Nov ‘23 - Don’t forget Fantasy
Books
I was reminded this past November that a good fantasy book can reinvigorate my love for reading. I was asked to join a book club with some friends here in LA and dive into the 4th Wing Series (4th Wing and Iron Flame). The books are a mix of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Hunger Games… Rachel has also loved the books. I get why a lot of women like this series because of the romance and bad assery of the main protagonist, Violet. I’m not ashamed to say that I’m digging them too. It’s also an underdog story, which resonates with a lot of people. I’m highlighting this to you to remind you that if you ever need to jumpstart your love of reading again, pick up a fantasy book.
Podcasts
Prof G Markets w/ Morgan Housel — First, go devour everything from Morgan Housel. I love all the podcast episodes he’s done with people like Tim Ferris and others. He’s been writing about finance, investing, and money management for decades. From this podcast, I particular love a few points:
Dont ever be financially extended or leveraged. Just don’t do it. Yes, that means even when it comes to buying a house. It’s OK to rent, it’s often more responsible.
Dollar Cost Average. Take emotion out of equation. Make your investing mechanical.
Your ticket to admiration is not money and success. How you treat others is most important. Your worth isn’t tied to how much you make. Don’t forget the difference between financial security and being rich. More money doesn’t guarantee more happiness.
Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise are the three pillars to living a long life. If there is a 4th pillar I’d add being Social.
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling — I listened this podcast a few months ago but went back recently to remind myself of some key points about forming belief. I have a lot of thoughts but to be brief I’ll leave my main 2 takeaways.
You never really know what someone is going through. Be sympathetic / empathetic where you can and remember you don’t know their entire story or reasons for why they believe or feel so strongly about something.
Always ask yourself these 5 questions when making conclusions about your own belief.
How can you trust your mind?
Are you capable of entertaining real doubt about your beliefs? Or are you operating from a position of certainty?
Can you articulate the evidence that you need to see to change your position? Or is your perspective unfalsifiable?
Can you articulate your opponents perspective in a way that they would recognize? Or are you straw manning?
Are you willing to cut off close relationships with those that disagree with you? Particularly over small points of contention
Are you willing to use extradorinaiy means against people that disagree with you?
Tim Ferris with Shane Parrish — There’s a lot in this podcast (also subscribe to Shane’s newsletter) but as I sit here and think of the main thing I remember was about setting “rules” for your life. Commit to a few rules that are negotiattbles which require no last minute decision making or contemplation. For example, exercise, it’s a rule that I work out at least 20 min 6 days a week. If it’s a rule, it’s something you don’t break and just do. No thinking required. Or, being honest and ethical, no need to think on it. What are your rules?
Joe Rogan with Gary Brecka — as my buddy said “this guy could be a snake oil salesmen or genius” but I did love this podcast and reminded me to stay away from chemicals in my food. Particularly folic acid. Stay away from rice or other grains that say “enriched”. Also, I want to get a genetic methylation test. More to come here.
