Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Kyrin Down & Juan Granados

Hey I'm Kyrin and I review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (the 'classics' if you will). Join me as I cover the basic synopsis before diving into the themes, ideas and learnings we can take away from the fascinating realm of literature. Weekly live episode on Thurs 11am AEST (Thurs 1am UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan every now and then.

Speculative Political Intrigue | The Gilded Age (Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner) BOOK REVIEW

Speculative Political Intrigue | The Gilded Age (Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner) BOOK REVIEW

Everybody is out for money ... politicians just want yours as well.YT: https://youtube.com/live/CHN39UNt-K8 Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

February 26, 2025 at 1:00 AM UTC

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Does Australia Deserve It's Prosperity? | The Lucky Country (Donald Horne) BOOK REVIEW

Does Australia Deserve It's Prosperity? | The Lucky Country (Donald Horne) BOOK REVIEW

Unjustified negativity has funny ways of rebounding right back at you.'The Lucky Country' by Donald Horne is a a subjective snapshot of Australian life in the 1960's. Donald creates a depiction of the average person, our way of life, relation to other countries (especially Asia) and the political landscape. He is rather scathing when taken as a whole but seems relatively balanced when talking about minutiae topics.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best

Feb 19, • 27:22

Change Your Lousy Business | Blue Ocean Strategy (W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne) BOOK REVIEW

Change Your Lousy Business | Blue Ocean Strategy (W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne) BOOK REVIEW

Surprisingly, if you appeal to tired & worn out people it might just reflect in your own work.'Blue Ocean Strategy' by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne is a business strategy book promoting the idea of moving away from a contested core business to less competitive greener pastures. Highlights several companies that have done this and why they were successful. Plenty of graphs, charts & lists contained within 11 chapters & 3 appendices.Huge thanks to Lyceum for the support this week,

Feb 12, • 26:59

Fighting Anarchy With Chaos | The Man Who Was Thursday (G.K. Chesterton) BOOK REVIEW

Fighting Anarchy With Chaos | The Man Who Was Thursday (G.K. Chesterton) BOOK REVIEW

To save the world you must be first willing to burn it.'The Man Who Was Thursday' by G.K. Chesterton is a short fictional novel of a policeman who joins a 7 person high ranking cabal of anarchists to stop their evil ideology. He begins to learn that their are allies amongst the enemies & enlists their help to take down the behemoth ringleader Sunday. It's set in 1900's England and has a rather bizarre 'absurdist' style but with a levity you wouldn't find in other similar books.If you got val

Feb 5, • 29:56

The Art Of Translation | My Analysis Of Two Books Side By Side

The Art Of Translation | My Analysis Of Two Books Side By Side

How much meaning is lost when you are reading a translation?Today is a special episode where I am going over my findings from reading 'O Alquimista' in the original Portuguese and it's English translation side by side. I found that although the grammar prompt some differences the biggest effect was stylistic choices by the translator. This includes minor things like cutting out words/sentences to larger alterations such as removing potentially 'racist' remarks. Would love to hear your feedback a

Jan 29, • 33:22

An Arduous Battle Against Cancer | The Emperor Of All Maladies (Siddhartha Mukherjee) BOOK REVIEW

An Arduous Battle Against Cancer | The Emperor Of All Maladies (Siddhartha Mukherjee) BOOK REVIEW

No easy wins and only tough decisions.'The Emperor Of All Maladies' by Siddhartha Mukherjee is a dense history of cancer throughout the centuries but particularly the 20th. Details breakthroughs in prevention, cure, chemotherapy, surgery, genetics and knowledge/understanding. Told from an American POV so largely uses stats from there whilst also showing how it is a global problem. Has a personal touch of his interactions with patients, scientists who discovered the next step forward and notable

Jan 22, • 36:56

How To Indirectly Pick Up Girls | Day Bang (Roosh V) BOOK REVIEW

How To Indirectly Pick Up Girls | Day Bang (Roosh V) BOOK REVIEW

We're hitting the streets and looking for pet shops!'Day Bang' by Roosh V is a how to guide on meeting girls during the day. In particular he advocates for starting casual chats (where the girl doesn't initially realise you're hitting on her) in cafe's, book stores, retail outlets and on the street. He lays out his strategy for the elderly opener, dropping interesting bait about yourself before moving into establishing a deeper connection and finally getting a number. Within you'll learn about p

Jan 15, • 47:22

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities: Lessons from Ryan Holiday

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities: Lessons from Ryan Holiday

I explore insights from "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday, highlighting key lessons on persistence, action, and overcoming challenges. The discussion delves into Stoic philosophy, personal growth strategies, and actionable advice for navigating obstacles with a positive mindset.(00:00) - Introduction: Persistence Defined(00:33) - Book Learnings: "The Obstacle is the Way" Overview(02:55) - Key Insights from Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism(05:16) - The Origin of "The Obstacle is the Way

Jan 10, • 33:09

Abuse, Heartbreak & Healing | Unlovable (Darren Hayes) BOOK REVIEW

Abuse, Heartbreak & Healing | Unlovable (Darren Hayes) BOOK REVIEW

What's a rather poor therapeutic strategy to heal trauma/abuse ..... become a global superstar!'Unlovable' by Darren Hayes is an autobiography of the solo musical artist and former front man of Savage Garden. It details his childhood growing up in Brisbane, turbulent home/school life due to an alcoholic/violent father, musical ups & downs, struggles with his sexuality & road to healing. It consists of a fair few chapters (20-30ish), inset plate of photographs and told mostly in a chronol

Jan 8, • 37:43

Speculation Across The Ages | Devil Take The Hindmost (Edward Chancellor) BOOK REVIEW

Speculation Across The Ages | Devil Take The Hindmost (Edward Chancellor) BOOK REVIEW

All of the fun of gambling without any of the boring math!'Devil Take The Hindmost' by Edward Chancellor is a series of snapshots across history of financial speculation (so called bubbles). Presents not only the instances of craziness but also the feeling of the time (notable periods being The Tulip Mania, South Sea Bubble and The Gilded Age amongst others). Not super heavy on statistics; more so newspaper articles, quotes from notable people and behavioural reactions of the people. Chapters ar

Jan 1, • 33:29

A Brazilian Classic To Die For | The Posthumous Memoirs Of Brás Cubas (Machado De Assis) BOOK REVIEW

A Brazilian Classic To Die For | The Posthumous Memoirs Of Brás Cubas (Machado De Assis) BOOK REVIEW

If you're already melancholic, try dying first and then see how you feel!'The Posthumous Memoirs Of Brás Cubas' by Machado De Assis is a reflection of memories from a man who has died but lived in Rio de Janeiro during the 19th century. Bras Cubas narrates his life in a melancholic style, jumping back in time after we learn of his demise. We see his struggles, his loves, his passions and his affairs. It's composed of 159 chapters of varying lengths and style.If you got value from the podcast ple

Dec 25, 2024 • 26:32

Elon Musk’s Reality Distortion: 8 Lessons from a Life of Obsession

Elon Musk’s Reality Distortion: 8 Lessons from a Life of Obsession

I dive into Walter Isaacson's biography of Elon Musk, highlighting eight powerful learnings about Elon’s work ethic, team structure, reality distortion, and the maniacal sense of urgency that shaped his ventures. From OpenAI’s origins to "X" continuity, the insights offer an inspiring yet extreme look into innovation and grit.(00:00) - Welcome & Intro: Learnings from Elon Musk(00:53) - Steve Jobs Comparison: Creating Reality Distortion(02:26) - Elon’s Childhood: Mixed Realities & I

Dec 20, 2024 • 18:34

A Sacrifice For The Greater Good | Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) BOOK REVIEW

A Sacrifice For The Greater Good | Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) BOOK REVIEW

Is it moral to trick a willing participant in a deadly game?'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a sci-fi war scenario between humanity and hive mind insect aliens. Humanity survived two space battles but must prepare for the all important third. They recruit gifted children & train them mercilessly to be strategic commanders in the International Fleet. Ender Wiggin is the most talented of the bunch and must do brutal things to save those he loves. It consists of 15 chapters mostly titled f

Dec 18, 2024 • 23:46

Inside the Mind of Elon Musk | Elon Musk BOOK REVIEW

Inside the Mind of Elon Musk | Elon Musk BOOK REVIEW

Dive into Walter Isaacson's latest biography, Elon Musk, an in-depth exploration of the visionary entrepreneur's life, challenges, and unrelenting drive for innovation. This detailed review highlights the meticulous research and storytelling that captures Musk's complexity, motivations, and impact on industries ranging from space exploration to social media.(00:00) - Welcome & Book Introduction(00:30) - Comparing Isaacson's & Vance's Biographies(01:10) - Walter Isaacson: The Biogra

Dec 13, 2024 • 11:22

Cautionary Tales For Youngsters | The Fables Of Aesop (Aesop) BOOK REVIEW

Cautionary Tales For Youngsters | The Fables Of Aesop (Aesop) BOOK REVIEW

Why do poor wolves and foxes get picked on?'The Fables Of Aesop' by Aesop are a series of extremely small stories (aka fables) with usually a proverb to sum them up. They are mostly told via animals interacting in various contexts, with certain animal species used to highlight human traits. Often times they are contradictory and require nuance to perceive the difference in similar situations. Highly enjoyable and perfect for kids with the illustrations as well.Huge thanks to Vratislav Karpisek f

Dec 11, 2024 • 23:33

Networks Of Secret Societies | The Square & The Tower (Niall Ferguson) BOOK REVIEW

Networks Of Secret Societies | The Square & The Tower (Niall Ferguson) BOOK REVIEW

Can hierarchies exist in a world of networks?'The Square & The Tower' by Niall Ferguson examines a selection of networks across history. In particular it focuses upon hierarchies & how they operate compared to decentralised/distributed collections of people. You'll learn about nodes & hubs, geopolitics of WW1/2, secret societies of Freemasons & Illuminati, the connectedness of Kissinger & James Watt, the East India shipping companies & modern technological advances in com

Dec 4, 2024 • 27:47

Miyamoto Musashi’s Lessons from the Samurai Era | The Book of Five Rings BOOK REVIEW

Miyamoto Musashi’s Lessons from the Samurai Era | The Book of Five Rings BOOK REVIEW

Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Nov 30, 2024 • 19:01

Any Man's Death Diminishes Me | For Whom The Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway) BOOK REVIEW

Any Man's Death Diminishes Me | For Whom The Bell Tolls (Ernest Hemingway) BOOK REVIEW

Are they killing others or really killing themselves?'For Whom The Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway is a fictional account of an American dynamiter behind fascist lines during the 1936 Spanish Civil War. He must blow up a bridge and enlists the help of a Republican guerilla group living in the mountains. He falls in love with a girl, encounters difficulties with the leader & ultimately must make do in a tough situation. It switches between narration & internal dialogue but still kind of i

Nov 27, 2024 • 31:38

Daily Thoughts To Nourish The Soul | A Calendar Of Wisdom (Leo Tolstoy) BOOK REVIEW

Daily Thoughts To Nourish The Soul | A Calendar Of Wisdom (Leo Tolstoy) BOOK REVIEW

Inspiring quotes can get rather tiresome.'A Calendar Of Wisdom' by Leo Tolstoy is a compilation of modified quotes that follow the days of the year. Each day will have 4-6 snippets related to a subject he cares about. Common occurrences are on religion, love, good/evil, morals, vegetarianism & self-improvement. The quotes are sourced widely from notable individuals around the world and condensed into the format that Tolstoy desired.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support

Nov 22, 2024 • 26:09

A Monotonous Dystopia Without Pleasure | The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood) BOOK REVIEW

A Monotonous Dystopia Without Pleasure | The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood) BOOK REVIEW

The ultimate male fantasy is rather flat & boring.'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is told from the point of view of an unnamed narrator. It takes place in a USA where there has been an overthrown government and everything is now dystopian. Our girl is 33 yrs old & a handmaid, whose only purpose is to give birth. Life is very different: family structures changed, super totalitarian (everyone is watched), a lot of violence (capital punishment/suicide/torture), monotonous routine &

Nov 13, 2024 • 34:14

A Fashion Icon’s Story Told in Snippets | The Little Book of Versace BOOK REVIEW

A Fashion Icon’s Story Told in Snippets | The Little Book of Versace BOOK REVIEW

This review delves into "The Little Book of Versace," evaluating its limited depth and focus on visuals over meaningful insights. While the book covers Versace’s designs and runway moments, it lacks a cohesive narrative, leaving the reader to seek additional context elsewhere. Overall, it's deemed more of a coffee table accessory than an informative resource on the iconic brand.(00:00) - Introduction to the Book Review(00:51) - The Versace Legacy in Brief(01:16) - Thoughts on Book’s Struct

Nov 8, 2024 • 9:36

Characters To Die For | East Of Eden (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

Characters To Die For | East Of Eden (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

Are people more cruel or simply the passing of time itself?'East Of Eden' by John Steinbeck is straight up one of the best books I've ever read. We follow various families across the generations as they live & die in 19/20th century America. It's uplifting in some sections and then will follow up with a brutality that brings you to your knees. Easily some of the best written characters and dialogue that I've encountered in all my reading.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any su

Nov 6, 2024 • 31:54

Don't Read Everything | Reasons To Stop Midway Through A Book

Don't Read Everything | Reasons To Stop Midway Through A Book

I'm begging you, please don't make this mistake!Today is a special episode where I am diving into some of the reasons why I have stopped reading many books. I'm also giving a list of these books so that you don't have to waste your time on them (assuming you trust my judgement).Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:18) Structure/Style(00:14:21) Length(00:17:41) Content & Summary(00:28:32) Value 4 Value(00:31:09) Join Li

Oct 30, 2024 • 35:04

Outliving the Odds: Lessons on Longevity | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK LEARNINGS

Outliving the Odds: Lessons on Longevity | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK LEARNINGS

In this podcast, I dive into Peter Attia's Outlive, discussing key lessons from the book on longevity and modern medicine. I highlight the surprising flaws in current medical guidelines, explore how centenarians' genetic traits can be mimicked through lifestyle changes, and busts myths about dietary habits like egg consumption. It’s an insightful conversation on optimizing health and balancing extreme views on nutrition and fitness.(00:00) - Welcome and Introduction to Outlive(00:39) - First Lea

Oct 25, 2024 • 14:40

Disappointingly Non-Sensual | The Kama Sutra (Vātsyāyana) BOOK REVIEW

Disappointingly Non-Sensual | The Kama Sutra (Vātsyāyana) BOOK REVIEW

Why is everyone so mistaken about this book?'The Kama Sutra' by Vātsyāyana is a how-to guide on courtship & sexual pleasure, as opposed to a graphic explanation of sexual positions. All of this comes from an Indian context from that era (so more addressed to the educated man/woman). Split into 7 parts and is about things like sexual union, class & social status differences, acquiring a wife & pleasing her, cheating, courtesans & sexual aids. Would love to hear your feedback

Oct 23, 2024 • 24:33

Outlive Review: Living Better, Not Just Longer | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK REVIEW

Outlive Review: Living Better, Not Just Longer | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK REVIEW

In this episode, we dive into "Outlive: The Science of Longevity" by Dr. Peter Attia. The review explores key themes like emotional health, the importance of living better rather than just longer, and practical tips for increasing both lifespan and health span. The review highlights Attia's structured breakdown of science-based tactics to improve longevity and emotional well-being.(00:00) - Introduction to the Episode(00:17) - What is Outlive About?(01:06) - Peter Attia's Background and Credenti

Oct 19, 2024 • 13:50

Ghost Stories & Adventure | The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent (Washington Irving) BOOK REVIEW

Ghost Stories & Adventure | The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent (Washington Irving) BOOK REVIEW

Do your prefer old Dutch horror stories or refined English gentry?'The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent' by Washington Irving is a mix of short stories (mostly about English observations from an American). It alternates between nonfiction & fiction, mostly told from the POV of the author. It's most famous for the two Dutch inspired stories of Rip Van Winkle & The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow but you'll also be entertained by Christmas with an eccentric nobleman, why American literature is

Oct 16, 2024 • 20:38

Making Tech Mainstream | Crossing The Chasm (Geoffrey A. Moore) BOOK REVIEW

Making Tech Mainstream | Crossing The Chasm (Geoffrey A. Moore) BOOK REVIEW

What does it take to market & sell new technology?'Crossing The Chasm' by Geoffrey A. Moore is a how-to book for entrepreneurs & small businesses to get their product to a larger market. He defines & addresses this problem of the chasm and his suggestions for solving it. Inside you'll find lots of jargon, tech speak and industry specific framing such as the whole product, distribution channels, marketing strategy & pricing.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any suppo

Oct 10, 2024 • 22:43

Dreamlike Childhoods Must Come To An End | Capitães Da Areia (Jorge Amado) BOOK REVIEW

Dreamlike Childhoods Must Come To An End | Capitães Da Areia (Jorge Amado) BOOK REVIEW

A Bahian trance reflecting the best & worse of Brazilian childhood.'Capitães Da Areia' by Jorge Amado ('Captains Of The Sands' in English) is a coming of age story set in a 1930's Brazilian beach town. We follow a group orphaned adolescents who live without care under a pier. They know the streets better than anyone and are a menace to the city authorities. Under the leadership of their chief Pedro Bala we see them grow from young teenagers into young men through a haze of good & bad exp

Sep 19, 2024 • 26:43

Tragedy Without Consequences | Mao's Great Famine (Frank Dikötter) BOOK REVIEW

Tragedy Without Consequences | Mao's Great Famine (Frank Dikötter) BOOK REVIEW

Who is to blame if the leader can never be wrong?'Tragedy Without Consequences' by Frank Dikötter is a historical book looking at the famine that was caused during China's 'Great Leap Forward'. It showcases the period from 1958-62 and why a series of decisions stemming from Chairman Mao resulted in the death of 30-45 million people. A reoccurring theme was being out of touch with reality, whether it be untested agricultural reforms, distorted data collection or continual lies bouncing from top t

Sep 12, 2024 • 39:39

Is It Helpful To Question Everything? | The Problems Of Philosophy (Bertrand Russell) BOOK REVIEW

Is It Helpful To Question Everything? | The Problems Of Philosophy (Bertrand Russell) BOOK REVIEW

Praise be to the philosophers for the hard sciences!'The Problems Of Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell is his attempt at explaining basic philosophy as well as giving a brief history of philosophical thought. He starts with questions about reality before expanding out with more and more questions. He covers the writings of some famous philosophers (Descartes, Kant, Hume, etc.,) and gives his own thoughts on why they were right or wrong.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support yo

Sep 5, 2024 • 25:12

A Weird & Sexy Kidnapping | The Woman In The Dunes (Kobo Abe) BOOK REVIEW

A Weird & Sexy Kidnapping | The Woman In The Dunes (Kobo Abe) BOOK REVIEW

Mr. Sandman, bring me some freedom.'The Woman In The Dunes' by Kobo Abe is a rather simple story of a Japanese man who becomes trapped in the sand dunes. He is led into a large hole where a woman lives and is forced to help her keep sand from encroaching onto the nearby village. We witness his escape attempts and gradual process of getting accustomed to his new environment. It's told from his POV with snippets of external newspaper clippings.Huge thanks to BitpunkFM for supporting the podcast. W

Aug 29, 2024 • 23:04

Learnings from the Stoic King | Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) BOOK REVIEW

Learnings from the Stoic King | Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) BOOK REVIEW

Welcome back to Mere Mortals book reviews! Today, we dive into the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." I'll share key learnings from the Penguin Classics edition. Join me as we explore profound Stoic insights that are just as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. Don't miss out on these gems!(00:00) - Introduction and Overview(00:24) - Highlighting Key Learnings(01:04) - The Importance of Not Putting Things Off(02:18) - Embracing Present Tasks with Determination(03:48) - Ur

Aug 15, 2024 • 9:42

Stoicism from the Top | Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) BOOK REVIEW

Stoicism from the Top | Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) BOOK REVIEW

Welcome back to Mere Mortals book reviews! Today, we're diving into Stoicism from the top with Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." I'll share my thoughts and some interesting insights from the Penguin Classics edition. If you're new to Stoicism or curious about the Roman Emperor's personal reflections, this one's for you!(00:00) - Introduction and Overview(00:33) - Context and Historical Background(01:44) - The Purpose of "Meditations"(02:29) - Marcus Aurelius' Commitment to Stoicism(03:26) - Struct

Aug 8, 2024 • 13:56

What can we learn from a kids book? | The Little Prince (Anotine de Saint-Exupery) BOOK LEARNINGS

What can we learn from a kids book? | The Little Prince (Anotine de Saint-Exupery) BOOK LEARNINGS

In this learnings episode, I delve deeper into the lessons and philosophical insights from 'The Little Prince,' sharing my experience of reading it in French. Join me for a thoughtful exploration of this timeless classic.Timeline:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Reading Experience02:00 - Key Learnings03:00 - Reflections and AdviceValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: http

Aug 1, 2024 • 13:50

Whimsical Wisdom | The Little Prince (Anotine de Saint-Exupery) BOOK REVIEW

Whimsical Wisdom | The Little Prince (Anotine de Saint-Exupery) BOOK REVIEW

In this review, I delve into the enchanting world of 'The Little Prince,' uncovering its profound lessons wrapped in a whimsical, childlike narrative. Join me as I explore its timeless themes and delightful illustrations.Timeline:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Plot Summary02:00 - Themes and Insights03:00 - Personal ReflectionsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https:

Jul 25, 2024 • 7:14

Metaphysics On A Boat | Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals (Robert M. Pirsig) BOOK REVIEW

Metaphysics On A Boat | Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals (Robert M. Pirsig) BOOK REVIEW

Philosophy that is actually fun to read & contemplate!'Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals' by Robert M. Pirsig is a sequel to his very popular 'Zen & The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance'. We follow Phaedrus this time sailing to New York and Florida. He meets an interesting lady called Lila who joins him on his adventure but causes him trouble. He's an intellectual philosopher and she's an emotional wild cat. It expands upon the metaphysics of quality and provides examples of his differentiation

Jul 18, 2024 • 30:02

A Violent Socialist Dystopia | The Iron Heel (Jack London) BOOK REVIEW

A Violent Socialist Dystopia | The Iron Heel (Jack London) BOOK REVIEW

Future predictions that have NOT come true ..... kind of.'The Iron Heel' by Jack London is a dystopian novel with a heavy political undertone (maybe even overtone) that wrongly might be called science fiction. Starts in 1900 America and told from the point of view of Avis who is seduced from her privileged upper class world by Ernest Everhard and his socialist philosophy. Increasing tensions occur between the dying middle/lower class and the capitalistic upper class, which results in revolution

Jul 11, 2024 • 23:57

The Network Is Supreme | New Rules For The New Economy (Kevin Kelly) BOOK REVIEW

The Network Is Supreme | New Rules For The New Economy (Kevin Kelly) BOOK REVIEW

Future predictions that have come true ..... kind of.'New Rules For The New Economy' by Kevin Kelly are 10 rules that he predicted would change the world just as the internet was coming of age. Most of these are related to networks, increasing adoption of technology and the ability for information to spread cheaply. He makes a lot of generalities that did indeed seem to predict massive trends like social media and businesses like Amazon built from user data. However, the book is not specific in

Jul 4, 2024 • 16:23

Let Software Run Free | The Cathedral & The Bazaar (Eric S. Raymond) BOOK REVIEW

Let Software Run Free | The Cathedral & The Bazaar (Eric S. Raymond) BOOK REVIEW

What is Open Source and why is it changing the world?'The Cathedral & The Bazaar' by Eric S. Raymond is a collection of essays describing the ethics, philosophy, history and implementation of the Open Source movement. As computer hardware became available to larger groups many wanted to play & tinker with their devices. Closed Source software (owned by companies) was restrictive so people worldwide began to collaborate on projects that was free to download and use. This resulted in a uni

Jun 27, 2024 • 27:56

Uncovering Stoic Learnigs | Lives of the stoics (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW

Uncovering Stoic Learnigs | Lives of the stoics (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW

As I revisited "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, I discovered a wealth of insights and practical philosophies that deeply resonated with me. From understanding the importance of being a willing participant in life to the power of endurance and self-restraint, the book offers timeless wisdom for personal growth. Each philosopher's life story and teachings provided valuable lessons on how to navigate challenges and live a virtuous life. Join me as I share the key learnin

Jun 20, 2024 • 9:42

Uncovering Stoic Wisdom: Zeno to Marcus Aurelius | Lives of the stoics (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW

Uncovering Stoic Wisdom: Zeno to Marcus Aurelius | Lives of the stoics (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW

As I delved into "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, I was taken on a journey through the lives of Stoicism's greatest philosophers. From the foundational teachings of Zeno to the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, this book offers a practical guide to applying Stoic philosophy in everyday life. The chronological structure, detailed biographies, and insightful reflections made it a compelling read that not only provided historical context but also offered valuable lessons o

Jun 13, 2024 • 13:50

A Study In Semantics | The Tyranny Of Words (Stuart Chase) BOOK REVIEW

A Study In Semantics | The Tyranny Of Words (Stuart Chase) BOOK REVIEW

We must blah blah the blah in order to blah the blah from blah.'The Tyranny Of Words' by Stuart Chase is his attempt at furthering the field of semantics to the general public. He takes us through the general theory, how language is used compared to cats or primitive people, areas of human conversation that contain more precise meaning and plenty of examples of unclear language. It's split into 19 chapters and worth noting he was writing this in a time of great confusion. Communism, capitalism,

May 30, 2024 • 24:05

Life, Liberty & Property | The Law (Frédéric Bastiat) BOOK REVIEW

Life, Liberty & Property | The Law (Frédéric Bastiat) BOOK REVIEW

To quote the great philosopher Judge Dredd .... "I am the law".'The Law' by Frédéric Bastiat is a philosophical treatise that might get confused as political writing due to the subtitle. Bastiat argues that the law should be limited to a narrow subset of protection of natural rights, not to be philanthropic & interfere in people's lives. Mini sections are all throughout with plenty of quotes from the French Revolution and other French notables. I found it to be useful in thinking about how g

May 23, 2024 • 25:47

Let's Break The Bank | More Money Than God (Sebastian Mallaby) BOOK REVIEW

Let's Break The Bank | More Money Than God (Sebastian Mallaby) BOOK REVIEW

Who is to blame for all the financial turmoil?'More Money Than God' by Sebastian Mallaby is a history of US hedge funds. It details how they were created, notable people who worked in them and some of the legendary trades that occurred. It also goes over some of the larger financial bubbles (and subsequent crashes) that happened and contributions that hedge funds played in them.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:08) - Themes/Q

May 16, 2024 • 20:06

Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger | Mere Mortals Learnings

Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger | Mere Mortals Learnings

Be Useful extends beyond mere autobiography to offer a blueprint for practical action and personal success. "Be Useful" is structured around pivotal themes like having a clear vision, the power of persistence, and the importance of community and support networks. Join us as we take a look at the memorable, key takeaways from the book tody!Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction(1:05) - Clear vision(3:06) - Winners circle(5:30) - Work hard(6:32) - Follow through(9:18) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boosta

May 9, 2024 • 9:42

Be Useful, Goddammit | Be Useful (Arnold Schwarzenegger) BOOK REVIEW

Be Useful, Goddammit | Be Useful (Arnold Schwarzenegger) BOOK REVIEW

Be Useful extends beyond mere autobiography to offer a blueprint for practical action and personal success. "Be Useful" is structured around pivotal themes like having a clear vision, the power of persistence, and the importance of community and support networks. At 260 pages, the book is an engaging read filled with actionable advice, personal anecdotes from Schwarzenegger's multifaceted life as a bodybuilder, actor, and governor, and reflections on setbacks and strategic successes. While it in

May 2, 2024 • 13:56

Unlocking Life's Lessons from 'Endure' by Cameron Hanes | Mere Mortals Key Takeaways

Unlocking Life's Lessons from 'Endure' by Cameron Hanes | Mere Mortals Key Takeaways

Dive into the core lessons extracted from Cameron Hanes's "Endure" in this special edition of Mere Mortals. From embracing the grind to finding strength in suffering, we explore six pivotal takeaways that resonate beyond the realms of ultra-running and bow hunting. Whether it's the power of action over words, the unforeseen teachings of life's dark moments, or the essence of unwavering commitment, these insights challenge us to reflect on our personal journeys. Join us as we dissect the nuances

Apr 24, 2024 • 9:42

Beyond Bow Hunting and Ultra-Running  | Endure (Cameron Hanes) BOOK REVIEW

Beyond Bow Hunting and Ultra-Running | Endure (Cameron Hanes) BOOK REVIEW

Join us in this episode of Mere Mortals Book Reviews as we dive into "Endure" by Cameron Haines, with a foreword by Joe Rogan. Discover the unique blend of memoir, motivational manifesto, and a deep dive into the world of bow hunting and ultra-running. Despite its motivational peaks and intriguing insights into Cameron Hanes's life, the book's structure might leave you wanting more coherence. We explore the highs and lows, the repetitive nature, and the book's occasional disconnect with its imag

Apr 17, 2024 • 13:56

The Spirit Of The Japanese Poem | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) LEARNINGS

The Spirit Of The Japanese Poem | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) LEARNINGS

I explore the themes and insights from the book 'Japanese Death Poems' by Yoel Hoffman. I discussed the spirit of the Japanese people, their ability to embrace opposing ideas, and the complexity and simplicity of reality. I share selected death poems and provides analysis on their meaning. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Finally, the delusion of death poems and emphasizing the value of embracing imperfection and taking action in life.Timeli

Apr 11, 2024 • 13:12

Unravel The Soul's Final Whisper | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) BOOK REVIEW

Unravel The Soul's Final Whisper | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) BOOK REVIEW

Japanese Death Poems by Yoel Hoffmann is a compelling anthology that explores the Japanese tradition of Jisei, or death poems. The book provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of these poems, reflecting on the life, death, and impermanence of existence through the lens of Zen Buddhism. It is divided into three main sections: an introduction, death poems by Zen monks, and death poems by haiku poets. While the book may not offer practical takeaways, it offers a somber an

Apr 4, 2024 • 8:54

Chivalry At It's Finest | Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (Unknown Poet) BOOK REVIEW

Chivalry At It's Finest | Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (Unknown Poet) BOOK REVIEW

Would you have the fortitude to stick to your principles, even in the face of certain death?'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight' by an unknown poet is a story from a 14th/15th century manuscript. It tells of Sir Gawain, a knight at Arthur's round table who accepts a challenge from a mysterious & magical being. This requires him to willingly offer up his life whilst first being tempted by the most beautiful lady in the land. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this little ditty and is a great

Mar 28, 2024 • 29:47

A Different Type Of Travel | The Innocents Abroad (Mark Twain) BOOK REVIEW

A Different Type Of Travel | The Innocents Abroad (Mark Twain) BOOK REVIEW

Let's travel back to the days when people didn't take offense so easily ...... or did they?'The Innocents Abroad' by Mark Twain is a compendium of his adventures whilst travelling for 5 months across Europe & The Middle East. It is told in his usual humorous style of witty anecdotes and droll sarcastic one-liners. The bulk of it relates to visiting historic landmarks & places of cultural significance, with some parts on the actual travel journey itself. During his life it became his best

Mar 21, 2024 • 26:54

Classic Feminist Literature | A Room Of One's Own (Virginia Woolf) BOOK REVIEW

Classic Feminist Literature | A Room Of One's Own (Virginia Woolf) BOOK REVIEW

Righteous anger can be useful .... if applied to the right people.'A Room Of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf is an essay critiquing woman's literature and female authors. Her core argument is that the lack of financial means, privacy and strict social norms has resulted in the inability for females to write great books. And that it is not due inherent feminine weakness or lack of genius. She also emphasises that women need to write in their own voice and spends a fair bit of time criticising author

Mar 14, 2024 • 27:03

Overthinking Love, Death & Sex | Confessions Of A Mask (Yukio Mishima) BOOK REVIEW

Overthinking Love, Death & Sex | Confessions Of A Mask (Yukio Mishima) BOOK REVIEW

Can you think yourself to death?'Confessions Of A Mask' by Yukio Mishima follows a young rather frail boy called Kochan in the 1920-40's period in Tokyo set against the backdrop of WW2. We see his homosexual desires for another boy Omi emerge as well as a morbid fascination with blood, death and love. He tries to force himself to fall in love with a girl called Sonoko but struggles to combine this with his true feelings. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to giv

Mar 7, 2024 • 18:39

Tiresome Edwardian Etiquette | A Room With A View (E. M. Forster) BOOK REVIEW

Tiresome Edwardian Etiquette | A Room With A View (E. M. Forster) BOOK REVIEW

Manners, decorum, morals, tact, niceties, propriety. Doesn't this all sound fun!'A Room With A View' by E. M. Forster is the tale of a young woman who is constrained by the conventions of her time. Lucy Honeychurch lives in 1900's England and meets the strange George Emerson whilst travelling to Italy. After a brief but intense contact she returns home and becomes engaged to the uptight Cecil Vyse. However coincidence throws the two back together and she has to decide whether to be a proper lady

Feb 29, 2024 • 28:46

Crazy Is As Crazy Does | Death Of A Salesman (Arthur Miller) BOOK REVIEW

Crazy Is As Crazy Does | Death Of A Salesman (Arthur Miller) BOOK REVIEW

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.'Death Of A Salesman' by Arthur Miller is a play that showcases the tragic life of a simple man with delusions of grandeur. Willy Loman is nearing the end of his days as a travelling salesman and the return of his son Biff pushes his instability into overdrive. Through a series of flashbacks we see how the whole family is suffering from their excessive pride before reaching an ultimate breaking point.Would love to hear your feedb

Feb 22, 2024 • 17:40

When Real Life Gets Real Weird | Picnic In The Storm (Yukiko Motoya) BOOK REVIEW

When Real Life Gets Real Weird | Picnic In The Storm (Yukiko Motoya) BOOK REVIEW

Drop the dishes and let's get JACKED!!!'Picnic In The Storm' by Yukiko Motoya is a series of 11 short stories of everyday life in Japan, but with a twist. So inside you'll find stories about a housewife getting jacked, a cat that won't stop peeing everywhere and couples that keep merging into one entity. They were kind of fun although I found them more random than anything else.Hope you appreciate the new shorter format and want to thank Cole for all his fabulous voice acting!Timeline:(0:00) - I

Feb 15, 2024 • 17:49

A Kind Man Becomes Ruthless | The Winter Of Our Discontent (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

A Kind Man Becomes Ruthless | The Winter Of Our Discontent (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

Fret your silly head not, you won't leave this book discontented.'The Winter Of Our Discontent' by John Steinbeck takes place in the fictional New Baytown where Ethan Hawley has become dissatisfied with his life. The lingering legacy of his family is in stark contrast to the life of grocery store clerk trying to support his family. He decides to change his circumstances but must act ruthlessly to gain what he wants. He spends a lot of time in his head moralising, giving a great insight into the

Feb 8, 2024 • 27:06

Propaganda I Can Get Behind | The Moon Is Down (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

Propaganda I Can Get Behind | The Moon Is Down (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

A hidden gem of war time literature!'The Moon Is Down' by John Steinbeck is a short simple tale written to encourage passive resistance. A small town in an unnamed country is taken over by an invading force. The townsfolk unhappy with this situation turn the tables by creating a hostile atmosphere that makes it a living hell for the aggressors. The backstory behind the impact of this book is actually quite fascinating!No boostagrams this week, you are actually making a sad puppy :'( But I do app

Feb 1, 2024 • 32:49

The Digital Revolution Vs Printed Text | Book Wars (John B. Thompson) BOOK REVIEW

The Digital Revolution Vs Printed Text | Book Wars (John B. Thompson) BOOK REVIEW

