Vaclav

Our ability to transform the energy surrounding us into fuel and power has driven our economy and propelled our technological progress, since the time of cavemen making fire. Robert Smil's latest book, Energy, and Civilization: A History, traces this trajectory. A comprehensive account of how we got here, it is a must-read for any historian or student of human development.

Bill Gates is an American business magnate, investor, author, philanthropist, and humanitarian who co-founded Microsoft Corporation, one of the world's largest and most successful technology companies, in 1975. Gates has been regularly ranked as one of the world's wealthiest people and was the richest from 1995 to 2017. As of November 2020, Gates had a net worth of US$132.1 billion, making him the fourth-wealthiest person in the world.
Gates held the positions of Chairman, CEO, and Chief Software Architect at Microsoft until 2000 when he stepped down from day-to-day operations. After leaving Microsoft, Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates, co-chaired the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, a private charitable foundation dedicated to improving healthcare and education worldwide. Gates remains a board member of Microsoft and a Technology Advisor to its current CEO, Satya Nadella.
Gates is one of the most influential figures in technology and business. He has received numerous awards and honors for his philanthropic work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Order of the Aztec Eagle. He is also a member of the Giving Pledge, an organization created by billionaires Warren Buffett and Gates to promote charitable giving.
Gates has been a passionate advocate for using technology to improve the world. His vision of a computer on every desk and home has been realized. He is one of the most vocal proponents of using technology to address social and environmental challenges. He has also been outspoken in supporting government funding for scientific research, particularly renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
Gates' philanthropic efforts have been focused on improving global health, providing access to technology for underserved populations, and promoting educational opportunities for children and young adults. He has made significant investments in initiatives to fight poverty and increase access to medical care, particularly in the developing world. In addition, the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with numerous organizations to promote improved sanitation, clean water, and disease prevention among the world's poorest people.
Gates' commitment to giving back has been an inspiration to many. His dedication to using technology and business to improve the lives of people around the world is an example of how successful people can use their resources to make a difference.
Gates has also been a vocal proponent of open-source technology, advocating for the development of software and hardware that is freely available to the public. He has also been a vocal proponent of the open internet and a leader in the fight against censorship and government surveillance. In addition, he has been a strong advocate for using technology to combat climate change and has invested in numerous renewable energy initiatives.
Gates has also been a vocal proponent of net neutrality and has spoken out in favor of increased competition in the technology sector. His efforts to improve people's lives worldwide have earned him the admiration of many, and his commitment to philanthropy and innovation has made him one of the world's most influential and respected figures.

Bill

Nat Eliason is a highly successful entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Growth Machine, an SEO-focused growth agency, and co-founder of Cup &amp; Leaf Tea. He is an experienced digital marketer, content strategist, and growth hacker.
Nat has a background in engineering and mathematics, which has helped him to become an expert in data analysis and optimization. He is a firm believer in using data to inform decisions and maximize returns. His work is highly sought after by major companies, startups, and individuals looking to improve their SEO presence and reach.
Nat is passionate about helping others grow their businesses and make the most out of their SEO efforts. He is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with SEO and is an advocate for the use of SEO to increase website visibility and traffic. He is also an expert in content marketing and has helped countless companies develop effective content strategies that have helped them to reach their goals.
Nat has been featured in prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine. He has also been a featured speaker at many tech conferences, such as SXSW, MozCon, and Content Marketing World.
Nat is passionate about giving back and is a supporter of numerous charitable causes, such as the World Wildlife Fund and the International Rescue Committee. He is also a co-founder of Cup &amp; Leaf Tea, a specialty tea company that donates a portion of its profits to organizations that support refugees.
In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Nat is a family man. He is the proud father of two young boys and is devoted to his wife and children. He is an avid reader and a lover of the outdoors. He is also a passionate traveler and has visited many countries around the world. Nat loves to share his experience and knowledge with others and is an inspiring leader in the tech community.

Energy and Civilization

Learn how the world works in the best Science and Nature books by respected experts, educators and authors in a variety of fields.

science & nature

What's going on in the world? Find out in the highest rated books on Economics and Politics, written by respected experts, political scientists and economists.

economics & politics

Read the best Technology books to wrap your brain around modern marvels like computers, crypto, and cyber security. Silicon Valley, here you come!

technology

How did it really happen? Find out in top-rated History books covering every period of human existence from a range of perspectives.

history

Yuval Noah

In his new book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Yuval Noah Harari examines today’s most pressing issues: How does the rise of artificial intelligence change our understanding of what it means to be human? How do we deal with the epidemic of fake news? Are nations and religions still relevant? What should we teach our children?
Harari offers a probing and visionary investigation into these propitious times.

Vinod Khosla is an Indian-American venture capitalist and businessman. He began his career in the technology industry as one of the co-founders of Sun Microsystems in 1982. He served as the company's first chief executive officer and was instrumental in developing and launching the company's flagship product, the SPARC microprocessor. After leaving Sun Microsystems in 1985, Khosla worked as a venture capitalist and technology consultant, investing in and advising startups in the technology sector.
In 2004, Khosla founded Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm focusing on investments in clean technology and biotechnology companies. The firm has invested in companies working on various technologies, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficiency. Through Khosla Ventures, Khosla has been an active investor in the clean technology industry and has been involved in the launch of several successful companies, including biofuels producer KiOR, energy storage company Ambri, and solar power company BrightSource Energy.
Vinod Khosla has received several awards throughout his career in recognition of his contributions to the technology and venture capital industries, as well as his advocacy for clean technology and sustainable solutions. Some of the notable awards he has received include:
<ul>
<li>The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) in 2007 for his contributions to the technology industry and his support of entrepreneurship.</li>
<li>The Entrepreneurial Company of the Year award from the Cleantech Group in 2010 for his work with Khosla Ventures in supporting and investing in clean technology companies.</li>
<li>The Visionary of the Year award from the Renewable Energy World Conference &amp; Expo in 2011 for his contributions to the development of the renewable energy industry and his advocacy for market-based solutions to support the growth of renewable energy.</li>
<li>The Clean Energy Leadership award from the Clean Energy Trust in 2012 for his contributions to the growth of the clean energy industry through his investments and advocacy.</li>
<li>The Entrepreneurial Leadership in Energy award from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2013 for his contributions to the development of the clean energy industry and his work with Khosla Ventures in investing in clean technology companies.</li>
</ul>
In addition to his work as a venture capitalist, Khosla is also a vocal advocate for using technology to solve environmental problems. He has been a vocal critic of government subsidies for renewable energy and has advocated for market-based solutions to support the growth of the renewable energy industry. He is also known for his work in sustainable agriculture and has invested in several companies working on innovative solutions in this area.

