Reading lets you unwind, escape the daily grind, and dive into new worlds and ideas, all while learning something new and enriching your mind. It’s even more relaxing to read while on vacation. This summer, I've discovered some captivating insights and thought-provoking ideas that I'm excited to share. From the life of one of history's wealthiest figures to economic systems that sometimes create more problems than they solve, these books provide deep insights into our present times. These reads have been inspiring, and I hope you'll find them as intriguing as I did.
1. The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, by Greg Steinmetz
One book that I enjoyed was Greg Steinmetz’s The Richest Man Who Ever Lived. It’s a fascinating and entertaining exploration of Jakob Fugger, the Renaissance banker who became the world’s first modern capitalist and philanthropist. Fugger’s story is a fast-paced read that demonstrates the captivating intersection of money, power, politics, and religion – offering many lessons for today’s world.
Steinmetz vividly illustrates how Fugger leveraged his immense wealth to shape European politics, financing kings and emperors, including Charles V’s ascent to Holy Roman Emperor. The book delves into Fugger’s business ventures, from banking to establishing a monopoly on the European copper market, which was essential for weapons and coins. Fugger’s role in pioneering modern banking practices, such as credit and the double-entry accounting system is particularly eye-opening.
Fugger’s story serves as a warning about the perils of unrestrained capitalism and influence peddling. Steinmetz skillfully makes what could be a dry subject engaging and relevant, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the modern world. If you’re interested in history, economics, or a compelling rags-to-riches story, this book is a must-read.
2. What Went Wrong with Capitalism by Ruchir Sharma
Ruchir Sharma’s take on what went wrong with capitalism is one you might not have heard before. He argues that the criticism of modern capitalism as "socialism for the rich" is warranted, but misunderstood. Over the past century, governments have grown in nearly every way – spending more, regulating more, and stepping in with massive financial rescues whenever the economy stumbles. The result of this excessive meddling is expensive state guarantees for everyone – bailouts for the wealthy, entitlements for the middle class, and welfare for the poor.
Sharma takes us back to the 19th century to show just how much government behavior has changed. Back then, the approach was hands-off, but today, governments around the globe are doing the opposite – trying to prevent anyone from experiencing economic hardship by trading inaction for excessive spending and interference.
According to Sharma, all of this has caused capitalism to become less fair and less efficient, slowing down economic growth, hampering social mobility, creating monopolies, and fueling public discontent. He diagnoses the problem and attempts to offer solutions, arguing that expanding the role of the state will only compound the issues that have already undermined capitalism.
I really appreciated Sharma’s unique perspective. It’s refreshing because he challenges the usual narratives – whether it’s Reagan-era neoliberalism or modern socialism – and suggests that both approaches have their flaws. He is not advocating for a “third way”, but rather strongly defends capitalism and argues for restoring the balance between economic freedom and government control. His take on capitalism is fresh and thought-provoking.
3. Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less
From the founders of one of my favorite news outlets, Axios, I’ve recently read “Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less”. It’s a guide on how to communicate effectively by getting straight to the point. Authors champion the idea that clarity and conciseness are crucial in our fast-paced, information-overloaded world.
The principle of "smart brevity” is about delivering powerful messages in as few words as possible. The core message of the book is that less is often more. VandeHei argues that by stripping away unnecessary words and focusing on the essence of the message, you can communicate more effectively and make a greater impact. This is not only more respectful of the audience's time but also ensures that the message is more memorable and actionable.
Throughout my career, I received hundreds of emails daily from employees and customers. A brief email was extremely rare, whereas in today’s business world, being direct and to the point is more important than ever. We have all become so accustomed to concise messages, tweets, or short videos that brevity is appreciated.
VandeHei, Allen, and Schwartz provide practical tips and examples on how to apply “smart brevity” in various contexts, from writing emails and reports to giving presentations and crafting social media posts. The book is filled with actionable advice on how to refine your communication style, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their ability to convey ideas succinctly and persuasively.
4. BONUS: Hardcore History Podcast - Mania for Subjugation Episode
If you’re into deep dives into history, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast is a must-listen, though you’ll need to set aside some serious time—each episode runs between 3-5 hours. I recently tackled the "Mania for Subjugation" episode during a five-hour car ride to pick up my daughter from camp, and it was the perfect companion. This episode focuses on Alexander the Great, exploring what made him such a formidable force. Carlin does an amazing job weaving together the “three Ns” of Alexander’s rise: Nature, Nurture, and Nepotism.
What I love about this episode is how it complements the insights from my previous book recommendation, Alexander the Great's Art of Strategy: The Timeless Leadership Lessons of History's Greatest Empire Builder. If you found that book intriguing, Carlin’s take will give you an even richer understanding of Alexander's psyche and what drove him to become history’s ultimate apex predator. The episode is incredibly vivid, well-researched, and packed with the kind of depth that makes history come alive. It’s long, but it’s also totally worth every minute. If you have a road trip ahead of you or just some downtime, I highly recommend diving into Dan Carlin’s Harcore History.
Although the summer is coming to an end, I hope you can find some time to enjoy these captivating reads (and podcast). If you have read any of these titles, share your thoughts with me in the comments.
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