How much has the digital revolution changed the publishing industry?'Book Wars' by John B. Thompson is an overview of how the internet and digitisation of books changed the publishing industry. It mostly covers the 2005-2018 period when Ebooks started gain popularity and momentum. It goes into extreme depth so be prepared to read through a lot of history, which makes it a comprehensive book. I quite enjoyed it for the unexpected outcomes that ran counter to intuition but also found it tedious at

Jan 25, 2024 • 39:01

These Kinda Sucked | Why I Rarely Read New Books

These Kinda Sucked | Why I Rarely Read New Books

Forgive me please, I'm about to turn into a hater.In today's episode I'm going over a couple of books that I disliked. The main point of this is to showcase my thinking on the types of things I won't read or dislike to read. Not going to lie, this wasn't my greatest episode ever. I was tired, sick and all my normal settings got disturbed before the live stream. Truly helped me be the greatest hater, bleh.Huge props to Deezlaughs for supporting the show, I really appreciate it!Timeline:(0:00) - I

Jan 18, 2024 • 27:07

Mass Media Disgusts Me | Manufacturing Consent (Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky) BOOK REVIEW

Mass Media Disgusts Me | Manufacturing Consent (Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky) BOOK REVIEW

Politics, violence & propaganda; what an awful mix.'Manufacturing Consent' by Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky explains the propaganda model of communications, which explains why mass media shows an overall biased view. They describe the 5 mechanisms that lead to heavy filtering of information before going over examples from the Vietnam War to Latin America politics. It's a book that made me super angry, distressed, disgusted and depressed. Has really reinforced my philosophy against viol

Jan 11, 2024 • 35:51

What If? | Can't Hurt Me (David Goggins) BOOK REVIEW

What If? | Can't Hurt Me (David Goggins) BOOK REVIEW

Juan's back for a review.Join us on Mere Mortals for a renewed and deeper exploration of David Goggins' renowned book, 'Can't Hurt Me.' This revisit uncovers fresh insights and perspectives on Goggins' journey of mental toughness and self-transformation. Dive into our discussion about overcoming life's toughest challenges and the power of pushing beyond limits.Timeline: (0:00) - Intro(2:10) - Accountability Mirror(4:55) - Darkness(8:03) - Battle of the Mind(11:29) - Taking Souls(13:28) - Being C

Jan 8, 2024 • 21:39

Punished For The Greater Good | Darkness At Noon (Arthur Koestler) BOOK REVIEW

Punished For The Greater Good | Darkness At Noon (Arthur Koestler) BOOK REVIEW

Sometimes punishments just can't make up for the crime.'Darkness At Noon' by Arthur Koestler is a taste of a political prisoner's experience during the Moscow Trials. Rubashov is a high ranking party member that has been thrown in jail and accused of crimes against the Revolution. It follows his detention over a several week period as he is tortured and comes to realise the terrible things he has done in the name of 'the greater good'.Huge props to Petar and Ashley Glenday for supporting, really

Jan 4, 2024 • 34:55

Who Is The Real Savage? | The Last Of The Mohicans (James Fenimore Cooper) BOOK REVIEW

Who Is The Real Savage? | The Last Of The Mohicans (James Fenimore Cooper) BOOK REVIEW

Aiiiiiiii aiaiaiaia aiiiyayayaiaaia!'The Last Of The Mohicans' by James Fenimore Cooper is a work of historical fiction set during the colonisation of the United States Of America. It follows the dangerous adventures of a mixed group of native Indians and English settlers as they are plagued by adversaries. The dialogue can be a bit hard to interpret at times but the portrayal of untouched nature is beautiful and the constant surprises keep you on your toes.No support again this week, need to pi

Dec 28, 2023 • 35:35

The New Economy Of Zero | Free (Chris Anderson) BOOK REVIEW

The New Economy Of Zero | Free (Chris Anderson) BOOK REVIEW

You wouldn't steal a car .... but I would download one!'Free ' by Chris Anderson is an argument for why online abundance has changed the way businesses run and that this trend is only going to continue. He looks at various types of companies/products and shows how zero marginal costs result in 4 outcomes: direct cross-subsidies, the three-party market, freemium and nonmonetary markets. I read this mostly for more material to use on my 'Value 4 Value' podcast so it was part work and part pleasure

Dec 21, 2023 • 36:19

How Would Aliens Wage War? | The Three-Body Problem (Cixin Liu) BOOK REVIEW

How Would Aliens Wage War? | The Three-Body Problem (Cixin Liu) BOOK REVIEW

Who will end humanity first, the aliens or us?!'The Three-Body Problem' by Cixin Liu is a sci-fi novel involving aliens, science, warfare and politics. Unexplainable events start to occur to scientists after contact has been made with the Trisolaris world. We gradually learn about their unique ecosystem and why humanity might be in danger not just from the outside, but also within. I loved the first 2/3rds of the book for it's distinctive plot/style but was slightly disappointed at how rushed th

Dec 14, 2023 • 34:48

Aussie Battlers Trying To Get By | The Harp In The South (Ruth Park) BOOK REVIEW

Aussie Battlers Trying To Get By | The Harp In The South (Ruth Park) BOOK REVIEW

Prepare for your heartstrings to be plucked.'The Harp In The South' by Ruth Park is a classic Australian book detailing the lives of the poverty stricken Darcy family. This fictional family lives in Surry Hills, which in the 1930's was an inner city slum of Sydney. There is no plot per se as it simply follow the lives of this small family, with particular attention shown to the young daughter Roie. The events that unfold are tragic but they battle through to find the moments of love that make al

Dec 7, 2023 • 29:39

Technological Predictions Of The Future | The Inevitable (Kevin Kelly) BOOK REVIEW

Technological Predictions Of The Future | The Inevitable (Kevin Kelly) BOOK REVIEW

Will the psychology of humans be compatible with the predicted tech future we face?'The Inevitable' by Kevin Kelly is a series of technological trends that he believes will dictate the future. It is primarily based on what is already happening and his educated guess as to how this will manifest in a couple of decades time. It is broken down into 12 themes which interact and merge with each other. It is somewhat utopic in nature but I feel does a decent job of showcasing what could be possible an

Nov 30, 2023 • 32:25

Deep Or Nonsensical? | The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran) BOOK REVIEW

Deep Or Nonsensical? | The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran) BOOK REVIEW

It's a fine line between conveying deep insights vs being overly mystical.'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran is a quick read that maybe shouldn't be quick. It has a simple plot setup of a prophet answering questions to townsfolk he is about to leave and never see again. They ask him to speak on 26 topics and he delivers a short poetic response in reply. At times it does seem to hold a deeper wisdom but some of them seemed overly complicated and obtuse.Thanks to Ashley Glenday and Juan for supporting

Nov 23, 2023 • 24:27

One Breath at a Time | Breath (James Nestor) BOOK REVIEW

One Breath at a Time | Breath (James Nestor) BOOK REVIEW

Today, I'm discussing "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor, one of my top book recommendations. This book brilliantly combines storytelling with scientific research, exploring the profound impact of breathing on our health and well-being. Nestor's personal journey to understand breathing is interwoven with just the right amount of technical detail, making it an engaging and enlightening read.For those interested in deeper exploration, the book provides extensive research refer

Nov 20, 2023 • 12:12

When Wit Becomes Dull | The Happy Prince & Other Stories (Oscar Wilde) BOOK REVIEW

When Wit Becomes Dull | The Happy Prince & Other Stories (Oscar Wilde) BOOK REVIEW

Sometimes you really can be too outlandish.'The Happy Prince & Other Stories' by Oscar Wilde are a collection of short stories. They have a childlike feel and are almost like fairytales except the moral of the story seems to be missing or is rather bleak. I've also included my review of 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', a separate play that showcases Wilde's wit and ability to construct a humorous narrative.Thanks to everyone for sending in kind messages about my Mum. Very much appreciated!

Nov 16, 2023 • 25:34

Hardship Meets Kinship | Cloudstreet (Tim Winton) BOOK REVIEW

Hardship Meets Kinship | Cloudstreet (Tim Winton) BOOK REVIEW

The grittier Australian version of magic realism.'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton follows the merging lives of two families (the Lamb's & the Pickle's) as they move into a shared house in Perth. We see the hardships that individual characters go through and how family and kinship is what saves them. It incorporates real life events with absurd fictional elements to give a taste of Aussie life in the 1940's-1960's.Huge thanks to Sir TJ The Wrathful & Ashley Glenday for supporting the show. Ver

Nov 9, 2023 • 31:01

Fun Classy Paisanos | Tortilla Flat (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

Fun Classy Paisanos | Tortilla Flat (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW

Never have I ever more wanted to be a homeless peasant!'Tortilla Flat' by John Steinbeck is the tale of how an eclectic bunch of friends live together in Monterey. Danny becomes a house owner and experiences the highs and lows of a raised social status. To help Danny his friends begin living with him and hijinks ensue. They rotate between fights, wine, fire and women whilst being lovable rascals.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(

Oct 30, 2023 • 32:10

Boring Oratory | On Government (Cicero) BOOK REVIEW

Boring Oratory | On Government (Cicero) BOOK REVIEW

Hopefully I'm not as boring as Cicero is ..... but don't count on it!'On Government' by Cicero is a collection of his writings set out in a chronological format. The large bulk are orations he delivered in front of the senate (or law court) and some smaller sections on his ideals for what a government should look like. I found it pretty boring to be honest but did give me some historical insights into the time period of ~100-0 BC and showcased why politics has always been a shitshow.Huge thanks

Oct 23, 2023 • 30:18

More Than Words on a Page  | The Daily Dad (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW

More Than Words on a Page | The Daily Dad (Ryan Holiday) BOOK REVIEW

Join me as I dive into the heartwarming and insightful pages of "The Daily Dad" by Ryan Holiday, exploring 366 meditations on fatherhood, love, and raising great kids. This book, structured to be read daily, offers a unique blend of historical context, stoic principles, and practical advice, all condensed into one-page chapters. I share my personal journey of reading it aloud to my baby girl, turning it into a cherished daily ritual and sparking meaningful conversations with mypartner. Discover

Oct 19, 2023 • 9:11

Sex, Beer & Mail? | Post Office (Charles Bukowski) BOOK REVIEW

Sex, Beer & Mail? | Post Office (Charles Bukowski) BOOK REVIEW

What's it really like to work in the United States Post Office?'Post Office' by Charles Bukowski is a fictional yet semi-autobiographical account of Henry Chinaski working as a mailman/clerk in the post office. His life sucks and gets increasingly worse as he deals with frustrating bureaucracy and seeks escape through sex, gambling and alcohol.Huge thanks to Ashley Glenday for supporting the podcast. Very much appreciated.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:40) - Initial Impression(4:42) - Plot/Style(9:05

Oct 16, 2023 • 31:03

War, Anger & Revenge | If Not Now, When? (Primo Levi) BOOK REVIEW

War, Anger & Revenge | If Not Now, When? (Primo Levi) BOOK REVIEW

Will the Jews ever find a peaceful resting place?'If Not Now, When?' by Primo Levi is a fictional story of Jewish partisans surviving behind German lines during WWII. It follows Mendel as he tries to forget about his suffering/pain but is constantly reminded of his deceased wife and the uprooting of his life. He joins a band trying to escape the horrors of war but is constantly drawn into conflict and revenge.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick and Ashley Glenday for supporting the podcast. Very much

Oct 9, 2023 • 30:10

Trauma & Healing | The Body Keeps The Score (Bessel Van Der Kolk)

Trauma & Healing | The Body Keeps The Score (Bessel Van Der Kolk)

How can you heal a damaged mind?'The Body Keeps The Score' by Bessel Van Der Kolk is a book focused on mental health plus the what/why's of PTSD and trauma. It's split into 5 parts dealing with history, brain science, child abuse, memory and healing strategies. It has a mix of case studies, hard/soft science and personal opinion.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a dense read that was more scientific than not. The tone was empathetic and despite being about heavy topics it focused on the po

Sep 28, 2023 • 30:55

A Change Is Gonna Come | September 2023 Recap

A Change Is Gonna Come | September 2023 Recap

I'm changing up the book review channel and starting a book club.In September 2023 we reviewed 4 books on the channel. No real standouts to be honest so instead I'll mention why and how I'm going to do things differently. Basically I'm putting in a lot of effort but don't feel like I'm getting much value in return. So I'm going to streamline the process by doing them live, focusing less on creating highly detailed notes/images and by trying to engage more with you, the readers at home. Big thank

Sep 26, 2023 • 20:11

Torture Or Freedom? | The Diving-Bell And The Butterfly (Jean-Dominique Bauby)

Torture Or Freedom? | The Diving-Bell And The Butterfly (Jean-Dominique Bauby)

What's it like to lose your own body?'The Diving-Bell And The Butterfly' by Jean-Dominique Bauby is a short memoir describing life with locked-in syndrome. It's a mix of personal recollections before his life altering stroke and daily hospital trivialities afterwards. He focuses on the hardships of being trapped within a mute body but the joy of unlocking his mind.I summarised the book as follows. "A complex series of emotions arise whilst reading. Heartbreak, mirth, horror & fascination all

Sep 21, 2023 • 21:23

Lost Dreams & Lament | Bitter Orange Tree (Jokha Alharthi)

Lost Dreams & Lament | Bitter Orange Tree (Jokha Alharthi)

Don't weep for lost dreams, they were never real to begin with.'Bitter Orange Tree' by Jokha Alharthi is a fictional series of recollections told by a young Omani woman about her life, family and relationships. It mostly focuses on her grandmother's tribulations and her own personal grief/regret of her passing away.I summarised the book as follows. "I came in to this blank was pleasantly surprised considering it is outside of my normal genre's of reading. There are some nice cultural insights to

Sep 14, 2023 • 25:25

Watch Your Profanity ... Or Don't | Swearing Is Good For You (Emma Byrne)

Watch Your Profanity ... Or Don't | Swearing Is Good For You (Emma Byrne)

Fucking hell that's a bit shit ya dawg.'Swearing Is Good For You' by Emma Byrne is a popular science book detailing the positive aspects of profanity. It tackles this by somewhat providing the who/what/when/where/why/how using case studies and observations. There is data mixed in with her own humour and research she conducted as a scientist.I summarised the book as follows. "This was just about acceptable for me. I really prefer nuance but this book had what seemed an unnecessary agenda to reall

Sep 7, 2023 • 21:00

Journey, Philosophy & Quality | Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance (Robert M. Pirsig)

Journey, Philosophy & Quality | Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance (Robert M. Pirsig)

Hey Mere Mortalites! Juan here. I've just journeyed through 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,' where road trips meet deep philosophical dives. Let's unravel the adventure, the metaphysics of Quality, and see why this classic might just redefine your understanding of life. Join me as we ride through Pirsig's masterpiece!

Aug 31, 2023 • 16:49

Name Me A Better Author | August 2023 Recap

Name Me A Better Author | August 2023 Recap

Mark Twain is a superb author, who else do you really enjoy?In August 2023 I reviewed 4 books on this channel. Although it wasn't the best of the month I did really enjoy 'Roughing It'. I really just do think Mark Twain knocks it out of the park with his books.Big thanks to Cole McCormick (from the America+ podcast) and Petar for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:35) - Fantastic authors ar

Aug 26, 2023 • 14:36

Wild West & Heavenly Hawaii | Roughing It (Mark Twain)

Wild West & Heavenly Hawaii | Roughing It (Mark Twain)

Let's pack it up and go strike it rich!'Roughing It' by Mark Twain is a collection of rambling anecdotes from his travels as a younger man. It details his travels to the Wild West during the California gold rush, working as a journalist in San Francisco and crossing the Pacific Ocean to reach the Kingdom of Hawaii. There are many funny stories within and is semi-autobiographical but with plenty of fictional inventions as well.I summarised the book as follows. "I'm a huge fan of Mark Twain in gen

Aug 24, 2023 • 24:58

Surviving Alone With Only Animals For Company | Island Of The Blue Dolphins (Scott O'Dell)

Surviving Alone With Only Animals For Company | Island Of The Blue Dolphins (Scott O'Dell)

Would you read this to your child?'Island Of The Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell is a fictional children's novel (loosely based on a real story) of a lone girl living on an island. Karana (12) has to fend for herself after being left behind by her tribe. She must use survival skills to weather through storms, feed herself and stay safe from wild dogs and other animals.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a nice and sad story at the same time. Ultimately it's made for kids so personally it didn

Aug 17, 2023 • 20:46

Online Choice Changed Business Forever | The Long Tail (Chris Anderson)

Online Choice Changed Business Forever | The Long Tail (Chris Anderson)

If you had all the choice in the world, what would you do?'The Long Tail' by Chris Anderson is an exposition of how greater access to choices of products has altered business practices. Greater value can be unlocked from producers selling to consumers via better aggregation methods such as digitisation and rating systems. This has had huge impacts on music/market places/culture and given rise to massive companies like Amazon, Netflix and Google.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a great exp

Aug 10, 2023 • 38:22

Why Television Kills Rationality | Amusing Ourselves To Death (Neil Postman)

Why Television Kills Rationality | Amusing Ourselves To Death (Neil Postman)

Will TV be the death of us?'Amusing Ourselves To Death' by Neil Postman is an argument of why television as a medium lessens rational discourse and ultimately is a bad trade-off for society. The first part focuses on the past, in particular how typography is serious and encourages critical thinking. The second part demonstrates how TV is predominantly about entertainment and is negatively effecting politics, education, religion and advertising.I summarised the book as follows. "I loved this, but

Aug 3, 2023 • 32:02

Appreciating The Style | July 2023 Recap

Appreciating The Style | July 2023 Recap

15 years late but I'm starting to develop some taste!In July 2023 we reviewed 5 books on this channel. My two favourites of this month both have what I would call 'style'. The content within them was interesting but what made them stand out was the way they were written. I used to really suck at understanding this as artsy type things were never intuitive for me. But I think reading a lot of fiction over the last couple of years has made me understand why these unquantifiable factors can make a

Jul 29, 2023 • 31:20

Is Nuclear The Future? | Energy: A Human History (Richard Rhodes)

Is Nuclear The Future? | Energy: A Human History (Richard Rhodes)

Technology is going so fast I can't see .... ahhhhhh .....'Energy: A Human History' by Richard Rhodes is a brief flash through 400 years of human technology and history. It begins in the 1600's and shows the transition from wood to coal/steam to oil/gas and to nuclear (and beyond). It is comprised of stories and told via the numerous inventions of innovators across the centries.I summarised the book as follows. "It's thick & lengthy but it doesn't feel like a tome. The overall theme felt rel

Jul 27, 2023 • 36:08

Partying With The Bulls In Pamplona | Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises (Ernest Hemingway)

Partying With The Bulls In Pamplona | Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises (Ernest Hemingway)

Partying hard and losing friends!'Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a roman-à-clef depicting 1920's life in Europe after WW1. It is told from the point of view of Jake Barnes an American expat living in France. He joins his friends for a week long party in Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls but it all turns into a drunken fiasco.I summarised the book as follows. "Hemingway's style is as unique as he was. It can kind of seem unrealistic due to the amount of partying, alco

Jul 20, 2023 • 24:42

Alienation & Liberation | No Longer Human (Osamu Dazai)

Alienation & Liberation | No Longer Human (Osamu Dazai)

Appreciate what you have, we're not all born the same.'No Longer Human' by Osamu Dazai is a series of notebooks depicting the short life of a troubled Japanese boy, set in Tokyo after WW1. Ōba Yōzō is born different to everyone else and has a feeling of alienation and estrangement from society. He tries to mask this via acting, expression through art and ultimately self destruction. It is strongly autobiographical and follows many of the events that occurred in Dazai's life.I summarised the book

Jul 13, 2023 • 23:44

Face To Face With Your Worst Enemy | The Double (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)

Face To Face With Your Worst Enemy | The Double (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)

I have vicious enemies who have vowed to ruin me!'The Double' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a short tale of a man who encounters a double of himself. Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin is a titular councillor living in St Petersburg during the 1800's. He starts to suffer from schizophrenic delusions and behaves bizarrely at work and amongst colleagues with increasingly severe outcomes.I summarised the book as follows. "I found it quite lackluster, even insipid if allowed my double to be mean. No themes jumped

Jul 6, 2023 • 16:21

Why You Need More Discipline In Your Life | Discipline Is Destiny (Ryan Holiday)

Why You Need More Discipline In Your Life | Discipline Is Destiny (Ryan Holiday)

Ryan Holiday is a well-known author, and some of his notable works include "The Obstacle Is the Way," "Ego Is the Enemy," and "Stillness Is the Key." which we have all covered in this channel.His latest entry into the stoic series, Discipline is Destiny, is a master work from Ryan. Enjoy the review and leave any comments below.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok:

Jun 29, 2023 • 14:20

Books That Hit At The Right Time | June 2023 Recap

Books That Hit At The Right Time | June 2023 Recap

Sometimes you come across the answers you're looking for, even if they aren't what you want to hear.In June 2023 I reviewed 4 books on this channel. This was a month of learning for me and I received some good lessons from these books. It kind of centred around two things. One, if you dwell on negative thoughts and try to use 'feeling like an outsider' as justification for behaving badly, you're going to end up bitter and alone. Two, it is exceedingly easy to believe real evidence but miss the g

Jun 27, 2023 • 22:08

When Science Gets Distorted | Merchants Of Doubt (Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway)

When Science Gets Distorted | Merchants Of Doubt (Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway)

I reject your doubt and substitute my own.'Merchants Of Doubt' by Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway is a historical recount of the scientific debate regarding the effects of smoking, the DDT insecticide, chlorofluorocarbons and burning fossil fuels. The evidence proved there was health and environmental damage but a group of individual scientists waged a campaign to seed doubt against the science.I summarised the book as follows. "It started solid but slid into subjective opinion towards the en

Jun 22, 2023 • 32:18

Intellectual Yet Irrational | Notes From Underground (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)

Intellectual Yet Irrational | Notes From Underground (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)

Gentlemen, I will fight against the stone wall of twice two is four!'Notes From Underground' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky are the semi-insane rambling of an unnamed narrator in St Petersburg during the 19th century. It's split into two parts: a bitter monologue addressed to society and then his miserable life as a civil servant in his younger years. As typical of Russian novels (especially Dostoyevsky) it centres around suffering, morality, cold winters and reason.I summarised the book as follows. "It

Jun 15, 2023 • 22:29

Hysterical Salem Witch Trials | The Crucible (Arthur Miller)

Hysterical Salem Witch Trials | The Crucible (Arthur Miller)

There be wicked witchcraft afoot!'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller is a fictionalised play depicting the 1692-93 Salem witch trials. It centres around John Proctor & the accusation against his wife Elizabeth (followed subsequently by his denunciation). There are 4 Acts which take place in various locations across the town. As it was written as a play, it mostly contains dialogue between characters, with some minor introductions to begin with.I summarised the book as follows. "It conveys a sink

Jun 8, 2023 • 26:07

Deep Torment Followed By Respite | The Temple Of The Golden Pavilion (Yukio Mishima)

Deep Torment Followed By Respite | The Temple Of The Golden Pavilion (Yukio Mishima)

If you can burn away all the pain, should you take that path?'The Temple Of The Golden Pavilion' by Yukio Mishima is a fictionalised account of real events concerning a temple in Kyoto in the 1940's. Mizoguchi a young acolyte become enamoured & then disillusioned by the Golden Temple. He experiences growing frustration due to his stutter & lack of connection to females, which leads to a climatic fiery end.I summarised the book as follows. "A book you could analyse thoroughly, perhaps eve

Jun 1, 2023 • 26:37

War, Love, Technology & Science | May 2023 Recap

War, Love, Technology & Science | May 2023 Recap

Is it possible to choose only the best books to read?In May 2023 we reviewed 4 books on this channel. Love is such a weird word. It seems to mean so many things that I personally find it almost useless. And part of this is due to 'love' stories that seem to me nothing but flighty fancies and lust (looking at you Thomas Hardy). But there are others like 'The Debacle' which I feel actually do showcase what 'real love' is. Super subjective opinion there, but hey, that's basically what love is haha.

May 30, 2023 • 24:29

The Senseless Franco-Prussian War | The Debacle (Émile Zola)

The Senseless Franco-Prussian War | The Debacle (Émile Zola)

In reality war is horrible, in fiction .... it's also horrible.'The Debacle' by Émile Zola is a historical cum realistic fiction (also known as naturalism) set during 1870-1 of the Franco-Prussian war. It follows Jean/Maurice, two French soldiers and Maurice's civilian sister as they endure the privations of war and the suffering caused in the aftermath.I summarised the book as follows. "A heartbreakingly vivid story that hurts to get through. Thankfully it doesn't have the endless feel of somet

May 25, 2023 • 28:59

Zeal & Great Enthusiasms | Far From The Madding Crowd (Thomas Hardy)

Zeal & Great Enthusiasms | Far From The Madding Crowd (Thomas Hardy)

Enthusiasms taken too far!'Far From The Madding Crowd' by Thomas Hardy is a small & simple tale of love, betrayal, anger and heartbreak. It's set in Wessex during Victorian England in the farmland countryside. The young, beautiful Bathsheba is courted by 3 suitors: mild-mannered shepherd Gabriel, distinguished farmer Boldwood and dashing sergeant Troy.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a bare bones tale that probably strays into too much simplicity. I found it hard to connect with any c

May 18, 2023 • 17:42

Innovation & Justified Outrage | The Second Curve (Charles Handy)

Innovation & Justified Outrage | The Second Curve (Charles Handy)

We live in a society .... so let's fix it!'The Second Curve' by Charles Handy is a collection of 16 essays reflecting on societal changes & predicting potential innovations of the future. It has a technology/management focus but is also broad and ties in with human wellbeing. There are a smattering of anecdotes & facts that help to reinforce his personal opinions and thoughts.I summarised the book as follows. "A typical problem with books of essays is continuity, but these were all craft

May 11, 2023 • 25:46

Leaning About Health & Vitality | Life Force (Tony Robbins)

Leaning About Health & Vitality | Life Force (Tony Robbins)

A short summary this month on Life Force by Tony Robbins and partners. A great, big, thick book that had a lot of promise pre-reading it, but afterwards left me thinking that the sell was slightly better than the product.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

May 4, 2023 • 15:36

One Of The Most Incisive Critiques Ever Written | Animal Farm (George Orwell)

One Of The Most Incisive Critiques Ever Written | Animal Farm (George Orwell)

All men are enemies, all animals are comrades.'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is an allegorical satire criticising the USSR regime & Joseph Stalin. A group of talking animals led by the pigs revolt against the human farmers. They attempt to create a paradise called Animal Farm through their ideology of Animalism but this has disastrous consequences for the general animal society.I summarised the book as follows. "If I was a writer this would want to make me give up. It's so tight with it's wo

Apr 27, 2023 • 23:10

Hard To Get Much Better Than This | April 2023 Recap

Hard To Get Much Better Than This | April 2023 Recap

Is it possible to choose only the best books to read?In April 2023 we reviewed 5 books on this channel. For some crazy reason both Juan and I just read bangers this month. It could be somewhat predicted as I revisited two authors who are probably in my top 10 writers. Juan was also reading to prepare himself for his baby girl so was also focused intently on trying to get good information.A big thanks to Alwin from Conshax for supporting. Go check out their service for stats & boostagrams.I h

Apr 24, 2023 • 22:50

Get Connected During Pregnancy | Up the Duff (Kaz Cooke)

Get Connected During Pregnancy | Up the Duff (Kaz Cooke)

Kaz Cooke's "Up the Duff" is an informative and humorous guide to pregnancy, covering everything from conception to childbirth and beyond.With its relatable anecdotes and practical advice, I highly recommend reading it alongside your partner.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Apr 20, 2023 • 12:26

A Funny Deluded Social Misfit | A Confederacy Of Dunces (John Kennedy Toole)

A Funny Deluded Social Misfit | A Confederacy Of Dunces (John Kennedy Toole)

When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.'A Confederacy Of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a picaresque novel of a fat delusional man named Ignatius J. Reilly. He is a bombastic rogue living in a corrupt world and is forced to get a job by his domineering mother. His interactions with other zany characters progressively decline and become more and more outlandish.I summarised the book as follows. "Only a dunce wou

Apr 13, 2023 • 19:52

Life In Simpler Times | Cannery Row (John Steinbeck)

Life In Simpler Times | Cannery Row (John Steinbeck)

Who else can create such vivid imagery?'Cannery Row' by John Steinbeck is a short novel of carefree life set during the 1930's in Monterey, California. A set of eclectic characters go about their everyday lives, showcasing their peculiar personalities along the way. There is no real plot as the story is broken into smaller vignettes that combine to form a semi-coherent narrative.I summarised the book as follows. "A beautiful meandering story with no purpose but with plenty of meaning. I normally

Apr 6, 2023 • 22:41

Ready to be a dad? Read this | Dad's guide to pregnancy  (Dr Justin Coulson)

Ready to be a dad? Read this | Dad's guide to pregnancy (Dr Justin Coulson)

"Dad's Guide to Pregnancy For Dummies" provides a humorous and informative take on the experience of becoming a father, making it an enjoyable and practical read for any expecting dad.I really enjoyed the actionable writing within, and gave it an 8/10. Definitely a "this depends on your place in the world" but well worth the read if you need it.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremort

Mar 30, 2023 • 7:33

Reading For Learning, Not Pleasure | March 2023 Recap

Reading For Learning, Not Pleasure | March 2023 Recap

How often do you read a book to learn versus reading for pure pleasure?In March 2023 I reviewed 4 books on this channel. My favourite was Mr Franklin's autobiography, he's a fascinating guy. All the others I was reading to get something out of them. Whether it was learning more about bad psychoanalytical ideas, pondering the grief I will likely feel in the future, grinding through some Peruvian slang or realising just how much I lack creativity even in coding. Lot of stuff to hurt my brain or th

Mar 27, 2023 • 27:42

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression & Acceptance | On Grief & Grieving (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler)

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression & Acceptance | On Grief & Grieving (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler)

How should you console someone after a loss?'On Grief & Grieving' by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler is a description of the grieving process after a loved on dies. It examines the common variables of what makes each experience unique through the inner and outer world. It's not so much advice perse as how to understand/think about dying and loss. It contains many mini examples of real stories but lacks stats or hard data to back up the 5 stage model of grief.I summarised the book a

Mar 23, 2023 • 26:46

Achieving Greatness Through Moral Perfection | The Autobiography (Benjamin Franklin)

Achieving Greatness Through Moral Perfection | The Autobiography (Benjamin Franklin)

Greatness requires self-improvement and a whole lot of striving!'The Autobiography' by Benjamin Franklin are reflections on his life plus notable letters/publications he made. It roughly follows him from childhood to his business dealings in Philadelphia and work as a diplomat in England/France. It's not standard as he skips large events (like America gaining independence) but does give insights into his various professions, philosophy, science, war and money making ventures.I summarised the boo

Mar 16, 2023 • 27:03

What The Psychoanalysts Got Wrong! | The Denial Of Death (Ernest Becker)

What The Psychoanalysts Got Wrong! | The Denial Of Death (Ernest Becker)

Are you denying your anality?'The Denial Of Death' by Ernest Becker is a psychology theory that posits that civilisation and individuals behave in ways to obscure the knowledge of our mortality. This is done through transference to heroism, becoming immortal by participating in something that is bigger than ourselves.I summarised the book as follows. "From almost the beginning the main theory seemed unclear. If I concentrate I can put a positive spin on it, but required extra materials outside o

Mar 9, 2023 • 20:59

Chaotic Data & Programming The World | Algorithms For Dummies (John Mueller & Luca Massaron)

Chaotic Data & Programming The World | Algorithms For Dummies (John Mueller & Luca Massaron)

Have you got the steps to wrangle that data?'Algorithms For Dummies' by John Mueller & Luca Massaron is a textbook on the subject of .... you guessed it, algorithms! It's designed to teach and inform with a mix of theoretical explanations, real life applications and miniature examples using Python. Fundamental principles of graphs, different types of algorithms and terminology can be found within.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a solid book, however it seeps in slow. I didn't underst

Mar 2, 2023 • 24:41

The Modern Vs Classic Debate | February 2023 Recap

The Modern Vs Classic Debate | February 2023 Recap

Do you prefer books written more recently or those that have (hopefully) aged gracefully with time?In February 2023 we reviewed 4 books on this channel. My favourites were the two books written in the last 15 years concerning modern topics of copyright/commons and VR/simulation theory. And then I was just baffled at what is to be taken away from an asshole rebellious teenager. Juan also got some personal development in him and will hopefully have some atomic habits to show for it.Huge thanks to

Feb 27, 2023 • 28:14

The Philosophy Of VR & Simulations | Reality+ (David Chalmers)

The Philosophy Of VR & Simulations | Reality+ (David Chalmers)

Do you believe you're grounded in reality?'Reality+' by David Chalmers is an examination of what reality actually is. The central thesis is that virtual reality is genuine reality, which will have implications for how we interact with it. There are two styles of arguments within that combine to form 'technophilosophy'; results from humanity's computing progress and various ideas from philosopher such as Decartes/Plato.I summarised the book as follows. "Ultimately it was a mixed bag. I thought it

Feb 23, 2023 • 20:47

Can You Change With Just The Little Things? | Atomic Habits (James Clear)

Can You Change With Just The Little Things? | Atomic Habits (James Clear)

James Clear's "Atomic Habits" is a split atom of knowledge and humor. Clear writes with the precision of a scientist and the wit of a comedian, making this book a true pleasure to read. Whether you want to improve your health, get rich, or just become a smarter human, "Atomic Habits" has got the goods.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - James and Habits(0:56) - What is this book about?(1:35) - Why Atomic Habits(2:40) - Book stru

Feb 16, 2023 • 13:02

Are We Seeing An Encroachment Upon Creativity & Art? | Common As Air (Lewis Hyde)

Are We Seeing An Encroachment Upon Creativity & Art? | Common As Air (Lewis Hyde)

Should these book reviews be viewed as a cultural commons?'Common As Air' by Lewis Hyde is an argument against the enclosure of ideas in the modern age and a call to return to how cultural commons were treated back in the early days of the United States. Within are definitions of words, examples of recent IP/patent/copyright abuse and the principles exhibited by Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers.I summarised the book as follows. "It's not light reading but it was fascinating. A great

Feb 9, 2023 • 30:00

Who Is The Real Self-Absorbed Phony? | The Catcher In The Rye (J.D. Salinger)

Who Is The Real Self-Absorbed Phony? | The Catcher In The Rye (J.D. Salinger)

This is a classic that I just don't get?'The Catcher In The Rye' by J.D. Salinger is a fictional coming of age story about a rebellious teen in New York City. Holden Caulfield is expelled from an elite school and fills a couple of days with activities (illegal and otherwise) before returning home to confront his parents with the news.I summarised the book as follows. "If you want a whiny self-absorbed kid, you've got the right book. Maybe this resonated with the time but I feel no connection to

Feb 2, 2023 • 15:21

It's My Fault I Read Substandard Books | January 2023 Recap

It's My Fault I Read Substandard Books | January 2023 Recap

Sometimes you just need to read something to reconfirm that you don't like it.In January 2023 we reviewed 5 books on this channel. We had some Japanese self-help, a classic adventure novel, a Buddhist text that is hard to appreciate without all the background knowledge and two Stoic explanations by Ryan Holiday. Plus a bonus bit of a controversy regarding a certain thumbnail.Huge thanks to Petar, Cole McCormick and Joel W for supporting the show. Absolute legends!I hope you have a fantastic day

Jan 30, 2023 • 37:57

What Kind Of Journey Excites You? | Around The World In 80 Days (Jules Verne)

What Kind Of Journey Excites You? | Around The World In 80 Days (Jules Verne)