Vinod

Matt Mullenweg is an American entrepreneur, web developer, and online community organizer. He is best known as the co-founder of WordPress, an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. He also co-founded Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, which provides hosting, support, and other services for WordPress users.
Mullenweg began developing WordPress as a student at the University of Houston in 2003. In 2005, he co-founded Automattic and has been leading the company as CEO ever since. He is also the founder of the WordPress Foundation, which supports the open-source WordPress project.
In addition to his work with WordPress, Mullenweg is an active investor and advisor to several technology startups and has invested in companies like Medium, Akismet, Longreads, and others. He's also had several speaking engagements and keynotes on open source, web development, and entrepreneurship topics.
Matt Mullenweg is known for co-founding WordPress and Automattic and is also an active investor in various technology startups. He has invested in Medium, Akismet, Longreads, and others. He is also an advisor to startups; in his ventures, he is particularly interested in investing in companies that align with his values, such as open-source software, decentralized networks, and user privacy.
He is a firm believer in decentralized systems and often invests in startups building decentralized technologies like blockchain. He's also a big advocate for open-source and is interested in investing in companies that incorporate open-source culture into their companies and products.
Overall, Matt Mullenweg has significantly impacted the world of web development and online publishing. His work with WordPress has helped democratize the creation and management of websites for individuals and organizations of all sizes.

Matt

Alfred Lin is a prominent venture capitalist and business leader known for his work with companies such as Zappos, where he served as CFO and COO and as a partner at venture capital firm Sequoia Capital.
He began his career in the late 1990s, working at the management consulting firm McKinsey &amp; Company. He then joined Zappos, an online shoe retailer, in 1999 as the CFO and COO, helping to grow the company to over $1 billion in annual revenue before Amazon acquired it in 2009.
After leaving Zappos, Lin joined Sequoia Capital as a venture capitalist, where he has been involved in investments in companies such as Airbnb, Instacart, and DoorDash. He is also known for his work as an angel investor, with investments in companies such as Wish, Front, and Mixpanel.
Lin has been recognized for his business acumen and leadership skills, receiving awards such as the Ernst &amp; Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the CFO of the Year award from the Las Vegas Business Press. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, venture capital, and business strategy.
Lin is also a philanthropist and actively involved in social issues. He also serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, such as the Kapor Center for Social Impact and Opportunity Fund.
In addition to his business and philanthropic work, Lin is known for his support of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. He has been vocal about the need for more diversity in leadership positions and has worked to promote the careers of underrepresented groups in the tech industry.
Overall, Alfred Lin is a prominent and accomplished business leader known for his work in venture capital, his successes as an executive, his dedication to philanthropy, and his commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Alfred

Daniel Petre is an Australian technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist. He is the founder and partner at AirTree Ventures, an Australian technology venture capital fund. Petre is known for his long and successful career in the technology industry, including his tenure as the Managing Director of Microsoft Australia.
Petre was born in Romania and moved to Australia with his family when he was five years old. He studied at the University of Melbourne, where he earned a degree in engineering and computer science. After completing his university studies, Petre began his career as a software engineer at IBM in Australia. He then moved to the United States to join Microsoft, where he served as Bill Gates’ personal lieutenant for four years.
During his time at Microsoft, Petre was responsible for launching Microsoft products such as Windows 95, Office 95, Internet Explorer, and Outlook. He also worked on the development of Microsoft’s strategy for the Asia Pacific region and was instrumental in the successful launch of Microsoft’s first Australian subsidiary.
In 1997, Petre returned to Australia to become the Managing Director of Microsoft Australia. During his tenure at Microsoft Australia, the company grew from a small start-up to a multi-million dollar business with more than 900 employees. Petre was also responsible for the launch of several of Microsoft’s major products in Australia, including Windows 2000, Office 2000, and Xbox.
In 2005, Petre left Microsoft to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams and founded Netus, an online retail venture. He also served as a director on the board of several Australian companies, including SEEK, REA Group, and Hoyts.
In 2010, Petre founded AirTree Ventures, an Australian technology venture capital fund. The firm has invested in more than 80 companies across the world, including Canva, Culture Amp, and Prospa. Petre has become a highly respected figure in the venture capital industry and is regularly sought after for advice by start-ups.
In addition to his professional career, Petre is a passionate philanthropist. He and his wife, Susan, established the Petre Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to support educational and health initiatives in Australia. The Foundation also supports research into childhood cancer and funds scholarships for disadvantaged students in Australia.
Overall, Daniel Petre is a highly respected figure in the technology industry. With his impressive career at Microsoft, his successful entrepreneurial ventures, and his commitment to philanthropy, Petre is an inspiring figure who has made a mark on the Australian technology landscape.

