My longform reading list for 2021
I quite enjoy long-form reading and I made a resolution to return to it at the start of 2021. While I did not read too many, I learned so much from these books and I hope that they will make for useful recommendations or distractions. Here they are in chronological order.
Certain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd, Applied to Business
How might a navy pilot’s strategy and decision framework help you stay ahead of adversaries and competitors in business? Chet Richards explores the possibilities. The main takeway was that deciding factor is the ability to make fast, assymetric transients. In plain speak, agility and dynamism in the face of new information or scenarios.
The Enchiridion
Epictetus suggests practical ways to develop and maintain Stoic sensibilities. A solid foundation in my opinion.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Poor Cedric!
Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense
Time and again, Rory Sutherland conjures his unique storytelling abilities to reveal the whimsical nature of human experience. He is an excellent campaigner for the need for creative approaches in tackling pressing societal problems. More stories please, Rory.
A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
William B. Irvine profers a pragmatic guide on how to live a better life today by tapping into ancient Greek and Roman stoicism. One of my favorites.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
Ben Horowitz, while dropping serious bars, reminds us that building a worthwhile business is hard. This is a handbook to carry with you through the best or the worst of times. For the oblivious, it will help you tell these times apart.
Failing To Win: Hard-earned lessons from a purpose-driven startup
Mike Quinn shares hard-won lessons from his startup journey with Zoona in Malawi. Poignant and instructive reading for anyone thinking to take the entrepreneurship path through a startup, especially in East Africa.
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi investigates how to derive genuine satisfaction from the things we choose to do. He explores how to get in the groove and stay there. Major tip: because you enjoy doing something for no other reason than the act of doing it. One I will keep coming back to.
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David Epstein reminds us that diversity of knowledge and experience makes for an optimal life. It may even help us thrive despite the specialized needs of modern work.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Padfoot!
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture
As with anything worth doing, Ben Horowitz reminds us that setting company culture is about having skin in the game. As a leader, it is not what you say but what you do that defines your culture. The values you embody at critical decision points are the culture you set for your organization. He also quotes the sickest bars in hip hop.