Is there still adventure to be found in this world?'Around The World In 80 Days' by Jules Verne is an adventure novel of a gentleman trying to win a bet. Phileas Fogg along with his manservant Passepartout attempt to circumnavigate the world by train, boat and any transport available in order to collect a £20,000 wager. Along the way they encounter mishaps & danger caused by self inflicted decisions and external circumstances.I summarised the book as follows. "Sometimes a book can just enthr

Jan 26, 2023 • 17:22

Japanese Self-Help/Psychology | The Courage To Be Disliked (Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga)

Japanese Self-Help/Psychology | The Courage To Be Disliked (Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga)

Do you have the courage to break your life-lie?'The Courage To Be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga is a Japanese version of a self-help/psychology book. It showcases Adlerian psychology through means of a Socratic dialogue between a philosopher and youth. It is primarily about how to change mental thought patterns by taking individual responsibility and not playing the victim card.I summarised the book as follows. "It's ultimately a useful tool for improvement. I believe much of l

Jan 19, 2023 • 27:41

Understanding the Bardo Thodol | The Tibetan Book Of The Dead (Padmasambhava)

Understanding the Bardo Thodol | The Tibetan Book Of The Dead (Padmasambhava)

What happens when we die? Maybe this book has the answers!'The Tibetan Book Of The Dead' by Padmasambhava is a hidden Tibetan text that explains the 'bardo', the intermediate zone between death & rebirth. It is a companion to be used as a guide for those transitions from life into the next process. There are clear instructions for loved ones/care givers to follow and what to expect in the days following cessation of life.I summarised the book as follows. "A large part of religion is finding

Jan 12, 2023 • 23:34

Get Courageous | Courage is Calling (Ryan Holiday)

Get Courageous | Courage is Calling (Ryan Holiday)

Welcome back Mere Mortalites to another book review, this time on Courage is Calling by Ryan HolidayI enjoyed the new series by Ryan on the four virtues, and even with a few Ryan Holiday books under my belt this really shined.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:20) - New Series(2:00) - Synopsis(6:08) - Themes(10:00) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUI

Jan 5, 2023 • 15:08

How Stoicism Can Give You Inner Peace | Stillness Is The Key (Ryan Holiday)

How Stoicism Can Give You Inner Peace | Stillness Is The Key (Ryan Holiday)

Stillness is the Key is a self-help book written by Ryan Holiday that explores the concept of stillness and how it can be used to improve one's life. The book argues that stillness, or the ability to be calm and focused in the face of chaos and distractions, is a key ingredient to success and happiness.Holiday also examines the ways in which stillness can be cultivated, including through meditation, exercise, and other mindfulness practices. He also offers practical advice on how to incorporate

Dec 29, 2022 • 13:53

New Books Are Useful But Old Books Are Better | December 2022 Recap

New Books Are Useful But Old Books Are Better | December 2022 Recap

I like recently published books for their utility, but for pure enjoyment and beauty it's hard for me to go past the classics.In December 2022 we upped the ante and reviewed 5 books on this channel. As usual I was all over the shop with Russian poetry, coding for kids, biographies from 2 millennia ago and Victorian England drama. I chose not to include Juan's upcoming review (didn't want to spoil it) so that will be recapped next month.Huge thanks to Petar the Slav for supporting the show, so gr

Dec 26, 2022 • 28:30

Misfortune & Injustice Can Strike Down The Best Of Us | Tess Of The d'Urbervilles (Thomas Hardy)

Misfortune & Injustice Can Strike Down The Best Of Us | Tess Of The d'Urbervilles (Thomas Hardy)

At the of it all, there is not much to do other than pity the heroine of this tale.'Tess Of The d'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a realistic story of a continually unfortunate country girl set in Victorian England. Tess Durbeyfield (a poor milkmaid) is wronged by Alec d'Urberville and finds love with the gentleman Angel Clare, but is still haunted by her past. It explores a set of weaving themes related to poverty, religion, morality and class divides.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a b

Dec 22, 2022 • 24:11

The Core Concepts Of Code | Coding For Beginners Using Python (Louie Stowell)

The Core Concepts Of Code | Coding For Beginners Using Python (Louie Stowell)

Am I simpler than a computer? I might just be!'Coding For Beginners Using Python' by Louie Stowell is an instructions guide to learn the basics. It's a combination of simple exercises for loops/dictionaries/drawing and more complex games that mimic Minesweeper or Pong. The target audience is kids and so is set out in an easy to understand manner with plenty of colour and fun graphics.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a nice, practical and easy to use first step. I liked the emphasis on qui

Dec 15, 2022 • 27:23

Developing Character & Virtue In A Barbaric World | The Age Of Alexander (Plutarch)

Developing Character & Virtue In A Barbaric World | The Age Of Alexander (Plutarch)

What can the lives of the Ancient Greeks teach us about how to live well?'The Age Of Alexander' by Plutarch is a selection of 9 Greek lives from his work called 'Parallel Lives'. It covers prominent people from various locations and various professions, but all from around ~400 BC to 300 BC. It focuses mostly on their achievements with quotes, battle statistics, 1st hand sources, moments from their life and overall actions/behaviours.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a glimpse into the liv

Dec 8, 2022 • 29:48

Fighting For Honour In A Beautiful Style | Eugene Onegin (Alexander Pushkin)

Fighting For Honour In A Beautiful Style | Eugene Onegin (Alexander Pushkin)

Would you have the honour to behave like a coward?'Eugene Onegin' by Alexander Pushkin is a novel in verse of an unhappy Russian dandy. Onegin lacks meaning from a city life and struggles to find it in the countryside, with the same superficial  gossip, flirtatious women and rash young men. The poetry is renowned for it's unique rhyme scheme known as the 'Pushkin Sonnet' or 'Onegin Stanza'.I summarised the book as follows. "It's easily my most favourite poetry that I've read. Not only does the s

Dec 1, 2022 • 23:57

Why Am I Barely Reading New Books? | November 2022 Recap

Why Am I Barely Reading New Books? | November 2022 Recap

Do you want to know how to change your mind or how innovation works?In November 2022 we sadly only covered 2 books on this channel. Both Juan and I have been rather busy as of late and so didn't put in the time like we normally do. Strangely both books I read started with 'How' and were published within the last 4 years. Definitely an off the rails month.Huge thanks to Petar the Slav for supporting the show. I'll do better for next month!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the wo

Nov 28, 2022 • 26:09

Move Aside Regulation Bullshit, Progress Is Coming Through! | How Innovation Works (Matt Ridley)

Move Aside Regulation Bullshit, Progress Is Coming Through! | How Innovation Works (Matt Ridley)

Don't stand in the way of this or you might get railroaded .... literally!'How Innovation Works' by Matt Ridley is a how-to book that somewhat becomes an argument for change. It uses primarily stories from history to illustrate the key thesis, from food to communication to primitive technology amongst others. The difference between innovation and invention is also distinguished with an explanation of the role of the individual thrown in as well.I summarised the book as follows. "It captures the

Nov 24, 2022 • 28:16

Taking A Trip Into Your Brain & The World Of Psychedelics | How To Change Your Mind (Michael Pollan)

Taking A Trip Into Your Brain & The World Of Psychedelics | How To Change Your Mind (Michael Pollan)

Are you willing to change your mind on a controversial topic?'How To Change Your Mind' by Michael Pollan is a dive into the North American history of psychedelics & their use in emerging scientific studies. It focuses primarily on 3 types: LSD, psilocybin and DMT. The book is not overly scientific as it contains many trip reports from the author himself as well as subjective ponderings on the mystical experiences that can arise. I summarised the book as follows. "It's a compelling read that

Nov 10, 2022 • 34:26

Pretty Phrases & Poetic Passages Predominate | October 2022 Recap

Pretty Phrases & Poetic Passages Predominate | October 2022 Recap

Do you have a favourite book for poetical sentences that catch your eye?In October 2022 we covered 4 books on this channel. Whilst I didn't fall in love with this month's reading, I did notice I was drawn into small portions from each book that sounded nice in my inner reading voice. I even took a stab at live translating from Spanish to English, which ended horribly lol.Huge thanks to Dave Jones, Petar the Slav and Unitofacc for supporting the show. Literary giants the lot of them!I hope you ha

Oct 31, 2022 • 29:47

A Book That Reflects The Lost Hope Of It's Characters | On Heroes And Tombs (Ernesto Sabato)

A Book That Reflects The Lost Hope Of It's Characters | On Heroes And Tombs (Ernesto Sabato)

Like the Argentine personality, I started off with hope but was left disappointed and cynical.'On Heroes And Tombs' by Ernesto Sabato is a novel of tortured love, self loathing and madness. There are 4 main section that follow the interweaving timelines of Martín, Alejandra, Fernando & Bruno. It starts with a strict plotline that becomes looser with multiple narrators, a fictional yet semi-historical running commentary and seemingly random ramblings.I summarised the book as follows. "Overall

Oct 27, 2022 • 22:34

Who's going to carry the boats? | Can't Hurt Me (David Goggins)

Who's going to carry the boats? | Can't Hurt Me (David Goggins)

'Can't Hurt Me' by David Goggins is a tale of his life, the triumphs and tribulations that made him who he is today.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:58) - Synopsis(7:03) - Themes(10:50) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Oct 19, 2022 • 17:50

Why Do Some People Chose Self-Destruction? | Voss (Patrick White)

Why Do Some People Chose Self-Destruction? | Voss (Patrick White)

Is there greater isolation in the Australian desert, or being unable to fit in with society?'Voss' by Patrick White is a story of adventure into the Australian wilderness. It is set in 1845 and revolves around 2 principal characters: Johann Ulrich Voss and Laura Trevelyan. There are complex weavings of love, passion, inner turmoil and religious symbolism as Voss follows his path of self-destruction and Laura struggles to communicate with others.I summarised the book as follows. "Much like the ce

Oct 12, 2022 • 35:12

Does Great Insight Come From Suffering? | Great Stories By Chekov (Anton Chekov)

Does Great Insight Come From Suffering? | Great Stories By Chekov (Anton Chekov)

Maybe Russians are the most wise, but also the most depressed of us all.'Great Stories By Chekov' by Anton Chekov (and translated by Constance Garnett) is an anthology of 7 tales, of which 4 are short stories and 3 are novellas. They all showcase Russian life in the 19th century and detail deprivation, abuse, harsh conditions and strained relationships. I summarised the book as follows. "It's a Russian author so you know there's going to be suffering and also some deep insights gained from this

Oct 6, 2022 • 33:56

Is It Right To Kill An Indifferent Murderer? | The Stranger (Albert Camus)

Is It Right To Kill An Indifferent Murderer? | The Stranger (Albert Camus)

Would you condemn a complete stranger to death?'The Stranger' by Albert Camus is a 1st person account from a man who lacks normal feelings. It is set in Algiers and follows the Frenchman Monsieur Meursault in his daily routine after the death of his mother. He kills a man and is put on trial for being a cold blooded murder with no regret nor emotions.I summarised the book as follows. "I found it a slow start but became more engaged as it progressed. It's great for highlighting part of the reason

Sep 29, 2022 • 27:03

Is It Right To Kill An Indifferent Murderer? | The Stranger (Albert Camus)

Is It Right To Kill An Indifferent Murderer? | The Stranger (Albert Camus)

Would you condemn a complete stranger to death?'The Stranger' by Albert Camus is a 1st person account from a man who lacks normal feelings. It is set in Algiers and follows the Frenchman Monsieur Meursault in his daily routine after the death of his mother. He kills a man and is put on trial for being a cold blooded murder with no regret nor emotions.I summarised the book as follows. "I found it a slow start but became more engaged as it progressed. It's great for highlighting part of the reason

Sep 29, 2022 • 27:04

Why Can People With Similar Tastes Have Differing Opinions On The Same Book?

Why Can People With Similar Tastes Have Differing Opinions On The Same Book?

We had a lot of people sending in messages (because I did a thing) and I also realised that I'm done with philosophy for a while.In September 2022 we covered 4 books on this channel (but I also threw in a cheeky small one just for this recap). I just noticed that it was a pretty diverse crowd with an Englishman-cum-Australian, French Algerian, American and a fanatic Japanese. That's a good bunch.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:35

Sep 25, 2022 • 24:29

Why Can People With Similar Tastes Have Differing Opinions On The Same Book?

Why Can People With Similar Tastes Have Differing Opinions On The Same Book?

We had a lot of people sending in messages (because I did a thing) and I also realised that I'm done with philosophy for a while.In September 2022 we covered 4 books on this channel (but I also threw in a cheeky small one just for this recap). I just noticed that it was a pretty diverse crowd with an Englishman-cum-Australian, French Algerian, American and a fanatic Japanese. That's a good bunch.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:35

Sep 25, 2022 • 24:28

A Chance To Exam Your Own Thoughts On Mortality | On The Beach (Nevil Shute)

A Chance To Exam Your Own Thoughts On Mortality | On The Beach (Nevil Shute)

How would you find satisfaction in a nuclear holocaust?'On The Beach' by Nevil Shute is a story set in Melbourne of two naval officers and their friends/family as impending death from radioactive fallout comes ever closer. The Northern Hemisphere is uninhabited apart from a mysterious signal coming from Seattle. It examines people reactions to mortality and how they mentally cope with the realisation of inevitable death.I summarised the book as follows. "I had to set aside some time after readin

Sep 22, 2022 • 25:14

A Chance To Exam Your Own Thoughts On Mortality | On The Beach (Nevil Shute)

A Chance To Exam Your Own Thoughts On Mortality | On The Beach (Nevil Shute)

How would you find satisfaction in a nuclear holocaust?'On The Beach' by Nevil Shute is a story set in Melbourne of two naval officers and their friends/family as impending death from radioactive fallout comes ever closer. The Northern Hemisphere is uninhabited apart from a mysterious signal coming from Seattle. It examines people reactions to mortality and how they mentally cope with the realisation of inevitable death.I summarised the book as follows. "I had to set aside some time after readin

Sep 22, 2022 • 25:15

A Simple Tale Sparse On Dialogue But With A Rich Inner World | The Sound Of Waves (Yukio Mishima)

A Simple Tale Sparse On Dialogue But With A Rich Inner World | The Sound Of Waves (Yukio Mishima)

Can a book be overly simplistic?'The Sound Of Waves' by Yukio Mishima is a simple tale, a love story in fact, of a young boy and girl who persevere through hardship & gossip. It takes place on Uta-jima, an island off of mainland Japan with a small population that lives an artisanal fishing lifestyle. Shinji has to prove his worth to Hatsue's uncle, whilst dealing with a competitor for her affection.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a beautiful & relaxing read about young love. It i

Sep 14, 2022 • 21:02

A Simple Tale Sparse On Dialogue But With A Rich Inner World | The Sound Of Waves (Yukio Mishima)

A Simple Tale Sparse On Dialogue But With A Rich Inner World | The Sound Of Waves (Yukio Mishima)

Can a book be overly simplistic?'The Sound Of Waves' by Yukio Mishima is a simple tale, a love story in fact, of a young boy and girl who persevere through hardship & gossip. It takes place on Uta-jima, an island off of mainland Japan with a small population that lives an artisanal fishing lifestyle. Shinji has to prove his worth to Hatsue's uncle, whilst dealing with a competitor for her affection.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a beautiful & relaxing read about young love. It i

Sep 14, 2022 • 21:03

Ego is the Enemy (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

Ego is the Enemy (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday was the eagerly anticipated next read in my trails of absorbing everything Ryan Holiday. Find out just why Ego is truly the enemy.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:17) - Synopsis(3:40) - Themes(6:48) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Sep 7, 2022 • 11:16

Ego is the Enemy (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

Ego is the Enemy (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

'Ego is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday was the eagerly anticipated next read in my trails of absorbing everything Ryan Holiday. Find out just why Ego is truly the enemy.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:17) - Synopsis(3:40) - Themes(6:48) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Sep 7, 2022 • 11:16

Either/Or (Søren Kierkegaard) - Book Review

Either/Or (Søren Kierkegaard) - Book Review

Either philosophy makes little sense ...... or I'm just a little stupid.'Either/Or' by Søren Kierkegaard is a two volume work designed to investigate the life views of the aesthetic (art, beauty, pleasure) & the ethical (commitment, marriage morals). It is written in the unique form of two unknown authors and compiled by a pseudonymous editor. I summarised the book as follows. "My overall feeling coming out of this was an exasperated 'why'. There was a lot of words but it didn't feel like mu

Aug 30, 2022 • 15:56

Either/Or (Søren Kierkegaard) - Book Review

Either/Or (Søren Kierkegaard) - Book Review

Either philosophy makes little sense ...... or I'm just a little stupid.'Either/Or' by Søren Kierkegaard is a two volume work designed to investigate the life views of the aesthetic (art, beauty, pleasure) & the ethical (commitment, marriage morals). It is written in the unique form of two unknown authors and compiled by a pseudonymous editor. I summarised the book as follows. "My overall feeling coming out of this was an exasperated 'why'. There was a lot of words but it didn't feel like mu

Aug 30, 2022 • 15:56

Boostagrams Galore & I'm Done With Philosophy

Boostagrams Galore & I'm Done With Philosophy

We had a lot of people sending in messages (because I did a thing) and I also realised that I'm done with philosophy for a while.In August 2022 we covered 3 books on this channel (but I also threw in a cheeky small one just for this recap). My favourite of the bunch was easily Camus's book. I drew a lot of parallels between this and my fav book of all time (George Orwell's '1984').I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:36) - The Plague:

Aug 28, 2022 • 22:48

Boostagrams Galore & I'm Done With Philosophy

Boostagrams Galore & I'm Done With Philosophy

We had a lot of people sending in messages (because I did a thing) and I also realised that I'm done with philosophy for a while.In August 2022 we covered 3 books on this channel (but I also threw in a cheeky small one just for this recap). My favourite of the bunch was easily Camus's book. I drew a lot of parallels between this and my fav book of all time (George Orwell's '1984').I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:36) - The Plague:

Aug 28, 2022 • 22:48

The Obstacle is the Way (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

The Obstacle is the Way (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday begins a journey of discovery personally into Stoic teachings and Ryan's workStructured phenomenally, the book uses three key sections to impart its wisdom. Perspective, Action and Will.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:48) - Synopsis(4:28) -  Themes(8:57) -  Takeaways(12:10) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

Aug 23, 2022 • 12:37

The Obstacle is the Way (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

The Obstacle is the Way (Ryan Holiday) - Book Review

'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday begins a journey of discovery personally into Stoic teachings and Ryan's workStructured phenomenally, the book uses three key sections to impart its wisdom. Perspective, Action and Will.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:48) - Synopsis(4:28) -  Themes(8:57) -  Takeaways(12:10) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

Aug 23, 2022 • 12:37

The Plague (Albert Camus) - Book Review

The Plague (Albert Camus) - Book Review

You know things are serious when you can't spit on cats anymore ppppptttt ptttp ptt.'The Plague' by Albert Camus is a novel describing life in a city in Oran locked down to due to the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague. A narrator describes the travels of Dr Rieux over the course of about a year as he attempts to help his patients. There are differing responses of his friends and acquaintances as they all adapt to the persistent indifference of the pestilence. I summarised the book as follows. "I fo

Aug 9, 2022 • 24:55

The Plague (Albert Camus) - Book Review

The Plague (Albert Camus) - Book Review

You know things are serious when you can't spit on cats anymore ppppptttt ptttp ptt.'The Plague' by Albert Camus is a novel describing life in a city in Oran locked down to due to the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague. A narrator describes the travels of Dr Rieux over the course of about a year as he attempts to help his patients. There are differing responses of his friends and acquaintances as they all adapt to the persistent indifference of the pestilence. I summarised the book as follows. "I fo

Aug 9, 2022 • 24:55

Meditations On First Philosophy (René Descartes) - Book Review

Meditations On First Philosophy (René Descartes) - Book Review

A solid attempt to get to the truth of all things!'Meditations On First Philosophy' by René Descartes is a philosophical treatise designed to prove the existence of God. Descartes creates 6 meditations which run through step by step how he goes about finding out what is irrevocably true. This starts with his famous 'cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am) position and fleshes out why the senses are misleading and how ideas can be split into separate categories.I summarised the book as follow

Jul 26, 2022 • 22:33

Meditations On First Philosophy (René Descartes) - Book Review

Meditations On First Philosophy (René Descartes) - Book Review

A solid attempt to get to the truth of all things!'Meditations On First Philosophy' by René Descartes is a philosophical treatise designed to prove the existence of God. Descartes creates 6 meditations which run through step by step how he goes about finding out what is irrevocably true. This starts with his famous 'cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am) position and fleshes out why the senses are misleading and how ideas can be split into separate categories.I summarised the book as follow

Jul 26, 2022 • 22:34

It's Official, We Missed A Week :'(

It's Official, We Missed A Week :'(

It finally happened, but I warned you dammit I warned you (runs away crying).In July 2022 we covered 3 books on this channel. I enjoyed learning more about Bitcoin and in particular about the history and property of money. Descartes had a real interesting process for finding truth and he conveys this beautifully in the first 3 of his 6 meditations. Juan seemed to enjoy his physics book although it is always gross when politics enter into science, even if it is only a little bit.I hope you have a

Jul 25, 2022 • 31:05

It's Official, We Missed A Week :'(

It's Official, We Missed A Week :'(

It finally happened, but I warned you dammit I warned you (runs away crying).In July 2022 we covered 3 books on this channel. I enjoyed learning more about Bitcoin and in particular about the history and property of money. Descartes had a real interesting process for finding truth and he conveys this beautifully in the first 3 of his 6 meditations. Juan seemed to enjoy his physics book although it is always gross when politics enter into science, even if it is only a little bit.I hope you have a

Jul 25, 2022 • 31:06

The Bitcoin Standard (Saifedean Ammous) - Book Review

The Bitcoin Standard (Saifedean Ammous) - Book Review

Will this phrase of 'the gold standard' become obsolete due to technology?'The Bitcoin Standard' by Saifedean Ammous describes the history of money and examines the varying properties of currencies. This sets a backdrop for the explanation of a purely digital money called Bitcoin and why it excels in comparison to barter, shells, gold and even fiat.I summarised the book as follows. "If you are expecting a BTC book don't be surprised that 2/3 of it focuses on money with little mention of Bitcoin.

Jul 19, 2022 • 31:21

The Bitcoin Standard (Saifedean Ammous) - Book Review

The Bitcoin Standard (Saifedean Ammous) - Book Review

Will this phrase of 'the gold standard' become obsolete due to technology?'The Bitcoin Standard' by Saifedean Ammous describes the history of money and examines the varying properties of currencies. This sets a backdrop for the explanation of a purely digital money called Bitcoin and why it excels in comparison to barter, shells, gold and even fiat.I summarised the book as follows. "If you are expecting a BTC book don't be surprised that 2/3 of it focuses on money with little mention of Bitcoin.

Jul 19, 2022 • 31:21

Brief Answers to the Big Questions (Stephen Hawking) - Book Review

Brief Answers to the Big Questions (Stephen Hawking) - Book Review

'Brief Answers to the Big Questions' by Stephen Hawking seeks to answer 10 commonly asked questions from his own perspective. The book examines some of the universe's greatest mysteries, and promotes the view that science is very important in helping to solve problems on planet EarthI hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:40) - Who is Stephen Hawkins(2:23) - Synopsis(5:12) - Themes & Observations(10:45) - TakeawayConnect with Mere Mor

Jul 12, 2022 • 12:43

Brief Answers to the Big Questions (Stephen Hawking) - Book Review

Brief Answers to the Big Questions (Stephen Hawking) - Book Review

'Brief Answers to the Big Questions' by Stephen Hawking seeks to answer 10 commonly asked questions from his own perspective. The book examines some of the universe's greatest mysteries, and promotes the view that science is very important in helping to solve problems on planet EarthI hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:40) - Who is Stephen Hawkins(2:23) - Synopsis(5:12) - Themes & Observations(10:45) - TakeawayConnect with Mere Mor

Jul 12, 2022 • 12:44

Reasons And Persons (Derek Parfit) - Book Review

Reasons And Persons (Derek Parfit) - Book Review

Who are you truly and what do you believe deeply?'Reasons And Persons' by Derek Parfit is an examination into our beliefs of what we should do with our lives and our personal identity. Parfit appeals to rationality and argues why theories such as self-interest and consequentialism are self-defeating in their own terms. He does this through a series of hypothetical cases (both realistic and improbable) to demonstrate their paradoxes before providing what he believes is the truly logical way to th

Jun 28, 2022 • 29:27

Reasons And Persons (Derek Parfit) - Book Review

Reasons And Persons (Derek Parfit) - Book Review

Who are you truly and what do you believe deeply?'Reasons And Persons' by Derek Parfit is an examination into our beliefs of what we should do with our lives and our personal identity. Parfit appeals to rationality and argues why theories such as self-interest and consequentialism are self-defeating in their own terms. He does this through a series of hypothetical cases (both realistic and improbable) to demonstrate their paradoxes before providing what he believes is the truly logical way to th

Jun 28, 2022 • 29:27

Philosophy Books Make Me Not Want To Read

Philosophy Books Make Me Not Want To Read

Next month will be the first where we won't have a book review every week. And philosophy is to blame!In June 2022 we covered 5 books on this channel. Juan did some heavy lifting and bested me for the first time since we began. I've recently been noticing a decline in my desire to read and this could be because I have been slogging through Parfit's book (intermittently) for a couple of months now. And this is how I've generally felt reading the 'classic' philosophy works. Hopefully this will pic

Jun 27, 2022 • 23:50

Philosophy Books Make Me Not Want To Read

Philosophy Books Make Me Not Want To Read

Next month will be the first where we won't have a book review every week. And philosophy is to blame!In June 2022 we covered 5 books on this channel. Juan did some heavy lifting and bested me for the first time since we began. I've recently been noticing a decline in my desire to read and this could be because I have been slogging through Parfit's book (intermittently) for a couple of months now. And this is how I've generally felt reading the 'classic' philosophy works. Hopefully this will pic

Jun 27, 2022 • 23:51

The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy (Jennifer McCartney) - Book Review

The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy (Jennifer McCartney) - Book Review

'The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy' by Jennifer McCartney is a simple, easy to read, quirky and short look at philosophy through the eyes of alpacasI hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:30) - Synopsis(4:36) - Themes(5:07) - Observations/TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Jun 21, 2022 • 7:43

The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy (Jennifer McCartney) - Book Review

The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy (Jennifer McCartney) - Book Review

'The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy' by Jennifer McCartney is a simple, easy to read, quirky and short look at philosophy through the eyes of alpacasI hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:30) - Synopsis(4:36) - Themes(5:07) - Observations/TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Jun 21, 2022 • 7:42

Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert) - Book Review

Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert) - Book Review

If love is such a universal good, then why does it inspire such cruelty?'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert is a tale of provincial love set in Rouen, France during the 19th century. We are privy to the intimate affairs of Emma Bovary as she seeks to capture the romantic fantasies she believes she deserves. Her blind desire comes at a cost however as she becomes ever more desperate to attain something she cannot.I summarised the book as follows. "Women and love can combine for some tragedy. This

Jun 14, 2022 • 20:44

Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert) - Book Review

Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert) - Book Review

If love is such a universal good, then why does it inspire such cruelty?'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert is a tale of provincial love set in Rouen, France during the 19th century. We are privy to the intimate affairs of Emma Bovary as she seeks to capture the romantic fantasies she believes she deserves. Her blind desire comes at a cost however as she becomes ever more desperate to attain something she cannot.I summarised the book as follows. "Women and love can combine for some tragedy. This

Jun 14, 2022 • 20:44

Homo Deus (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Homo Deus (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Get ready to have your mind blown on what you think the future may look like'Homo Deus' by Yuval Noah Harari is a logical exploration of our past, our myths, our constructs, inter-subjectivities and many many other viewpoints to craft what ultimately our future may look like. A deep think, this book might provide some answers but it does just as well to leave you with many more fascinating questions to ponder.An absolutely stunning book, I gave this read a 9/10.I hope you have a fantastic day wh

Jun 7, 2022 • 14:14

Homo Deus (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Homo Deus (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Get ready to have your mind blown on what you think the future may look like'Homo Deus' by Yuval Noah Harari is a logical exploration of our past, our myths, our constructs, inter-subjectivities and many many other viewpoints to craft what ultimately our future may look like. A deep think, this book might provide some answers but it does just as well to leave you with many more fascinating questions to ponder.An absolutely stunning book, I gave this read a 9/10.I hope you have a fantastic day wh

Jun 7, 2022 • 14:13

Before I Go To Sleep (S.J Watson) - Book Review

Before I Go To Sleep (S.J Watson) - Book Review

How trusting would you be?'Before I Go To Sleep' by S.J Watson is a mystery psychological thriller that delves into the questions of memory and the importance of trust. As Christine utilises her journal, she delves deeper and deeper towards the truth and in turn finds out that the origination of her amnesia might not be all it seems to be.A true page-turner, I gave this read a 7/10.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:12) - Synopsis(4:

May 31, 2022 • 10:48

Before I Go To Sleep (S.J Watson) - Book Review

Before I Go To Sleep (S.J Watson) - Book Review

How trusting would you be?'Before I Go To Sleep' by S.J Watson is a mystery psychological thriller that delves into the questions of memory and the importance of trust. As Christine utilises her journal, she delves deeper and deeper towards the truth and in turn finds out that the origination of her amnesia might not be all it seems to be.A true page-turner, I gave this read a 7/10.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:12) - Synopsis(4:

May 31, 2022 • 10:48

Are Old Reviews Still Relevant?

Are Old Reviews Still Relevant?

Due to some big books and a slower reading pace I did a couple of reviews of books I had read many years ago.In May 2022 I covered 4 books on this channel. Like I mentioned above, the first two by Cialdini and Kafka I had read 10 years and 3 years ago. The book that I rated the lowest was 'The Idiot' but like most Dostoevsky books there was so many themes to ponder upon that it more than made up for the long length of the novel. I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyri

May 29, 2022 • 29:01

Are Old Reviews Still Relevant?

Are Old Reviews Still Relevant?

Due to some big books and a slower reading pace I did a couple of reviews of books I had read many years ago.In May 2022 I covered 4 books on this channel. Like I mentioned above, the first two by Cialdini and Kafka I had read 10 years and 3 years ago. The book that I rated the lowest was 'The Idiot' but like most Dostoevsky books there was so many themes to ponder upon that it more than made up for the long length of the novel. I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyri

May 29, 2022 • 29:00

The Idiot (Fyodor Dostoevsky) - Book Review

The Idiot (Fyodor Dostoevsky) - Book Review

A naïve idiot can be endearing but can also cause a lot of pain to themselves and others.'The Idiot' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a large fictional story of semi-aristocratic Russians centering around 'The Prince' Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin. After a prolonged illness he begins to enter society and becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two beautiful ladies. The tale takes place over ~6 months, beginning in St Petersburg & culminating in Pavlosk.I summarised the book as follows. "It's distinctly

May 24, 2022 • 30:48

The Idiot (Fyodor Dostoevsky) - Book Review

The Idiot (Fyodor Dostoevsky) - Book Review

A naïve idiot can be endearing but can also cause a lot of pain to themselves and others.'The Idiot' by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a large fictional story of semi-aristocratic Russians centering around 'The Prince' Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin. After a prolonged illness he begins to enter society and becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two beautiful ladies. The tale takes place over ~6 months, beginning in St Petersburg & culminating in Pavlosk.I summarised the book as follows. "It's distinctly

May 24, 2022 • 30:48

The Trial (Franz Kafka) - Book Review

The Trial (Franz Kafka) - Book Review

Have your sanity in order because it will be put on trial in this mystifying process.'The Trial' by Franz Kafka tells the story of Josef K as he is suddenly accused of a crime and must go through a trial. However it is a bizarre and unclear procedure that leads him further and further down a rabbit hole. The more he tries to prove his innocence of this mysterious accusation the more unsolvable and sinister the situation becomes. I summarised the book as follows. "It's an amazing description of .

May 17, 2022 • 23:39

The Trial (Franz Kafka) - Book Review

The Trial (Franz Kafka) - Book Review

Have your sanity in order because it will be put on trial in this mystifying process.'The Trial' by Franz Kafka tells the story of Josef K as he is suddenly accused of a crime and must go through a trial. However it is a bizarre and unclear procedure that leads him further and further down a rabbit hole. The more he tries to prove his innocence of this mysterious accusation the more unsolvable and sinister the situation becomes. I summarised the book as follows. "It's an amazing description of .