Daniel

James Aspey is an Australian animal rights activist and lecturer who has dedicated his life to promoting veganism and animal rights. He is a passionate animal advocate, a motivational speaker and social media influencer, and a prolific writer and public figure.
Born in Sydney in 1988, Aspey's passion for animal rights began when he was just a child. His family adopted a rescue dog from the RSPCA, and Aspey quickly began to understand the importance of animal welfare. He also began to question the ethics of using animals for food, clothing, and entertainment.
At 18, Aspey went vegan, and soon after, he became actively involved in the animal rights movement. He joined Animal Liberation and various other animal rights groups and began volunteering for animal sanctuaries. He also took part in protests, marches, and vigils in support of animal rights.
In 2014, Aspey was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer. After a long battle with the disease, Aspey eventually went into remission in 2015. During this time, Aspey was inspired to dedicate his life to animal activism. He began lecturing and speaking at schools, universities, and conferences around the world, spreading his message of compassion and animal rights.
Aspey has also become a prominent figure on social media, with a large following on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. He regularly shares his views on animal rights, veganism, and environmentalism and uses his platform to draw attention to causes such as animal testing, factory farming, and climate change.
His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Animal Welfare Award from Animal Liberation in 2015 and the Animal Hero Award from the Animal Justice Party in 2019.
Aspey is currently based in Sydney, where he continues to work as an animal rights activist and lecturer. He is a firm believer in using peaceful and non-violent tactics to create positive change. He also runs an animal rescue service, which helps to find homes for abandoned and neglected animals.

James

Anna Cheng is an Australian growth marketing expert. She is the Growth Marketing Manager at Brighte and a mentor at TechStars Melbourne. Prior to this, Anna was AP Growth at the startup superfund Spaceship, where she joined as employee #3.
During her time there, she created and implemented a strategy that signed 40,000 potential investors to a waitlist before the fund's launch. This enabled Spaceship to achieve $ 100 million in funds under management within its first three months of operation.&nbsp;
Anna's work as a mentor at Techstars and her freelance work for other companies show that she has a broad range of experience and knowledge in the field of growth marketing.

Anna

Zoë Foster Blake is an Australian author, beauty entrepreneur, and former magazine editor. She has written several bestselling books, including novels and non-fiction books on beauty and relationships. Some of her notable books are "The Wrong Girl" (2010), "Playing the Field" (2011), "Air Kisses" (2013), "Textbook Romance" (2015), "Amazing Face" (2011), and "Break-up Boss" (2018). She has also written several children's books like "No One Likes a Fart" (2015) and "Monster Haircut" (2016).&nbsp;
In addition to her writing career, Foster Blake is the founder and creative director of Go-To Skincare, a line of natural skincare products. She started the company in 2014, after identifying a gap in the market for affordable, effective, and non-toxic skincare products. The company's product line includes facial cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliants, masks, and serums, all of which are made with natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals.
The Go-To skincare line is known for its effective, easy-to-use, and affordable skincare products, which are all formulated, tested, and made in Australia. The company has a wide range of offerings catering to different skin types, concerns, and ages.
Foster Blake is also an advocate for promoting self-care and self-confidence and encourages her customers to use skincare products to love the skin they're in with the right knowledge, care, and products. She is also a regular contributor to various Australian and international publications and has appeared on television as a beauty and lifestyle expert.

Zoë

In 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Yuval Noah Harari explores the impact of technology on our lives. He suggests that we need to understand and adapt to the rapid technological changes happening around us. From artificial intelligence to biotechnology, these advancements are reshaping our world in ways we can't even imagine.

Understanding the Power of Technology

Harari emphasizes the need for clarity in this complex world. He believes that in order to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, we need to have a clear understanding of the issues at hand. So, take some time to research and understand the world around you.

The Importance of Clarity

One of the key lessons from the book is to question our beliefs. Harari encourages us to challenge our assumptions and not take things at face value. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Questioning Our Beliefs

Harari explores the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world. He suggests that the stories we tell ourselves can either limit or expand our perspective. So, it's important to be mindful of the narratives we choose to believe in.

The Role of Storytelling

In his book, Harari urges us to prepare for the future. He believes that the 21st century will bring unprecedented changes and challenges. To navigate these, we need to be adaptable and open to learning new skills. So, take a look at the trends shaping our future and start preparing today.

Preparing for the Future

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

In this age of an open Internet, it is easy to forget that every American information industry, beginning with the telephone, has eventually been taken captive by some ruthless monopoly or cartel.&nbsp;
With all our media now traveling a single network, an unprecedented potential is building for centralized control over what Americans see and hear. Could history repeat itself with the next industrial consolidation? Could the Internet—the entire flow of American information—come to be ruled by one corporate leviathan in possession of “the master switch”? That is the big question of Tim Wu’s path-breaking book.&nbsp;
As Wu’s sweeping history shows, each of the new media of the twentieth century—radio, telephone, television, and film—was born free and open. Each invited unrestricted use and enterprising experiment until some would-be mogul battled his way to total domination. Here are stories of an uncommon will to power, the power over information: Adolph Zukor, who took a technology once used as commonly as YouTube is today and made it the exclusive prerogative of a kingdom called Hollywood.&nbsp;

Cleo Abram is an inspiring and dynamic video producer at Vox. She brings enthusiasm and creativity to her projects, always pushing the envelope and striving for excellence.
Before joining Vox, Cleo worked as a producer on Netflix’s Explained, a show that dives deep into the day's topics. She was also the host and producer of Vox’s YouTube series Glad You Asked, a show that asked tough questions with engaging and entertaining videos.
Since joining Vox, Cleo has been the host and producer of Vox’s first-ever daily show, Answered. The show features a range of topics from technology to science, to politics and more. Cleo has been able to share her knowledge and expertise with viewers through the show.
Cleo is an excellent communicator and is passionate about producing high-quality content. She is a master of her craft and is constantly looking for ways to innovate and push the boundaries of video production.
When she’s not in the studio, Cleo can be found spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys exploring the great outdoors and going on adventures. Cleo is an inspiring producer with a lot of energy and drive. Her work speaks for itself; she is always looking for ways to push the envelope and create compelling and thought-provoking content.
In addition to her work as a producer and host at Vox, Cleo Abram is also a video journalist currently making Huge If True, a documentary series about the internet age. The series explores the impact of the internet on our lives and society, from how we communicate to how we consume media. Through the series, Cleo is able to share her unique perspective and expert knowledge about the modern world.

