Reading the DSM-IV about ADHD sounded to me more like the behavior over a typical boy than a mental illness. Thom theorizes a gene came about which al...moreReading the DSM-IV about ADHD sounded to me more like the behavior over a typical boy than a mental illness. Thom theorizes a gene came about which allowed our ancestors to survive an intense period of ice ages. This gene, when triggered, exhibits behaviors teachers find abhorrent in the Prussian style education system of the Unites States better geared to producing soldiers and factory workers than scientists and creators.(less)
Typically a biography looks at the events from an overly dispassionate, objective point of view. There is an obvious attempt to portray the biography...moreTypically a biography looks at the events from an overly dispassionate, objective point of view. There is an obvious attempt to portray the biography as completely unbiased. The biases are still there, just not admitted.[return][return]Shenk admits he believes Abraham Lincoln, an American icon, openly paraded his depression in front of everyone in his youth. Lincoln even used his depression to make others feel sorry for him to gain advantages. This book is really an argument for this belief. I'd have liked more dissuading evidence or acknowledging the weaknesses in the belief. Areas where Shenk or others can perhaps fill in with more evidence.[return][return]Shenk is an excellent writer. The book flows better than most biographies I have read.(less)
Fantastic reflection on and insight to various popular topics in science such as the Big Bang, genetic modification of crops, and consciousness. Throu...moreFantastic reflection on and insight to various popular topics in science such as the Big Bang, genetic modification of crops, and consciousness. Through these examples, he shows how science and Buddhism agree in areas and disagree in others. Throughout, he expresses the joy conversations with scientists have brought him in learning about another perspective and integrating that knowledge with his already extensive understanding of Hindu and Buddhist knowledge.[return][return]It reads much like a lecture the Dalai Lama might have given. This book is easily accessible, flows easily, and stole my day.(less)
This was my third time reading it. The most recent prior was in the month before Storm was published. I had to give myself distance from watching the...moreThis was my third time reading it. The most recent prior was in the month before Storm was published. I had to give myself distance from watching the HBO series.
Still. Reading it again was like having lunch with a good friend after a decade. Why isn't it a more frequent occurrance?(less)
I have been reading Michael's blog, Rands in Repose for years. Andy and I discussed the latest ones over lunch.
Most if not all chapters come from blog...moreI have been reading Michael's blog, Rands in Repose for years. Andy and I discussed the latest ones over lunch.
Most if not all chapters come from blog posts usually come with additional polishing. For example, one of my favorites, The Nerd Handbook, is converted from a blog post to Chapter 23 with an introduction on how it should be handed to someone who needs to understand people like me plus an introduction for the recipient.
The best of: Chapter 8: The Culture Chart - "Culture is the undercurrent of ideas that ties a group of people together. In order for it to exist, it must move from one individual to the next. This is done via the retelling of stories.... The is not a corporate values statement on the planet that so brutally and beautifully defines the culture of a company."
Chapter 13: The Impossible -
Chapter 14: Knee Jerks Chapter 22: The Pond (less)
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