May 17, 2022 • 23:40

Influence (Robert Cialdini) - Book Review

Influence (Robert Cialdini) - Book Review

As an expert reviewer I'm telling you that you will love this review, also because all your friends do and also because it's only here for a limited time!'Influence' by Robert Cialdini is an uncovering of the shortcuts we use to make decisions (and how these can be highjacked). He list 6 'weapons of influence' (or 7 depending on your edition) which were derived from studies, training observations and 1st hand experience in sales/marketing. He highlights these with interesting stories, modern and

May 10, 2022 • 21:35

Influence (Robert Cialdini) - Book Review

Influence (Robert Cialdini) - Book Review

As an expert reviewer I'm telling you that you will love this review, also because all your friends do and also because it's only here for a limited time!'Influence' by Robert Cialdini is an uncovering of the shortcuts we use to make decisions (and how these can be highjacked). He list 6 'weapons of influence' (or 7 depending on your edition) which were derived from studies, training observations and 1st hand experience in sales/marketing. He highlights these with interesting stories, modern and

May 10, 2022 • 21:35

The Most Good You Can Do (Peter Singer) - Book Review

The Most Good You Can Do (Peter Singer) - Book Review

Super logical arguments that are convincing but somehow feel like they are missing something.'The Most Good You Can Do' by Peter Singer details the philosophy of effective altruism and how it can be applied. There is a strong slant towards utilitarian ethics with a focus on maximising your individual impact whilst helping others. Specific examples are given of how this can change career paths, deciding on charity recipients and donating body parts. It appeals to rationality through a heavy empha

May 3, 2022 • 26:48

The Most Good You Can Do (Peter Singer) - Book Review

The Most Good You Can Do (Peter Singer) - Book Review

Super logical arguments that are convincing but somehow feel like they are missing something.'The Most Good You Can Do' by Peter Singer details the philosophy of effective altruism and how it can be applied. There is a strong slant towards utilitarian ethics with a focus on maximising your individual impact whilst helping others. Specific examples are given of how this can change career paths, deciding on charity recipients and donating body parts. It appeals to rationality through a heavy empha

May 3, 2022 • 26:48

The Social Leap (William von Hippel) - Book Review

The Social Leap (William von Hippel) - Book Review

A book that's chockas full of useful info, but that probably only needs to be deeply learnt once.'The Social Leap' by William von Hippel is a basic overview of our evolutionary past to explain how/why we behave and interact with others. In this case 'we' can be families, communities, companies, nations, couples, etc. It's split into 3 parts (past, present and future) with a mix of case studies, his own work as a psychology professor, quotes from famous books and personal anecdotes.I summarised t

Apr 26, 2022 • 16:49

The Social Leap (William von Hippel) - Book Review

The Social Leap (William von Hippel) - Book Review

A book that's chockas full of useful info, but that probably only needs to be deeply learnt once.'The Social Leap' by William von Hippel is a basic overview of our evolutionary past to explain how/why we behave and interact with others. In this case 'we' can be families, communities, companies, nations, couples, etc. It's split into 3 parts (past, present and future) with a mix of case studies, his own work as a psychology professor, quotes from famous books and personal anecdotes.I summarised t

Apr 26, 2022 • 16:48

Leaping Into Mythology & The Struggles Of Translation

Leaping Into Mythology & The Struggles Of Translation

All in all this wasn't my favourite month of reading, but yet the reading will go on!In April 2022 we covered 5 books on this channel. My favourite of the bunch was 'The Social Leap' which gave me a decent revision of some evolutionary basics. I was also surprised by how underwhelming 'Beowulf' was. I had heard about it a lot over my life up to this point and assumed it was an epic tale that would throw me into a completely new world. However, it was much smaller than I imagined and I really str

Apr 24, 2022 • 26:15

Leaping Into Mythology & The Struggles Of Translation

Leaping Into Mythology & The Struggles Of Translation

All in all this wasn't my favourite month of reading, but yet the reading will go on!In April 2022 we covered 5 books on this channel. My favourite of the bunch was 'The Social Leap' which gave me a decent revision of some evolutionary basics. I was also surprised by how underwhelming 'Beowulf' was. I had heard about it a lot over my life up to this point and assumed it was an epic tale that would throw me into a completely new world. However, it was much smaller than I imagined and I really str

Apr 24, 2022 • 26:15

Beowulf (Unknown Poet) - Book Review

Beowulf (Unknown Poet) - Book Review

We're onto the epics again and it's about time some Germanic was thrown in the mix.'Beowulf' by an unknown poet is a short poem written in Old English and set in Scandinavia (particularly modern day Denmark & Sweden). It tells of 2 battles against monsters (Grendel and Grendel's mother) by the hero Beowulf as he seeks fame and glory. Many years later he has one final fight against a dragon to to defend his land and to acquire the untold riches that it was hoarding.I summarised the book as fo

Apr 19, 2022 • 17:02

Beowulf (Unknown Poet) - Book Review

Beowulf (Unknown Poet) - Book Review

We're onto the epics again and it's about time some Germanic was thrown in the mix.'Beowulf' by an unknown poet is a short poem written in Old English and set in Scandinavia (particularly modern day Denmark & Sweden). It tells of 2 battles against monsters (Grendel and Grendel's mother) by the hero Beowulf as he seeks fame and glory. Many years later he has one final fight against a dragon to to defend his land and to acquire the untold riches that it was hoarding.I summarised the book as fo

Apr 19, 2022 • 17:02

Borges On Writing (Jorge Luis Borges) - Book Review

Borges On Writing (Jorge Luis Borges) - Book Review

The subtleties of translation of prose are enigmatic, so I'm glad it's not my job.'Borges On Writing' by Jorge Luis Borges is an edited transcript of a 1971 seminar in which Borges chats with colleagues and students about all things writing. It includes a deconstruction of his own work, his personal writing process and thoughts on translating from Spanish to English.I summarised the book as follows. "This scratched an itch for me. I was intrigued by the decisions of translators and this gave me

Apr 12, 2022 • 20:20

Borges On Writing (Jorge Luis Borges) - Book Review

Borges On Writing (Jorge Luis Borges) - Book Review

The subtleties of translation of prose are enigmatic, so I'm glad it's not my job.'Borges On Writing' by Jorge Luis Borges is an edited transcript of a 1971 seminar in which Borges chats with colleagues and students about all things writing. It includes a deconstruction of his own work, his personal writing process and thoughts on translating from Spanish to English.I summarised the book as follows. "This scratched an itch for me. I was intrigued by the decisions of translators and this gave me

Apr 12, 2022 • 20:21

Medea And Other Plays (Euripides) - Book Review

Medea And Other Plays (Euripides) - Book Review

The lady in this story takes the idiom of 'cutting off one's nose to spite one's face' to a whole nother level.'Medea And Other Plays' by Euripides are a collection of 4 complete and translated plays from the Athenian playwright. They are written in the style they were to be performed, so include prompts for the actors and descriptions of what would be happening on the stage. They are relatively simple stories and show the self-destructive effect of revenge and female courage in tough situations

Apr 5, 2022 • 20:30

Medea And Other Plays (Euripides) - Book Review

Medea And Other Plays (Euripides) - Book Review

The lady in this story takes the idiom of 'cutting off one's nose to spite one's face' to a whole nother level.'Medea And Other Plays' by Euripides are a collection of 4 complete and translated plays from the Athenian playwright. They are written in the style they were to be performed, so include prompts for the actors and descriptions of what would be happening on the stage. They are relatively simple stories and show the self-destructive effect of revenge and female courage in tough situations

Apr 5, 2022 • 20:30

Rogue State (William Blum) - Book Review

Rogue State (William Blum) - Book Review

The Mere Mortals review 'Rogue State' by William Blum.Testing america by the same standards that get used to judge other countries. The facts are layed out in this book, but perhaps not in the most consumable and unbiased way.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:30) - Synopsis(6:00) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com

Mar 29, 2022 • 15:20

Rogue State (William Blum) - Book Review

Rogue State (William Blum) - Book Review

The Mere Mortals review 'Rogue State' by William Blum.Testing america by the same standards that get used to judge other countries. The facts are layed out in this book, but perhaps not in the most consumable and unbiased way.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:30) - Synopsis(6:00) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com

Mar 29, 2022 • 15:21

Madness Saves The Day For This Month!

Madness Saves The Day For This Month!

A book about crazy people (who are actually pretty sane) saved this month from being a mediocre washout.In March we covered 4 books on this channel. It was a mix of social commentary, fictional realism, complex narrative and a biography. The standout for me was 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey, a book about a mental hospital with a tyrannical nurse. I loved the concept of the 'Combine' and thought the author did a fantastic job in creating some unique and memorable characters.I hop

Mar 27, 2022 • 27:34

Madness Saves The Day For This Month!

Madness Saves The Day For This Month!

A book about crazy people (who are actually pretty sane) saved this month from being a mediocre washout.In March we covered 4 books on this channel. It was a mix of social commentary, fictional realism, complex narrative and a biography. The standout for me was 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey, a book about a mental hospital with a tyrannical nurse. I loved the concept of the 'Combine' and thought the author did a fantastic job in creating some unique and memorable characters.I hop

Mar 27, 2022 • 27:33

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey) - Book Review

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey) - Book Review

For a bunch of people in a mental hospital there is a whole lot of decent sense making going on.'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey is an exploration of social stigma, overbearing control and fighting for the defenceless. The overbearing power of The Combine matched with the machinery of the institution forms a force that seeks to bring order by squashing all before it. Taking place in a mental hospital, it's narrated by one of the patients (The Chief) as he watches the slick newcomer

Mar 22, 2022 • 24:00

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey) - Book Review

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey) - Book Review

For a bunch of people in a mental hospital there is a whole lot of decent sense making going on.'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey is an exploration of social stigma, overbearing control and fighting for the defenceless. The overbearing power of The Combine matched with the machinery of the institution forms a force that seeks to bring order by squashing all before it. Taking place in a mental hospital, it's narrated by one of the patients (The Chief) as he watches the slick newcomer

Mar 22, 2022 • 24:00

The Green House (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

The Green House (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

There is a reason most writers stick to the standard narrative & chronological format .... and that's because it can be confusing as fuck without it!'The Green House' by Mario Vargas Llosa is an experimental novel set in the Piura region of northern Peru. It follows 12 characters of roughly equal importance as they deal with interweaving relationships, the rubber trade, Christianity amongst tribal people and the mythical brothel known as The Green House. The stories are set at different plac

Mar 15, 2022 • 10:02

The Green House (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

The Green House (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

There is a reason most writers stick to the standard narrative & chronological format .... and that's because it can be confusing as fuck without it!'The Green House' by Mario Vargas Llosa is an experimental novel set in the Piura region of northern Peru. It follows 12 characters of roughly equal importance as they deal with interweaving relationships, the rubber trade, Christianity amongst tribal people and the mythical brothel known as The Green House. The stories are set at different plac

Mar 15, 2022 • 10:02

Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson) - Book Review

Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson) - Book Review

'Steve Jobs' by Walter Isaacson is a thick but well informed book into who Steve was, how many of the big brands we know today began and glimpses into stories from many perspectives.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:25) - Synopsis(4:45) - Themes(12:10) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support

Mar 8, 2022 • 15:25

Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson) - Book Review

Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson) - Book Review

'Steve Jobs' by Walter Isaacson is a thick but well informed book into who Steve was, how many of the big brands we know today began and glimpses into stories from many perspectives.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:25) - Synopsis(4:45) - Themes(12:10) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support

Mar 8, 2022 • 15:24

Dubliners (James Joyce) - Book Review

Dubliners (James Joyce) - Book Review

If you want to change your stereotypical impression of the Irish & Dublin .... then don't read this book.'Dubliners' by James Joyce is a collection of 15 short stories published as his first book. They are mostly a description of middle class Irish life with every story being set somewhere in Dublin. It covers a variety of character ages, lives, settings and situations. One theme that isn't crucial to the plot of any individual story but appears constantly is alcohol and overconsumption.I su

Mar 1, 2022 • 13:16

Dubliners (James Joyce) - Book Review

Dubliners (James Joyce) - Book Review

If you want to change your stereotypical impression of the Irish & Dublin .... then don't read this book.'Dubliners' by James Joyce is a collection of 15 short stories published as his first book. They are mostly a description of middle class Irish life with every story being set somewhere in Dublin. It covers a variety of character ages, lives, settings and situations. One theme that isn't crucial to the plot of any individual story but appears constantly is alcohol and overconsumption.I su

Mar 1, 2022 • 13:16

We're Rolling Lovingly Into The Infinite Metaverse

We're Rolling Lovingly Into The Infinite Metaverse

I found a book I rated highly and also had some quotes that spoke to me, which is why this recap is so long!In February we covered 4 books on this channel. It was a mix of philosophy, dystopian sci-fi and emotional love stories. The standout for me was Finite & Infinite Games by James Carse. This is the type of philosophy that I can actually enjoy. It was written in the last couple of decades and whilst has some parts that are difficult to understand, as a whole I found it quite enlightening

Feb 27, 2022 • 39:24

We're Rolling Lovingly Into The Infinite Metaverse

We're Rolling Lovingly Into The Infinite Metaverse

I found a book I rated highly and also had some quotes that spoke to me, which is why this recap is so long!In February we covered 4 books on this channel. It was a mix of philosophy, dystopian sci-fi and emotional love stories. The standout for me was Finite & Infinite Games by James Carse. This is the type of philosophy that I can actually enjoy. It was written in the last couple of decades and whilst has some parts that are difficult to understand, as a whole I found it quite enlightening

Feb 27, 2022 • 39:23

Love Stories (Trent Dalton) - Book Review

Love Stories (Trent Dalton) - Book Review

'Love Stories' by Trent Dalton focus on the myriad experience of love, all told through stories he gained while sitting on the corner of a Brisbane City street.Definitely a book that makes you think about love and helps you reconsider the way you personally have experienced and others individual stories.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:00) - Synopsis(4:35) - Themes(7:42) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.mer

Feb 22, 2022 • 11:09

Love Stories (Trent Dalton) - Book Review

Love Stories (Trent Dalton) - Book Review

'Love Stories' by Trent Dalton focus on the myriad experience of love, all told through stories he gained while sitting on the corner of a Brisbane City street.Definitely a book that makes you think about love and helps you reconsider the way you personally have experienced and others individual stories.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:00) - Synopsis(4:35) - Themes(7:42) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.mer

Feb 22, 2022 • 11:08

Finite And Infinite Games (James P. Carse) - Book Review

Finite And Infinite Games (James P. Carse) - Book Review

Have you thought about what kind of games you've been playing, if not then maybe you should?'Finite And Infinite Games' by James P. Carse is somewhat of a philosophy that divides human actions and interactions into two types of games. The finite game is bounded, has fixed rules, is serious and theatrical. The infinite game on the other hand has no end, with constantly changing rules/players and has a more casual feeling.I summarised the book as follows. "This is the type of philosophy I can actu

Feb 15, 2022 • 26:18

Finite And Infinite Games (James P. Carse) - Book Review

Finite And Infinite Games (James P. Carse) - Book Review

Have you thought about what kind of games you've been playing, if not then maybe you should?'Finite And Infinite Games' by James P. Carse is somewhat of a philosophy that divides human actions and interactions into two types of games. The finite game is bounded, has fixed rules, is serious and theatrical. The infinite game on the other hand has no end, with constantly changing rules/players and has a more casual feeling.I summarised the book as follows. "This is the type of philosophy I can actu

Feb 15, 2022 • 26:19

Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson) - Book Review

Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson) - Book Review

A book that had a huge impact at its inception is still gaining cultural relevance 2 decades later.'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson depicts a dystopian USA where technology is way more advanced but life is significantly more dangerous. Hiro Protagonist and YT have to save the world from a biological-cum-digital virus that is enslaving people. Notable for it's futuristic ideas that are appearing in real life (such as VR and the Metaverse), the book also dives deeply into linguistics and the core c

Feb 8, 2022 • 25:33

Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson) - Book Review

Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson) - Book Review

A book that had a huge impact at its inception is still gaining cultural relevance 2 decades later.'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson depicts a dystopian USA where technology is way more advanced but life is significantly more dangerous. Hiro Protagonist and YT have to save the world from a biological-cum-digital virus that is enslaving people. Notable for it's futuristic ideas that are appearing in real life (such as VR and the Metaverse), the book also dives deeply into linguistics and the core c

Feb 8, 2022 • 25:33

The Myth Of Sisyphus (Albert Camus) - Book Review

The Myth Of Sisyphus (Albert Camus) - Book Review

Is Sisyphus trapped in an eternal torment, or is he perhaps the most fulfilled man in history?'The Myth Of Sisyphus' by Albert Camus are multiple essays diving into the philosophy of the absurd. There are 4 main parts that examine whether suicide is a good idea, the thoughts/actions of an absurd man, artists who have created absurd fictional characters and why Sisyphus is the embodiment of the absurd. It also includes some other poetical works, namely of his love for Algiers and its landscape.I

Feb 1, 2022 • 19:40

The Myth Of Sisyphus (Albert Camus) - Book Review

The Myth Of Sisyphus (Albert Camus) - Book Review

Is Sisyphus trapped in an eternal torment, or is he perhaps the most fulfilled man in history?'The Myth Of Sisyphus' by Albert Camus are multiple essays diving into the philosophy of the absurd. There are 4 main parts that examine whether suicide is a good idea, the thoughts/actions of an absurd man, artists who have created absurd fictional characters and why Sisyphus is the embodiment of the absurd. It also includes some other poetical works, namely of his love for Algiers and its landscape.I

Feb 1, 2022 • 19:40

Lot's Of Leviathan's, Nutmeg & Nymphets

Lot's Of Leviathan's, Nutmeg & Nymphets

Well you can't accuse me of sticking to only one type of book, I was all over shop this month.For January 2022 I tackled Leviathan and man that was booooooorrrrrriiiiiinnnnnnnggggg. I much more enjoyed Lolita (which was less controversial than I thought it would be) and Nathaniel's Nutmeg (detailing the crazy adventurers and merchants in the 1500's). A big thanks to Petar & Oscar Merry for helping to support the show, bloody legends!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the wor

Jan 30, 2022 • 22:25

Lot's Of Leviathan's, Nutmeg & Nymphets

Lot's Of Leviathan's, Nutmeg & Nymphets

Well you can't accuse me of sticking to only one type of book, I was all over shop this month.For January 2022 I tackled Leviathan and man that was booooooorrrrrriiiiiinnnnnnnggggg. I much more enjoyed Lolita (which was less controversial than I thought it would be) and Nathaniel's Nutmeg (detailing the crazy adventurers and merchants in the 1500's). A big thanks to Petar & Oscar Merry for helping to support the show, bloody legends!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the wor

Jan 30, 2022 • 22:24

Leviathan (Thomas Hobbes) - Book Review

Leviathan (Thomas Hobbes) - Book Review

A seminal work that many people like to quote (including me), but probably haven't read (not me now).'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a treatise on human nature/government/religion and how they all mingle. His basic argument is that human emotions & our individual rights lead to war. Therefore we need a government to contain this violence. The book is very detailed and contains lots of definitions and formal explanations of his thoughts.I summarised the book as follows. "It's split into 4 sep

Jan 25, 2022 • 24:30

Leviathan (Thomas Hobbes) - Book Review

Leviathan (Thomas Hobbes) - Book Review

A seminal work that many people like to quote (including me), but probably haven't read (not me now).'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a treatise on human nature/government/religion and how they all mingle. His basic argument is that human emotions & our individual rights lead to war. Therefore we need a government to contain this violence. The book is very detailed and contains lots of definitions and formal explanations of his thoughts.I summarised the book as follows. "It's split into 4 sep

Jan 25, 2022 • 24:29

Nathaniel's Nutmeg (Giles Milton) - Book Review

Nathaniel's Nutmeg (Giles Milton) - Book Review

The real spice wars don't turn out so well for the little guy, but there is just as much death/mayhem.'Nathaniel's Nutmeg' by Giles Milton is a narrative history of the spice trade in the early 1500's to mid 1600's. It reveals the shipping rivalry that occurred between England & The Dutch over the highly valuable spices of nutmeg, pepper and cloves. It's told through individual adventurers with their ships and of their route, tropical diseases, warfare, politics and living conditions.I summa

Jan 18, 2022 • 20:53

Nathaniel's Nutmeg (Giles Milton) - Book Review

Nathaniel's Nutmeg (Giles Milton) - Book Review

The real spice wars don't turn out so well for the little guy, but there is just as much death/mayhem.'Nathaniel's Nutmeg' by Giles Milton is a narrative history of the spice trade in the early 1500's to mid 1600's. It reveals the shipping rivalry that occurred between England & The Dutch over the highly valuable spices of nutmeg, pepper and cloves. It's told through individual adventurers with their ships and of their route, tropical diseases, warfare, politics and living conditions.I summa

Jan 18, 2022 • 20:52

Lolita (Vladimir Nabokov) - Book Review

Lolita (Vladimir Nabokov) - Book Review

Delusion, obsession and dubious ethical choices swirl around in the head of this unreliable narrator.'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov details the disturbed account of Humbert Humbert's (the narrator) fantasy with the young Dolores Haze (Lolita). Humbert lusts after 'nymphets' and begins a semi-consensual sexual relationship with the underage Lolita. However the relationship is perhaps not all it seems as the delirium and bizarre behaviour of Humbert become more apparent.I summarised the book as foll

Jan 11, 2022 • 30:27

Lolita (Vladimir Nabokov) - Book Review

Lolita (Vladimir Nabokov) - Book Review

Delusion, obsession and dubious ethical choices swirl around in the head of this unreliable narrator.'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov details the disturbed account of Humbert Humbert's (the narrator) fantasy with the young Dolores Haze (Lolita). Humbert lusts after 'nymphets' and begins a semi-consensual sexual relationship with the underage Lolita. However the relationship is perhaps not all it seems as the delirium and bizarre behaviour of Humbert become more apparent.I summarised the book as foll

Jan 11, 2022 • 30:26

Twelve and a Half (Gary Vaynerchuck) - Book Review

Twelve and a Half (Gary Vaynerchuck) - Book Review

'Twelve and a Half' by Gary Vaynerchuck (aka Gary Vee) focuses on the 12 emotional traits that are the crucial ingredients to successful interactions, on and off the business landscape. The half includes an emotion which Gary himself is building up, kind candor, and the book is split up into three parts: Decription of each emotion, examples and excercises to build up your skills in each emotion.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:55)

Jan 4, 2022 • 13:23

Twelve and a Half (Gary Vaynerchuck) - Book Review

Twelve and a Half (Gary Vaynerchuck) - Book Review

'Twelve and a Half' by Gary Vaynerchuck (aka Gary Vee) focuses on the 12 emotional traits that are the crucial ingredients to successful interactions, on and off the business landscape. The half includes an emotion which Gary himself is building up, kind candor, and the book is split up into three parts: Decription of each emotion, examples and excercises to build up your skills in each emotion.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:55)

Jan 4, 2022 • 13:23

The Art of Learning (Josh Waitzkin) - Book Review

The Art of Learning (Josh Waitzkin) - Book Review

'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin might be better detailed as the Art of Mastering. I summarised the book as follows. "Broken up into the fundamentals and the progress from chess master to push hands champion, Josh does a phenomenal job of sharing his life lessons with us"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:30) - Synopsis(6:14) - Themes(12:54) - Takeaways & SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodc

Dec 28, 2021 • 16:22

The Art of Learning (Josh Waitzkin) - Book Review

The Art of Learning (Josh Waitzkin) - Book Review

'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin might be better detailed as the Art of Mastering. I summarised the book as follows. "Broken up into the fundamentals and the progress from chess master to push hands champion, Josh does a phenomenal job of sharing his life lessons with us"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:30) - Synopsis(6:14) - Themes(12:54) - Takeaways & SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodc

Dec 28, 2021 • 16:22

A Slightly Disappointing Month Of Reading :(

A Slightly Disappointing Month Of Reading :(

Unfortunately there were no real standout books for this month.For December 2021 I have been reading some slightly thinner works and took a break from the philosophy to find some fun ones that wouldn't test my brain too much. And whilst I did enjoy all of these, none of them stood out as something I would remember strongly and be likely to bring up in everyday conversation. I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:47) - The Portrait Of A

Dec 26, 2021 • 18:32

A Slightly Disappointing Month Of Reading :(

A Slightly Disappointing Month Of Reading :(

Unfortunately there were no real standout books for this month.For December 2021 I have been reading some slightly thinner works and took a break from the philosophy to find some fun ones that wouldn't test my brain too much. And whilst I did enjoy all of these, none of them stood out as something I would remember strongly and be likely to bring up in everyday conversation. I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:47) - The Portrait Of A

Dec 26, 2021 • 18:31

Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs (Paul Carter) - Book Review

Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs (Paul Carter) - Book Review

Woooooeeeewooooeeee. Misleading title alert!!!'Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs' by Paul Carter is a memoir of Paul's 35 years of life from 1969-2004. It's told in a chronological order and is centred around his work life in the oil drilling industry. This profession took him all over the world (Nigeria, Brunei, Colombia, Russia, Singapore, etc.,) and resulted in zany stories involving bar fights, a horny monkey, shocking injuries and a bar full of midgets.I summarised the book as follows. "It'

Dec 21, 2021 • 13:44

Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs (Paul Carter) - Book Review

Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs (Paul Carter) - Book Review

Woooooeeeewooooeeee. Misleading title alert!!!'Don't Tell Mum I Work On The Rigs' by Paul Carter is a memoir of Paul's 35 years of life from 1969-2004. It's told in a chronological order and is centred around his work life in the oil drilling industry. This profession took him all over the world (Nigeria, Brunei, Colombia, Russia, Singapore, etc.,) and resulted in zany stories involving bar fights, a horny monkey, shocking injuries and a bar full of midgets.I summarised the book as follows. "It'

Dec 21, 2021 • 13:45

Peril At End House (Agatha Christie) - Book Review

Peril At End House (Agatha Christie) - Book Review

Mon Ami, Hercule Poirot is on the scene!'Peril At End House' by Agatha Christie is a whodunnit crime story that will leave you guessing until the very end. Nick Buckley has 3 close calls with death before her cousin Maggie is killed in her place. Fortunately Poirot and Hastings are available to investigate the crime and untangle the weave of seemingly incomprehensible events.I summarised the book as follows. "I found this mystery quite fun despite the morbid nature of the crime. It's the perfect

Dec 15, 2021 • 13:59

Peril At End House (Agatha Christie) - Book Review

Peril At End House (Agatha Christie) - Book Review

Mon Ami, Hercule Poirot is on the scene!'Peril At End House' by Agatha Christie is a whodunnit crime story that will leave you guessing until the very end. Nick Buckley has 3 close calls with death before her cousin Maggie is killed in her place. Fortunately Poirot and Hastings are available to investigate the crime and untangle the weave of seemingly incomprehensible events.I summarised the book as follows. "I found this mystery quite fun despite the morbid nature of the crime. It's the perfect

Dec 15, 2021 • 13:59

The Portrait Of A Lady (Henry James) - Book Review

The Portrait Of A Lady (Henry James) - Book Review

The ritual of courtship has really changed in the last century & a half. 'The Portrait Of A Lady' by Henry James is a fictional (although realistic) tale of love set in the 19th century. It follows Isabel Archer, a beautiful middle class American teenager who is elevated into the upper society of Europe and is courted by a suite of bachelors. It features a core group of 12-15 ladies & gentlemen and explores the themes of love and societal expectations.I summarised the book as follows. "T

Dec 7, 2021 • 31:05

The Portrait Of A Lady (Henry James) - Book Review

The Portrait Of A Lady (Henry James) - Book Review

The ritual of courtship has really changed in the last century & a half. 'The Portrait Of A Lady' by Henry James is a fictional (although realistic) tale of love set in the 19th century. It follows Isabel Archer, a beautiful middle class American teenager who is elevated into the upper society of Europe and is courted by a suite of bachelors. It features a core group of 12-15 ladies & gentlemen and explores the themes of love and societal expectations.I summarised the book as follows. "T

Dec 7, 2021 • 31:05

Cilka's Journey (Heather Morris) - Book Review

Cilka's Journey (Heather Morris) - Book Review

'Cilka's Journey' by Heather Morris is the sequel to 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' which we have covered on the channel before.I summarised the book as follows. "Didn't quite live up to the original, the book felt like it was several pages too many and while the story itself was great it could have been constructed in a better way."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!If you'd like to support the team and grab the book, why not use this link! https://amzn.to/3cV

Nov 30, 2021 • 16:19

Cilka's Journey (Heather Morris) - Book Review

Cilka's Journey (Heather Morris) - Book Review

'Cilka's Journey' by Heather Morris is the sequel to 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' which we have covered on the channel before.I summarised the book as follows. "Didn't quite live up to the original, the book felt like it was several pages too many and while the story itself was great it could have been constructed in a better way."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!If you'd like to support the team and grab the book, why not use this link! https://amzn.to/3cV

Nov 30, 2021 • 16:20

German Philosophy Is Difficult To Understand: November 2021 Recap

German Philosophy Is Difficult To Understand: November 2021 Recap

This recap was supported with the help of Petar the slav, many thanks for the boostagrams!Well I tried my best to understand what the Germans think about life but it wasn't too successful. I found the writing of Nietzsche and Heidegger to be quite obscure and didn't really learn anything from them. I did have fun diving into the Dune world though, just in time to see the upcoming movie. Juan enjoyed reading (as much as one can) about the story of The Tattooist Of Auschwitz and I reveal some of t

Nov 28, 2021 • 21:11

German Philosophy Is Difficult To Understand: November 2021 Recap

German Philosophy Is Difficult To Understand: November 2021 Recap

This recap was supported with the help of Petar the slav, many thanks for the boostagrams!Well I tried my best to understand what the Germans think about life but it wasn't too successful. I found the writing of Nietzsche and Heidegger to be quite obscure and didn't really learn anything from them. I did have fun diving into the Dune world though, just in time to see the upcoming movie. Juan enjoyed reading (as much as one can) about the story of The Tattooist Of Auschwitz and I reveal some of t

Nov 28, 2021 • 21:11

Beyond Good And Evil (Friedrich Nietzsche) - Book Review

Beyond Good And Evil (Friedrich Nietzsche) - Book Review

I don't use the word often, but 'polemical' describes this work perfectly.'Beyond Good And Evil' by Friedrich Nietzsche is mostly an attack on philosophers but also contains snippets of his general thoughts on the interplay between religion & society, the mindset of a free spirit and some other assorted rants. It was originally written in his native German and is mostly comprised of statements (rather than logical arguments) of his opinions on all these topics.I summarised the book as follow

Nov 23, 2021 • 23:35

Beyond Good And Evil (Friedrich Nietzsche) - Book Review

Beyond Good And Evil (Friedrich Nietzsche) - Book Review

I don't use the word often, but 'polemical' describes this work perfectly.'Beyond Good And Evil' by Friedrich Nietzsche is mostly an attack on philosophers but also contains snippets of his general thoughts on the interplay between religion & society, the mindset of a free spirit and some other assorted rants. It was originally written in his native German and is mostly comprised of statements (rather than logical arguments) of his opinions on all these topics.I summarised the book as follow

Nov 23, 2021 • 23:35

The Question Concerning Technology (Martin Heidegger) - Book Review

The Question Concerning Technology (Martin Heidegger) - Book Review

More questions than answers, more confusion than clarity.'The Question Concerning Technology' by Martin Heidegger is a philosophical book containing multiple essays by the German philosopher. It centres around his concepts of 'Standing Reserve' & 'Enframing' but also contains a deconstruction of Nietzsche as well. The book contains no real structure but does have many helpful notes from the translator (as it was originally written in German).I summarised the book as follows. "I have no idea

Nov 16, 2021 • 11:23

The Question Concerning Technology (Martin Heidegger) - Book Review

The Question Concerning Technology (Martin Heidegger) - Book Review

More questions than answers, more confusion than clarity.'The Question Concerning Technology' by Martin Heidegger is a philosophical book containing multiple essays by the German philosopher. It centres around his concepts of 'Standing Reserve' & 'Enframing' but also contains a deconstruction of Nietzsche as well. The book contains no real structure but does have many helpful notes from the translator (as it was originally written in German).I summarised the book as follows. "I have no idea

Nov 16, 2021 • 11:24

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris) - Book Review

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris) - Book Review

'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' by Heather Morris blends fiction with reality to bring the tale of the Tattooist of Auschwitz to us all, his love for Gita and the things one must do to survive.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!If you would like to support the Mere Mortals, feel free to grab this book here: https://amzn.to/3H16rMOTimeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - Synopsis(8:40) - Themes/Takeaways(11:34) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.merem

Nov 9, 2021 • 12:01

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris) - Book Review

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Heather Morris) - Book Review

'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' by Heather Morris blends fiction with reality to bring the tale of the Tattooist of Auschwitz to us all, his love for Gita and the things one must do to survive.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!If you would like to support the Mere Mortals, feel free to grab this book here: https://amzn.to/3H16rMOTimeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - Synopsis(8:40) - Themes/Takeaways(11:34) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.merem

Nov 9, 2021 • 12:02

Dune (Frank Herbert) - Book Review

Dune (Frank Herbert) - Book Review

He who controls the spice controls the universe!'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a sci-fi classic that is comparable with some of the other amazing fictional universes. The story takes place on Arrakis, a barren planet scarce of water but containing the immensely valuable spice. House Atreides suffers a catastrophic betrayal and so the young Duke Paul undergoes a quest for revenge and to restore his rightful inheritance. I summarised the book as follows. "It's a fun world and I can see why it has fana

Nov 2, 2021 • 17:46

Dune (Frank Herbert) - Book Review

Dune (Frank Herbert) - Book Review

He who controls the spice controls the universe!'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a sci-fi classic that is comparable with some of the other amazing fictional universes. The story takes place on Arrakis, a barren planet scarce of water but containing the immensely valuable spice. House Atreides suffers a catastrophic betrayal and so the young Duke Paul undergoes a quest for revenge and to restore his rightful inheritance. I summarised the book as follows. "It's a fun world and I can see why it has fana

Nov 2, 2021 • 17:47

Humankind (Rutger Bregman) - Book Review

Humankind (Rutger Bregman) - Book Review

Everything you know about human nature is a falsehood, but maybe that's a good thing.'Humankind' by Rutger Bregman is an argument for why humans are good at heart (and in action). He presents this as a dichotomy between the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes & Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Much of the book is spent debunking commonly cited examples of our innate cruelty (Milgram Shock/Standford Prison experiments), but also has anecdotes from history and more trustworthy statistics.I summarised the book a

Oct 26, 2021 • 19:25

Humankind (Rutger Bregman) - Book Review

Humankind (Rutger Bregman) - Book Review

Everything you know about human nature is a falsehood, but maybe that's a good thing.'Humankind' by Rutger Bregman is an argument for why humans are good at heart (and in action). He presents this as a dichotomy between the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes & Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Much of the book is spent debunking commonly cited examples of our innate cruelty (Milgram Shock/Standford Prison experiments), but also has anecdotes from history and more trustworthy statistics.I summarised the book a

Oct 26, 2021 • 19:25

Slowing The Pace: October 2021 Recap

Slowing The Pace: October 2021 Recap

I had to slow down my reading pace to about 1 x book per week due to focusing on some new goals. I also think my average page length might be slightly increasing which also is a reason for the slow down. So only 3 x reviews for me from this month. The real highlight (which I forgot to mention) was Juan's review of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari which he reckons is the best book he's ever read. Worth going to check out that book review!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world.

Oct 25, 2021 • 17:04

Slowing The Pace: October 2021 Recap

Slowing The Pace: October 2021 Recap

I had to slow down my reading pace to about 1 x book per week due to focusing on some new goals. I also think my average page length might be slightly increasing which also is a reason for the slow down. So only 3 x reviews for me from this month. The real highlight (which I forgot to mention) was Juan's review of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari which he reckons is the best book he's ever read. Worth going to check out that book review!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world.

