3 Fall Reads to understand the changing World

Author

AJ Neeme
September 24, 2024


This week’s edition:

  • 3 Fall Reads to understand the changing World

  • This Week in Business

  • The Big Green Vault

3 Falls Reads to understand the changing World

I sometimes feel we can do with a little less “Historic Events”.

Especially since we’ve had a lot of Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse themed ones over the past few years. 

But, that’s unfortunately not something within my control.

What is, is trying to understand the World and how it evolves over time.

Understanding is the first step to two things:

  • Mental preparation

  • Practical preparation 

There’s no shortage of books with differing views on how the World actually evolves and what’s next, but here are a few I enjoyed. (PS: if you have any recommendations, please share them!)

For a 30 year old book, this one holds up pretty well.

The central idea is that civilizations are shaped primarily by circumstances. Environmental, Geographic and Technological factors set things in motion which culminate in humanity developing in a specific way.

In modern times, the Internet will usher in the digital age and bring about the decline of the Nation State.
How do you adapt ? This is what this book is about

The rise and fall of Empires/World Powers follows a similar Economic path.
Ray Dalio sees a convergence of factors that have historically played a role in the cycle.

This book looks at past examples of this and makes predictions for the future.

Henry Kissinger was as controversial as he was influential.

So, whether you agree with him or not, a peek into his World View = a peek into the many diplomats and policy makers he’s influenced over his 100 year life.

This Week in Business

  1. The Fed Cuts Rates: The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in 4 years. This should be Good news since it means cheaper debt, better circumstances for Growth and we’re so far avoided a deep recession.
    But, those who are worried are worried that crashes/debt crises usually happen after the Fed cuts rates. 

  2. The End of the “New Normal” ? Amazon tells staff to return to office 5 days per week. Ouch. Seems like only yesterday companies were rolling out glorious “New Normal” plans. And now, here we are. Who’s going to follow suit ?

The Big Green Vault

  • The Rest is History Podcast: In keeping with the History theme of this edition. I thoroughly enjoy this podcast which has covered topics as diverse as what Cleopatra was “really like” to the evolution of the Disco.

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