If you missed it, here’s what I did. I wrote a story about doing unimportant things for 15 years to get to where I am today, and even though I thought those years were wasted, how they weren’t. (Yes, this one.)
Then I ran a poll on Instagram. I asked if I should write more like this. Put another way, I simply asked for your approval to vent more often. There were 10 yes-es, and 1 no.
I’m going to take that a little seriously and write more often about things that go on inside my head. Look out for these and share your feedback with me 🙂
Now, for the goodies.
1. I recommended Basecamp’s “The Distance” podcast in my last Letter. There’s another Basecamp podcast I want you to try out.
Basecamp ended The Distance in August 2017, and started a new one in its place. Rework is the name.
Rework is all about (unconventional) management wisdom from Basecamp’s founders, Jason Fried and DHH, two of my business idols. You needn’t worry if business management isn’t your cup of tea. This show is far more wide-raging, and utterly insightful.
2. Forget “Management.” Philosophy is where it’s at.
So says Matthew Stewart in this delightful feature he wrote for The Atlantic back in 2006. I think it hasn’t lost its relevance the slightest, even after 11 years.
Most of management theory is inane. If you want to succeed in business, don’t get an M.B.A. Study philosophy instead.
3. But, where does one study Philosophy?
If you’ve read through Stewart’s argument, and are itching for some philosophy, there are many great sources on the interwebs where you can indulge. I would start with some free courses offered by Coursera and edX.
If you prefer a much more concise and preliminary introduction to some of the most sought after thinkers in the history of philosophy, this book would help. The Kindle edition is only $0.99.
4. Speaking of books, do you read a lot?
If you do, I’d imagine you spend a fortune on books every year? I certainly do. But a few months back I found this website, and now I spend far less.
BookBub lets you subscribe to deal alerts for books you’re thinking of buying. You can follow the book titles, or the authors. When there is a deal announced somewhere (think: Kindle, Apple iBooks, etc.) they will send you an email notification.
5. Power corrupts. PowerPoint corrupts absolutely.
To end on a lighter note, there is this essay that I read on WIRED a while back which was quite hilarious, and made a lot of sense at the same time. (By the way, this has nothing to do with my personal preference for Keynote over PowerPoint as an app.)
In this short essay, Edward Tufte argues how PowerPoint presentations (meaning, graphical presentations in general, regardless of the app used to create them) have become an excuse instead of a complement.
Until next time.
Cheers
Thamara.
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