A slow, somewhat difficult read. I’m not familiar enough with
the rest of the literature to follow all the arguments, but this
is one of my favorite pieces of philosophy so far.
Navalny is a skilled communicator. He works hard to express a
patriotism for his country that makes his arguments against the
current Russian government much more compelling.
I love Scott Sumner’s writing. I remain somewhat skeptical of
his description of causality w.r.t. the 2008 financial crisis,
but I understand his point.
(I’m allowed to read 3 books at once if I want to I swear it’s
productive)
Finished
This book is mostly an account of some interesting economic
experiments. Not a great resource for any deeper understanding,
but entertaining nonetheless.
Guns, Germs, and Steel is more maligned than it deserves.
Like every book in its genre, it overstates its claims;
regardless, it’s informative and thought-provoking.
Yes, the econometrics are flawed. Yes, the theory struggles
to explain the success of China and India. Yes, you should still
read it.
This book should be read as a follow-up to Guns, Germs, and
Steel and Why Nations Fail. Another attempt at explaining the
success of some societies over others, this time with focus on
psychology.
I cannot recommend anyone read this book, but it is
undeniably well written, and very hard to put down. Cows is
undoubtedly one of the most disgusting books ever written.
This book is terrible. The only reason to read it is the
feeling of freedom it provides when you are finally done.
A leftist’s perspective on why leftist movements fail.
I wish every book was as well written as Lolita. Nabakov
writes so well that you willingly follow Humbert Humbert for 300
pages.
This book is lauded for a reason. Even if you aren’t a
history buff, it’s worth reading. Note that it is a contrarian
account, and not a definitive history.
I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. Wittgenstein’s style
is not conducive to rhetorical clarity. I still think it’s worth
reading if you are interested in language and meaning.
The best part of this book is the research on specific
failures of government. It is weaker in its prescription.
American left wing politics have commitments to policies that
are deeply harmful. This book will not change that.
I was incredibly upset when I finished this book, mostly
because it felt unfinished. A week later I decided that it was
one of my favorite books of all time.
I’ve read House of Leaves four times now, and get something
new each time. I’m not sure if it’s a great work of literature,
but it is fun.
I read Oliver Twist when I was young, and loved it. Charles
Dickens should be recommended reading for kids because his books
are fun.
An account of growing up in Iran during the Islamic
Revolution. Heartbreaking.
I last read the Odyssey when I was about 10 years old, so I
should probably read it again. I remember enjoying it a lot.
A classic dystopian novel. I’m not sure if science fiction is
the best genre for cultural critique or commentary, but it’s an
enjoyable book.
