The illegibility of freedom
The ability to project, and make plans have helped the species to progress. At an individual level, it has had a tremendous impact on how I have lived my life too. I optimised for predictability and efficiency so I could be free, but it turns out that it’s only part of the story.
Raj: The Making of British India
This is a telling of history that is quite a bit different from what exists in Indian textbooks. While the author does have some bias as an English historian, it doesn’t take away from some fascinating perspectives of the heroes we have lionised. A little meandering, but if you like history, a must-read.
$ocial Validation
Creators on social media optimise their content for validation and sharing. The next step is monetising this validation beyond the standard “influencer” deals. In parallel, the internet is going after the biggest middleman of all – money!
The Moment of Lift
Melinda French Gates gets a lot of things right with the book. Starting with the acknowledgement that she shares from a position of privilege, she approaches the subjects with intellectual honesty. The book covers a lot of ground – maternal and newborn health, the importance of contraceptives and family planning, education for girls, the unpaid work that women do, and gender inequity in the workplace. It’s an excellent read that is full of anecdotes and insights without being prescriptive.