' (you will have to read the book to find out what it means).
In summary:
In the room
Model from the best
Passion & Purpose
Action
Comic Relief
Trust
Talk to the Hand
After reading Eats, Shoots & Leaves I picked up this book also by Lynne Truss.
A humourous rant on those things that would cause 'disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' to write into the telegraph.
A humourous rant on those things that would cause 'disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' to write into the telegraph.
Stumbling on Happiness
Every now and then you stumble across a wonderful book that you only picked up because of the strange title whilst browsing the bookshelves waiting for another delayed flight - well this is one of those little gems.
The essence of the book is that we try and do the things today that we think will make us happy tomorrow and when we get there we are often saddened to discover that we made the wrong choices and worse than that we are so ungrateful towards the idiot who made those choices.
How can this happen, shouldn't we be the best people to judge what the tastes, preferences, needs, and desires of the people we will become next year (or at least tomorrow)?
Well the book explains why we are typically so poor at it and it does give some tips on how to be a little better at enjoying life.
There are echoes in here of the truths about humans very poor ability to detect true correlations and causal relationships that also popped up in The Black Swan and Fooled by Randomness.
The essence of the book is that we try and do the things today that we think will make us happy tomorrow and when we get there we are often saddened to discover that we made the wrong choices and worse than that we are so ungrateful towards the idiot who made those choices.
How can this happen, shouldn't we be the best people to judge what the tastes, preferences, needs, and desires of the people we will become next year (or at least tomorrow)?
Well the book explains why we are typically so poor at it and it does give some tips on how to be a little better at enjoying life.
There are echoes in here of the truths about humans very poor ability to detect true correlations and causal relationships that also popped up in The Black Swan and Fooled by Randomness.
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