Oct 25, 2021 • 17:04

Sapiens (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Sapiens (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Let's go on a journey through human history in 500 pages.A glimpse into my love for the book Sapiens, the points that really struck me and how much information can be packed in one book is beyond me.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!If you would like to support us and grab the book use our link here! https://amzn.to/3vfVfXeTimeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:28) - Synopsis(3:05) - Not a historical book(4:35) - Synopsis, or not(5:27) - Personal observations(10:15) - Su

Oct 19, 2021 • 12:39

Sapiens (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Sapiens (Yuval Noah Harari) - Book Review

Let's go on a journey through human history in 500 pages.A glimpse into my love for the book Sapiens, the points that really struck me and how much information can be packed in one book is beyond me.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!If you would like to support us and grab the book use our link here! https://amzn.to/3vfVfXeTimeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:28) - Synopsis(3:05) - Not a historical book(4:35) - Synopsis, or not(5:27) - Personal observations(10:15) - Su

Oct 19, 2021 • 12:39

An Autobiography (M.K. Gandhi) - Book Review

An Autobiography (M.K. Gandhi) - Book Review

A delve into the thoughts of a great leader, inspiring visionary, a venerable soul, but ultimately just a man.'An Autobiography' by M.K. Gandhi (also known as 'My Experiments With Truth') is an overview of his life from birth in 1869 to 1921. It is split into 5 parts which reflect his time spent studying in England, working in South Africa and protesting in India. It was originally published as a series in a magazine in 166 individual chapters, so contains diverse topics such as dietetics, ethic

Oct 12, 2021 • 17:48

An Autobiography (M.K. Gandhi) - Book Review

An Autobiography (M.K. Gandhi) - Book Review

A delve into the thoughts of a great leader, inspiring visionary, a venerable soul, but ultimately just a man.'An Autobiography' by M.K. Gandhi (also known as 'My Experiments With Truth') is an overview of his life from birth in 1869 to 1921. It is split into 5 parts which reflect his time spent studying in England, working in South Africa and protesting in India. It was originally published as a series in a magazine in 166 individual chapters, so contains diverse topics such as dietetics, ethic

Oct 12, 2021 • 17:48

The Heart Of The Buddha's Teaching (Thich Nhat Hanh) - Book Review

The Heart Of The Buddha's Teaching (Thich Nhat Hanh) - Book Review

I'm finding a common pattern amongst books on this subject that I'm really not enjoying.'The Heart Of The Buddha's Teaching' by Thich Nhat Hanh is an explanation of the most essential ideas, instructions, teachings and guides of Buddhism & the Buddha. It is split into 4 parts with the first two deconstructing the Four Noble Truths & The Noble Eightfold Path and the latter two examining other basic precepts and direct discourses from the Buddha.I summarised the book as follows. "For me, n

Oct 5, 2021 • 16:39

The Heart Of The Buddha's Teaching (Thich Nhat Hanh) - Book Review

The Heart Of The Buddha's Teaching (Thich Nhat Hanh) - Book Review

I'm finding a common pattern amongst books on this subject that I'm really not enjoying.'The Heart Of The Buddha's Teaching' by Thich Nhat Hanh is an explanation of the most essential ideas, instructions, teachings and guides of Buddhism & the Buddha. It is split into 4 parts with the first two deconstructing the Four Noble Truths & The Noble Eightfold Path and the latter two examining other basic precepts and direct discourses from the Buddha.I summarised the book as follows. "For me, n

Oct 5, 2021 • 16:39

The Death Of Ivan Ilyich (Leo Tolstoy) - Book Review

The Death Of Ivan Ilyich (Leo Tolstoy) - Book Review

Authentically Russian. Depressingly bleak, a touch of divinity and more than a little strange.'The Death Of Ivan Ilyich' by Leo Tolstoy is a collection of 11 novellas, which contain Russian everything (characters, landscape, traditions, culture, etc.,). There is no connecting theme in the stories but they do contain some commonalities. They're told from an outside narrator, have men as the principal characters, contain multiple references to Russian words or Arabic influences and are about every

Sep 28, 2021 • 15:16

The Death Of Ivan Ilyich (Leo Tolstoy) - Book Review

The Death Of Ivan Ilyich (Leo Tolstoy) - Book Review

Authentically Russian. Depressingly bleak, a touch of divinity and more than a little strange.'The Death Of Ivan Ilyich' by Leo Tolstoy is a collection of 11 novellas, which contain Russian everything (characters, landscape, traditions, culture, etc.,). There is no connecting theme in the stories but they do contain some commonalities. They're told from an outside narrator, have men as the principal characters, contain multiple references to Russian words or Arabic influences and are about every

Sep 28, 2021 • 15:16

A Mixed Bag: September 2021 Recap

A Mixed Bag: September 2021 Recap

Recap timeeee! Yessiree, here's an overview of the 7 books I read (and 2 x book review from Juan) that was posted in September 2021. The standout for me was Candide by Voltaire, very witty and has obviously stood the test of time (it was published 260 years ago!). Most of the rest were pretty solid books that ranged from philosophy to children's books to religion to suffering (both fictional and in real life). Quite a mixed bag indeed.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world

Sep 26, 2021 • 17:07

A Mixed Bag: September 2021 Recap

A Mixed Bag: September 2021 Recap

Recap timeeee! Yessiree, here's an overview of the 7 books I read (and 2 x book review from Juan) that was posted in September 2021. The standout for me was Candide by Voltaire, very witty and has obviously stood the test of time (it was published 260 years ago!). Most of the rest were pretty solid books that ranged from philosophy to children's books to religion to suffering (both fictional and in real life). Quite a mixed bag indeed.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world

Sep 26, 2021 • 17:07

Lord Of The Flies (William Golding) - Book Review

Lord Of The Flies (William Golding) - Book Review

A dive into the brutality of humanity, but childlike in nature and without the bullshit of politics.'Lord Of The Flies' by William Golding is a boy's dream adventure that takes a dark turn. It begins with an intro to a group of 6-14 year olds who are stranded on a small island without an adult in site. Tensions run high as the responsible tribe formed by Ralph is splintered by the tribalistic Jack. The savagery of human nature and deep seated fear of the Beast is exposed as the hunting progresse

Sep 24, 2021 • 17:53

Lord Of The Flies (William Golding) - Book Review

Lord Of The Flies (William Golding) - Book Review

A dive into the brutality of humanity, but childlike in nature and without the bullshit of politics.'Lord Of The Flies' by William Golding is a boy's dream adventure that takes a dark turn. It begins with an intro to a group of 6-14 year olds who are stranded on a small island without an adult in site. Tensions run high as the responsible tribe formed by Ralph is splintered by the tribalistic Jack. The savagery of human nature and deep seated fear of the Beast is exposed as the hunting progresse

Sep 24, 2021 • 17:54

Hiroshima (John Hersey) - Book Review

Hiroshima (John Hersey) - Book Review

Shocking and devastating in every which way.'Hiroshima' by John Hersey details the accounts of 6 survivors from the atomic blast on August 6, 1945 @ 8:15 am. It goes over their injuries, the general chaos, widespread destructive effects, uncertainty of the future, overt heroism on the morning of, and the statistics of the death count. 5 chapters form a timeline of their stories before/during/1 day/3 days and 40 years after their horrific ordeal.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a brief sna

Sep 21, 2021 • 12:01

Hiroshima (John Hersey) - Book Review

Hiroshima (John Hersey) - Book Review

Shocking and devastating in every which way.'Hiroshima' by John Hersey details the accounts of 6 survivors from the atomic blast on August 6, 1945 @ 8:15 am. It goes over their injuries, the general chaos, widespread destructive effects, uncertainty of the future, overt heroism on the morning of, and the statistics of the death count. 5 chapters form a timeline of their stories before/during/1 day/3 days and 40 years after their horrific ordeal.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a brief sna

Sep 21, 2021 • 12:01

Discourses & Selected Writings (Epictetus) - Book Review

Discourses & Selected Writings (Epictetus) - Book Review

Like most moralising old men, this philosopher will either enlighten you, bore you, piss you off or a combo of all.'Discourses & Selected Writings' by Epictetus are the words of wisdom from a notable stoic philosopher. It goes over his core principles/main ideas through the medium of assertions, arguments and conversations. Like most stoic philosophy, there is an emphasis on making this practical and pragmatic; to provide implementable changes in your day to day life.I summarised the book as

Sep 17, 2021 • 13:49

Discourses & Selected Writings (Epictetus) - Book Review

Discourses & Selected Writings (Epictetus) - Book Review

Like most moralising old men, this philosopher will either enlighten you, bore you, piss you off or a combo of all.'Discourses & Selected Writings' by Epictetus are the words of wisdom from a notable stoic philosopher. It goes over his core principles/main ideas through the medium of assertions, arguments and conversations. Like most stoic philosophy, there is an emphasis on making this practical and pragmatic; to provide implementable changes in your day to day life.I summarised the book as

Sep 17, 2021 • 13:48

Going Clear (Lawrence Wright) - Book Review

Going Clear (Lawrence Wright) - Book Review

Begone you engrams, let me be the Thetan I was born to be!'Going Clear' by Lawrence Wright is an exposé mixed with the history of Scientology. The first half begins with a bio on the mythical/enigmatic L. Ron Hubbard and his life. The second half is of modern Scientology & its influential figures (such as David Miscavige, Tom Cruise and Paul Haggis). The book explores the beliefs, controversies, internal disputes as well as asking what is a religion? I summarised the book as follows. "I felt

Sep 14, 2021 • 16:11

Going Clear (Lawrence Wright) - Book Review

Going Clear (Lawrence Wright) - Book Review

Begone you engrams, let me be the Thetan I was born to be!'Going Clear' by Lawrence Wright is an exposé mixed with the history of Scientology. The first half begins with a bio on the mythical/enigmatic L. Ron Hubbard and his life. The second half is of modern Scientology & its influential figures (such as David Miscavige, Tom Cruise and Paul Haggis). The book explores the beliefs, controversies, internal disputes as well as asking what is a religion? I summarised the book as follows. "I felt

Sep 14, 2021 • 16:12

The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) - Book Review

The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) - Book Review

One of those rare books that appeals to adults & kids alike.'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a surprisingly complex story to convey a simple message. It is a combination of two tales that are intertwined together. One is of an adult aviator who has forgotten how to see the world through the eyes of a child. The other is of an interstellar boy who easily sees the foolishness of adults, but also must learn about relationships and love.I summarised the book as follows. "It's d

Sep 10, 2021 • 14:29

The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) - Book Review

The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) - Book Review

One of those rare books that appeals to adults & kids alike.'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a surprisingly complex story to convey a simple message. It is a combination of two tales that are intertwined together. One is of an adult aviator who has forgotten how to see the world through the eyes of a child. The other is of an interstellar boy who easily sees the foolishness of adults, but also must learn about relationships and love.I summarised the book as follows. "It's d

Sep 10, 2021 • 14:29

Everyone Has A Plan Until Sh!t Hits The Fan (Tofe Evans) - Book Review

Everyone Has A Plan Until Sh!t Hits The Fan (Tofe Evans) - Book Review

'Everyone Has A Plan Until Sh!t Hits The Fan' by Tofe Evans looks at the journey from dispair & depression through to success, a focused mind and personal resilience.I summarised the book as follows. "A quaint and straight to the point book written by Tofe. The quintessential self-help book written by someone who just wants to ensure it is read by someone and helps them out to the utmost. Splices his troubles as a young man, getting out of drug addictions and using running as the tool to har

Sep 9, 2021 • 14:52

Everyone Has A Plan Until Sh!t Hits The Fan (Tofe Evans) - Book Review

Everyone Has A Plan Until Sh!t Hits The Fan (Tofe Evans) - Book Review

'Everyone Has A Plan Until Sh!t Hits The Fan' by Tofe Evans looks at the journey from dispair & depression through to success, a focused mind and personal resilience.I summarised the book as follows. "A quaint and straight to the point book written by Tofe. The quintessential self-help book written by someone who just wants to ensure it is read by someone and helps them out to the utmost. Splices his troubles as a young man, getting out of drug addictions and using running as the tool to har

Sep 9, 2021 • 14:52

Candide (Voltaire) - Book Review

Candide (Voltaire) - Book Review

An unwavering spirit maybe isn't such a great thing after all.'Candide' by Voltaire is a funny satire on the philosophical idea/theory of Optimism, which was popular during the French Enlightenment. It is a roving adventure of the ever hopeful Candide as he learns about the harshness of the world while chasing his love Cunégonde and spreading the philosophy of Dr Pangloss. His travels take him across Europe, South America & the Middle East with numerous mishaps and encounters with embittered

Sep 8, 2021 • 13:44

Candide (Voltaire) - Book Review

Candide (Voltaire) - Book Review

An unwavering spirit maybe isn't such a great thing after all.'Candide' by Voltaire is a funny satire on the philosophical idea/theory of Optimism, which was popular during the French Enlightenment. It is a roving adventure of the ever hopeful Candide as he learns about the harshness of the world while chasing his love Cunégonde and spreading the philosophy of Dr Pangloss. His travels take him across Europe, South America & the Middle East with numerous mishaps and encounters with embittered

Sep 8, 2021 • 13:45

Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) - Book Review

Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) - Book Review

'Shoe Dog' by Phil Knight details the journey of Nike's humble beginnings, from the Blue Ribbon Sports, through battling the Fed's, getting thrown out by banks.. the story does not hold back.I summarised the book as follows. "I really enjoyed reading this book, the way that Phil wrote the book himself and allowed the story to shine was excellent"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Mere Mortals out!If you would like to support the team and enjoyed this review, you can g

Sep 7, 2021 • 14:58

Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) - Book Review

Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) - Book Review

'Shoe Dog' by Phil Knight details the journey of Nike's humble beginnings, from the Blue Ribbon Sports, through battling the Fed's, getting thrown out by banks.. the story does not hold back.I summarised the book as follows. "I really enjoyed reading this book, the way that Phil wrote the book himself and allowed the story to shine was excellent"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Mere Mortals out!If you would like to support the team and enjoyed this review, you can g

Sep 7, 2021 • 14:58

What I Read In August | Book Recap

What I Read In August | Book Recap

Bit of a different episode for you today, I'm outdoors! And indeed I'm giving a recap of the 7 books I read (and 1 x book review from Juan) that was posted in August 2021. The standout really was Catch-22, can't rave about this book highly enough. It will make you laugh and still has plenty of room to bring up some darker themes related to war and the absurdity of politics/bureaucracy. Highly recommended!!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) -

Aug 29, 2021 • 16:28

What I Read In August | Book Recap

What I Read In August | Book Recap

Bit of a different episode for you today, I'm outdoors! And indeed I'm giving a recap of the 7 books I read (and 1 x book review from Juan) that was posted in August 2021. The standout really was Catch-22, can't rave about this book highly enough. It will make you laugh and still has plenty of room to bring up some darker themes related to war and the absurdity of politics/bureaucracy. Highly recommended!!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) -

Aug 29, 2021 • 16:28

Breakfast At Tiffany's (Truman Capote) - Book Review

Breakfast At Tiffany's (Truman Capote) - Book Review

You only have yourself to blame if you get burnt by girls like this.'Breakfast At Tiffany's' by Truman Capote is set in the middle of WWII in glamorous New York City. An unnamed narrator meets Holly Golightly, a young & pretty socialite who lives in his apartment building. Over the course of a year he becomes fascinated with her enigmatic lifestyle and her charisma. The book contains no real plot line and is more of a look at life in the 1940's and of why Holly is such a fascinating individu

Aug 27, 2021 • 13:39

Breakfast At Tiffany's (Truman Capote) - Book Review

Breakfast At Tiffany's (Truman Capote) - Book Review

You only have yourself to blame if you get burnt by girls like this.'Breakfast At Tiffany's' by Truman Capote is set in the middle of WWII in glamorous New York City. An unnamed narrator meets Holly Golightly, a young & pretty socialite who lives in his apartment building. Over the course of a year he becomes fascinated with her enigmatic lifestyle and her charisma. The book contains no real plot line and is more of a look at life in the 1940's and of why Holly is such a fascinating individu

Aug 27, 2021 • 13:38

Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) - Book Review

Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) - Book Review

Easily the funniest book I've ever read!'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is fictional novel set on a US air force base on an island off Northern Italy during WWII. It follows Yossarian whilst he tries to avoid flying missions as everyone is out to kill him. He is joined by a collection of other wacky characters as they all show their peculiar idiosyncrasies. The book highlights the absurdity of army politics, the waste that is generated by bureaucracy and the mundanity of war (with brief flashes of i

Aug 24, 2021 • 16:36

Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) - Book Review

Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) - Book Review

Easily the funniest book I've ever read!'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is fictional novel set on a US air force base on an island off Northern Italy during WWII. It follows Yossarian whilst he tries to avoid flying missions as everyone is out to kill him. He is joined by a collection of other wacky characters as they all show their peculiar idiosyncrasies. The book highlights the absurdity of army politics, the waste that is generated by bureaucracy and the mundanity of war (with brief flashes of i

Aug 24, 2021 • 16:36

The Art of Resilience (Ross Edgley) - Book Review

The Art of Resilience (Ross Edgley) - Book Review

"What can we learn from the individual who swam around Great Britain"'The Art of Resilience' by Ross Edgely walks through the strategies for an unbreakable mind and body - right up the Mere Mortals alley!In summary "Simply written, it ties together Ross's learnings while swimming around Great Britain and brings together information that he has sourced through a lot of his travels as well tribulations. The learning summaries at the end of each chapter where nice, but after a while i found myself

Aug 20, 2021 • 17:08

The Art of Resilience (Ross Edgley) - Book Review

The Art of Resilience (Ross Edgley) - Book Review

"What can we learn from the individual who swam around Great Britain"'The Art of Resilience' by Ross Edgely walks through the strategies for an unbreakable mind and body - right up the Mere Mortals alley!In summary "Simply written, it ties together Ross's learnings while swimming around Great Britain and brings together information that he has sourced through a lot of his travels as well tribulations. The learning summaries at the end of each chapter where nice, but after a while i found myself

Aug 20, 2021 • 17:08

Heart Of Darkness (Joseph Conrad) - Book Review

Heart Of Darkness (Joseph Conrad) - Book Review

You would have to have a heart of darkness to not feel anything from this tale.'Heart Of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad is a fictional reworking of Conrad's own journey through the Congolese jungle. Marlow (the narrator) is a new captain that must direct his steamboat through the heart of the jungle to relieve agents of the ivory trader. He tells of his meeting with the almost mythical Kurtz, a charismatic madman with high aspirations to become 'great'.I summarised the book as follows. " It packs a

Aug 17, 2021 • 16:18

Heart Of Darkness (Joseph Conrad) - Book Review

Heart Of Darkness (Joseph Conrad) - Book Review

You would have to have a heart of darkness to not feel anything from this tale.'Heart Of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad is a fictional reworking of Conrad's own journey through the Congolese jungle. Marlow (the narrator) is a new captain that must direct his steamboat through the heart of the jungle to relieve agents of the ivory trader. He tells of his meeting with the almost mythical Kurtz, a charismatic madman with high aspirations to become 'great'.I summarised the book as follows. " It packs a

Aug 17, 2021 • 16:19

Mortality (Christopher Hitchens) - Book Review

Mortality (Christopher Hitchens) - Book Review

A topic that effects all of us Mere Mortals.'Mortality' by Christopher Hitchens is brief (& somewhat meandering) reflection on dying. Hitch was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2010 and the disease 'battled him' for a 1.5 years before his death. The book is not focused on death itself, but more the process of dying. This includes his thoughts on being in/out of hospital, deterioration of the body and the public perception/reaction to cancer.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a quick

Aug 13, 2021 • 17:35

Mortality (Christopher Hitchens) - Book Review

Mortality (Christopher Hitchens) - Book Review

A topic that effects all of us Mere Mortals.'Mortality' by Christopher Hitchens is brief (& somewhat meandering) reflection on dying. Hitch was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2010 and the disease 'battled him' for a 1.5 years before his death. The book is not focused on death itself, but more the process of dying. This includes his thoughts on being in/out of hospital, deterioration of the body and the public perception/reaction to cancer.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a quick

Aug 13, 2021 • 17:35

Cubs & Other Stories (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

Cubs & Other Stories (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

The adolescent Peruvian coming of age story seems a tad more intense than most others.'Cubs & Other Stories' by Mario Vargas Llosa is a group of 7 fictional (but lifelike) short stories mostly involving young men/boys. The titular story is of a boy who is castrated by a dog and then turns into a wild rebellious teen. All take place in Peru with most of them occurring in the capital of Lima. These were written at the start of Llosa's career and were mostly published independently in newspaper

Aug 10, 2021 • 8:30

Cubs & Other Stories (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

Cubs & Other Stories (Mario Vargas Llosa) - Book Review

The adolescent Peruvian coming of age story seems a tad more intense than most others.'Cubs & Other Stories' by Mario Vargas Llosa is a group of 7 fictional (but lifelike) short stories mostly involving young men/boys. The titular story is of a boy who is castrated by a dog and then turns into a wild rebellious teen. All take place in Peru with most of them occurring in the capital of Lima. These were written at the start of Llosa's career and were mostly published independently in newspaper

Aug 10, 2021 • 8:30

Of Mice & Men (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Of Mice & Men (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Lots of mice and lots of men, just what I like in my books!'Of Mice & Men' by John Steinbeck is a short novella about migrant farm workers set in Soledad, California during the early 20th century. Lennie is a mentally disabled 'gentle giant' who accompanies the quick-witted George in their travels. Lennie inadvertently draws in trouble and relies on George to survive. The core themes explore the cruel mercy required to prevent great pain, the rollercoaster ride of hope with dashed dreams &am

Aug 6, 2021 • 11:20

Of Mice & Men (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Of Mice & Men (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Lots of mice and lots of men, just what I like in my books!'Of Mice & Men' by John Steinbeck is a short novella about migrant farm workers set in Soledad, California during the early 20th century. Lennie is a mentally disabled 'gentle giant' who accompanies the quick-witted George in their travels. Lennie inadvertently draws in trouble and relies on George to survive. The core themes explore the cruel mercy required to prevent great pain, the rollercoaster ride of hope with dashed dreams &am

Aug 6, 2021 • 11:19

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Yukio Mishima) - Book Review

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Yukio Mishima) - Book Review

A book where I'm certainly glad the ending got cut short!'The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea' by Yukio Mishima is a story of 3 characters with romantic notions that crunch up against reality. Set in post WWII Yokohoma, young Noboru struggles to accept the courtship and impending marriage of his widowed mother Fusako with the stoic sailor Ryuji. The themes delve into the sentimental honour to be gained with glory and finding meaning in life by dampening emotions to embrace destruction/em

Aug 3, 2021 • 15:05

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Yukio Mishima) - Book Review

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Yukio Mishima) - Book Review

A book where I'm certainly glad the ending got cut short!'The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea' by Yukio Mishima is a story of 3 characters with romantic notions that crunch up against reality. Set in post WWII Yokohoma, young Noboru struggles to accept the courtship and impending marriage of his widowed mother Fusako with the stoic sailor Ryuji. The themes delve into the sentimental honour to be gained with glory and finding meaning in life by dampening emotions to embrace destruction/em

Aug 3, 2021 • 15:05

Gould's Book Of Fish (Richard Flanagan) - Book Review

Gould's Book Of Fish (Richard Flanagan) - Book Review

An absurd, ridiculous tale of dark humour that might just contain some deeper meaning.'Gould's Book Of Fish' by Richard Flanagan tells the tale of William Buelow Gould, an English convict transported to the penal colony on Sarah's Island and who becomes enamoured with ..... fishes! Whilst it contains elements of real life it is dominated by the fantastical events & insanity of the principal characters.I summarised the book as follows. "I hope Flanagan has as much fun writing this as I did re

Jul 30, 2021 • 17:10

Gould's Book Of Fish (Richard Flanagan) - Book Review

Gould's Book Of Fish (Richard Flanagan) - Book Review

An absurd, ridiculous tale of dark humour that might just contain some deeper meaning.'Gould's Book Of Fish' by Richard Flanagan tells the tale of William Buelow Gould, an English convict transported to the penal colony on Sarah's Island and who becomes enamoured with ..... fishes! Whilst it contains elements of real life it is dominated by the fantastical events & insanity of the principal characters.I summarised the book as follows. "I hope Flanagan has as much fun writing this as I did re

Jul 30, 2021 • 17:11

My Brilliant Career (Miles Franklin) - Book Review

My Brilliant Career (Miles Franklin) - Book Review

Not sure I've read a book full of more dislikeable characters.'My Brilliant Career' by Miles Franklin is set in 1890's rural Australia and recounts the maturation of Sybylla Melvyn from age 16-21. Sybylla's ambition is grandiose and she constantly struggles to deal with her immediate circumstances and believes herself above the indigence of her family. The book is notable for the young age of Franklin upon publication (21 yrs old) and that it has developed into an Aussie classic over the course

Jul 27, 2021 • 14:49

My Brilliant Career (Miles Franklin) - Book Review

My Brilliant Career (Miles Franklin) - Book Review

Not sure I've read a book full of more dislikeable characters.'My Brilliant Career' by Miles Franklin is set in 1890's rural Australia and recounts the maturation of Sybylla Melvyn from age 16-21. Sybylla's ambition is grandiose and she constantly struggles to deal with her immediate circumstances and believes herself above the indigence of her family. The book is notable for the young age of Franklin upon publication (21 yrs old) and that it has developed into an Aussie classic over the course

Jul 27, 2021 • 14:48

The Best Australian Books - Aussie Book Month

The Best Australian Books - Aussie Book Month

Aussie Aussie Aussie! Books Books Books! Want a collection of some of the best Australian books, I got you covered. I read 8 books this month and 5 of these are considered classics while the other 3 are more modern. I had lots of fun diving into the world of Australian literature and found out that we actually have some good authors, both in the past and present. Worth giving them a check out if you're feeling patriotic!As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Ky

Jul 26, 2021 • 27:16

The Best Australian Books - Aussie Book Month

The Best Australian Books - Aussie Book Month

Aussie Aussie Aussie! Books Books Books! Want a collection of some of the best Australian books, I got you covered. I read 8 books this month and 5 of these are considered classics while the other 3 are more modern. I had lots of fun diving into the world of Australian literature and found out that we actually have some good authors, both in the past and present. Worth giving them a check out if you're feeling patriotic!As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Ky

Jul 26, 2021 • 27:16

Requiem With Yellow Butterflies (James Halford) - Book Review

Requiem With Yellow Butterflies (James Halford) - Book Review

The best way to describe this book is that it's an academic version of the travel memoirs I wouldn't write.'Requiem With Yellow Butterflies' by James Halford is an Aussie book that is non-linear and contains a jumpy back and forth structure. It contains his South American travel memoirs from 2007, analysis of various influential authors and their works plus a present day love story alternating between Brisbane/Mexico City with his Mexican wife. It explores the experiences of travel, the point of

Jul 23, 2021 • 17:09

Requiem With Yellow Butterflies (James Halford) - Book Review

Requiem With Yellow Butterflies (James Halford) - Book Review

The best way to describe this book is that it's an academic version of the travel memoirs I wouldn't write.'Requiem With Yellow Butterflies' by James Halford is an Aussie book that is non-linear and contains a jumpy back and forth structure. It contains his South American travel memoirs from 2007, analysis of various influential authors and their works plus a present day love story alternating between Brisbane/Mexico City with his Mexican wife. It explores the experiences of travel, the point of

Jul 23, 2021 • 17:09

My Brother Jack (George Johnston) - Book Review

My Brother Jack (George Johnston) - Book Review

It's eerie coming across the literary version of yourself, essentially the same person who lived a different life and made different decisions.'My Brother Jack' by George Johnston is a classic Aussie story about family relations, cultural snapshots, responsibility and dashed dreams. It is narrated by David Meredith and is mostly an introspective story but with the constant play of the polarity between himself and his brother Jack. There are many themes contained within but David's shirking of re

Jul 20, 2021 • 24:32

My Brother Jack (George Johnston) - Book Review

My Brother Jack (George Johnston) - Book Review

It's eerie coming across the literary version of yourself, essentially the same person who lived a different life and made different decisions.'My Brother Jack' by George Johnston is a classic Aussie story about family relations, cultural snapshots, responsibility and dashed dreams. It is narrated by David Meredith and is mostly an introspective story but with the constant play of the polarity between himself and his brother Jack. There are many themes contained within but David's shirking of re

Jul 20, 2021 • 24:32

Innovation in Australia (Ben Kehoe) - Book Review

Innovation in Australia (Ben Kehoe) - Book Review

'Innovation in Australia' by Ben Kehoe explores big questions which ultimately land us with a view that we really need a better vision for our future. Can business leaders can play a bigger role? In Innovation in Australia: Creating Prosperity for Future Generations, Ben Kehoe discusses how Australian businesses can improve their rates of collaboration, commercialising our innovative Australian ideas here, rather than shipping them offshore, and how this can increase the prosperity of our nation

Jul 16, 2021 • 14:21

Innovation in Australia (Ben Kehoe) - Book Review

Innovation in Australia (Ben Kehoe) - Book Review

'Innovation in Australia' by Ben Kehoe explores big questions which ultimately land us with a view that we really need a better vision for our future. Can business leaders can play a bigger role? In Innovation in Australia: Creating Prosperity for Future Generations, Ben Kehoe discusses how Australian businesses can improve their rates of collaboration, commercialising our innovative Australian ideas here, rather than shipping them offshore, and how this can increase the prosperity of our nation

Jul 16, 2021 • 14:20

Picnic At Hanging Rock (Joan Lindsay) - Book Review

Picnic At Hanging Rock (Joan Lindsay) - Book Review

So have you solved the mystery of what actually happened at Hanging Rock?'Picnic At Hanging Rock' by Joan Lindsay is a fictional mystery that actually occurs at a real place. We follow the ladies from an Australian boarding school as their ideal day takes a tragic turn for the worse. The book is notable for it's rapid character switching and detailed descriptions of the scenery and unfolding events.I summarised the book as follows. "I was slightly hesitant at first but this book surprised me. It

Jul 13, 2021 • 10:45

Picnic At Hanging Rock (Joan Lindsay) - Book Review

Picnic At Hanging Rock (Joan Lindsay) - Book Review

So have you solved the mystery of what actually happened at Hanging Rock?'Picnic At Hanging Rock' by Joan Lindsay is a fictional mystery that actually occurs at a real place. We follow the ladies from an Australian boarding school as their ideal day takes a tragic turn for the worse. The book is notable for it's rapid character switching and detailed descriptions of the scenery and unfolding events.I summarised the book as follows. "I was slightly hesitant at first but this book surprised me. It

Jul 13, 2021 • 10:44

True History Of The Kelly Gang (Peter Carey) - Book Review

True History Of The Kelly Gang (Peter Carey) - Book Review

Whilst reading this 'true' history I couldn't tell whether I was confused, annoyed, entertained or disappointed.'True History Of The Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey is a fictional retelling of the famous bushman's life from beginning til end. It's a 1st person narrative told from Ned Kelly's point of view using the medium of letters addressed to his fictional daughter. It tells of his troubled childhood, apprenticeship under Harry Power, the police corruption & circumstances that drove him to a l

Jul 9, 2021 • 12:04

True History Of The Kelly Gang (Peter Carey) - Book Review

True History Of The Kelly Gang (Peter Carey) - Book Review

Whilst reading this 'true' history I couldn't tell whether I was confused, annoyed, entertained or disappointed.'True History Of The Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey is a fictional retelling of the famous bushman's life from beginning til end. It's a 1st person narrative told from Ned Kelly's point of view using the medium of letters addressed to his fictional daughter. It tells of his troubled childhood, apprenticeship under Harry Power, the police corruption & circumstances that drove him to a l

Jul 9, 2021 • 12:04

Poems Of The Bush (Banjo Paterson) - Book Review

Poems Of The Bush (Banjo Paterson) - Book Review

It's harder to get more Aussie than the poet who created Australia's unofficial 2nd anthem.'Poems Of The Bush' by Banjo Paterson is a picturesque book that combines his descriptive poetry with the colourful plates of Aussie artists. As the name implies, these are 23 of his over 160+ poems that are centred on the Australian outback and its rugged beauty. Two of his most notable works are not included (Waltzing Matilda/The Man From Snowy River) but it does include classics such as Clancy Of The Ov

Jul 6, 2021 • 10:38

Poems Of The Bush (Banjo Paterson) - Book Review

Poems Of The Bush (Banjo Paterson) - Book Review

It's harder to get more Aussie than the poet who created Australia's unofficial 2nd anthem.'Poems Of The Bush' by Banjo Paterson is a picturesque book that combines his descriptive poetry with the colourful plates of Aussie artists. As the name implies, these are 23 of his over 160+ poems that are centred on the Australian outback and its rugged beauty. Two of his most notable works are not included (Waltzing Matilda/The Man From Snowy River) but it does include classics such as Clancy Of The Ov

Jul 6, 2021 • 10:39

We Of The Never Never & The Little Black Princess (Jeannie Gunn) - Book Review

We Of The Never Never & The Little Black Princess (Jeannie Gunn) - Book Review

What was Aussie bush life like back over 100 years ago?'We Of The Never Never & The Little Black Princess' by Jeannie Gunn are 2 separate stories (combined into 1 book) of her recollections living in the remote bush at the Elsey Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. The first story is of her maturation into a dependable missus and the characteristics of the people living in the outback. The second story is of Bett-Bett, an aboriginal girl who lives on the homestead for a short period whe

Jul 2, 2021 • 19:03

We Of The Never Never & The Little Black Princess (Jeannie Gunn) - Book Review

We Of The Never Never & The Little Black Princess (Jeannie Gunn) - Book Review

What was Aussie bush life like back over 100 years ago?'We Of The Never Never & The Little Black Princess' by Jeannie Gunn are 2 separate stories (combined into 1 book) of her recollections living in the remote bush at the Elsey Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. The first story is of her maturation into a dependable missus and the characteristics of the people living in the outback. The second story is of Bett-Bett, an aboriginal girl who lives on the homestead for a short period whe

Jul 2, 2021 • 19:03

Lost Horizon (James Hilton) - Book Review

Lost Horizon (James Hilton) - Book Review

Have you ever wondered why you have heard of the mythical place of Shangri-La?'Lost Horizon' by James Hilton is a utopian (although arguably dystopian) fictional adventure of 4 Westerners captured and held against their will. They remain in limbo in the Lamasery of Shangri-La high up in the unexplored mountaintops of Tibet. Although on the surface it seems to be an almost ideal existence there is a suspicious secret that adds a dark side to the tale. There are many themes to explore in the book

Jun 29, 2021 • 14:35

Lost Horizon (James Hilton) - Book Review

Lost Horizon (James Hilton) - Book Review

Have you ever wondered why you have heard of the mythical place of Shangri-La?'Lost Horizon' by James Hilton is a utopian (although arguably dystopian) fictional adventure of 4 Westerners captured and held against their will. They remain in limbo in the Lamasery of Shangri-La high up in the unexplored mountaintops of Tibet. Although on the surface it seems to be an almost ideal existence there is a suspicious secret that adds a dark side to the tale. There are many themes to explore in the book

Jun 29, 2021 • 14:35

What I Read In June | Book Recap

What I Read In June | Book Recap

Hey yo Mere Mortalites! I'm creating a new series that's an overview of all the books I published a book review of in the previous month. I'm also including some dishonourable mentions (books I started reading but subsequently dropped) and extra notes that I didn't include in the actual book reviews. A list of the books I read can be found in the timestamps below.As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro to the new recap(3:14) - L

Jun 28, 2021 • 32:02

What I Read In June | Book Recap

What I Read In June | Book Recap

Hey yo Mere Mortalites! I'm creating a new series that's an overview of all the books I published a book review of in the previous month. I'm also including some dishonourable mentions (books I started reading but subsequently dropped) and extra notes that I didn't include in the actual book reviews. A list of the books I read can be found in the timestamps below.As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro to the new recap(3:14) - L

Jun 28, 2021 • 32:02

Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu) - Book Review

Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu) - Book Review

How much difference can there be from two translations of the same work?'Tao Te Ching' by Lao Tzu is the most influential and well known of the Taoist texts. Traditionally it was thought to be written by a single man named Lao Tzu, although modern day scholars believe it was more likely an amalgamation from multiple sources. It contains 81 verses of varying length and is primarily musings/sayings for contemplation and philosophical purposes. There are multiple translations of this work and your

Jun 25, 2021 • 16:59

Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu) - Book Review

Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu) - Book Review

How much difference can there be from two translations of the same work?'Tao Te Ching' by Lao Tzu is the most influential and well known of the Taoist texts. Traditionally it was thought to be written by a single man named Lao Tzu, although modern day scholars believe it was more likely an amalgamation from multiple sources. It contains 81 verses of varying length and is primarily musings/sayings for contemplation and philosophical purposes. There are multiple translations of this work and your

Jun 25, 2021 • 16:59

The Old Man And The Sea (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

The Old Man And The Sea (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

"If a man was ever capable of making sweet love to the sea, this is the romantic story he would write."'The Old Man And The Sea' by Ernest Hemingway is a quite short novella of an old man (Santiago) and his relationship to the sea. Set in the Gulf of Mexico, it tells of his pitched battle with the biggest catch of his life and his eventual tainted victory. The book explores the way that humans connect with nature and why respect plays an important part in wisdom and old age.I summarised the book

Jun 22, 2021 • 12:11

The Old Man And The Sea (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

The Old Man And The Sea (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

"If a man was ever capable of making sweet love to the sea, this is the romantic story he would write."'The Old Man And The Sea' by Ernest Hemingway is a quite short novella of an old man (Santiago) and his relationship to the sea. Set in the Gulf of Mexico, it tells of his pitched battle with the biggest catch of his life and his eventual tainted victory. The book explores the way that humans connect with nature and why respect plays an important part in wisdom and old age.I summarised the book

Jun 22, 2021 • 12:11

River Out Of Eden (Richard Dawkins) - Book Review

River Out Of Eden (Richard Dawkins) - Book Review

"Never were so many facts explained by so few assumptions."'River Out Of Eden' by Richard Dawkins is a simplified explanation of Darwinian evolutionary theory. It contains 5 sections, all of which provide arguments for why natural selection is true and debunking those of creationists. These arguments are based on the science of DNA (ATCG base pairs), experiments/studies on animals (why bees dance for example), theories about replication/mutation and the utility function that results in a 50/50 g

Jun 18, 2021 • 9:35

River Out Of Eden (Richard Dawkins) - Book Review

River Out Of Eden (Richard Dawkins) - Book Review

"Never were so many facts explained by so few assumptions."'River Out Of Eden' by Richard Dawkins is a simplified explanation of Darwinian evolutionary theory. It contains 5 sections, all of which provide arguments for why natural selection is true and debunking those of creationists. These arguments are based on the science of DNA (ATCG base pairs), experiments/studies on animals (why bees dance for example), theories about replication/mutation and the utility function that results in a 50/50 g

Jun 18, 2021 • 9:35

The Story Of A Shipwrecked Sailor (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