Cleo

Andrew Chen is a Taiwanese-American venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and writer. He is the founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and is a former partner at the venture capital firm Greylock Partners. He has been active in the startup and venture capital industry for over 15 years and is a well-known figure in the venture capital world.
Andrew is a prolific writer and speaker who has written extensively about startup and venture capital topics. He is the author of The Startup Playbook, which is a compilation of his thoughts, experiences, and insights on the venture capital industry and startups. He is also the author of the blog Startup Product Ideas, which features his insights and advice on startup and venture capital topics.
Andrew is an experienced investor in early-stage startups. He has invested in numerous startups, including Uber, Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Slack, Instacart, and Eventbrite. He has also held advisory and board positions in various startups, such as Medium and Dropbox.
Andrew is a strong believer in the power of technology and innovation to drive economic growth and prosperity. He is an advocate for the importance of education and has spoken at various conferences and universities about the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also a supporter of various philanthropic causes and has donated his time and money to organizations such as the Asian Art Museum and the KIPP Foundation.
Andrew is a well-known figure in the venture capital world and is highly respected for his expertise and insights into the startup and venture capital industry. He is an important figure in the startup community and is respected for his commitment to helping startups achieve success.

Andrew

The Master Switch

Michael

Michael Lewis, the New York Times bestselling author of Moneyball, The Big Short and other bestsellers, takes us inside the Trump administration’s disastrous presidential transition. It is an urgent and crucial piece of journalism that sheds light on how a president who knows virtually nothing about the vast US government came to govern it after winning an election victory.

Nick Crocker is a successful entrepreneur and investor in the technology industry. He currently serves as a General Partner at Blackbird Ventures. He actively works to identify and invest in Australian founders with global ambition, supporting companies like Culture Amp, Eucalyptus, Dovetail, XY Sense, Applied, Morse Micro, Alts, Sunroom, and Kinde. His expertise in the field and passion for helping founders succeed has been key driver of these companies' success.
Crocker resides in Melbourne, Australia, where he lives with his wife Julia and their two boys. He has a wealth of experience in the industry, having previously held senior roles at well-known companies such as Under Armour and MyFitnessPal. While at Under Armour, he was responsible for Product Strategy &amp; Operations and was a Product Manager at MyFitnessPal, the world's most popular health, and fitness application.
In 2012, Crocker co-founded Sessions, a health coaching company, which MyFitnessPal acquired in 2013. This company was backed by reputable investors such as Blackbird Ventures, Collaborative Fund, SV Angel, and Joshua Kushner. Sessions is also a Rock Health company. He also co-founded We Are Hunted, which was acquired by Twitter in 2012. This demonstrated his ability to create and scale successful companies.
In 2010, he was a Product Manager at Boxee, where he helped launch the Boxee Box, a streaming media player. Crocker holds Law and Political Science degrees from the University of Queensland. While studying, he worked as a journalist. His work has been published in prestigious publications such as Wired, Fast Company, and Harvard Business Review, showcasing his skills and knowledge in the industry.
Crocker's entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and industry expertise make him an invaluable asset to the companies he works with, and his track record of success is a testament to his abilities. His dedication to helping founders succeed and his wealth of experience and knowledge make him a valuable partner for any entrepreneur looking to build a successful global business.

Nick

The Fifth Risk

Jaron

Jaron Lanier, a Silicon Valley visionary since the 1980s, was among the first to predict the revolutionary changes the World Wide Web would bring to commerce and culture. In his first book, written more than two decades after the web was created, Lanier offers this provocative and cautionary look at how it is transforming our lives for better and for worse.
The current design and function of the web have become so familiar that it is easy to forget that they grew out of programming decisions made decades ago. The web’s first designers made crucial choices (such as making one’s presence anonymous) that have had enormous—and often unintended—consequences. What’s more, these designs quickly became “locked in,” a permanent part of the web’s very structure.
Lanier discusses the technical and cultural problems that can grow out of the poorly considered digital design and warns that our financial markets and sites like Wikipedia, Facebook, and Twitter are elevating the “wisdom” of mobs and computer algorithms over the intelligence and judgment of individuals.
Controversial and fascinating, You Are Not a Gadget is a deeply felt defense of the individual from an author uniquely qualified to comment on the way technology interacts with our culture.

