Sweet Enlow

I recently read Tucker Max’s latest book, Assholes Finish First, and it was excellent. Instead of writing a post commenting on some of his hilarious stories – no surprise, but some actually brought me to tears – this post is going to comment on what I think about Max himself.

Unlike one of his infinite amount of peons that worship that ground he walks on, I like Max because he combines two very different, yet unique personality traits. First, Max is a real bright guy. Second, and more importantly, Max does.not.give.a.fuck. He says what he feels and he acts accordingly. While I have been known to act similar, I am very jealous of the level Max takes it. I do think some of the things he has done is a little odd or just downright stupid – a 3-some with midgets??? Regardless of my criticism on some of his choices though, Max has ultimately gained notoriety/fame/cash because has the balls to do things we are all just to scared to do, myself included (That, and he can tell a funny story). I have immense amount of respect for that.

Moreover, I think Max is a genuinely good person. He gets a bad rap because he doesn’t care about the one’s he is not close to, much like myself. However, that is simply because he doesn’t play all the bullshit games involved in the current social universe – being nice to idiots, tolerating dooshbags, respecting trashy women. While most act appalled at his actions, I imagine most are, on the inside, extremely jealous.

Lastly, I respect Max because he went after his dreams, worked hard, and became incredible successful. He disregarded the expectations of what a Duke Law Grad should do and instead became a poor writer with essentially nothing. He states that, at his lowest, he could not even afford condoms. Yet, he goes on (after massive amounts of rejection) to literally create a new genre of literature, have a movie created after his life, and make millions.

Like many, I would love to kick it with Max. Unlike most, I would probably prefer to do it not partying. Actually, I would love to do both.

… and he eats Paleo

Like many aspects of life, I am at odds with much of the conventional wisdom that resonates throughout.  Of course, its worse because I am in the military.  Occasionally though, I will find an another person who feels much like me and my most recent is Daniel Pink.

I stumbled upon his first book “A Whole New Mind” last summer and I loved it – I literally read it in one day.  I was in the middle of Field Training and I gave it to my buddies out there and they felt the same way.  I highly, highly recommend it for anyone, particularly my friends who are about to enter the “Workforce.”  (http://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266794420&sr=8-1)

This post, however, is about his second book that I just finished – DRiVE

All have heard the classic cliché resembling something like “well, you know, incentives are the key to everything.”  What Pink finds is that is, in fact, not true (not necessarily at least). 

Pink argues that the motivational structure throughout organizations today is lacking , something he calls ”Motivation 2.0.” Under 2.0, if something is wanted/needed the people in charge simply try to incentive the person in order to get the desired results.  Initially it may boost performance, but ultimately it leads to a lack of creativity and burn-out.  What Pink argues is that if you really want people to become motivated, you have to give them three things: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.  He calls this/these “Motivation 3.0.”

Of course this is at complete odds with conventional business wisdom which relies almost entirely on “carrot and sticks.”  Yet, Pink does state that some companies are beginning to understand 3.0 and the benefits that can be accrued.  For example, a small software company sets aside 20% of the work week for the employees to work on whatever they choose.  What happened was that the things created/worked on during this 20% generated more earnings than the traditional work the other 80% of the time.  Best Buy in their corporate sector is now working in a “Results only working enviroment” whereby each employee decides their own hours.

Interesting stuff…

Pink is definitely a trendy author, and, yes, he does use a MacBook, but his message is clear and powerful.  Every organization should make this book mandatory.

http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594488843/ref=pd_sim_b_1

watch the video as well

I am not ashamed to say that some of the best books I have ever read came off of Tucker Max’s Book recommendations.  The best, though, are Robert Greene’s books, The 48 Laws of Power, 33 Strategies of war, and The Art of Seduction.

I love history, but I do understand some of my friends arguments that, at times, it can be very dry.  In addition to being arguably the most important discipline to master educationally, I feel that if history is facilitated well, it can be some of the most stimulating material one can ever come across.  This is what Green does over his three books.

Greene’s 48 laws are much like Machiavelli’s “Prince” in that Greene explains methods to get to the top, regardless of morals.  He shows that certain types (law) of action and attitudes equate to success.  Greene does this by taking poignant examples in history and briefly describing their importance.  He then concludes with an analysis of the event.  For example, one of the first law is something like “Never outshine your master” with (I think) the example of Kissinger and Nixon his story.  Extremely stimulating… if you read it

Greene’s 33 strategies of War are similar to his 48 laws, but obviously revolve more around the history of warfare.  I find this highly interesting due to my military background, but Greene does a great job equating it to everyday life.

Lastly, Greene’s Art of Seduction takes the biggest players in history, both men and women, and analyzes why they are so appealing.  Honestly, some of the most fascinating profiles I have ever read.  I highly suggest this for just pure entertainment, let alone the history.  I promise you that reading this will make you think of someone you know closely with each chapter.