The Story Of A Shipwrecked Sailor (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

What goes through your head when you experience the deepest isolation possible?'The Story Of A Shipwrecked Sailor' by Gabriel García Márquez is a small book and really the title says it all. It's a true story that occurred when Gabo was a journalist in Bogotá and got the chance to interview Luis Alejandro Velasco. He was the sole survivor of a shipwreck and endured 10 days adrift at sea without having any food to eat or water to drink. Some of the themes from the book are about isolation from al

Jun 15, 2021 • 13:48

The Story Of A Shipwrecked Sailor (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

The Story Of A Shipwrecked Sailor (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

What goes through your head when you experience the deepest isolation possible?'The Story Of A Shipwrecked Sailor' by Gabriel García Márquez is a small book and really the title says it all. It's a true story that occurred when Gabo was a journalist in Bogotá and got the chance to interview Luis Alejandro Velasco. He was the sole survivor of a shipwreck and endured 10 days adrift at sea without having any food to eat or water to drink. Some of the themes from the book are about isolation from al

Jun 15, 2021 • 13:48

A Farewell To Arms (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

A Farewell To Arms (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

Is it worse to die an ignoble death at the hands of your enemy, or those of your 'supposed' friends?'A Farewell To Arms' by Ernest Hemingway is one of the novels that emerged from WWI. It is the main American book as they joined the war relatively late in comparison to many of the other countries. It is a fictional story that tells of the ambulance driver Frederic Henry as he helps on the front line in Italy. He falls in love with a nurse named Catherine Barkley and eventually becomes disillusio

Jun 11, 2021 • 10:02

A Farewell To Arms (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

A Farewell To Arms (Ernest Hemingway) - Book Review

Is it worse to die an ignoble death at the hands of your enemy, or those of your 'supposed' friends?'A Farewell To Arms' by Ernest Hemingway is one of the novels that emerged from WWI. It is the main American book as they joined the war relatively late in comparison to many of the other countries. It is a fictional story that tells of the ambulance driver Frederic Henry as he helps on the front line in Italy. He falls in love with a nurse named Catherine Barkley and eventually becomes disillusio

Jun 11, 2021 • 10:01

Bringing Home The Dharma (Jack Kornfield) - Book Review

Bringing Home The Dharma (Jack Kornfield) - Book Review

There's a right way and a wrong way to create a compilation book ..... this is the right way. 'Bringing Home The Dharma' by Jack Kornfield is a basic introduction to Buddhism and it's core tenets. It is constructed from Jack's writing taken from essays, publications and other books. Within you'll find Zen quotes, personal anecdotes, stories involving his students and practical advice. There is a strong theoretical component focusing on the teachings/truth of the Dharma and a practical component

Jun 8, 2021 • 12:08

Bringing Home The Dharma (Jack Kornfield) - Book Review

Bringing Home The Dharma (Jack Kornfield) - Book Review

There's a right way and a wrong way to create a compilation book ..... this is the right way. 'Bringing Home The Dharma' by Jack Kornfield is a basic introduction to Buddhism and it's core tenets. It is constructed from Jack's writing taken from essays, publications and other books. Within you'll find Zen quotes, personal anecdotes, stories involving his students and practical advice. There is a strong theoretical component focusing on the teachings/truth of the Dharma and a practical component

Jun 8, 2021 • 12:07

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shunryu Suzuki) - Book Review

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shunryu Suzuki) - Book Review

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind' by Shunryu Suzuki is a musing on Zen Buddhism, enlightenment and meditation practice. Suzuki Roshi was a populariser of Zen in America and many regard this as one of the finest books on the topic. The core themes centre on the spiritual attainment of Buddha nature and the philosophy behind the practice of Zazen.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a succinct, simple & simu

Jun 4, 2021 • 12:40

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shunryu Suzuki) - Book Review

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shunryu Suzuki) - Book Review

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind' by Shunryu Suzuki is a musing on Zen Buddhism, enlightenment and meditation practice. Suzuki Roshi was a populariser of Zen in America and many regard this as one of the finest books on the topic. The core themes centre on the spiritual attainment of Buddha nature and the philosophy behind the practice of Zazen.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a succinct, simple & simu

Jun 4, 2021 • 12:41

The Essential Chuang Tzu (Chuang Tzu) - Book Review

The Essential Chuang Tzu (Chuang Tzu) - Book Review

He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know. 'The Essential Chuang Tzu' by Chuang Tzu is a 3rd century BCE collection of fables, teachings and stories predominantly about Tao & Taoism. It is a mix of fiction, fact and mythology that includes historical figures such as Confucius and Lao Tzu. It is known as one of the great works of eastern philosophy that contains the seeds of Zen/Buddhism and explains how enlightenment is actually just 'the way'. I summarised the book as follows

Jun 1, 2021 • 15:02

The Essential Chuang Tzu (Chuang Tzu) - Book Review

The Essential Chuang Tzu (Chuang Tzu) - Book Review

He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know. 'The Essential Chuang Tzu' by Chuang Tzu is a 3rd century BCE collection of fables, teachings and stories predominantly about Tao & Taoism. It is a mix of fiction, fact and mythology that includes historical figures such as Confucius and Lao Tzu. It is known as one of the great works of eastern philosophy that contains the seeds of Zen/Buddhism and explains how enlightenment is actually just 'the way'. I summarised the book as follows

Jun 1, 2021 • 15:02

Beyond Order (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

Beyond Order (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

'Beyond Order' by Jordan B. Peterson is the highly anticipated sequel to 12 RULES FOR LIFE (go check out that review as well in our channel), which has sold over 5 million copies around the world. I summarised the book as follows. "Beyond Order calls on us to balance the two fundamental principles of reality - order and chaos ­- and reveals the profound meaning that can be found on the path that divides them."As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Time

May 28, 2021 • 12:45

Beyond Order (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

Beyond Order (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

'Beyond Order' by Jordan B. Peterson is the highly anticipated sequel to 12 RULES FOR LIFE (go check out that review as well in our channel), which has sold over 5 million copies around the world. I summarised the book as follows. "Beyond Order calls on us to balance the two fundamental principles of reality - order and chaos ­- and reveals the profound meaning that can be found on the path that divides them."As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Time

May 28, 2021 • 12:46

The Aeneid (Virgil) - Book Review

The Aeneid (Virgil) - Book Review

Sharpen your sword & ready your chariot, we're in for an epic adventure! 'The Aeneid' by Virgil is an epic poem that follows Aeneas and his fellow Trojans as they cross 3 continents trying to establish a new home. It contains all that you would expect from this era; seductive princesses, wrathful Gods, strange monsters and grand battles. The main themes that arise from the tale are obligation/dutiful respect and whether fate allows any room for free will.I summarised the book as follows. "Th

May 25, 2021 • 15:07

The Aeneid (Virgil) - Book Review

The Aeneid (Virgil) - Book Review

Sharpen your sword & ready your chariot, we're in for an epic adventure! 'The Aeneid' by Virgil is an epic poem that follows Aeneas and his fellow Trojans as they cross 3 continents trying to establish a new home. It contains all that you would expect from this era; seductive princesses, wrathful Gods, strange monsters and grand battles. The main themes that arise from the tale are obligation/dutiful respect and whether fate allows any room for free will.I summarised the book as follows. "Th

May 25, 2021 • 15:07

Not Born Yesterday (Hugo Mercier) - Book Review

Not Born Yesterday (Hugo Mercier) - Book Review

Would you believe that I'm a shape-shifting lizard who thinks that the Earth is flat? 'Not Born Yesterday' by Hugo Mercier is an argument against the perceived notion that humans are gullible. In the age of fake news, false rumours and conspiracies it is easy to think that we are too credulous. However, Mercier argues that we have developed open vigilance mechanisms which allow us to sort out the incoming communication from other people to let us know who to trust and what to believe.I summarise

May 21, 2021 • 18:27

Not Born Yesterday (Hugo Mercier) - Book Review

Not Born Yesterday (Hugo Mercier) - Book Review

Would you believe that I'm a shape-shifting lizard who thinks that the Earth is flat? 'Not Born Yesterday' by Hugo Mercier is an argument against the perceived notion that humans are gullible. In the age of fake news, false rumours and conspiracies it is easy to think that we are too credulous. However, Mercier argues that we have developed open vigilance mechanisms which allow us to sort out the incoming communication from other people to let us know who to trust and what to believe.I summarise

May 21, 2021 • 18:26

The Noonday Demon (Andrew Solomon) - Book Review

The Noonday Demon (Andrew Solomon) - Book Review

If you want to know more about depression from a physiological, scientific or personal viewpoint, then look no further. 'The Noonday Demon' by Andrew Solomon is part memoir/part tome centred all around the topic of depression. The book contains 12 chapters and is very thick, clocking in at 445 pages of the main text. It has a lot of objective facts related to suicide, treatment, addiction, poverty and history mixed with subjective stories and notes about breakdowns, sad tales, hope for the futur

May 18, 2021 • 33:18

The Noonday Demon (Andrew Solomon) - Book Review

The Noonday Demon (Andrew Solomon) - Book Review

If you want to know more about depression from a physiological, scientific or personal viewpoint, then look no further. 'The Noonday Demon' by Andrew Solomon is part memoir/part tome centred all around the topic of depression. The book contains 12 chapters and is very thick, clocking in at 445 pages of the main text. It has a lot of objective facts related to suicide, treatment, addiction, poverty and history mixed with subjective stories and notes about breakdowns, sad tales, hope for the futur

May 18, 2021 • 33:19

Around The Day In Eighty Worlds (Julio Cortázar) - Book Review

Around The Day In Eighty Worlds (Julio Cortázar) - Book Review

There are some works that seem to be more than just a book, but something entirely strange and new. 'Around The Day In Eighty Worlds' by Julio Cortázar is a collection of stories, poetry, observations, history, biography, recommendations and much more. He mostly speaks of art, writing and his personal influences but doesn't try to say anything explicitly. The book itself contains plenty of photos/sketches/drawings and was originally written in Spanish but contains smatterings of French & Eng

May 14, 2021 • 10:52

Around The Day In Eighty Worlds (Julio Cortázar) - Book Review

Around The Day In Eighty Worlds (Julio Cortázar) - Book Review

There are some works that seem to be more than just a book, but something entirely strange and new. 'Around The Day In Eighty Worlds' by Julio Cortázar is a collection of stories, poetry, observations, history, biography, recommendations and much more. He mostly speaks of art, writing and his personal influences but doesn't try to say anything explicitly. The book itself contains plenty of photos/sketches/drawings and was originally written in Spanish but contains smatterings of French & Eng

May 14, 2021 • 10:51

The Grapes Of Wrath (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

The Grapes Of Wrath (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Want a book that can entertain you, tear you up and make you think deeply all at the same time? 'The Grapes Of Wrath' by John Steinbeck is one the classic works of the 20th century. It describes the migration of the fictional Joad family during the Dust Bowl era as they seek a better future in California. Unfortunately their tale is one of woe and suffering. They face intense discrimination, a dearth of jobs and abject poverty in their quest. The underlying rage and frustration seeps out through

May 11, 2021 • 14:24

The Grapes Of Wrath (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

The Grapes Of Wrath (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Want a book that can entertain you, tear you up and make you think deeply all at the same time? 'The Grapes Of Wrath' by John Steinbeck is one the classic works of the 20th century. It describes the migration of the fictional Joad family during the Dust Bowl era as they seek a better future in California. Unfortunately their tale is one of woe and suffering. They face intense discrimination, a dearth of jobs and abject poverty in their quest. The underlying rage and frustration seeps out through

May 11, 2021 • 14:23

On Writing (Stephen King) - Book Review

On Writing (Stephen King) - Book Review

What does one of the most successful writers of all time have to say about perfecting the craft? 'On Writing' by Stephen King is part memoir/part advice of what he has learned from 52 years of living. The memoir focuses mostly upon his early childhood leading up to the publication of his first book 'Carrie', as well as his near death experience in the writing of this book. His advice reflects his humorous personality and contains some very direct tips (keep it short/minimise adverbs/read & w

May 7, 2021 • 10:22

On Writing (Stephen King) - Book Review

On Writing (Stephen King) - Book Review

What does one of the most successful writers of all time have to say about perfecting the craft? 'On Writing' by Stephen King is part memoir/part advice of what he has learned from 52 years of living. The memoir focuses mostly upon his early childhood leading up to the publication of his first book 'Carrie', as well as his near death experience in the writing of this book. His advice reflects his humorous personality and contains some very direct tips (keep it short/minimise adverbs/read & w

May 7, 2021 • 10:21

Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stevenson) - Book Review

Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stevenson) - Book Review

This time around, I got to indulge myself by reading 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson. Treasure Island, originally named The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys, is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, narrating a tale of "buccaneers, buried gold, pirates and mutiny."If you would like to support our channel and grab the book as well, find our amazon link below:https://amzn.to/3w3utjBAs always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Time

May 4, 2021 • 13:23

Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stevenson) - Book Review

Treasure Island (Robert Louis Stevenson) - Book Review

This time around, I got to indulge myself by reading 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson. Treasure Island, originally named The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys, is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, narrating a tale of "buccaneers, buried gold, pirates and mutiny."If you would like to support our channel and grab the book as well, find our amazon link below:https://amzn.to/3w3utjBAs always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Time

May 4, 2021 • 13:22

Crome Yellow (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Crome Yellow (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Did you know that the seeds of 'Brave New World' were coming through in the authors head at least a decade before it was published? 'Crome Yellow' by Aldous Huxley is a satirical novel poking fun of the English 'gentry' and their associates. It is set in Crome Manor in the green heart of England and is told from a 3rd person omniscient narrator. The book is silly in its presentation of the eccentric characters but ironically contains some deep themes despite the comical façade.I summarised the b

Apr 30, 2021 • 9:21

Crome Yellow (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Crome Yellow (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Did you know that the seeds of 'Brave New World' were coming through in the authors head at least a decade before it was published? 'Crome Yellow' by Aldous Huxley is a satirical novel poking fun of the English 'gentry' and their associates. It is set in Crome Manor in the green heart of England and is told from a 3rd person omniscient narrator. The book is silly in its presentation of the eccentric characters but ironically contains some deep themes despite the comical façade.I summarised the b

Apr 30, 2021 • 9:22

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) - Book Review

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) - Book Review

What is it like to be in a place so dark that you see no possibility of escape? 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath is a semi-autographical novel published in 1963 just before her death by suicide. It tells the tale of *Esther Greenwood (aka Sylvia) and her struggles with mental health that eventually lead to her being institutionalised. Exposed in this book are how depression was treated before the time of readily available antidepressants as well as how expectations (both externally from society an

Apr 27, 2021 • 10:53

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) - Book Review

The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) - Book Review

What is it like to be in a place so dark that you see no possibility of escape? 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath is a semi-autographical novel published in 1963 just before her death by suicide. It tells the tale of *Esther Greenwood (aka Sylvia) and her struggles with mental health that eventually lead to her being institutionalised. Exposed in this book are how depression was treated before the time of readily available antidepressants as well as how expectations (both externally from society an

Apr 27, 2021 • 10:53

False Alarm (Bjorn Lomborg) - Book Review

False Alarm (Bjorn Lomborg) - Book Review

Are we headed for imminent extinction due to climate change or is it all just a false alarm? 'False Alarm' by Bjorn Lomborg is a book designed to dampen the fear and hyperbole surrounding the methods of dealing with a changing environment. The book has 5 sections addressing why alarmism is wrong, what the full story says, how NOT to fix the problem, 3-4 simple workable solutions and a final conclusion with notes supporting his interpretation. I summarised the book as follows. "I'm a fan of the c

Apr 23, 2021 • 13:42

False Alarm (Bjorn Lomborg) - Book Review

False Alarm (Bjorn Lomborg) - Book Review

Are we headed for imminent extinction due to climate change or is it all just a false alarm? 'False Alarm' by Bjorn Lomborg is a book designed to dampen the fear and hyperbole surrounding the methods of dealing with a changing environment. The book has 5 sections addressing why alarmism is wrong, what the full story says, how NOT to fix the problem, 3-4 simple workable solutions and a final conclusion with notes supporting his interpretation. I summarised the book as follows. "I'm a fan of the c

Apr 23, 2021 • 13:42

Selected Poems (John Keats) - Book Review

Selected Poems (John Keats) - Book Review

Why is John Keats regarded as one of the finest poets to ever live? 'Selected Poems' by John Keats is a collection of 50 poems written by the English poet. Keats had a pretty rough life as he was an orphan by the age of 15 and himself died at age 25. He is known as a Romanticism poet with the central themes of his poems being around art, beauty, youth, love, mythology and the opposite spectrum of death, sorrow, heartbreak and suffering.I summarised the book as follows. "I surprisingly quite enjo

Apr 20, 2021 • 6:50

Selected Poems (John Keats) - Book Review

Selected Poems (John Keats) - Book Review

Why is John Keats regarded as one of the finest poets to ever live? 'Selected Poems' by John Keats is a collection of 50 poems written by the English poet. Keats had a pretty rough life as he was an orphan by the age of 15 and himself died at age 25. He is known as a Romanticism poet with the central themes of his poems being around art, beauty, youth, love, mythology and the opposite spectrum of death, sorrow, heartbreak and suffering.I summarised the book as follows. "I surprisingly quite enjo

Apr 20, 2021 • 6:50

Ruined City (Nevil Shute) - Book Review

Ruined City (Nevil Shute) - Book Review

Is it worth throwing away your good reputation to help those in need? 'Ruined City' by Nevil Shute is a fictional story of a rich banker (Henry Warren) who sets out to save the destitute town of Sharples. The book is set in 1930's England during the Great Depression and is a story of finding purpose when all meaning is lost. The themes of the book reflect upon what happens to people when they experience real hardship as well as how reputation can actually be used as a transactional tool.I summar

Apr 16, 2021 • 10:08

Ruined City (Nevil Shute) - Book Review

Ruined City (Nevil Shute) - Book Review

Is it worth throwing away your good reputation to help those in need? 'Ruined City' by Nevil Shute is a fictional story of a rich banker (Henry Warren) who sets out to save the destitute town of Sharples. The book is set in 1930's England during the Great Depression and is a story of finding purpose when all meaning is lost. The themes of the book reflect upon what happens to people when they experience real hardship as well as how reputation can actually be used as a transactional tool.I summar

Apr 16, 2021 • 10:07

Meditations On Living, Dying And Loss (Assorted) - Book Review

Meditations On Living, Dying And Loss (Assorted) - Book Review

What do Buddhists believe actually believe what happens when we are reincarnated? 'Meditations On Living, Dying And Loss' by an assorted collection of people including Graham Coleman, Gyurme Dorje, Thupten Jinpa (my man!!!) & the Dalai Lama. It is an examination of some select sections from the larger work of 'The Tibetan Book Of The Dead'. It begins with a bit of history & multiple intros from the editors & Dalai Lama. It's a short book with each section attempting to provide insigh

Apr 13, 2021 • 10:34

Meditations On Living, Dying And Loss (Assorted) - Book Review

Meditations On Living, Dying And Loss (Assorted) - Book Review

What do Buddhists believe actually believe what happens when we are reincarnated? 'Meditations On Living, Dying And Loss' by an assorted collection of people including Graham Coleman, Gyurme Dorje, Thupten Jinpa (my man!!!) & the Dalai Lama. It is an examination of some select sections from the larger work of 'The Tibetan Book Of The Dead'. It begins with a bit of history & multiple intros from the editors & Dalai Lama. It's a short book with each section attempting to provide insigh

Apr 13, 2021 • 10:34

Sweet Thursday (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Sweet Thursday (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Looking for a non-serious book by a serious author? 'Sweet Thursday' by John Steinbeck is a fictional story set in Cannery Row, Monterey, California. It contains a humorous set of characters with the main plot to help the Doc from his listless depression. There are prostitutes with elegant table manners, a sneaky Mexican who is a natural lawbreaker, kind hearted buffoons and a skint millionaire. The themes of the book delve into the strange relationships that can be formed between people as well

Apr 9, 2021 • 9:56

Sweet Thursday (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Sweet Thursday (John Steinbeck) - Book Review

Looking for a non-serious book by a serious author? 'Sweet Thursday' by John Steinbeck is a fictional story set in Cannery Row, Monterey, California. It contains a humorous set of characters with the main plot to help the Doc from his listless depression. There are prostitutes with elegant table manners, a sneaky Mexican who is a natural lawbreaker, kind hearted buffoons and a skint millionaire. The themes of the book delve into the strange relationships that can be formed between people as well

Apr 9, 2021 • 9:56

Start With Why (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

Start With Why (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

What is your purpose/cause/belief & are you starting with your WHY? 'Start With Why' by Simon Sinek is a book about leadership/business but it can be used by an individual to help better themselves and bring more clarity to their own life. He explains the difference between successful, long-standing, impactful companies/organisations in a qualitative way. The main themes of the book are his introduction to the Golden Circle of WHY/HOW/WHAT and ensuring that these are implemented in the corre

Apr 6, 2021 • 13:25

Start With Why (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

Start With Why (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

What is your purpose/cause/belief & are you starting with your WHY? 'Start With Why' by Simon Sinek is a book about leadership/business but it can be used by an individual to help better themselves and bring more clarity to their own life. He explains the difference between successful, long-standing, impactful companies/organisations in a qualitative way. The main themes of the book are his introduction to the Golden Circle of WHY/HOW/WHAT and ensuring that these are implemented in the corre

Apr 6, 2021 • 13:24

12 Rules For Life (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

12 Rules For Life (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

Remember to pet a cat that is meaningful while skateboarding with your shoulders back straight, did I get that right? '12 Rules For Life' by Jordan B. Peterson is an eclectic mix of his personal anecdotes as well as the accounts of his academic work. It's a little bit of self-help but also has a strong emphasis on the stories and archetypes that are found in mythology. The book is split up into 12 chapters of his 'rules', which were originally based upon a post he made on Quora.If you would like

Apr 5, 2021 • 18:23

12 Rules For Life (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

12 Rules For Life (Jordan B. Peterson) - Book Review

Remember to pet a cat that is meaningful while skateboarding with your shoulders back straight, did I get that right? '12 Rules For Life' by Jordan B. Peterson is an eclectic mix of his personal anecdotes as well as the accounts of his academic work. It's a little bit of self-help but also has a strong emphasis on the stories and archetypes that are found in mythology. The book is split up into 12 chapters of his 'rules', which were originally based upon a post he made on Quora.If you would like

Apr 5, 2021 • 18:23

The Death Of Artemio Cruz (Carlos Fuentes) - Book Review

The Death Of Artemio Cruz (Carlos Fuentes) - Book Review

Have you read any Mexican literature lately and would you be surprised if it is about death? 'The Death Of Artemio Cruz' by Carlos Fuentes is the most notable work of the author during the Latin American Boom period. It is an interweaving of Artemio's deathbed and flashback scenes from his long life in Mexico and abroad. These include his multiple personas as a corrupt politician, lieutenant, lover, orphan, sugar daddy and father. The themes of the book examine the ignominy of a slow death and j

Apr 2, 2021 • 13:11

The Death Of Artemio Cruz (Carlos Fuentes) - Book Review

The Death Of Artemio Cruz (Carlos Fuentes) - Book Review

Have you read any Mexican literature lately and would you be surprised if it is about death? 'The Death Of Artemio Cruz' by Carlos Fuentes is the most notable work of the author during the Latin American Boom period. It is an interweaving of Artemio's deathbed and flashback scenes from his long life in Mexico and abroad. These include his multiple personas as a corrupt politician, lieutenant, lover, orphan, sugar daddy and father. The themes of the book examine the ignominy of a slow death and j

Apr 2, 2021 • 13:10

Ethics Into Action (Peter Singer) - Book Review

Ethics Into Action (Peter Singer) - Book Review

Reflecting on his time as an animal activist, Henry Spira wanted his epitaph to read "he pushed the peanut forward". 'Ethics Into Action' by Peter Singer is a biography of the life of Henry Spira. Spira lived from 1927-1998 and played a large part in the animal liberation movement that erupted towards the end of the 20th century. He achieved some significant changes through his activism; helping to stop cruel fertility experimentation on cats, cosmetic testing on rabbits and unnecessary pain/dea

Mar 30, 2021 • 16:00

Ethics Into Action (Peter Singer) - Book Review

Ethics Into Action (Peter Singer) - Book Review

Reflecting on his time as an animal activist, Henry Spira wanted his epitaph to read "he pushed the peanut forward". 'Ethics Into Action' by Peter Singer is a biography of the life of Henry Spira. Spira lived from 1927-1998 and played a large part in the animal liberation movement that erupted towards the end of the 20th century. He achieved some significant changes through his activism; helping to stop cruel fertility experimentation on cats, cosmetic testing on rabbits and unnecessary pain/dea

Mar 30, 2021 • 16:01

Blitzed (Norman Ohler) - Book Review

Blitzed (Norman Ohler) - Book Review

Did you know of the drug use of methamphetamines and cocaine in the Nazi regime? 'Blitzed' by Norman Ohler (a novelist turned semi-historian & back again) argues that drug use was rampant in the German military of the 1940's as well as in the highest command (amongst Hitler and his direct subordinates). Ohler interprets historical events by focusing on the personal physician of Hitler, a man named Dr Theodor Morell, and his administration of opiates and meth to the Führer from 1941-1945.I su

Mar 26, 2021 • 13:53

Blitzed (Norman Ohler) - Book Review

Blitzed (Norman Ohler) - Book Review

Did you know of the drug use of methamphetamines and cocaine in the Nazi regime? 'Blitzed' by Norman Ohler (a novelist turned semi-historian & back again) argues that drug use was rampant in the German military of the 1940's as well as in the highest command (amongst Hitler and his direct subordinates). Ohler interprets historical events by focusing on the personal physician of Hitler, a man named Dr Theodor Morell, and his administration of opiates and meth to the Führer from 1941-1945.I su

Mar 26, 2021 • 13:53

Anything You Want (Derek Sivers) - Book Review

Anything You Want (Derek Sivers) - Book Review

How can you grow a huge company while simultaneously trying to keep it as small as possible? 'Anything You Want' by Derek Sivers explains this paradox while reflecting on his time running CD Baby (an online music store). It's a mini memoir of sorts, a condensation of 10 years of entrepreneurship into 40 lessons. He details the whole process of starting, growing, delegating, managing and finally selling a company. The core themes that emerge are about establishing a compass (knowing what you want

Mar 23, 2021 • 11:49

Anything You Want (Derek Sivers) - Book Review

Anything You Want (Derek Sivers) - Book Review

How can you grow a huge company while simultaneously trying to keep it as small as possible? 'Anything You Want' by Derek Sivers explains this paradox while reflecting on his time running CD Baby (an online music store). It's a mini memoir of sorts, a condensation of 10 years of entrepreneurship into 40 lessons. He details the whole process of starting, growing, delegating, managing and finally selling a company. The core themes that emerge are about establishing a compass (knowing what you want

Mar 23, 2021 • 11:49

More From Less (Andrew McAfee) - Book Review

More From Less (Andrew McAfee) - Book Review

Did you know we are past 'peak stuff' and are now using less resources while still having increasing prosperity? 'More From Less' by Andrew McAfee is essentially a book about how technology is changing the world. It's an optimistic outlook of human progress as the data shows we are growing GDP while declining in the amount of resources required to produce products. Andrew believes this is primarily due to the 4 Horsemen of The Optimist: technology & capitalism supported by good governance an

Mar 19, 2021 • 17:52

More From Less (Andrew McAfee) - Book Review

More From Less (Andrew McAfee) - Book Review

Did you know we are past 'peak stuff' and are now using less resources while still having increasing prosperity? 'More From Less' by Andrew McAfee is essentially a book about how technology is changing the world. It's an optimistic outlook of human progress as the data shows we are growing GDP while declining in the amount of resources required to produce products. Andrew believes this is primarily due to the 4 Horsemen of The Optimist: technology & capitalism supported by good governance an

Mar 19, 2021 • 17:53

On The Road (Jack Kerouac) - Book Review

On The Road (Jack Kerouac) - Book Review

I just can't wait to get on the road again. 'On The Road' by Jack Kerouac is a classic of American literature and is frequently listed as one of the best books of the 1900's. It is a non-stop adventure that blurs the line between fiction & non-fiction. Sal Paradise (the author) provides a 1st person account as he crosses back and forth across the US with his mad friend Dean Moriarty (Neal Cassady). Kerouac became the voice of the 'Beat Generation' and the frantic energy and madness of travel

Mar 16, 2021 • 12:16

On The Road (Jack Kerouac) - Book Review

On The Road (Jack Kerouac) - Book Review

I just can't wait to get on the road again. 'On The Road' by Jack Kerouac is a classic of American literature and is frequently listed as one of the best books of the 1900's. It is a non-stop adventure that blurs the line between fiction & non-fiction. Sal Paradise (the author) provides a 1st person account as he crosses back and forth across the US with his mad friend Dean Moriarty (Neal Cassady). Kerouac became the voice of the 'Beat Generation' and the frantic energy and madness of travel

Mar 16, 2021 • 12:15

Think Like A Monk (Jay Shetty) - Book Review

Think Like A Monk (Jay Shetty) - Book Review

Chew your drinks and drink your food! 'Think Like A Monk' by Jay Shetty is his story of transitioning from a career in high finance to becoming an ascetic monk and back again. The book is split up into 3 main sections titled: Let Go, Grow & Give. These explore topics such as removing the ego, letting go of negative emotions, finding purpose and giving back to others once your house is in order.Juan summarised the book as follows. "This book was in my backlog for a while so I was keen to fina

Mar 15, 2021 • 12:54

Think Like A Monk (Jay Shetty) - Book Review

Think Like A Monk (Jay Shetty) - Book Review

Chew your drinks and drink your food! 'Think Like A Monk' by Jay Shetty is his story of transitioning from a career in high finance to becoming an ascetic monk and back again. The book is split up into 3 main sections titled: Let Go, Grow & Give. These explore topics such as removing the ego, letting go of negative emotions, finding purpose and giving back to others once your house is in order.Juan summarised the book as follows. "This book was in my backlog for a while so I was keen to fina

Mar 15, 2021 • 12:55

The Infinite Game (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

The Infinite Game (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

Why can chasing profits and short-term business strategies be detrimental to a company? 'The Infinite Game' by Simon Sinek is a book about responsible, ethical, long-term business practices but the thinking can be applied to other areas as well. It contains 11 chapters with mini stories at the start but is more of an expansion of Simon's ideas. The core themes of the book argue for the benefits of a long-term outlook (opposed to short-term cost cutting/boosting of profits/share price increase/et

Mar 12, 2021 • 15:55

The Infinite Game (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

The Infinite Game (Simon Sinek) - Book Review

Why can chasing profits and short-term business strategies be detrimental to a company? 'The Infinite Game' by Simon Sinek is a book about responsible, ethical, long-term business practices but the thinking can be applied to other areas as well. It contains 11 chapters with mini stories at the start but is more of an expansion of Simon's ideas. The core themes of the book argue for the benefits of a long-term outlook (opposed to short-term cost cutting/boosting of profits/share price increase/et

Mar 12, 2021 • 15:54

An Introduction To Buddhism (The Dalai Lama) - Book Review

An Introduction To Buddhism (The Dalai Lama) - Book Review

Find within a key insight into why Buddhist's believe in reincarnation. 'An Introduction To Buddhism' by The Dalai Lama is not a specially written book but a polished transcript of a presentation he gave to a western audience. The book is split into 3 parts. The first is his teaching on the 4 Noble Truths, the second his commentary on 'The 8 Verses On Training The Mind' & the third his deconstruction of Atisha's 'Lamp For The Path To Enlightenment'.I summarised the book as follows. "It's int

Mar 9, 2021 • 13:21

An Introduction To Buddhism (The Dalai Lama) - Book Review

An Introduction To Buddhism (The Dalai Lama) - Book Review

Find within a key insight into why Buddhist's believe in reincarnation. 'An Introduction To Buddhism' by The Dalai Lama is not a specially written book but a polished transcript of a presentation he gave to a western audience. The book is split into 3 parts. The first is his teaching on the 4 Noble Truths, the second his commentary on 'The 8 Verses On Training The Mind' & the third his deconstruction of Atisha's 'Lamp For The Path To Enlightenment'.I summarised the book as follows. "It's int

Mar 9, 2021 • 13:20

David & Goliath (Malcolm Gladwell) - Book Review

David & Goliath (Malcolm Gladwell) - Book Review

If you are up against a powerful opponent/system, maybe your perceived weakness are actually your strengths? 'David & Goliath' by Malcolm Gladwell is a collection of 9 core stories showing how an underdog beat the odds to win. The book is split into 3 parts: the advantages of disadvantages (& vice versa), the theory of desirable difficulty and the limits of power. The main themes investigate how our preconceptions can be limiting our potential and what sort of mindset is required to comp

Mar 5, 2021 • 16:30

David & Goliath (Malcolm Gladwell) - Book Review

David & Goliath (Malcolm Gladwell) - Book Review

If you are up against a powerful opponent/system, maybe your perceived weakness are actually your strengths? 'David & Goliath' by Malcolm Gladwell is a collection of 9 core stories showing how an underdog beat the odds to win. The book is split into 3 parts: the advantages of disadvantages (& vice versa), the theory of desirable difficulty and the limits of power. The main themes investigate how our preconceptions can be limiting our potential and what sort of mindset is required to comp

Mar 5, 2021 • 16:29

The Madness Of Crowds (Douglas Murray) - Book Review

The Madness Of Crowds (Douglas Murray) - Book Review

Can you actually reason with madness? 'The Madness Of Crowds' by Douglas Murray is an extension of his own fight in the cultural wars as a journalist and political commentator. The book is split into 4 parts each of about 50-60 pages long on Gay/Women/Race/Trans. It highlights the modern absurdities of far left thinking, the historical treatment of minority groups and the implications of getting this all wrong.I summarised the book as follows. "It is smoothly written considering the density of t

Mar 2, 2021 • 18:49

The Madness Of Crowds (Douglas Murray) - Book Review

The Madness Of Crowds (Douglas Murray) - Book Review

Can you actually reason with madness? 'The Madness Of Crowds' by Douglas Murray is an extension of his own fight in the cultural wars as a journalist and political commentator. The book is split into 4 parts each of about 50-60 pages long on Gay/Women/Race/Trans. It highlights the modern absurdities of far left thinking, the historical treatment of minority groups and the implications of getting this all wrong.I summarised the book as follows. "It is smoothly written considering the density of t

Mar 2, 2021 • 18:49

Three Steps To Awakening (Larry Rosenberg With Laura Zimmerman) - Book Review

Three Steps To Awakening (Larry Rosenberg With Laura Zimmerman) - Book Review

Want an unhelpful book about how to meditate, then look no further! 'Three Steps To Awakening' by Larry Rosenberg (with Laura Zimmerman) is a collection of his audible teachings condensed into a short book. In it he differentiates 'awareness' into the practicing part (actual meditation practice) and into the everyday living part. The book is split into three main sections on how to meditate: whole body breath awareness, breath-as-anchor and choiceless awareness.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 26, 2021 • 9:37

Three Steps To Awakening (Larry Rosenberg With Laura Zimmerman) - Book Review

Three Steps To Awakening (Larry Rosenberg With Laura Zimmerman) - Book Review

Want an unhelpful book about how to meditate, then look no further! 'Three Steps To Awakening' by Larry Rosenberg (with Laura Zimmerman) is a collection of his audible teachings condensed into a short book. In it he differentiates 'awareness' into the practicing part (actual meditation practice) and into the everyday living part. The book is split into three main sections on how to meditate: whole body breath awareness, breath-as-anchor and choiceless awareness.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 26, 2021 • 9:38