Ev Williams is a technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for co-founding Blogger, Twitter, and Medium. Williams is also the founder of Obvious Corporation, a venture capital fund that invests in early-stage startups.
Williams grew up in Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating in 1994, he moved to California and got a job as a software engineer at O'Reilly Media. In the late 90s, he developed a web application called Pyra Labs, which was later acquired by Google and became the foundation for their blogging product, Blogger.
Williams left Google in 2003 to launch Odeo, a podcasting platform. Odeo was eventually sold to SonicMountain, and Williams moved on to start Obvious Corporation in 2006. In 2008, he co-founded Twitter with Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, and Biz Stone.
Twitter became an overnight success, and Williams served as the company's CEO from 2008 to 2010. During this time, he helped the company expand and develop new products. He stepped down from the company in 2011 and began investing in startups and early-stage companies.
In 2012, Williams founded Medium, a platform for publishing and sharing stories. Medium has become a popular platform for writers and journalists to share their work. Williams served as the company's CEO until 2017 when he stepped down and became the company's chairman.
In addition to his investments and businesses, Williams is also a philanthropist. In 2014, he founded the Williams Family Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and the environment. He has also donated to various organizations, including the American Red Cross, CARE, and the ACLU.
Williams is an inspiration to many entrepreneurs and tech professionals. He has demonstrated a passion for building companies, investing in startups, and giving back to his community. His success has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Ryan Holiday is an American author, marketer, media strategist, and entrepreneur. He is the author of several bestselling books, including his most recent, Perennial Seller, as well as popular titles such as The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, Conspiracy, and Growth Hacker Marketing. Holiday has written for the New York Times, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and other publications. He has also been featured in Time, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post.
Holiday is the founder of Brass Check, a creative consulting agency that specializes in marketing, media strategy, and creative consulting. He has worked with some of the world’s most successful authors, entrepreneurs, and public figures, including Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss, Robert Greene, and Tucker Max. His clients also include media companies such as VICE, MTV, and Complex. He has also served as a consultant to brands such as American Apparel, Google, and Gillette.
As an author, Holiday has written nine books, three of which have become New York Times bestsellers. His books focus on topics such as personal and professional development, marketing, and media strategy. His most recent book, Perennial Seller, is a guide to creating and sustaining success in business, publishing, and life.
As a media strategist and consultant, Holiday has helped launch and reinvigorate several brands and campaigns. His work spans from creating marketing campaigns for startups and Fortune 500 companies to working as a creative consultant for media companies and major brands.
Holiday's work has been featured in major publications, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and The Washington Post. He has also appeared on television shows such as the Colbert Report, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and podcasts such as the Tim Ferriss Show and the Joe Rogan Experience.&nbsp;
In addition to his work as an author, media strategist, and consultant, Holiday is a frequent public speaker. He has been a keynote speaker at events such as SXSW, the World Business Forum, and the Inc. 5000 Conference. He also teaches marketing and media strategy classes at the University of California, Berkeley.
Holiday is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and dreams. He has created several online courses and resources to help entrepreneurs, creatives, and marketers better understand the media landscape, marketing, and creative strategies. He also serves as the Managing Director of the media startup, Contently and is an adviser to several startups and companies. He is also a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs and creators.

Ryan

You Are Not a Gadget

Leon

The Man Who Fed the World provides a loving and regarding portrayal of one of America's topmost icons. Nobel Peace Prize philanthropist for preventing hunger and shortage, Dr. Norman Borlang is credited with saving hundreds of millions of lives from starvation - further than any other person in history? Loved by millions around the world, Dr. Borlang is honored as one of the most influential men of the twentieth century.&nbsp;

The Man Who Fed the World

Moses

Moses Hadas was an American teacher, one of the leading classical scholars of the twentieth century, and a translator of numerous works. Raised in Atlanta in a Yiddish-speaking Orthodox Jewish household, he studied rabbinical training and took his doctorate in classics.&nbsp;
Fluent in Yiddish, German, ancient Hebrew, ancient Greek, Latin, French, and Italian—and well-versed in other languages—his most productive years were spent at Columbia University where he was a colleague of Jacques Barzun and Lionel Trilling.&nbsp;
There he presented classics as worthy of study as literary works in their own right by combining his talent for languages with a popularizing impulse.&nbsp;

Paul Graham is an entrepreneur, programmer, and essayist. He is the co-founder of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that has funded over 2,000 companies including Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. His career has been focused on technology and startups. He began his career as a programmer and software developer, working on various projects and startups. In 1995, he co-founded Viaweb, one of the first web-based companies that allowed users to create their own online stores. The company was later sold to Yahoo in 1998 for $49 million.
After the sale of Viaweb, Graham turned his attention to startup investing and mentoring. In 2005, he co-founded Y Combinator, a startup accelerator that provides funding, resources, and mentorship to early-stage startups. Y Combinator has since funded over 2,000 companies, many of which have gone on to become successful and valuable companies, such as Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit.
Paul Graham has several notable achievements in his career, including:
<ul>
<li>Co-founding Viaweb: Viaweb was one of the first web-based companies that allowed users to create their own online stores. The company was later sold to Yahoo in 1998 for $49 million.</li>
<li>Fellowship at Harvard's Society of Fellows: Graham is a Fellow at Harvard's Society of Fellows, a prestigious group of scholars who receive funding and support to pursue their research.</li>
<li>Helping launch successful startups: Graham has helped launch many successful startups through Y Combinator and has mentored many entrepreneurs. Some of the successful companies that came out of Y Combinator include Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit.</li>
</ul>
In addition to his work with Y Combinator, Graham is also known for his essays on technology and startups. He has written extensively on the startup ecosystem, the role of technology in society, and the future of the internet. His essays have been collected in two books, "Hackers &amp; Painters" and "Ansi Common Lisp." He continues to share his thoughts and insights on his website, paulgraham.com.

Paul

Moses Hadas takes us on a journey through time, exploring the rise and fall of one of the greatest empires in history. He provides a detailed account of Rome's political, social, and economic structures, giving us a deeper understanding of how they contributed to its success and eventual downfall.

Understanding the Rise and Fall of Rome

Hadas doesn't just focus on the political and military aspects of Rome. He also delves into the cultural and societal aspects, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of the Romans. From their religious beliefs to their social norms, he paints a vivid picture of Roman society.

Insight into Roman Culture and Society

One of the key takeaways from A History of Rome is the profound influence Rome had on Western civilization. Hadas explores how Roman law, politics, architecture, and culture have shaped the world we live in today.

The Influence of Rome on Western Civilization

Hadas takes a close look at the key figures who played pivotal roles in shaping Rome's history. From Julius Caesar to Augustus, he provides an in-depth analysis of their leadership styles, decisions, and their impact on Rome.

The Role of Key Figures in Roman History

A History of Rome isn't just a book about the past. It's a book that offers valuable lessons for the present and the future. Hadas encourages us to learn from Rome's mistakes and successes, and to apply these lessons in our own lives and societies.

