Some favorites below, starting in 2025 started standardizing my book notes.

Same as Ever
On phenomenon that never change, because they are so intimately tied to human nature.

13 Necessary Virtues from Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography
Timeless epithets for a virtuous life.

Man’s Search for Meaning
Autobiographical work of a psychologist and holocaust survivor on his outlook on life.

Meditations (Gregory Hays translation)
A reminder to focus on things you can control.

World After Capital
Personal and societal frameworks to grapple with the shifting scarcity from capital in the industrial age to attention in the digital age.

The Revolt of the Public
Ex-CIA analyst’s take on the potential implications of the internet and the resulting proliferation of information on the institution of representative democracy.

What’s Our Problem
“A self-help book for societies” – the book’s subtitle sums it up well. Focused on the gravitation of popular public discourse to the extreme and how to (re-)apply scientific principles to our societies.

Note: I’d recommend reading this book alongside The Revolt of the Public & World After Capital; they all tackle the causes, implications, manifestations, and solutions to information overload, a defining characteristic of early 21st century society.

Sapiens
A refreshing historian’s take on human nature. In an age of accelerating change, useful to remember things that stay (relatively) constant.

When Breath Becomes Air
An incredibly powerful memoir of a surgeon diagnosed with cancer. Disclaimer: You might cry (I know I did).

Enlightenment Now
A detailed overview of the rapid progress we’ve made as a species post-enlightenment (though, I disagree with some of the metrics used to measure progress)

The Hard Things about Hard Things
Honest and unfiltered take on leading and running a company. Love that it discusses failure and the struggle. No sugar coating here.

India after Gandhi
A well-researched book on India’s post-modern history. Helped me appreciate the work that goes into establishing and sustaining a democratic government.

Catalyst
Exploring big questions on decarbonization with an analytical lens, with climate tech industry veteran, Shayle Kann.

Acquired
Amazing podcast on technology acquisitions and IPOs. I love the founding stories and history that David & Ben surface and the excellent discussion that follows on business strategy and tech trends.