Loving to read, and haven read a lot of books, these 3 are definitely at the top of my list.  Check them… 

I am not by any means an avid reader of fiction.  Usually, I force myself to read fiction about every 4th book.  Must of the time I am disappointed, but there have been some that have literally changed my life – their effects have often times far outweighed the substantial amount of non-fiction I have read.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

I just mentioned that some fiction literature has changed my life and no book more so than The Fountainhead.  Rand gets a lot of praise for Atlas Shrugged, but I personally found it a little hard to take.  The Fountainhead, however, was incredible.  A blog could be devoted to Rand’s work so I won’t attempt to explain the plot or meaning etc… If you haven’t, please please please read this – life changing.  My favorite book of all time, non-fiction or fiction.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The greatest piece of fiction from the last decade.  Everyone who has read this short novel is mesmerized by the power through its simplicity – love expressed through brevity and clarity.  I am interested to see if the movie will be able to capture half the emotion that is felt throughout the book.  The last pages of this book brought me to uncontrollable tears.  I give this book to everybody because it is that good.

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

The prequel to the ultra-popular The Silence of the Lambs, Harris’s first novel in the 3-part series is just as good, if not better than Silence.  One of the greatest created characters ever, Hannibal Lecter, does not disappoint and the plotline is highly entertaining.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

Larry McMurtry is one the greatest American writers ever and I will likely dedicate an entire post to his eccentric genius. Lonesome Dove is part of his niche ol’ west genre and it is likely his masterpiece.  It literally captivates you.  It’s long, but you will read it very quickly.  My parents always tell me that no other novel captures ol’ school Texas better than this book.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

The unabridged version is a little long in my opinion, but that was due to the way ol’ school novels were published (chunks at a time in newspapers or magazines).  Nevertheless, most know this story because of the movie, but the book is better – more ruthless and he drops Mercedes like the whore she is.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

One of my favorite books ever, but it definitely is one of the strangest.  Again, most know the story because of the movie (is it a dream? or reality?), but the book is substantially better (and I am not saying that to sound more intelligent or well-read).  Ellis is very funny and on point with his absurdity.

nail gun

1984 by George Orwell

Most read this in high school, but its power comes out more and more as one becomes more educated.  I just wanted to throw this one in there because I love it…not really a shocker though

I like Dan Brown stuff too – he’s a joker, but he does his research and can undoubtedly craft an entertaining narrative.

2009 is closing.  Since I am home for the holidays, I have access to my library.  That being said, I will be posting daily recommendations for books in different categories.

I am an economics major at The Institution, .  I personally feel economics is the best undergrad major – broad, enlightening, and highly important.  Thus, here is my list of recommendations for the best economics books I have read over the last year.

The White Man’s Burden by William Easterly

I have already devoted an entire post to this book, but I wanted to stress its importance once more.  Without a doubt the best book I have ever read on political economics, particularly with foreign aid.  After reading this book, your ability to discuss any type of foreign policy dramatically improves.  One might think a book discussing foreign aid would be boring (this is initially what I thought for it was assigned as a mandatory class reading) but you will be pleasantly surprised. 

http://www.amazon.com/White-Mans-Burden-Efforts-Little/dp/0143038826/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261350044&sr=1-1\

Easterly also has a blog at www.aidwatchers.com and another highly-touted book entitled The Elusive Quest for Growth.  I have not read it, but it is on the list.

All the Money in the World by Bernstein and Swan

The value of this book isn’t necessary in increasing your knowledge or ability to think, but in entertainment.  This book is an investigative piece into the richest people in the world and their lifestyle.  I desire to one day be on this list (seriously), so I find myself fascinated by these people’s lifestyle and their ability to pretty much do whatever they desire.  A very easy read and very entertaining – good travel book.

http://www.amazon.com/All-Money-World-Make-Spend-Their/dp/030727876X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261350330&sr=1-1

Empire of Wealth by John Steele Gordon

My interests in economics is more in the history side rather than the technical side.  That being the case, this book is arguably my favorite of all time.  Gordon writes a great historical narrative of the US’s rise to wealth and the different type of economic institutions and policies taken to get there.  If you enjoy American History, this is a must read.

http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Wealth-History-American-Economic/dp/0060505125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261350493&sr=1-1

The Ascent of Money by Naill Ferguson

Similar in nature to Gordon’s book, highly touted Harvard history professor Ferguson explains the evolution of economic systems better than anyone I have ever read.  His account covers the international spectre, but is nonetheless highly fascinating.  Again, if you are interested in history, this is another must read.  It was so stimulating I finished it in one night

http://www.amazon.com/Ascent-Money-Financial-History-World/dp/0143116177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261350603&sr=1-1