Lessons from Rome's History

A History of Rome

An international bestseller embraced and endorsed by policymakers, scientists, writers, and energy industry executives from around the world. Tim Flannery’s The Weather Makers contributed to bringing the topic of global warming to national prominence.
For the first time, a scientist provided an accessible and comprehensive account of the history, current status, and future impact of climate change, writing what has been acclaimed by reviewers everywhere as the definitive book on global warming.
With one out of every five living things on this planet committed to extinction by the levels of greenhouse gases that will accumulate in the next few decades, we are reaching a global climatic tipping point.
The Weather Makers is both an urgent warning and a call to arms, outlining the history of climate change, how it will unfold over the next century, and what we can do to prevent a cataclysmic future.
Originally somewhat of a global warming skeptic, Tim Flannery spent several years researching the topic and offers a connect-the-dots approach for a reading public who has received patchy or misleading information on the subject.
Pulling on his expertise as a scientist to discuss climate change from a historical perspective, Flannery also explains how climate change is interconnected across the planet.

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson, commonly known as Richard Branson, is a British business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of the Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies.
Branson was born in 1950 in Surrey, England, and began his career as a young entrepreneur, starting a student magazine called Student at the age of 16. He then went on to launch a record store, Virgin Records, which eventually became a record label and grew into the Virgin Group. The Virgin brand now encompasses a diverse range of industries, including aviation, hospitality, health, and renewable energy.
Branson is well-known for his adventurous and ambitious spirit, having made several attempts to break world records and make ambitious technological advancements. In 1986, he made an unsuccessful attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a hot air balloon. He later succeeded in this goal in 1991 and also set a new record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in a powerboat.
In addition to his business ventures, Branson is also actively involved in philanthropy and social causes. He is a strong advocate for environmental sustainability and has invested in a number of renewable energy projects through the Virgin Group. He also established the Virgin Unite foundation, which aims to make a positive impact on people and the planet by bringing together individuals, businesses, and non-profits to tackle social and environmental issues.
Branson is also known for his charismatic and flamboyant personality. He has been featured in numerous media outlets and is considered one of the most recognizable and respected entrepreneurs in the world. He has also been awarded several honors, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for "services to entrepreneurship."
In summary, Richard Branson is a highly successful and influential British entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adventurer. He is the founder and chairman of the Virgin Group, a conglomerate of over 400 companies, and is well-known for his ambitious spirit, philanthropy, and environmental advocacy. His charismatic personality and media presence has made him one of the most recognizable business figures in the world.

Richard

The Weather Makers

In this provocative book, scientist Vaclav Smil takes a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary look at the natural and human-produced catastrophes we may be facing in the next fifty years—both at unpredictable events and long-term trends that could have global significance.&nbsp;
Smil looks at rare but cataclysmic events—world-changing events, like major volcanic eruptions, as well as smaller-scale ones such as terrorist attacks. He also looks at global trends—the transition from fossil fuels to other energy sources; the world's growing population; and the emergence of new technologies.

Global Catastrophes and Trends

William

Neil Howe and William Strauss presented a bold new theory in their book Generations.  The theory is that there are four types of generations that repeat sequentially in a fixed pattern.  This pattern follows the history of America, beginning in 1584 to present day, and may be extended into this millenium.  Generations presents a refreshing historical narrative and a thrilling intuitive leap that re-orders not only our history books but also our expectations for the twenty-first century. 

Tony Robbins is an American author, life coach, philanthropist, and motivational speaker. He has written four books, including the best-selling “Awaken the Giant Within,” “Unlimited Power,” “Money: Master the Game,” and “Unshakeable.” Robbins has built a powerful business empire around his message of self-improvement and personal transformation. He has helped millions of people around the world change their lives for the better.
Robbins is best known for his influential seminars and retreats, which often feature high-energy activities and intensive personal development exercises. He has also been featured in many popular media outlets, including CNN, 60 Minutes, Oprah, and The New York Times.
Robbins is a passionate advocate for positive change and personal development. His seminars and retreats are designed to help people unlock their full potential and create the life they want. He helps people break through their limitations and learn how to create more happiness, success, and fulfillment in their lives.
Robbins believes that no one should settle for anything less than the life they want. He teaches people how to be their own life coaches and take control of their own destinies. He encourages people to focus on their strengths, identify their weaknesses, and take the necessary steps to achieve their goals.
In addition to his personal development work, Robbins is also a philanthropist. He works with several charities to help those in need, and he has been recognized for his work in both the United States and abroad.
Robbins has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the world. His inspiring message and powerful presentations have made him a highly sought-after speaker. He has helped millions of people around the world transform their lives, and he continues to be an influential force in the world of self-improvement and personal transformation.

Tony

Generations

 In Prime Movers of Globalization, author Vaclav Smil gives a history of two key technical developments that have driven globalization: diesel engines and gas turbines.  Engineered by Rudolf Diesel in the 1890s and Frank Whittle and Hans-Joachim Pabst von Ohain in the 1930s, high-compression non-sparking internal combustion engines power everything from trucks to jets.  Gas turbines—air-breathing jet engines like those pioneered by Whittle and von Ohain—have enabled aircraft to travel almost anywhere on the planet within twenty-four hours. 

Prime Movers of Globalization

The New York Times bestselling author of The Rational Optimist and Genome returns with a fascinating, brilliant argument for evolution that definitively dispels a dangerous, widespread myth: that we can command and control our world. The Evolution of Everything is about bottom-up order and its enemy, the top-down twitch—the endless fascination human beings have for design rather than evolution, for direction rather than emergence. Drawing on anecdotes from science, economics, history, politics and philosophy, Matt Ridley’s wide-ranging, highly opinionated opus demolishes conventional assumptions that major scientific and social imperatives are dictated by those on high, whether in government, business, academia or morality.

