Book Recommendations/Reviews

I have completed a few great books recently:

Thinking in Systems: a Primer
Donella Meadows

(I ordered this book at Barnes & Noble through my Blastoff page)

Here is one of the most relevant quotes which struck me:
"A society that talks about "creating jobs" as if that's something only companies can do will not inspire the great majority of its people to create jobs, for themselves or anyone else. Nor will it appreciate its workers for their role in 'creating profits.'"

The chapter I liked the most was chapter 5, "System Traps ... and Opportunities". For example, some interesting points are made about 'the Tragedy of the Commons', when education about the scarcity of a resource can actually cause a panic and accelerate depletion of that resource. There were quite a few other topics covered as well, such as how an intervention can actually reinforce a problem because it fails to distinguish symptoms from underlying causes.


Outliers: the Story of Success
Malcolm Gladwell

(This book was not hard to find at the Barnes & Noble retail store)

I was very intrigued throughout this book. The part I appreciate most was that the author took the time to share what he had learned of his own family history. That really got me thinking of doing some research of my own as well. I recalled something I had not thought of since I was a child - that my grandfather grew sugarcane in his backyard. Now I will have to follow up on that insight.

I also appreciate that the author demonstrated that even a unique personal opportunity for success still requires work - really consistent effort - 'the 10,000 Hour Rule'. So many people seem to dismiss success because 'he/she must have had some advantage'. A better way to think about advantage is 'what is my advantage and am I willing to focus my efforts there?'

A Tale of Two Cities
Charles Dickens

(one of those books that sat on the shelf a long time)

This author, as the famous opening portends, had a knack for illustrating the huge disparity between the best and worst of human potential. While there requires an extra effort to absorb the imagery and symbolism, it is so much more of a rewarding experience reading Dickens now as compared to when I was compelled to read Dickens for the first time.

'Within every persons heart is a mystery.' And again, it is one thing to read the words; yet another to experience that mystery.

If I had $30,000 or more to invest...

I find it fascinating to learn about angel investing and venture capital. I attended an event this week where the networkers seemed intensely focused. I can scarcely remember looking around to see anyone unengaged in conversation.

Then my attention was drawn to a group of individuals who had come prepared to evaluate business investment opportunities. I imagine that with $30,000 (an amount which I have heard is common) to invest at one sitting, I might be inclined to sit around more often, and see who comes my way with ideas.

Adam Smith on Industry vs. Idleness

I was pleasantly surprised to hear my 4-year old son reply, "yes, sir" after I asked him to go to bed. Which reminds me that I am such an important influence in his life. I will take this also as positive feedback.

Here is an excerpt of what I'm reading tonight:

"The proportion between capital and revenue, therefore, seems everywhere to regulate the proportion between industry and idleness. Wherever capital predominates, industry prevails: wherever revenue, idleness. Every increase or diminution of capital, therefore, naturally tends to increase or diminish the real quantity of industry, the number of productive hands, and consequently the exchangeable value of the annual produce of the land and labour of the country, the real wealth and revenue of its inhabitants."

Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations

I was fascinated by the distinction between productive labor and unproductive labor. An earlier passage that really struck me (I have read almost half of the book) mentioned that a liberal education tends to destroy a young person's ambition. Here is where I think I was just a few years ago: 'So graduating from college does not entitle one to a high-paying job with little to no responsibilities?'

I spent some time last evening on a career-development exercise, which defines my favorite working conditions:

1) excellent communication
2) transparent financial and legal status
3) great benefits
4) positive attitudes
5) great incentives
6) clear priorities
7) great accountability structures
8) consistent & fair rules
9) relaxed focus
10) my own workspace

07-06-09 Monday

I just read a great quote: "You can never change a time habit until you are aware of what you are doing now." - Paul J. Meyer

It is so easy to become unfocused and unproductive, despite the best intentions, and despite a stellar to-do list. At least, it is easy for me. I am in the process of clarifying my intentions and aspirations.

I appreciate a reminder that it is perfectly acceptable to pause long enough to ask myself 'is this task really what I am supposed to be doing, right now?' Something to keep in mind as I begin to blog.