Letters From A Stoic (Seneca) - Book Review

Letters From A Stoic (Seneca) - Book Review

Why did Seneca consider the learning and pursuit of 'philosophy' as the most important thing that a person could do? 'Letters From A Stoic' by Seneca are a collection of 124 letters (although this version only contains 40) he sent to his friend Lucilius in the last years of his life. He provides guidance on how to think about mental pitfalls, illness, death and vices but also on nobler topics of pleasure, friendship and serenity. I summarised the book as follows. "The Penguin Classic version by

Feb 23, 2021 • 16:02

Letters From A Stoic (Seneca) - Book Review

Letters From A Stoic (Seneca) - Book Review

Why did Seneca consider the learning and pursuit of 'philosophy' as the most important thing that a person could do? 'Letters From A Stoic' by Seneca are a collection of 124 letters (although this version only contains 40) he sent to his friend Lucilius in the last years of his life. He provides guidance on how to think about mental pitfalls, illness, death and vices but also on nobler topics of pleasure, friendship and serenity. I summarised the book as follows. "The Penguin Classic version by

Feb 23, 2021 • 16:02

Cycles Of The Phoenix (C.A. Nicholas) - Book Review

Cycles Of The Phoenix (C.A. Nicholas) - Book Review

'Cycles Of The Phoenix' by C.A. Nicholas is his magnum opus symphony and is a collection of stories that he has written over the years. It is quite a thick book and consists of 'Sanity's War', 'Strange' and 'Kaya: Where Have You Gone?'. These stories are mainly fantasy/sci-fi based and follow his characters as they deal with depression in different environments.Juan summarised the book as follows. "This book was extremely descriptive. The way Charlie writes you can tell he takes it up a notch by

Feb 22, 2021 • 7:11

Cycles Of The Phoenix (C.A. Nicholas) - Book Review

Cycles Of The Phoenix (C.A. Nicholas) - Book Review

'Cycles Of The Phoenix' by C.A. Nicholas is his magnum opus symphony and is a collection of stories that he has written over the years. It is quite a thick book and consists of 'Sanity's War', 'Strange' and 'Kaya: Where Have You Gone?'. These stories are mainly fantasy/sci-fi based and follow his characters as they deal with depression in different environments.Juan summarised the book as follows. "This book was extremely descriptive. The way Charlie writes you can tell he takes it up a notch by

Feb 22, 2021 • 7:11

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Willkommen im Schlachthof fünf! 'Slaughterhouse-Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is a thoroughly bizarre book written in his simple, scattered and non-linear style. We follow the life of Billy Pilgrim, an optometrist, alien abductee, prisoner of war and time-traveller. The book is anti-war and is one of the principal works that discussed the fire-bombing of Dresden by the allies towards the end of World War II. As such the themes of the book centre around the atrocities of war as well as the fatalism of t

Feb 19, 2021 • 13:33

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Willkommen im Schlachthof fünf! 'Slaughterhouse-Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is a thoroughly bizarre book written in his simple, scattered and non-linear style. We follow the life of Billy Pilgrim, an optometrist, alien abductee, prisoner of war and time-traveller. The book is anti-war and is one of the principal works that discussed the fire-bombing of Dresden by the allies towards the end of World War II. As such the themes of the book centre around the atrocities of war as well as the fatalism of t

Feb 19, 2021 • 13:33

Goodbye To All That (Robert Graves) - Book Review

Goodbye To All That (Robert Graves) - Book Review

Would you go to war if your country demanded it of you? 'Goodbye To All That' by Robert Graves is commonly cited as one of the best books written about The Great War. It is a memoir written at age 33 of his childhood in English boarding schools, the brutality of the conditions in the trenches during WWI and his post-war life amongst fellow poets/writers. The bulk of the book is focused on his direct experiences at the front resulting in his general pacifist attitude as well as being ostracised b

Feb 16, 2021 • 16:32

Goodbye To All That (Robert Graves) - Book Review

Goodbye To All That (Robert Graves) - Book Review

Would you go to war if your country demanded it of you? 'Goodbye To All That' by Robert Graves is commonly cited as one of the best books written about The Great War. It is a memoir written at age 33 of his childhood in English boarding schools, the brutality of the conditions in the trenches during WWI and his post-war life amongst fellow poets/writers. The bulk of the book is focused on his direct experiences at the front resulting in his general pacifist attitude as well as being ostracised b

Feb 16, 2021 • 16:32

Superhuman (Dave Asprey) - Book Review

Superhuman (Dave Asprey) - Book Review

Is it possible for humans to extend their life span, possible even to reverse aging altogether? 'Superhuman' by Dave Asprey is his explanation of how we can increase our life span and stop the aging process. His approach is scientifically driven and he delves deeply into the research to back up his claims. The main themes of the book are on the Seven Pillars of aging that contribute to our decline and the simple interventions that can be used to stop this process.Juan summarised the book as foll

Feb 14, 2021 • 13:30

Superhuman (Dave Asprey) - Book Review

Superhuman (Dave Asprey) - Book Review

Is it possible for humans to extend their life span, possible even to reverse aging altogether? 'Superhuman' by Dave Asprey is his explanation of how we can increase our life span and stop the aging process. His approach is scientifically driven and he delves deeply into the research to back up his claims. The main themes of the book are on the Seven Pillars of aging that contribute to our decline and the simple interventions that can be used to stop this process.Juan summarised the book as foll

Feb 14, 2021 • 13:31

The Happiest Man On Earth (Eddie Jaku) - Book Review

The Happiest Man On Earth (Eddie Jaku) - Book Review

What circumstances would drive someone to voluntary smuggle themselves back into a concentration camp? 'The Happiest Man On Earth' by Eddie Jaku is the memoir of a man who endured tremendous suffering, managing to survive through the holocaust. The book starts with life before WWII, his subsequent experiences in the concentration camps before moving away from Belgium/Germany and emigrating to Australia. There are some intense and amazing stories from his time in the camps, including his daring e

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:01

The Happiest Man On Earth (Eddie Jaku) - Book Review

The Happiest Man On Earth (Eddie Jaku) - Book Review

What circumstances would drive someone to voluntary smuggle themselves back into a concentration camp? 'The Happiest Man On Earth' by Eddie Jaku is the memoir of a man who endured tremendous suffering, managing to survive through the holocaust. The book starts with life before WWII, his subsequent experiences in the concentration camps before moving away from Belgium/Germany and emigrating to Australia. There are some intense and amazing stories from his time in the camps, including his daring e

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:00

In Evil Hour (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

In Evil Hour (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

What is the strange attraction and repulsion that we have towards violence? 'In Evil Hour' by Gabriel García Márquez is a fictional story set in the same universe as his most famous work of '100 Years of Solitude' but without the magic realism he is famous for. The story starts and ends with a killing, depicting the start of the oppression and the escalation that is to follow. Violence (both overt and subtle) lingers throughout the interactions of the tyrannical mayor as he re-institutes a curfe

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:36

The Coddling Of The American Mind (Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt) - Book Review

The Coddling Of The American Mind (Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt) - Book Review

What are the reasons for the rise of safe spaces, microaggressions and extreme social justice on American college campuses? 'The Coddling Of The American Mind' by Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt attempts to explain the psychology and cognitive distortions of iGen (also known as Generation Z). Three Great Untruths have been adopted by these students which has led to the culture of 'safetyism' in which safety has become a sacred value that cannot be questioned.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:17

In Evil Hour (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

In Evil Hour (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

What is the strange attraction and repulsion that we have towards violence? 'In Evil Hour' by Gabriel García Márquez is a fictional story set in the same universe as his most famous work of '100 Years of Solitude' but without the magic realism he is famous for. The story starts and ends with a killing, depicting the start of the oppression and the escalation that is to follow. Violence (both overt and subtle) lingers throughout the interactions of the tyrannical mayor as he re-institutes a curfe

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:36

The Coddling Of The American Mind (Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt) - Book Review

The Coddling Of The American Mind (Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt) - Book Review

What are the reasons for the rise of safe spaces, microaggressions and extreme social justice on American college campuses? 'The Coddling Of The American Mind' by Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt attempts to explain the psychology and cognitive distortions of iGen (also known as Generation Z). Three Great Untruths have been adopted by these students which has led to the culture of 'safetyism' in which safety has become a sacred value that cannot be questioned.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:17

Cat's Cradle (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Cat's Cradle (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Looking for a book full of truth that is actually full of shameless lies? 'Cat's Cradle' by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical novel of black humour that treats of a dangerous situation similar to the Cold War. It follows the writer John as he researches Felix Hoenikker; one of the fathers of the atomic bomb & the inventor of the insanely dangerous Ice-Nine. Along his journey he meets an enigmatic midget, the most beautiful girl in the world and the mysterious Bokonon. The underlying themes of the

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:13

Cat's Cradle (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Cat's Cradle (Kurt Vonnegut) - Book Review

Looking for a book full of truth that is actually full of shameless lies? 'Cat's Cradle' by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical novel of black humour that treats of a dangerous situation similar to the Cold War. It follows the writer John as he researches Felix Hoenikker; one of the fathers of the atomic bomb & the inventor of the insanely dangerous Ice-Nine. Along his journey he meets an enigmatic midget, the most beautiful girl in the world and the mysterious Bokonon. The underlying themes of the

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:12

Range (David Epstein) - Book Review

Range (David Epstein) - Book Review

Is it better to generalise or specialise? 'Range' by David Epstein argues that generalists actually manage to do better in a specialised world. He previously wrote a book called 'The Sports Gene' and he himself said he put around 150% more effort into producing this book. Some arguments he makes are that hyper specialisation can be detrimental due to becoming cognitively entrenched in a field and that a thinker can become worse not better by the additional information they are provided.Juan summ

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:39

Range (David Epstein) - Book Review

Range (David Epstein) - Book Review

Is it better to generalise or specialise? 'Range' by David Epstein argues that generalists actually manage to do better in a specialised world. He previously wrote a book called 'The Sports Gene' and he himself said he put around 150% more effort into producing this book. Some arguments he makes are that hyper specialisation can be detrimental due to becoming cognitively entrenched in a field and that a thinker can become worse not better by the additional information they are provided.Juan summ

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:38

Cool It (Bjørn Lomborg) - Book Review

Cool It (Bjørn Lomborg) - Book Review

Do you believe the global warming debate is full of hyperbole and needs calmer arguments? 'Cool It' by Bjørn Lomborg (a Danish statistician/political scientist) is the sequel to his wildly successful book 'The Skeptical Environmentalist'. In it he argues against dramatic climate change response due to the overhype & poor ROI of the proposed solutions. The book is also largely a rebuttal against Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' and focuses upon unemotional realism and deciding upon our prior

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:31

Cool It (Bjørn Lomborg) - Book Review

Cool It (Bjørn Lomborg) - Book Review

Do you believe the global warming debate is full of hyperbole and needs calmer arguments? 'Cool It' by Bjørn Lomborg (a Danish statistician/political scientist) is the sequel to his wildly successful book 'The Skeptical Environmentalist'. In it he argues against dramatic climate change response due to the overhype & poor ROI of the proposed solutions. The book is also largely a rebuttal against Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' and focuses upon unemotional realism and deciding upon our prior

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:32

Sort Your Sh!t Out (Gary Waldon) - Book Review

Sort Your Sh!t Out (Gary Waldon) - Book Review

Have you got your shit sorted? 'Sort Your Sh!t Out' by Gary Waldon is a guide to confronting your own mind and the self-talk that goes within. The book is a mix of mini-activities, deeply personal stories and an introduction to Bob (the negative persona inside your own head). The book is split into 4 sections: knowing, owning, dealing and maintaining your shit. Gary essentially induces the reader to take responsibility for their own problems and their own life.I summarised the book as follows. "

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:27

Sort Your Sh!t Out (Gary Waldon) - Book Review

Sort Your Sh!t Out (Gary Waldon) - Book Review

Have you got your shit sorted? 'Sort Your Sh!t Out' by Gary Waldon is a guide to confronting your own mind and the self-talk that goes within. The book is a mix of mini-activities, deeply personal stories and an introduction to Bob (the negative persona inside your own head). The book is split into 4 sections: knowing, owning, dealing and maintaining your shit. Gary essentially induces the reader to take responsibility for their own problems and their own life.I summarised the book as follows. "

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:28

Superbugs (Matt McCarthy) - Book Review

Superbugs (Matt McCarthy) - Book Review

Did you know that the world is running out of antibiotics? 'Superbugs' by Matt McCarthy explains how antimicrobial resistance is rising against our current batch of antibiotics, thus creating superbugs. The book is a mix of the author's clinical trial of Dalbavancin, the history of antibiotics (think Alexander Fleming), the relationship he has with his mentor Tom Walsh, the science of antibiotics and exactly how these superbugs are developing.I summarised the book as follows. "The book follows a

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:26

Superbugs (Matt McCarthy) - Book Review

Superbugs (Matt McCarthy) - Book Review

Did you know that the world is running out of antibiotics? 'Superbugs' by Matt McCarthy explains how antimicrobial resistance is rising against our current batch of antibiotics, thus creating superbugs. The book is a mix of the author's clinical trial of Dalbavancin, the history of antibiotics (think Alexander Fleming), the relationship he has with his mentor Tom Walsh, the science of antibiotics and exactly how these superbugs are developing.I summarised the book as follows. "The book follows a

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:25

The Wim Hof Method (Wim Hof) - Book Review

The Wim Hof Method (Wim Hof) - Book Review

Deep in, deep out. Breathe Mother Fuckers!!!!! 'The Wim Hof Method' is the layman's guide to the daily practice created by Wim Hof. The book teaches you the direct instructions but also contains a biography of the Iceman, testimonials of advocates and ends with his spiritual philosophy. The book explains how he came about his 3 Pillars (Breath/Mind/Cold) and the benefits to your health and performance that can be gained.I summarised the book as follows. "It's an overview of Wim Hof's method that

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:17

The Wim Hof Method (Wim Hof) - Book Review

The Wim Hof Method (Wim Hof) - Book Review

Deep in, deep out. Breathe Mother Fuckers!!!!! 'The Wim Hof Method' is the layman's guide to the daily practice created by Wim Hof. The book teaches you the direct instructions but also contains a biography of the Iceman, testimonials of advocates and ends with his spiritual philosophy. The book explains how he came about his 3 Pillars (Breath/Mind/Cold) and the benefits to your health and performance that can be gained.I summarised the book as follows. "It's an overview of Wim Hof's method that

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:18

Born To Run (Christopher McDougall) - Book Review

Born To Run (Christopher McDougall) - Book Review

Have you ever tried running barefoot? In Christopher McDougall's best-selling book titled 'Born To Run' we dive into the world of ultramarathon running with a race that combines the modern with the old. The book is a mixture of biography, history, science and adventure; all wrapped up in a story of an ultramarathon held deep in the Mexican Copper Canyon. The principal themes of the book explore the lost art of endurance running and why a barefoot/minimalist shoe style might actually be beneficia

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:02

Born To Run (Christopher McDougall) - Book Review

Born To Run (Christopher McDougall) - Book Review

Have you ever tried running barefoot? In Christopher McDougall's best-selling book titled 'Born To Run' we dive into the world of ultramarathon running with a race that combines the modern with the old. The book is a mixture of biography, history, science and adventure; all wrapped up in a story of an ultramarathon held deep in the Mexican Copper Canyon. The principal themes of the book explore the lost art of endurance running and why a barefoot/minimalist shoe style might actually be beneficia

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:02

Philosophising From 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' - George Orwell

Philosophising From 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' - George Orwell

"In the face of pain there are no heroes." This is a small quote from the book 1984 (usually fully spelt out but I'm lazy today) by George Orwell. In this bonus episode I philosophise about some of the intriguing concepts raised by the book, which include: the structural and grammatical components of Newspeak and how the language was aimed to diminish consciousness, why living in the present was discouraged and how negative emotions were used as an energy outlet, the psychological burden of tort

Feb 13, 2021 • 31:08

Philosophising From 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' - George Orwell

Philosophising From 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' - George Orwell

"In the face of pain there are no heroes." This is a small quote from the book 1984 (usually fully spelt out but I'm lazy today) by George Orwell. In this bonus episode I philosophise about some of the intriguing concepts raised by the book, which include: the structural and grammatical components of Newspeak and how the language was aimed to diminish consciousness, why living in the present was discouraged and how negative emotions were used as an energy outlet, the psychological burden of tort

Feb 13, 2021 • 31:07

Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell) - Book Review

Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell) - Book Review

Will the censorship enabled through technology be our downfall? 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is an already classic fiction book published in 1949 by the author Eric Blair (under the pseudonym of George Orwell). We are treated to a small snippet from the life of Winston Smith as he battles a futile fight against a totalitarian regime. The core themes of the book revolve around control through censorship and the addiction of pure, raw power.Kyrin had this say about the book. "A book that keeps on giving

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:35

Learnings From 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' - Joseph Campbell

Learnings From 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' - Joseph Campbell

In this little bonus episode Juan goes over some of his learnings from Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces'. His previous review of the book goes over the general themes of the book so this is more of an exploration into certain ideas and quotes that stood out to him. These include: being conscious of your own emotions while making decisions, getting too stuck in particular details of the story, asking if the ego can put itself to death, not mistaking something for what it really i

Feb 13, 2021 • 7:39

Learnings From 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' - Joseph Campbell

Learnings From 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' - Joseph Campbell

In this little bonus episode Juan goes over some of his learnings from Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces'. His previous review of the book goes over the general themes of the book so this is more of an exploration into certain ideas and quotes that stood out to him. These include: being conscious of your own emotions while making decisions, getting too stuck in particular details of the story, asking if the ego can put itself to death, not mistaking something for what it really i

Feb 13, 2021 • 7:39

Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell) - Book Review

Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell) - Book Review

Will the censorship enabled through technology be our downfall? 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is an already classic fiction book published in 1949 by the author Eric Blair (under the pseudonym of George Orwell). We are treated to a small snippet from the life of Winston Smith as he battles a futile fight against a totalitarian regime. The core themes of the book revolve around control through censorship and the addiction of pure, raw power.Kyrin had this say about the book. "A book that keeps on giving

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:35

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) - Book Review

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) - Book Review

Are you looking for a hard to read book with a vocabulary that will leave you uncertain of your English abilities? 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' is one of the most famous works by Joseph Campbell, detailing the archetype of the hero and comparing myths/legends from across the world. It is a highly influential work with its impact reaching out from the era of Star Wars up to modern day philosophers such as Jordan Peterson.Juan had this to say about the book. "It was enjoyable in pieces and I w

Feb 13, 2021 • 8:25

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) - Book Review

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) - Book Review

Are you looking for a hard to read book with a vocabulary that will leave you uncertain of your English abilities? 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' is one of the most famous works by Joseph Campbell, detailing the archetype of the hero and comparing myths/legends from across the world. It is a highly influential work with its impact reaching out from the era of Star Wars up to modern day philosophers such as Jordan Peterson.Juan had this to say about the book. "It was enjoyable in pieces and I w

Feb 13, 2021 • 8:25

Why Buddhism Is True (Robert Wright) - Book Review

Why Buddhism Is True (Robert Wright) - Book Review

What are the secular parts of Buddhism that align with evolutionary biology/psychology? In the somewhat provocatively titled 'Why Buddhism Is True', Robert Wright explains the insights that can be gained from mindfulness meditation and juxtaposes these with observations from hard science, natural selection and Darwinian thinking. The central themes revolve around Dukkha, Anatta and Sunyata, all of which weave together to create an explanation for why humans experience suffering and what we can d

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:03

Why Buddhism Is True (Robert Wright) - Book Review

Why Buddhism Is True (Robert Wright) - Book Review

What are the secular parts of Buddhism that align with evolutionary biology/psychology? In the somewhat provocatively titled 'Why Buddhism Is True', Robert Wright explains the insights that can be gained from mindfulness meditation and juxtaposes these with observations from hard science, natural selection and Darwinian thinking. The central themes revolve around Dukkha, Anatta and Sunyata, all of which weave together to create an explanation for why humans experience suffering and what we can d

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:02

Doing Good Better (William MacAskill) - Book Review

Doing Good Better (William MacAskill) - Book Review

How can we use our resources to help others the most? William MacAskill, one of the cofounders of the Effective Altruism movement tries to answer this question in his book 'Doing Good Better'. Effective altruism essentially tries to provide guidelines for what an individual can do to have the maximum impact of 'good' in their lifetime. The book is roughly split into two sections; the theory and the implementation. The theoretical side addresses questions related to measurement of charities and w

Feb 13, 2021 • 21:45

Doing Good Better (William MacAskill) - Book Review

Doing Good Better (William MacAskill) - Book Review

How can we use our resources to help others the most? William MacAskill, one of the cofounders of the Effective Altruism movement tries to answer this question in his book 'Doing Good Better'. Effective altruism essentially tries to provide guidelines for what an individual can do to have the maximum impact of 'good' in their lifetime. The book is roughly split into two sections; the theory and the implementation. The theoretical side addresses questions related to measurement of charities and w

Feb 13, 2021 • 21:44

The Psychopath Test (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

The Psychopath Test (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

How many people do you know that you would describe as a 'psychopath'?. If you answered none than you might be surprised at some of the info contained within 'The Psychopath Test' by Jon Ronson. The book is written in Ronson's signature style, jumping between different branches of the topic and interviewing bizarre people connected with the world of prisons, insane asylums and high powered CEO's.Kyrin had this to say about the book. "Psychopaths are disturbing and morbidly fascinating, there is

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:57

The Psychopath Test (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

The Psychopath Test (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

How many people do you know that you would describe as a 'psychopath'?. If you answered none than you might be surprised at some of the info contained within 'The Psychopath Test' by Jon Ronson. The book is written in Ronson's signature style, jumping between different branches of the topic and interviewing bizarre people connected with the world of prisons, insane asylums and high powered CEO's.Kyrin had this to say about the book. "Psychopaths are disturbing and morbidly fascinating, there is

Feb 13, 2021 • 14:56

Two Who Survived (M. Lee Connolly) - Book Review

Two Who Survived (M. Lee Connolly) - Book Review

'Two Who Survived' is the story of Rose & Max Schindler in the Nazi concentration camps, written by M. Lee Connolly. It follows their separate journeys as kids in an increasingly hostile Europe leading up to WWII, their survival through the Holocaust and subsequent life post-war. The book touches upon the need for hope/optimism in the darkest of times when staring in the maws of death. For those wanting more explicit detail, Rose appeared in a fantastic podcast episode with Jocko Willink.Jua

Feb 13, 2021 • 9:05

Two Who Survived (M. Lee Connolly) - Book Review

Two Who Survived (M. Lee Connolly) - Book Review

'Two Who Survived' is the story of Rose & Max Schindler in the Nazi concentration camps, written by M. Lee Connolly. It follows their separate journeys as kids in an increasingly hostile Europe leading up to WWII, their survival through the Holocaust and subsequent life post-war. The book touches upon the need for hope/optimism in the darkest of times when staring in the maws of death. For those wanting more explicit detail, Rose appeared in a fantastic podcast episode with Jocko Willink.Jua

Feb 13, 2021 • 9:04

Thinking, Fast And Slow (Daniel Kahneman) - Book Review

Thinking, Fast And Slow (Daniel Kahneman) - Book Review

How well do you really know your own mind? 'Thinking, Fast And Slow' is a hugely influential book published by the Nobel Prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman. In it he summarises 40 years of psychological research that helped to create the field of behavioural economics. The book is littered with gems of insight into the human brain and why humans behave the way we do. This includes heuristics such as loss aversion/anchoring/priming as well as larger concepts such as System 1 vs System 2,

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:10

Thinking, Fast And Slow (Daniel Kahneman) - Book Review

Thinking, Fast And Slow (Daniel Kahneman) - Book Review

How well do you really know your own mind? 'Thinking, Fast And Slow' is a hugely influential book published by the Nobel Prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman. In it he summarises 40 years of psychological research that helped to create the field of behavioural economics. The book is littered with gems of insight into the human brain and why humans behave the way we do. This includes heuristics such as loss aversion/anchoring/priming as well as larger concepts such as System 1 vs System 2,

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:10

So You've Been Publicly Shamed (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

So You've Been Publicly Shamed (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

What is the most shame you have felt and was it something public or private? 'So You've Been Publicly Shamed' is a deep dive into the topic of shame by the gonzo journalist Jon Ronson. In the book he interviews some notable people who have been shamed on a worldwide level (thanks to social media) as well as investigating the psychology of the people instigating the shaming. In his research he touches upon the role of technology, anonymity, privacy and the creation of an online persona.Kyrin had

Feb 13, 2021 • 22:00

So You've Been Publicly Shamed (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

So You've Been Publicly Shamed (Jon Ronson) - Book Review

What is the most shame you have felt and was it something public or private? 'So You've Been Publicly Shamed' is a deep dive into the topic of shame by the gonzo journalist Jon Ronson. In the book he interviews some notable people who have been shamed on a worldwide level (thanks to social media) as well as investigating the psychology of the people instigating the shaming. In his research he touches upon the role of technology, anonymity, privacy and the creation of an online persona.Kyrin had

Feb 13, 2021 • 22:00

Disgrace (J. M. Coetzee) - Book Review

Disgrace (J. M. Coetzee) - Book Review

Disgrace: the loss reputation/respect as the result of a dishonourable action. J. M. Coetzee is a Nobel Prize winner and also was awarded the Booker Prize for 'Disgrace', a fictional story of a disgraced professor in post-apartheid South Africa. The books touches upon many themes such as: sexual misconduct, growing old, race relations, creating art, rape and animal rights. However the two principal themes are about desire and disgrace.I summarised the book as follows. "Be prepared for an uncomfo

Feb 13, 2021 • 26:14

Disgrace (J. M. Coetzee) - Book Review

Disgrace (J. M. Coetzee) - Book Review

Disgrace: the loss reputation/respect as the result of a dishonourable action. J. M. Coetzee is a Nobel Prize winner and also was awarded the Booker Prize for 'Disgrace', a fictional story of a disgraced professor in post-apartheid South Africa. The books touches upon many themes such as: sexual misconduct, growing old, race relations, creating art, rape and animal rights. However the two principal themes are about desire and disgrace.I summarised the book as follows. "Be prepared for an uncomfo

Feb 13, 2021 • 26:14

Learnings From 'The War Of Art' - Steven Pressfield

Learnings From 'The War Of Art' - Steven Pressfield

In this bonus episode Juan goes through some of his favourite quotes and learnings from Steven Pressfield's 'The War of Art'. This is supplementary to his main book review, which can be found in the link below. Although it is a relatively short book, there is a bounty of quotes and beautiful language contained within. Juan found that many of these were great for keeping him motivated and on track with his goals related to business and fitness. That's it for today, Mere Mortals out!Timeline:(0:00

Feb 13, 2021 • 10:18

Learnings From 'The War Of Art' - Steven Pressfield

Learnings From 'The War Of Art' - Steven Pressfield

In this bonus episode Juan goes through some of his favourite quotes and learnings from Steven Pressfield's 'The War of Art'. This is supplementary to his main book review, which can be found in the link below. Although it is a relatively short book, there is a bounty of quotes and beautiful language contained within. Juan found that many of these were great for keeping him motivated and on track with his goals related to business and fitness. That's it for today, Mere Mortals out!Timeline:(0:00

Feb 13, 2021 • 10:17

The War Of Art (Steven Pressfield) - Book Review

The War Of Art (Steven Pressfield) - Book Review

Do you find yourself procrastinating and unable to overcome the negative self-talk of why you can't do something great? 'The War Of Art' is a fabulous kick in the pants by Steven Pressfield. In this book he explains his concept of 'Resistance', which is essentially the force that stops one from achieving the internal desire of creating and accomplishing something. It is similar to procrastination but he talks about it in a way that makes it easier to understand and overcome. The book is split in

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:26

The War Of Art (Steven Pressfield) - Book Review

The War Of Art (Steven Pressfield) - Book Review

Do you find yourself procrastinating and unable to overcome the negative self-talk of why you can't do something great? 'The War Of Art' is a fabulous kick in the pants by Steven Pressfield. In this book he explains his concept of 'Resistance', which is essentially the force that stops one from achieving the internal desire of creating and accomplishing something. It is similar to procrastination but he talks about it in a way that makes it easier to understand and overcome. The book is split in

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:26

The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton) - Book Review

The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton) - Book Review

How much can one man endure while fulfilling his personal obligations to family/society? 'The Age of Innocence' was published in 1920 and one year later Edith Wharton became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. Her book is set in the 1870's and follows the personal dramas of high society New York, centring around the love triangle between Newland Archer, his fiancée May Welland and her captivating, enigmatic cousin Ellen Olenska.I summarised the book as follows. "I was somewhat surprised b

Feb 13, 2021 • 21:46

The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton) - Book Review

The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton) - Book Review

How much can one man endure while fulfilling his personal obligations to family/society? 'The Age of Innocence' was published in 1920 and one year later Edith Wharton became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. Her book is set in the 1870's and follows the personal dramas of high society New York, centring around the love triangle between Newland Archer, his fiancée May Welland and her captivating, enigmatic cousin Ellen Olenska.I summarised the book as follows. "I was somewhat surprised b

Feb 13, 2021 • 21:46

The Fourth Age (Byron Reese) - Book Review

The Fourth Age (Byron Reese) - Book Review

“The Fourth Age not only discusses what the rise of A.I. will mean for us, it also forces readers to challenge their preconceptions. And it manages to do all this in a way that is both entertaining and engaging.” —The New York TimesJuan tackles the book The Fourth Age: Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity by Byron Reese. This book proved to be a great read if you want to think about AI and machines from a primal basis, based on the way we might think of our universe at l

Feb 13, 2021 • 7:59

The Fourth Age (Byron Reese) - Book Review

The Fourth Age (Byron Reese) - Book Review

“The Fourth Age not only discusses what the rise of A.I. will mean for us, it also forces readers to challenge their preconceptions. And it manages to do all this in a way that is both entertaining and engaging.” —The New York TimesJuan tackles the book The Fourth Age: Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity by Byron Reese. This book proved to be a great read if you want to think about AI and machines from a primal basis, based on the way we might think of our universe at l

Feb 13, 2021 • 7:59

Republic (Plato) - Philosophising

Republic (Plato) - Philosophising

In today's bonus episode we have some additional notes taken by Kyrin while reading Plato's 'Republic'. These expand upon some of the deeper themes encountered in the book and there were not covered in the previously released episode of the actual book review. These include: Kyrin's personal opinions on 'justice' and the treatment it received in the dialogues, game theory and how modern knowledge and techniques can be applied to age old questions and the defects in Socrates' arguments as well as

Feb 13, 2021 • 27:27

Republic (Plato) - Philosophising

Republic (Plato) - Philosophising

In today's bonus episode we have some additional notes taken by Kyrin while reading Plato's 'Republic'. These expand upon some of the deeper themes encountered in the book and there were not covered in the previously released episode of the actual book review. These include: Kyrin's personal opinions on 'justice' and the treatment it received in the dialogues, game theory and how modern knowledge and techniques can be applied to age old questions and the defects in Socrates' arguments as well as

Feb 13, 2021 • 27:27

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain) - Book Review

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain) - Book Review

What is the experience of reading English literature in Spanish? 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' is the classic fictional account of carefree youth in the American antebellum south. We follow Tom and his faithful companions through adventures of piracy, playing hooky and finding buried treasure. The book evokes the childlike naivety/innocence that we all once experienced as well as the superstitions and simple mindedness of the people in the American south.Kyrin had this to say of the tale. "I re

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:43

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain) - Book Review

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain) - Book Review

What is the experience of reading English literature in Spanish? 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' is the classic fictional account of carefree youth in the American antebellum south. We follow Tom and his faithful companions through adventures of piracy, playing hooky and finding buried treasure. The book evokes the childlike naivety/innocence that we all once experienced as well as the superstitions and simple mindedness of the people in the American south.Kyrin had this to say of the tale. "I re

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:42

Republic (Plato) - Book Review

Republic (Plato) - Book Review

How does one become a 'Philosopher King'? Plato's 'Republic' is one of the seminal works of philosophy and one that has had a tremendous impact on critical thought and culture. It follows Socrates as he converses with friends and interlocutors on the purpose of defining the nature of 'justice'. As part of his argument, Socrates develops the concept of a perfect 'Republic' led by his Philosopher Kings. Another famous cultural icon to emerge from the book was his allegory of the cave (Plato's Cave

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:29

Republic (Plato) - Book Review

Republic (Plato) - Book Review

How does one become a 'Philosopher King'? Plato's 'Republic' is one of the seminal works of philosophy and one that has had a tremendous impact on critical thought and culture. It follows Socrates as he converses with friends and interlocutors on the purpose of defining the nature of 'justice'. As part of his argument, Socrates develops the concept of a perfect 'Republic' led by his Philosopher Kings. Another famous cultural icon to emerge from the book was his allegory of the cave (Plato's Cave

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:29

Sons And Lovers (D.H. Lawrence) - Book Review

Sons And Lovers (D.H. Lawrence) - Book Review

If you enjoy long, boring, tedious, conversation filled books, then look no further. 'Sons And Lovers' is the fictional story of a lower class English family living in the 19th century. It revolves largely around Gertrude Morel's two sons (William & Paul) and their unsatisfying relationships due to their overbearing mother. Her prolonged estrangement from her husband and vicarious living through her sons ultimately ends in a ruinous end for the whole family.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 13, 2021 • 20:15

Sons And Lovers (D.H. Lawrence) - Book Review

Sons And Lovers (D.H. Lawrence) - Book Review

If you enjoy long, boring, tedious, conversation filled books, then look no further. 'Sons And Lovers' is the fictional story of a lower class English family living in the 19th century. It revolves largely around Gertrude Morel's two sons (William & Paul) and their unsatisfying relationships due to their overbearing mother. Her prolonged estrangement from her husband and vicarious living through her sons ultimately ends in a ruinous end for the whole family.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 13, 2021 • 20:15

Dracula (Bram Stoker) - Book Review

Dracula (Bram Stoker) - Book Review

Is there a price for everlasting life? 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is the origin story of the most famous vampire in literary and movie culture. We follow Dr Van Helsing and other intrepid heroes on their mission to destroy the undead creature after his relocation from Transylvania to London in the pursuit of fresh victims. The story evokes our fear of the unknown and the everyday qualities of normal people who transform into heroes.Kyrin had this to say of his reading experience. "It was great to

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:42

Dracula (Bram Stoker) - Book Review

Dracula (Bram Stoker) - Book Review

Is there a price for everlasting life? 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is the origin story of the most famous vampire in literary and movie culture. We follow Dr Van Helsing and other intrepid heroes on their mission to destroy the undead creature after his relocation from Transylvania to London in the pursuit of fresh victims. The story evokes our fear of the unknown and the everyday qualities of normal people who transform into heroes.Kyrin had this to say of his reading experience. "It was great to

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:42

Gulliver's Travels (Jonathan Swift) - Book Review

Gulliver's Travels (Jonathan Swift) - Book Review

How would your perspective change in the world of the giants or amongst the little people? 'Gulliver's Travels' is the classic 18th century travel adventure by Jonathan Swift. The book follows Lemuel Gulliver across his four adventures in strange lands amongst strange people. It deals with contrasting perspectives changed by viewpoint, the different types of government and the practicality of misanthropy.Kyrin had this to say of the book. "I found the book to be more enjoyable and thought provok

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:34

Gulliver's Travels (Jonathan Swift) - Book Review

Gulliver's Travels (Jonathan Swift) - Book Review

How would your perspective change in the world of the giants or amongst the little people? 'Gulliver's Travels' is the classic 18th century travel adventure by Jonathan Swift. The book follows Lemuel Gulliver across his four adventures in strange lands amongst strange people. It deals with contrasting perspectives changed by viewpoint, the different types of government and the practicality of misanthropy.Kyrin had this to say of the book. "I found the book to be more enjoyable and thought provok