Naval Ravikant is an Indian-American entrepreneur, author, and angel investor. Ravikant's career has focused primarily on technology, startups, and venture capital. He began his career as a software developer and later co-founded several technology companies, including Epinions and Vast.com. In 2010, he co-founded AngelList, a venture capital firm that helps startups raise funding and connect with investors. Under his leadership, AngelList has become one of the industry's most successful and influential venture firms.
Naval Ravikant is the host of the podcast "The Naval Podcast," which is focused on technology, startups, and personal development. The podcast features interviews with a wide variety of guests, including entrepreneurs, investors, authors, and other experts in the technology and startup space. The podcast is known for its deep conversations and insights on topics such as building a successful startup, the future of technology, and how to live a fulfilling life.
The podcast has gained a large following and is known for its unique format, which includes a mix of interviews, monologues, and listener Q&amp;A. The podcast is released regularly and has been running for several years. The podcast has been praised for its thought-provoking and actionable advice, its unique format and the diversity of guests. The podcast is available on most podcast platforms.
Naval Ravikant has also written the book "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant." He has also been a guest on many popular podcasts, sharing his insights on technology, startups, and personal development. He is also an active thinker and influencer on social media, sharing his thoughts on various topics, including technology, business, and personal growth.
Overall, Naval Ravikant's career has been marked by his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends in the technology industry and his ability to help startups navigate the challenges of building and scaling a business.

Naval

The Evolution of Everything

Eric

While the harms of global warming increasingly dominate the news, nuclear weapons have been forgotten. Famed investigative journalist Eric Schlosser digs deep to uncover secrets about the management of America’s nuclear arsenal.&nbsp;
A groundbreaking account of accidents, near misses, extraordinary heroism, and technological breakthroughs, Command and Control explores the dilemma that has existed since the dawn of the nuclear age: How do you deploy weapons of mass destruction without being destroyed by them?&nbsp;
That question has never been resolved—and Schlosser reveals how the combination of human fallibility and technological complexity still poses a grave risk to mankind.

Jonathan Daniel Hamm, commonly known as Jon Hamm, is an American actor, director, and television producer. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 10, 1971. Hamm is best known for his role as Don Draper, the lead character in the AMC television series Mad Men, which aired from 2007 to 2015. He has also appeared in several films and television shows, including The Town, Bridesmaids, and 30 Rock.
Hamm began his acting career in the mid-1990s, appearing in small roles on television and in films. He landed his first major role in 2000, playing the character of Ted in the NBC series Providence. He also appeared in a number of other television shows, including The Division, What About Brian, and The Unit.
In 2007, Hamm was cast as Don Draper in Mad Men, a role that would ultimately make him a household name. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and nominations, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Hamm won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama, in 2008 and again in 2016.
In addition to his acting career, Hamm has also worked as a director and producer. He directed several episodes of Mad Men and also produced the show. He has also directed episodes of other television shows, including Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Black Mirror.
In recent years, Hamm has appeared in several critically acclaimed films, including Baby Driver, Tag, and Good Omens. He has also lent his voice to animated series like Bob's Burgers and the Adult Swim series, The Greatest Event in Television History.
Hamm is known for his talent, dedication, and versatility as an actor. He has a reputation for his intense preparation and commitment to his roles. He has also been recognized for his work as a philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes, including cancer research and support for veterans.
In addition to his acting, directing, and producing work, Hamm has also made appearances in numerous stage productions. He made his Broadway debut in 2014, starring in the production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" as Stanley Kowalski. He received positive reviews for his performance and was praised for his ability to capture the character's intensity and vulnerability.
Hamm has also made guest appearances on various talk shows, comedy shows, and late-night shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." He has also been a guest host on "Saturday Night Live" in 2008 and 2020, showing his comedic range and ability to entertain the audience.
In terms of his personal life, Hamm has been in a long-term relationship with actress Jennifer Westfeldt since 1997. The couple has chosen not to marry, and they have no children. Hamm has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and has been sober since he was 30 years old. He has been a vocal advocate for addiction recovery and has spoken publicly about the importance of seeking help and support.
Overall, Jon Hamm is a highly respected and accomplished actor and producer who has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. He has a diverse range of talents, from drama to comedy, and his performances show his versatility. He's known for his dedication to his craft, his philanthropy, and his commitment to recovery. He has solidified himself as one of his generation's most talented and respected actors and continues to be a role model in the entertainment industry.

Command and Control

Sonia

In this timely and insightful chronicle, journalist Sonia Shah reveals how we've grappled with malaria since ancient times—and how our efforts have fared. In the 19th century, quinine was hailed as a miracle drug; in the 20th, DDT almost wiped out the disease; today, artemisinin has become the new gold standard. But each “cure” has left behind new strains of resistance, becoming part of the very problem it was meant to eradicate. With vast knowledge and striking prose, Shah documents our constant failures and warns against repeating them in fighting other pandemics—like AIDS and Ebola.