Nudge by Thaler

This book covers particular actions the government could take to improve the life of American citizens.  I am fairly libertarian, but this book definitely forces one to accept the fact the government can take some action to improve the lives of the lesser fortunate.  The fact that Thaler and his co-author are from the University of Chicago is a very powerful characteristic… few people are more against government involvement than Chicago.  Thus, this makes for a very interesting read.

http://www.amazon.com/Nudge-Improving-Decisions-Health-Happiness/dp/014311526X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261350785&sr=1-1

Mean Markets and Lizard Brains by Terry Burnham

If you are interested in trading, or any type of characteristic of the market, then this book is great.  Burnham basically explains how our primitive cognitive thought process causes the massive swings in the market.  Great look at evolutionary psychology affecting economics.

http://www.amazon.com/Mean-Markets-Lizard-Brains-Irrationality/dp/0470343761/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261351056&sr=1-1

Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Taleb

Taleb is arguably the greatest trader on Wall Street and definitely one of the most sought after minds in the financial world.  He made a killing in the ’87 crash, ’01 dot-com bubble burst, and the 07-08 crisis.  His approach to trading and life is extremely interesting.  His stuff is intellectual, but even understanding 70% of his writing is highly powerful. 

http://www.amazon.com/Fooled-Randomness-Hidden-Chance-Markets/dp/B00116MYGA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261351279&sr=1-1

Hope you check out some of these and enjoy them as much as I did.

A little over a month ago, I finished both Steven Levitt’s “SuperFreakonomics” and Malcolm Gladwell’s ”What the Dog Saw.”  Superfreakonomics was Levitt’s sequel to his ridiculously popular “Freakonomics” while “What the Dog Saw” is simply Gladwell’s collection of writing at the New Yorker.

Both books are very good.  I usually try and steer myself away from ultra-trendy writers, but both these guys are trendy for a reason: their material is really good.  I recently read the haters on Gladwell even stating that his writing will capture you. 

I did not want to make a post reviewing these books because they are likely thousands of blogs that have done so already.  However, being that it is Christmas season, I wanted to point these books out as potential christmas presents.  There is no connecting theme in both books, so periodic readers can enjoy them, and they cover a very, very broad range of topics – birth control, altruism (or lack thereof), hedge-fund trading, indicators of success etc – meaning they can appeal to just about anyone.  Girls, Guys, Young, Old, everybody can take away something from each book.  Books are great presents because you can change peoples lives with the ideas within the pages… and they are cheap (if you are about that – Frank Dale). 

I recommend both to anyone… and I know what’s good.

If you are interested in Politics then you might be interested in the topic of this post.  Even though I don’t necessarily agree with America’s approach to its Foreign Policy (read Ron Paul’s “The Revolution”), what is clear is that America is the foremost player in foreign affairs, and for the purpose of this post, foreign aid.

I recently read the book  The White Man’s Burdens by William Easterly and it was awesome.  I had to read it for one of my Economic elective classes, Economic Growth and Developement (there is a large difference between the two), and I found myself engrossed in the text.  It is one of the best political books I have read in a while.  Economic G&D is a very  interesting field because it has, due to America’s two-sided war and new strategy, become of extreme relevance.  In addition, the academia in the field can not seem to come to a conclusion on what actually spawns substantial growth and developement.  There are three main actors in the field, Paul Collier, Jeff Sachs, and William Easterly.

I love Easterly because his philosophy is much in accordance with my own.  He feels that, in short, people should be accountable for themselves and for their own country.  Self-reliance, operating within a free market based on price incentives and profit, should be the only way a government should allow an economy to run.  Foreign government’s should help facilitate this process instead of trying to assert themselves into or onto the domestic government.  This is in direct contrast with the idealistic Jeff Sachs who, along with his boy Bono, believes literally that just dumping massive amounts of aid on a country should fix all problems.  At times, Sachs arguments seemed so ridiculous that, during my debate in my class, the group supporting Sachs had to concede that even they couldn’t bring themself to agree with Sachs.  Neverthless, it is always good to hear opposing viewpoint. 

Easterly’s book was so controversial that, after publishing his book, he had to hastily exit his employer, the World Bank.  This was due to the fact that much of what Easterly cites as wrong in the West’s approach to foreign aid is in fact conducted or faciliated by the World Bank.

Either way, I always like people who polarize themselves, especially when they counter conventional wisdom. 

A couple of Teasers here:

• The West has spent an estimated 2.3 trillion on foreign aid over the last five decades.  In many countries that the West has intervened, there has been either no growth or negative growth.
• “The White Mans Burden emerged from the West’s self-pleasing fantasy that “we” were the chosen ones to save the Rest.  The White Man offered himself the starring role in an ancien regime version of Harry Potter” (23)
• Many countries have fluctuated throughout the so-called “Poverty Trap”… thus disproving that countries within the trap are incapable of climbing out.

Better yourself and pick up this book.  It will give you great political insight.