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:34

The Turn Of The Screw & The Aspern Papers (Henry James) - Book Review

The Turn Of The Screw & The Aspern Papers (Henry James) - Book Review

Were the ghosts real or was the Governess crazy? 'The Turn Of The Screw' & 'The Aspern Papers' are two novellas written by the uber-prolific Henry James (seriously, the dude wrote a lot). Both stories deal with a central character losing themselves in their situation, whether it be an uncertain horror transported into everyday reality or a man single-mindedly pursuing what he wants.Kyrin had this to say of the two tales. "I really don't like horror and thrills so these probably weren't the b

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:03

The Turn Of The Screw & The Aspern Papers (Henry James) - Book Review

The Turn Of The Screw & The Aspern Papers (Henry James) - Book Review

Were the ghosts real or was the Governess crazy? 'The Turn Of The Screw' & 'The Aspern Papers' are two novellas written by the uber-prolific Henry James (seriously, the dude wrote a lot). Both stories deal with a central character losing themselves in their situation, whether it be an uncertain horror transported into everyday reality or a man single-mindedly pursuing what he wants.Kyrin had this to say of the two tales. "I really don't like horror and thrills so these probably weren't the b

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:03

Life On The Mississippi (Mark Twain) - Book Review

Life On The Mississippi (Mark Twain) - Book Review

The most enjoyable book that I have read all year! 'Life On The Mississippi' is a non-conventional book, alternating between memoirs, story telling, historical facts, reminisces of the past and cultural observations. Mark Twain gets the chance to recount his old adventures as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi river in his youth and explore some of the changes that he has seen from before and after the American Civil War and the effects of the Industrial Revolution.I summarised the book as fol

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:30

Life On The Mississippi (Mark Twain) - Book Review

Life On The Mississippi (Mark Twain) - Book Review

The most enjoyable book that I have read all year! 'Life On The Mississippi' is a non-conventional book, alternating between memoirs, story telling, historical facts, reminisces of the past and cultural observations. Mark Twain gets the chance to recount his old adventures as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi river in his youth and explore some of the changes that he has seen from before and after the American Civil War and the effects of the Industrial Revolution.I summarised the book as fol

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:29

The Odyssey (Homer) - Book Review

The Odyssey (Homer) - Book Review

"He smote his breast, and thus reproached his heart. Endure, my heart; far worst has thou endured." If you are looking for an uplifting tale of a man's struggle through life, then look no further. 'The Odyssey' is the second of the epic poems by the Greek author Homer. Kyrin from the Mere Mortals crew has already reviewed the well renowned 'The Iliad' and herein contains his opinions of the journey of Odysseus."The poem brings forth suggestive questions still applicable to a modern context. What

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:18

The Odyssey (Homer) - Book Review

The Odyssey (Homer) - Book Review

"He smote his breast, and thus reproached his heart. Endure, my heart; far worst has thou endured." If you are looking for an uplifting tale of a man's struggle through life, then look no further. 'The Odyssey' is the second of the epic poems by the Greek author Homer. Kyrin from the Mere Mortals crew has already reviewed the well renowned 'The Iliad' and herein contains his opinions of the journey of Odysseus."The poem brings forth suggestive questions still applicable to a modern context. What

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:17

Crime And Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) - Book Review

Crime And Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) - Book Review

Are great men born or made? Fyodor Dostoyevsky explores this question amongst many others in his extraordinary novel 'Crime And Punishment'. Published in 1866 this Russian masterpiece is still considered one of the greatest books ever written. It tells the story of Rodion Raskolnikov and his psychological undoing after committing a horrific crime in an insane intellectual pursuit. Raskolnikov's subsequent subconscious guilt and near descent to insanity is beautifully captured in a book that does

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:48

Crime And Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) - Book Review

Crime And Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) - Book Review

Are great men born or made? Fyodor Dostoyevsky explores this question amongst many others in his extraordinary novel 'Crime And Punishment'. Published in 1866 this Russian masterpiece is still considered one of the greatest books ever written. It tells the story of Rodion Raskolnikov and his psychological undoing after committing a horrific crime in an insane intellectual pursuit. Raskolnikov's subsequent subconscious guilt and near descent to insanity is beautifully captured in a book that does

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:47

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Learnings

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Learnings

Following on from the review of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, Juan from the Mere Mortals digs into the learnings that he found through the book.As always, we hope you enjoy!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Feb 13, 2021 • 9:29

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Learnings

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Learnings

Following on from the review of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, Juan from the Mere Mortals digs into the learnings that he found through the book.As always, we hope you enjoy!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Feb 13, 2021 • 9:29

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Book Review

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Book Review

You really get to know what Mr Murakami talks about when he talks about running. A really wonderful piece of literature which comprises a few short pieces throughout his time in 2005/06 , it goes through the trials and tribulations of preparing for a marathon as he has aged, not doing as well as he would have expected, running distances longer than a marathon, the feelings around that and many more. Tune in for Juan's short take on the book.As always, we hope you enjoy!If you would like to suppo

Feb 13, 2021 • 4:48

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Book Review

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami) - Book Review

You really get to know what Mr Murakami talks about when he talks about running. A really wonderful piece of literature which comprises a few short pieces throughout his time in 2005/06 , it goes through the trials and tribulations of preparing for a marathon as he has aged, not doing as well as he would have expected, running distances longer than a marathon, the feelings around that and many more. Tune in for Juan's short take on the book.As always, we hope you enjoy!If you would like to suppo

Feb 13, 2021 • 4:48

Thérèse Raquin (Émile Zola) - Book Review

Thérèse Raquin (Émile Zola) - Book Review

Is there a moral boundary that cannot be crossed, even by those who act unthinkingly? 'Thérèse Raquin' is a simple story with only four main characters. Set in 19th century Paris, it tells of passion, betrayal, murder, deception and ultimately, accountability. Émile Zola wrote the book in a literary style known as 'Naturalistic'. In the preface he expressly states that he was interested in the temperaments of the personas, rather than their characters. By this he explores how humans would behave

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:01

Thérèse Raquin (Émile Zola) - Book Review

Thérèse Raquin (Émile Zola) - Book Review

Is there a moral boundary that cannot be crossed, even by those who act unthinkingly? 'Thérèse Raquin' is a simple story with only four main characters. Set in 19th century Paris, it tells of passion, betrayal, murder, deception and ultimately, accountability. Émile Zola wrote the book in a literary style known as 'Naturalistic'. In the preface he expressly states that he was interested in the temperaments of the personas, rather than their characters. By this he explores how humans would behave

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:02

The Trial And Death Of Socrates (Plato) - Book Review

The Trial And Death Of Socrates (Plato) - Book Review

Are you willing to put it all on the line and to die for your beliefs? In 'The Trial And Death Of Socrates' we indeed find someone who is willing to do this. This short book is composed from three of the four Socratic Dialogues (Apology/Crito/Phaedo) by the Athenian philosopher, Plato. It mostly takes the form of monologues by Socrates with some short back and forth with his friends. It tells of his trial, reasons for not fleeing, musings on death & the soul before his final suicide by poiso

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:36

The Trial And Death Of Socrates (Plato) - Book Review

The Trial And Death Of Socrates (Plato) - Book Review

Are you willing to put it all on the line and to die for your beliefs? In 'The Trial And Death Of Socrates' we indeed find someone who is willing to do this. This short book is composed from three of the four Socratic Dialogues (Apology/Crito/Phaedo) by the Athenian philosopher, Plato. It mostly takes the form of monologues by Socrates with some short back and forth with his friends. It tells of his trial, reasons for not fleeing, musings on death & the soul before his final suicide by poiso

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:35

The Iliad (Homer) - Book Review

The Iliad (Homer) - Book Review

“Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.” This is a wholly Mere Mortal endorsed quote from 'The Iliad'. Written sometime long ago (thought to be 8th century B.C.) by the poet Homer, it is an epic poem of part of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans outside the walled city of Ilium. The main focus of the numerous battles rests with two heroic fighters, the Trojan prince Hector and the demigod Achil

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:41

The Iliad (Homer) - Book Review

The Iliad (Homer) - Book Review

“Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.” This is a wholly Mere Mortal endorsed quote from 'The Iliad'. Written sometime long ago (thought to be 8th century B.C.) by the poet Homer, it is an epic poem of part of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans outside the walled city of Ilium. The main focus of the numerous battles rests with two heroic fighters, the Trojan prince Hector and the demigod Achil

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:41

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review Quotes

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review Quotes

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares his book a Tribe of Mentors, a choose your own adventure type book where you can pick and reach from 130+ of the world's top successes. Hand in hand with the existing book review, the team went through some of the favourite quotes we encountered through this book (note there is a LOT of quotes in this one). Juan divulges why these quotes resonated so well with his Why's through this quote series. Enjoy!Connect

Feb 13, 2021 • 8:46

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review Quotes

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review Quotes

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares his book a Tribe of Mentors, a choose your own adventure type book where you can pick and reach from 130+ of the world's top successes. Hand in hand with the existing book review, the team went through some of the favourite quotes we encountered through this book (note there is a LOT of quotes in this one). Juan divulges why these quotes resonated so well with his Why's through this quote series. Enjoy!Connect

Feb 13, 2021 • 8:47

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares his book a Tribe of Mentors, a choose your own adventure type book where you can pick and reach from 130+ of the world's top successes. Tim uses a great selection of questions that allows each of the individuals in the book to share open and honest insights into their life and how they handle things like "how to say no" and "the best things they have bought under $100". An insightful book, best served as a pick

Feb 13, 2021 • 5:52

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review

Tribe of Mentors (Timothy Ferriss) - Book Review

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares his book a Tribe of Mentors, a choose your own adventure type book where you can pick and reach from 130+ of the world's top successes. Tim uses a great selection of questions that allows each of the individuals in the book to share open and honest insights into their life and how they handle things like "how to say no" and "the best things they have bought under $100". An insightful book, best served as a pick

Feb 13, 2021 • 5:53

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Quotes

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Quotes

In this video I go over some of my favourite quotes from abridged version of 'The Gulag Archipelago'. These are select snippets that highlight the most important passages of the book where I will then adding my own personal reflections on the quote and why it struck me so deeply. If you are looking for a general overview of the book, please head to the Book Review, which gives a synopsis of the principal themes.I summarised the book as follows. "The Gulag Archipelago is a monumental work and tru

Feb 13, 2021 • 33:13

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Quotes

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Quotes

In this video I go over some of my favourite quotes from abridged version of 'The Gulag Archipelago'. These are select snippets that highlight the most important passages of the book where I will then adding my own personal reflections on the quote and why it struck me so deeply. If you are looking for a general overview of the book, please head to the Book Review, which gives a synopsis of the principal themes.I summarised the book as follows. "The Gulag Archipelago is a monumental work and tru

Feb 13, 2021 • 33:13

The Call Of The Wild (Jack London) - Book Review

The Call Of The Wild (Jack London) - Book Review

Nature vs Nurture, which is more influential? This is one of the queries that pop up when reading 'The Call Of The Wild' by Jack London. Probably the most well known of his works, it is very similar to 'White Fang' in many ways. We follow a St Bernard cross Scotch Collie named Buck as he returns to the icy wilderness of Northern Canada. Along his journey he rediscovers his baser, deep rooted instincts.Kyrin of the Mere Mortal crew had this to say. "Sometimes you can read two very similar books a

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:45

The Call Of The Wild (Jack London) - Book Review

The Call Of The Wild (Jack London) - Book Review

Nature vs Nurture, which is more influential? This is one of the queries that pop up when reading 'The Call Of The Wild' by Jack London. Probably the most well known of his works, it is very similar to 'White Fang' in many ways. We follow a St Bernard cross Scotch Collie named Buck as he returns to the icy wilderness of Northern Canada. Along his journey he rediscovers his baser, deep rooted instincts.Kyrin of the Mere Mortal crew had this to say. "Sometimes you can read two very similar books a

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:44

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Book Review

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Book Review

What can be learned from the senseless death of millions and how can we ensure it never happens again? 'The Gulag Archipelago' is a three-volume work that transformed the World's opinion on the USSR and communist ideology. The author, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, spent 8 years in the forced labour camps before being released under the sweeping reforms put in place after Stalin's death. He wrote of his experiences and those of his comrades in the frozen Russia tundra under essentially unliveable condi

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:49

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Book Review

The Gulag Archipelago: Abridged (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn) - Book Review

What can be learned from the senseless death of millions and how can we ensure it never happens again? 'The Gulag Archipelago' is a three-volume work that transformed the World's opinion on the USSR and communist ideology. The author, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, spent 8 years in the forced labour camps before being released under the sweeping reforms put in place after Stalin's death. He wrote of his experiences and those of his comrades in the frozen Russia tundra under essentially unliveable condi

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:48

The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) - Book Review

The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) - Book Review

"To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation". This is a quote taken from the book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It is a relatively short book of a simple story; a young shepherd goes on a journey to find his treasure. However the tale is enrapturing and one can't help but be drawn in and identify parts of oneself in Santiago, the Andalusian shepherd. Although it primarily addresses the spiritual/psychological barriers that prevent us from fulfilling our dreams, it also packs in pr

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:02

The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) - Book Review

The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) - Book Review

"To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation". This is a quote taken from the book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It is a relatively short book of a simple story; a young shepherd goes on a journey to find his treasure. However the tale is enrapturing and one can't help but be drawn in and identify parts of oneself in Santiago, the Andalusian shepherd. Although it primarily addresses the spiritual/psychological barriers that prevent us from fulfilling our dreams, it also packs in pr

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:02

100 Years Of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

100 Years Of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

Have you read one of the best books that Latin America has to offer? '100 Year of Solitude' is the magnus opus of the Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. Although only published in 1967 it is already a classic book of worldwide literature. It is a long meandering tale that tells the story of the Buendía family in the magical town of Macondo. Numerous generations are born and die as they interact with the introduction of technology, magic and oppression from within and without.I summarised the

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:52

100 Years Of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

100 Years Of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez) - Book Review

Have you read one of the best books that Latin America has to offer? '100 Year of Solitude' is the magnus opus of the Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. Although only published in 1967 it is already a classic book of worldwide literature. It is a long meandering tale that tells the story of the Buendía family in the magical town of Macondo. Numerous generations are born and die as they interact with the introduction of technology, magic and oppression from within and without.I summarised the

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:52

The Food Of The Gods (H.G. Wells) - Book Review

The Food Of The Gods (H.G. Wells) - Book Review

How would 19th century British folk handle a situation of their children growing to the size of 4 story buildings? If you have ever asked yourself this very specific question than 'The Food of The Gods and How It Came To Earth' by H.G. Wells is the perfect book for you. The book raises some interesting questions one of these being: are there inventions/discoveries that can or should be un-invented?I was very excited after reading the initial pages and the basic premise of the plot, but was let d

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:46

The Food Of The Gods (H.G. Wells) - Book Review

The Food Of The Gods (H.G. Wells) - Book Review

How would 19th century British folk handle a situation of their children growing to the size of 4 story buildings? If you have ever asked yourself this very specific question than 'The Food of The Gods and How It Came To Earth' by H.G. Wells is the perfect book for you. The book raises some interesting questions one of these being: are there inventions/discoveries that can or should be un-invented?I was very excited after reading the initial pages and the basic premise of the plot, but was let d

Feb 13, 2021 • 11:46

An Unquiet Mind (Kay Redfield Jamison) - Book Review

An Unquiet Mind (Kay Redfield Jamison) - Book Review

What is it like to have bipolar disorder? 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness' is a biography by Kay R. Jamison, a doctor/psychologist who researches this very topic and who also is afflicted with the same disorder. Previously known as manic depression, it is a mental disorder with a strong genetic component that results in intense mood swings with little ability of regulation. She tells of the highs and lows, public perception/misconceptions and the necessity of those afflicted to t

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:45

An Unquiet Mind (Kay Redfield Jamison) - Book Review

An Unquiet Mind (Kay Redfield Jamison) - Book Review

What is it like to have bipolar disorder? 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness' is a biography by Kay R. Jamison, a doctor/psychologist who researches this very topic and who also is afflicted with the same disorder. Previously known as manic depression, it is a mental disorder with a strong genetic component that results in intense mood swings with little ability of regulation. She tells of the highs and lows, public perception/misconceptions and the necessity of those afflicted to t

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:46

White Fang (Jack London) - Book Review

White Fang (Jack London) - Book Review

'White Fang' is the tale of a wolf cub who is born in the wild, learning the call of the wild and the brutal lessons of nature. Through a gradual period of interacting with indigenous and white Americans, he gradually becomes tamer, but still with the spirit of a wolf within. The story lends itself to children but is masterfully told and can draw in a reader of any age.While a captivating tale, it is not exactly a pleasant story. White Fang fully experiences Thomas Hobbes description of life 'na

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:31

White Fang (Jack London) - Book Review

White Fang (Jack London) - Book Review

'White Fang' is the tale of a wolf cub who is born in the wild, learning the call of the wild and the brutal lessons of nature. Through a gradual period of interacting with indigenous and white Americans, he gradually becomes tamer, but still with the spirit of a wolf within. The story lends itself to children but is masterfully told and can draw in a reader of any age.While a captivating tale, it is not exactly a pleasant story. White Fang fully experiences Thomas Hobbes description of life 'na

Feb 13, 2021 • 15:32

Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) - Book Review

Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) - Book Review

'Meditations' are the reflections of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161-180 AD, renowned for his wise ruling as 'The Philosopher'. The book is a collection of personal notes to himself and is split into 12 chapters (or books) each containing many small quotes/larger thoughts on Stoic philosophy, the nature of Death, living in the present moment and dealing with emotions (amongst other subjects).He never intended for his writings to be published as a book, so we gain the unadulterated wisdom

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:19

Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) - Book Review

Meditations (Marcus Aurelius) - Book Review

'Meditations' are the reflections of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161-180 AD, renowned for his wise ruling as 'The Philosopher'. The book is a collection of personal notes to himself and is split into 12 chapters (or books) each containing many small quotes/larger thoughts on Stoic philosophy, the nature of Death, living in the present moment and dealing with emotions (amongst other subjects).He never intended for his writings to be published as a book, so we gain the unadulterated wisdom

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:18

Storm of Steel (Ernst Jünger) - Book Review

Storm of Steel (Ernst Jünger) - Book Review

A hectic account of trench warfare by a born soldier!'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Jünger is a first person account of life during World War I as told through the eyes of a young German soldier. There is no particular plot, closer to a diary of his experiences on the Western Front during engagements such as the: Battle of Ypres, Battle of Cambrai & the final German spring offensive. It's not a political book and is simply an account of what Jünger saw/felt during this period of his life.I summar

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:54

Storm of Steel (Ernst Jünger) - Book Review

Storm of Steel (Ernst Jünger) - Book Review

A hectic account of trench warfare by a born soldier!'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Jünger is a first person account of life during World War I as told through the eyes of a young German soldier. There is no particular plot, closer to a diary of his experiences on the Western Front during engagements such as the: Battle of Ypres, Battle of Cambrai & the final German spring offensive. It's not a political book and is simply an account of what Jünger saw/felt during this period of his life.I summar

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:54

All Quiet On The Western Front (Erich Maria Remarque) -  Book Review

All Quiet On The Western Front (Erich Maria Remarque) - Book Review

'All Quiet On The Western Front' is the harrowing experiences of fighting and dying, as told by a German WWI soldier. The author uses an alter-ego of Paul Baümer to fully describe the brutal reality of average life in the trenches. The book details the minutiae of frayed shell shocked nerves, mind-numbing boredom and explosive sudden bloodshed. One of the central themes we understand from the book is that nobody comes out of this experience for the better. Even those who survive come out apathet

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:31

All Quiet On The Western Front (Erich Maria Remarque) -  Book Review

All Quiet On The Western Front (Erich Maria Remarque) - Book Review

'All Quiet On The Western Front' is the harrowing experiences of fighting and dying, as told by a German WWI soldier. The author uses an alter-ego of Paul Baümer to fully describe the brutal reality of average life in the trenches. The book details the minutiae of frayed shell shocked nerves, mind-numbing boredom and explosive sudden bloodshed. One of the central themes we understand from the book is that nobody comes out of this experience for the better. Even those who survive come out apathet

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:31

Pinocchio (Carlo Collodi) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Pinocchio (Carlo Collodi) - Mere Mortals Book Review

'Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi is the 1883 classic children's book of a puppet come to life . Though written for children it initially had a very tragic ending, with poor Pinocchio left for dead, hung by the neck from a tree. Thankfully Collodi added more chapters to the book and we now have an uplifting ending to the tale. It is is surprisingly deep with many life lessons (such as reaping what you sow, developing virtue, not to case pearls before swine, etc.,), which is why it is one of the most

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:07

Pinocchio (Carlo Collodi) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Pinocchio (Carlo Collodi) - Mere Mortals Book Review

'Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi is the 1883 classic children's book of a puppet come to life . Though written for children it initially had a very tragic ending, with poor Pinocchio left for dead, hung by the neck from a tree. Thankfully Collodi added more chapters to the book and we now have an uplifting ending to the tale. It is is surprisingly deep with many life lessons (such as reaping what you sow, developing virtue, not to case pearls before swine, etc.,), which is why it is one of the most

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:06

Sailing True North (James Stavridis) - Book Review

Sailing True North (James Stavridis) - Book Review

From one of the most distinguished admirals of our time and a former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, a meditation on leadership and character refracted through the lives of ten of the most illustrious naval commanders in history, alongside the 10 characteristics of effective leadership. Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Feb 13, 2021 • 9:14

Sailing True North (James Stavridis) - Book Review

Sailing True North (James Stavridis) - Book Review

From one of the most distinguished admirals of our time and a former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, a meditation on leadership and character refracted through the lives of ten of the most illustrious naval commanders in history, alongside the 10 characteristics of effective leadership. Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Feb 13, 2021 • 9:14

The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe (Douglas Adams) - Book Review

The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe (Douglas Adams) - Book Review

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."Above is a typical funny passage that one can find in 'The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe' by Douglas Adams. This is the 2nd book of the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy trilogy and follows the adventure of Arthur, Ford, Zaphod and Trillian as they continue their random, absurd, highly illogical journey. They travel through time and space to get a good meal and enjo

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:10

The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe (Douglas Adams) - Book Review

The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe (Douglas Adams) - Book Review

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."Above is a typical funny passage that one can find in 'The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe' by Douglas Adams. This is the 2nd book of the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy trilogy and follows the adventure of Arthur, Ford, Zaphod and Trillian as they continue their random, absurd, highly illogical journey. They travel through time and space to get a good meal and enjo

Feb 13, 2021 • 13:11

The Wealth of Nations (Adam Smith) - Book Review

The Wealth of Nations (Adam Smith) - Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'The Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith. This is a classic book of economics that lays out the general principles of wealth, particularly in relation to nations. It is a dense, long book to get through and has the old style of English language (it was first published in 1776), making it very difficult to read. I personally could only get through about 10% of the 570-something pages. A good book for those who want to read what would be one of the

Feb 13, 2021 • 6:35

The Wealth of Nations (Adam Smith) - Book Review

The Wealth of Nations (Adam Smith) - Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'The Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith. This is a classic book of economics that lays out the general principles of wealth, particularly in relation to nations. It is a dense, long book to get through and has the old style of English language (it was first published in 1776), making it very difficult to read. I personally could only get through about 10% of the 570-something pages. A good book for those who want to read what would be one of the

Feb 13, 2021 • 6:35

Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison) - Mere Mortals Book Review

'Invisible Man' is a commentary of American society in the late 1940's as told from the perspective of an unnamed African American narrator. The book is fictional but contains similarities to real events experienced by Ralph Ellison during his lifetime. It changes between pure narration to lyrical prose, poetic drama and even fantastical dreamlike scenarios. The narrator experiences a loss of identity due to the societal insistence of viewing him solely as part of his racial group. He undergoes

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:32

Demian (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Demian (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

An exploration into the inner world of yourself.'Demian' by Hermann Hesse is a psychological journey of facing fear, pursuing the inner voice and preparing oneself for a life of lonesome transcendence. Young Emil Sinclair grows out of adolescence into early manhood with the help from his enigmatic friend Max Demian. The book is narrated by Sinclair and reveals the challenges he must confront to transform beyond his initial, somewhat weak and naïve beginning. I summarised the book as follows. "So

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:45

Demian (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Demian (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

An exploration into the inner world of yourself.'Demian' by Hermann Hesse is a psychological journey of facing fear, pursuing the inner voice and preparing oneself for a life of lonesome transcendence. Young Emil Sinclair grows out of adolescence into early manhood with the help from his enigmatic friend Max Demian. The book is narrated by Sinclair and reveals the challenges he must confront to transform beyond his initial, somewhat weak and naïve beginning. I summarised the book as follows. "So

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:46

Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison) - Mere Mortals Book Review

'Invisible Man' is a commentary of American society in the late 1940's as told from the perspective of an unnamed African American narrator. The book is fictional but contains similarities to real events experienced by Ralph Ellison during his lifetime. It changes between pure narration to lyrical prose, poetic drama and even fantastical dreamlike scenarios. The narrator experiences a loss of identity due to the societal insistence of viewing him solely as part of his racial group. He undergoes

Feb 13, 2021 • 12:31

Steppenwolf (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Steppenwolf (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

A book that is 'For Madmen Only'!'Steppenwolf' by Hermann Hesse is the semi-fictional, semi-autobiographical tale of Harry Haller, a man whose nature is part man and part wolf. Hesse wrote this (his 10th novel) in 1927 during a prolonged existential crisis caused by the Great War, marriage problems and a severe depression. It explores themes of suicidal depression, the plurality of inner voices/desires and intense loneliness.I summarised the book as follows. "It's rather gloomy and sad with part

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:51

Steppenwolf (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Steppenwolf (Hermann Hesse) - Mere Mortals Book Review

A book that is 'For Madmen Only'!'Steppenwolf' by Hermann Hesse is the semi-fictional, semi-autobiographical tale of Harry Haller, a man whose nature is part man and part wolf. Hesse wrote this (his 10th novel) in 1927 during a prolonged existential crisis caused by the Great War, marriage problems and a severe depression. It explores themes of suicidal depression, the plurality of inner voices/desires and intense loneliness.I summarised the book as follows. "It's rather gloomy and sad with part

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:52

Never Split The Difference (Chris Voss With Tahl Raz) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Never Split The Difference (Chris Voss With Tahl Raz) - Mere Mortals Book Review

What can terrorists teach you about how to negotiate?'Never Split The Difference' by Chris Voss (with Tahl Raz) is about how to use negotiation skills in real life. The main author is an ex-FBI negotiator who learnt the principles of effective negotiation from real world experience with kidnappers, bank robbers, terrorists, sales people, academics and businessmen. The book is an exposition of his main lessons, told through a mix of history, stories, advice and psychology.I summarised the book as

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:10

Never Split The Difference (Chris Voss With Tahl Raz) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Never Split The Difference (Chris Voss With Tahl Raz) - Mere Mortals Book Review

What can terrorists teach you about how to negotiate?'Never Split The Difference' by Chris Voss (with Tahl Raz) is about how to use negotiation skills in real life. The main author is an ex-FBI negotiator who learnt the principles of effective negotiation from real world experience with kidnappers, bank robbers, terrorists, sales people, academics and businessmen. The book is an exposition of his main lessons, told through a mix of history, stories, advice and psychology.I summarised the book as

Feb 13, 2021 • 16:10

Elon Musk (Ashlee Vance) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Elon Musk (Ashlee Vance) - Mere Mortals Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'Elon Musk' by Ashlee Vance, published in 2015. The book is a biography of the billionaire and founder (somewhat disputed) of SpaceX, Tesla & SolarCity. We are taken through a journey from his early childhood in South Africa, rich tech startup kid to fighting for his businesses during the 2008 GFC and beyond. A somewhat polarising and temperamental figure at times, the book gives a good insight into his life as well as some of the personali

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:07

Elon Musk (Ashlee Vance) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Elon Musk (Ashlee Vance) - Mere Mortals Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'Elon Musk' by Ashlee Vance, published in 2015. The book is a biography of the billionaire and founder (somewhat disputed) of SpaceX, Tesla & SolarCity. We are taken through a journey from his early childhood in South Africa, rich tech startup kid to fighting for his businesses during the 2008 GFC and beyond. A somewhat polarising and temperamental figure at times, the book gives a good insight into his life as well as some of the personali

Feb 13, 2021 • 17:08

On Liberty (John Stuart Mill) - Mere Mortals Book Review

On Liberty (John Stuart Mill) - Mere Mortals Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859. The book is an essay of his ideas regarding freedom, liberty, the shortcomings of democracy, role of the government and human rights. It is split into 5 parts: introduction, of the liberty of thought and discussion, of individuality as one of the elements of well being, of the limits to the authority of society over the individual and applications.The book is extended in its reach and covers

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:29

On Liberty (John Stuart Mill) - Mere Mortals Book Review

On Liberty (John Stuart Mill) - Mere Mortals Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859. The book is an essay of his ideas regarding freedom, liberty, the shortcomings of democracy, role of the government and human rights. It is split into 5 parts: introduction, of the liberty of thought and discussion, of individuality as one of the elements of well being, of the limits to the authority of society over the individual and applications.The book is extended in its reach and covers

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:29

Scale (Geoffrey West) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Scale (Geoffrey West) - Mere Mortals Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'Scale: The Universal Laws of Life And Death In Organisms, Cities And Companies' by Geoffrey West. This book promised to deliver so much, but unfortunately fell a little bit short. In it a theoretical physicist turned biologist tries to discover what characteristics of animal, cities and companies are similar independent of size. He manages to show this in some very convincing graphs that occur throughout the book, one of the books actual stron

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:07

Scale (Geoffrey West) - Mere Mortals Book Review

Scale (Geoffrey West) - Mere Mortals Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'Scale: The Universal Laws of Life And Death In Organisms, Cities And Companies' by Geoffrey West. This book promised to deliver so much, but unfortunately fell a little bit short. In it a theoretical physicist turned biologist tries to discover what characteristics of animal, cities and companies are similar independent of size. He manages to show this in some very convincing graphs that occur throughout the book, one of the books actual stron

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:07

The Rape Of Nanking (Iris Chang) & Man's Search For Meaning (Viktor Frankl) - Book Review

The Rape Of Nanking (Iris Chang) & Man's Search For Meaning (Viktor Frankl) - Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortal book review looks at 'The Rape of Nanking' written by Iris Chang and 'Man's Search For Meaning' by Viktor Frankl. Both books are focused on massacres that occurred during WWII, but take different perspectives. Chang's book is more of a history of the event, a way to highlight to the world the tragedy in Nanking. Frankl's book deals with the reason why we live and is a personalised account of his journey through the concentration camps as well as a treatise on Logo

Feb 13, 2021 • 33:21

The Rape Of Nanking (Iris Chang) & Man's Search For Meaning (Viktor Frankl) - Book Review

The Rape Of Nanking (Iris Chang) & Man's Search For Meaning (Viktor Frankl) - Book Review

This episode of the Mere Mortal book review looks at 'The Rape of Nanking' written by Iris Chang and 'Man's Search For Meaning' by Viktor Frankl. Both books are focused on massacres that occurred during WWII, but take different perspectives. Chang's book is more of a history of the event, a way to highlight to the world the tragedy in Nanking. Frankl's book deals with the reason why we live and is a personalised account of his journey through the concentration camps as well as a treatise on Logo

Feb 13, 2021 • 33:22

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) & Black Rednecks And White Liberals (Thomas Sowell) - Book Reviews

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) & Black Rednecks And White Liberals (Thomas Sowell) - Book Reviews

Two books for the price of one!This episode of the Mere Mortals Book Reviews looks at 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' by Joseph Campbell and 'Black Rednecks And White Liberals' by Thomas Sowell. Campbell explores the landscape of myth and story, following the archetypal journey of the hero throughout it's many phases. This book is somewhat known as a classic and its influence can still be seen today. Sowell's book is a collection of 6 essays: the similarity between redneck and black culture, ex

Feb 13, 2021 • 19:43

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) & Black Rednecks And White Liberals (Thomas Sowell) - Book Reviews

The Hero With A Thousand Faces (Joseph Campbell) & Black Rednecks And White Liberals (Thomas Sowell) - Book Reviews

Two books for the price of one!This episode of the Mere Mortals Book Reviews looks at 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' by Joseph Campbell and 'Black Rednecks And White Liberals' by Thomas Sowell. Campbell explores the landscape of myth and story, following the archetypal journey of the hero throughout it's many phases. This book is somewhat known as a classic and its influence can still be seen today. Sowell's book is a collection of 6 essays: the similarity between redneck and black culture, ex

Feb 13, 2021 • 19:43

The Day Of The Triffids (J. Wyndham) & A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man (J. Joyce) - Book Reviews

The Day Of The Triffids (J. Wyndham) & A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man (J. Joyce) - Book Reviews

In this book review Kyrin goes over the books 'The Day Of The Triffids' by John Wyndham & 'A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man' by James Joyce. The first is a story of an apocalyptic world populated with dangerous plants and the second is of a young Irish boy growing into a young man. Neither books were spectacular in his opinion but did raise some questions of ethics being context dependent and the psychology of spiralling downwards. Hope these brought some insights into your own readin

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:19

The Day Of The Triffids (J. Wyndham) & A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man (J. Joyce) - Book Reviews

The Day Of The Triffids (J. Wyndham) & A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man (J. Joyce) - Book Reviews

In this book review Kyrin goes over the books 'The Day Of The Triffids' by John Wyndham & 'A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man' by James Joyce. The first is a story of an apocalyptic world populated with dangerous plants and the second is of a young Irish boy growing into a young man. Neither books were spectacular in his opinion but did raise some questions of ethics being context dependent and the psychology of spiralling downwards. Hope these brought some insights into your own readin

Feb 13, 2021 • 18:20

Ordinary Men (Christopher R Browning) - Book Review

Ordinary Men (Christopher R Browning) - Book Review

'Ordinary Men' by Christopher R. Browning details the experiences of Reserve Police Battalion 101 during the occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany. It examines the role played by the battalion in the murder/exportation of the Jewish people in this era. Browning shares his thoughts on some of the psychological and ethical issues raised by the circumstances.I summarised the book as follows. "This was a sombre and difficult read. It's extremely detailed so be prepared to learn in excruciating detail

Feb 13, 2021 • 24:40

Island (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Island (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Welcome to the Mere Mortals Book Review channel!'Island' by Aldous Huxley is a utopian world set on the island of Pala. Will Farnaby is an embittered journalist who arrives to convince the ruler to sell the oil rights to his boss. As he stays longer he learns about the social setup and interconnected community of the inhabitants. The main themes focus on the interweaving of religion/meditation/psychedelics and how they play a part in the structure of the island.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 13, 2021 • 27:40

Ordinary Men (Christopher R Browning) - Book Review

Ordinary Men (Christopher R Browning) - Book Review

'Ordinary Men' by Christopher R. Browning details the experiences of Reserve Police Battalion 101 during the occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany. It examines the role played by the battalion in the murder/exportation of the Jewish people in this era. Browning shares his thoughts on some of the psychological and ethical issues raised by the circumstances.I summarised the book as follows. "This was a sombre and difficult read. It's extremely detailed so be prepared to learn in excruciating detail

Feb 13, 2021 • 24:40

Island (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Island (Aldous Huxley) - Book Review

Welcome to the Mere Mortals Book Review channel!'Island' by Aldous Huxley is a utopian world set on the island of Pala. Will Farnaby is an embittered journalist who arrives to convince the ruler to sell the oil rights to his boss. As he stays longer he learns about the social setup and interconnected community of the inhabitants. The main themes focus on the interweaving of religion/meditation/psychedelics and how they play a part in the structure of the island.I summarised the book as follows.

Feb 13, 2021 • 27:40

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