The Fever

Russell

EXPLOSIVE is a major book, an eye-opening and revelatory work of narrative nonfiction unlike any other. An award-winning journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist offers an insightful, no-holds-barred exploration of today’s most controversial yet promising new energy technology: fracking. Russell Gold, a brilliant and dogged investigative reporter at The Wall Street Journal, has spent more than a decade reporting on one of the biggest stories of our time: the spectacular, world-changing rise of “fracking. ” Recognized as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and a recipient of the Gerald Loeb Award for his work, Gold has traveled along the pipelines and into the hubs of this country’s energy infrastructure; he has visited frack sites from Texas to North Dakota; and he has conducted thousands of interviews with engineers and wildcatters, CEOs and roughnecks, environmentalists and politicians. He has also sifted through reams of engineering reports, lawsuit transcripts, and financial filings. ”

Scott Pape, affectionately known as The Barefoot Investor, is a prolific Australian author and radio commentator. He is renowned for his no-nonsense advice on personal finance and is a trusted voice to many Australians.
Pape is the author of several books, including the best-selling The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You’ll Ever Need. Released in 2016, this book has sold over 1.7 million copies and is the best-selling finance book in Australian history. It outlines Pape’s approach to personal finance, which is based on common sense, simple strategies, and practical tips. He advocates for people to start investing from a young age, to pay off their debts, and to live within their means.
Pape is also a regular radio commentator on personal finance topics. He has been a frequent guest on various radio shows, including ABC Radio National and 3AW. His appearances on these programs have been highly acclaimed, and he is known for his ability to make complex financial topics accessible and easy to understand.
In addition to his work as an author and radio commentator, Pape is an active philanthropist. He has set up The Barefoot Foundation, a charity that provides financial education and assistance to disadvantaged Australians. He is also an ambassador for the National Debt Helpline, a service that helps Australians manage their debt.
Pape has been widely recognized for his work in the field of personal finance. In 2016 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal, and in 2018 he was made a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. He has also been featured in numerous publications, including The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age.
Overall, Scott Pape is a highly respected authority in the field of personal finance. His no-nonsense approach and commitment to helping Australians make better financial decisions have made him a trusted voice for many.

Scott

The Boom

UNESCO

A new book compiling documentary heritage items that are inscribed on the Memory of the World Register has been published by UNESCO and HarperCollins. The book features background information about the worldwide significance of its contents and quality photographs. Documentary heritage in archives, libraries, and museums constitutes a major part of the memory of people and reflects the diversity of languages and cultures.&nbsp;
UNESCO, through its Memory of the World Programme, promotes the preservation of this heritage for future generations and encourages universal access to it.

Stewart Brand is an American writer best known as the editor of the Whole Earth Catalog. He founded several organizations, including The WELL, the Global Business Network, and the Long Now Foundation. He is the author of several books, most recently Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto.
Brand was born in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He studied biology at Stanford University, graduating in 1960. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, he was a parachutist and taught infantry skills; he later expressed that his military experience had fostered his competence in organizing. A civilian again in 1962, he studied design at San Francisco Art Institute, photography at San Francisco State College, and participated in a legitimate scientific study of then-legal LSD in Menlo Park, California. In 1966, he married mathematician Lois Jennings, an Ottawa Native American.
Brand has lived in California since the 1960s. He and his second wife live on Mirene, a 64-foot (20 m)-long working tugboat. Built-in 1912, the boat is moored in a former shipyard in Sausalito, California. In addition, he works in Mary Heartline, a grounded fishing boat about 100 yards (90 meters) away. One of his favorite items is a table on which Otis Redding is said to have written "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." (Brand acquired it from an antique dealer in Sausalito.)
By the mid-1960s, Brand became associated with New York multimedia group USCO and Bay Area author Ken Kesey and his "Merry Pranksters." Brand co-produced the Trips Festival, an early effort involving rock music and light shows, in San Francisco with Kesey and Ramón Sender Barayón. This was one of the first venues at which the Grateful Dead performed in San Francisco. About 10,000 hippies attended, and Haight-Ashbury soon emerged as a community. Tom Wolfe describes Brand in his 1968 book, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.
The Whole Earth Catalog implied an ideal of human progress that depended on decentralized, personal, and liberating technological development—so‑called "soft technology." However, in 2005 he criticized aspects of the international environmental ideology he had helped to develop. He wrote an article called "Environmental Heresies" in the May 2005 issue of the MIT Technology Review, in which he describes what he considers necessary changes to environmentalism. He suggested, among other things, that environmentalists embrace nuclear power and genetically modified organisms as technologies with more promise than risk.
Brand later developed these ideas into a book and published the Whole Earth Discipline: An Ecopragmatist Manifesto in 2009. The book examines how urbanization, nuclear power, genetic engineering, geoengineering, and wildlife restoration can be powerful tools in humanity's ongoing fight against global warming. In a 2019 interview, Brand described his perspective as "post-libertarian," indicating that when the Whole Earth Catalog was being written, he did not fully understand the significance of the government's role in developing technology and engineering. In his environmental position, he self-describes as an "Eco-pragmatist."

Stewart

Memory of the World

A systematic investigation of growth in nature and society, from tiny organisms to the trajectories of empires and civilizations. Growth has been both an unspoken and an explicit aim of our individual and collective striving. It governs the lives of microorganisms and galaxies; it shapes the capabilities of our extraordinarily large brains and the fortunes of our economies.&nbsp;
Growth is manifested in annual increments of continental crust, a rising gross domestic product, a childs growth chart, and the spread of cancerous cells. In this magisterial book, Vaclav Smil offers a systematic investigation of growth in nature and society, from tiny organisms to the trajectories of empires and civilizations. Smil takes readers from bacterial invasions through animal metabolisms to megacities and the global economy.&nbsp;
He begins with organisms whose mature sizes range from microscopic to enormous, looking at disease-causing microbes, the cultivation of staple crops, and human growth from infancy to adulthood. He examines the growth of energy conversions and man-made objects that enable economic activities--developments that have been essential to civilization. Finally, he looks at the growth of complex systems, beginning with the growth of human populations and proceeding to the growth of cities.&nbsp;
He considers the challenges of tracing the growth of empires and civilizations, explaining that we can chart the growth of organisms across individual and evolutionary time, but that the progress of societies and economies, not so linear, encompasses both decline and renewal. The trajectory of modern civilization, driven by competing imperatives of material growth and biospheric limits, Smil tells us, remains uncertain.

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Energy and Civilization

562 pages, 2018

Vaclav Smil

science & nature

economics & politics

technology

history

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Nat Eliason

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