Philosopher's Notes
More wisdom in less time. The best big ideas from life-changing books distilled into inspiring and super practical quick reads and 20-minute audio.
Nexus
A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
Yuval Noah Harari is one of my all-time favorite thinkers. We have featured each of his previous three great books: Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. As per the sub-title, this book is “A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI.” It’s a compelling, sobering look at the challenges we face as AI becomes more and more integrated into our lives. I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Anxious Generation
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Jonathan Haidt is one of the world’s leading scholars on the psychology of morality and politics. He’s also one of my favorite thinkers on the planet. His blend of practical, scientifically-grounded wisdom combined with his intellectual rigor (and intellectual humility) is deeply inspiring. This book explores the question of “How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.”
The Coddling of the American Mind
How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure
by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt is one of the world’s leading researchers/thinkers on the science of moral and political psychology. Greg Lukianoff is the president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and one of the country’s most passionate defenders of free expression. One of the things I most appreciated about the book was the way in which Jonathan and Greg embodied the virtue of “intellectual humility.” They are incredibly rigorous in both the precision of their thinking and the respectful, humble tone with which they communicate their views. Reading this book was an education in not just the *theory* of how to engage in thoughtful discussions about challenging subjects, but a wonderful demonstration of that theory in practice.
The Righteous Mind
Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
I’m a big fan of Jonathan Haidt. He’s one of the world’s leading researchers/thinkers on the science of moral and political psychology. I read his first book The Happiness Hypothesis over a decade ago. At this point, I’ve created over 700 Philosopher’s Notes, and... I’m pretty sure this is at least tied for first as THE most difficult book to distill into a six-page Note as the themes Jonathan explores are too nuanced to neatly pack into a quick Note. I hope to inspire you to explore these ideas further by getting the book and striving to help create more civility in our discussions about politics and religion. Let’s get to work!
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The Science of Motivating Young People
This is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone striving to raise the next generation of heroes. David Yeager, PhD, is one of the most respected developmental and social psychologists in the world, and his research has revolutionized how we understand and support young people. Carol Dweck herself praises it, saying, “This book will change millions of lives.” Yeager’s science-backed insights, validated by both research and real-world applications, provide invaluable guidance for anyone who works with or raises children. This book is PACKED with Big Ideas on what young people need to flourish, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites. Let’s jump straight in!
My Name Is Tani
And I Believe in Miracles
by Tanitoluwa Adewumi, Kayode Adewumi, Oluwatoyin Adewumi and Craig Borlase
Tanitoluwa Adewumi, known as Tani, is one of the greatest young chess players in the country, and his story is nothing short of miraculous. Born in Nigeria, Tani and his family fled religious persecution, arriving in the U.S. as refugees. While living in a homeless shelter, Tani defied all odds to win the New York State K-3 Chess Championship. This book, written by Tani and his parents, captures the family’s journey of resilience, hope, and faith. From finding shelter in America to winning his first chess trophy, Tani’s story is one of Heroic determination and belief in miracles. I couldn’t put the book down, and it’s packed with Big Ideas about overcoming adversity, staying committed to your dreams, and how the impossible can become reality with the right mindset. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas from the book—let’s jump straight in!
Good Energy
The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health
Casey Means, MD, is the co-founder of Levels, a health technology company dedicated to reversing the world’s metabolic health crisis. She has served on the faculty at Stanford University, where she lectured on metabolic health and health technology. Dr. Means received her undergraduate degree with honors from Stanford, where she was president of her class, before graduating from Stanford Medical School. She later left traditional medicine to focus on tackling the root causes of why Americans are so sick. I’m not sure how I found this book, but when I saw the testimonial by Admiral Michael Mullen, retired 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I knew I had to get it. As you’d expect, it’s packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!
Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind
A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health
Dr. Georgia Ede is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in the fascinating intersection of nutrition science, brain metabolism, and mental health. With over two decades of clinical experience, including groundbreaking work at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, she was the first to offer nutrition-based therapies as an alternative to psychiatric medications. I came across this incredible book after Alexandra interviewed Dr. Ede for one of her Luminary Sessions with Heroic Coaches. This book is PACKED with Big Ideas to help you and your family conquer mental health challenges. I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!
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How to Be Smarter Than the Situation You Are In
Admiral Bob Harward is a retired three-star Admiral and US Navy SEAL. The wisdom he shares in this book is based on his 40 years of highly decorated military service, followed by another decade as a top executive in the global defense industry. After leading the invasions of Afghanistan in October 2001 and Iraq in March 2003, Harward served on the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and helped commission the National Counterterrorism Center. Before retiring from the military in 2013, he served as Deputy Commander of US Central Command under General James Mattis. This book is PACKED with Big Ideas. I’m excited to share some of my favorites, so let’s jump straight in!
Forever Strong
A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well
Want to be “Forever Strong”? Then this is the book for you. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician with a fellowship in geriatrics and nutritional sciences, brings two decades of expertise to the table. Through her collaboration with mentor Dr. Donald Layman, she has transformed the field of protein metabolism and nutrition. With a focus on gaining muscle rather than just losing fat, Gabrielle offers a fresh perspective on building lasting strength and vitality. She’s also part of the Heroic family, having served the special forces community alongside her Navy SEAL husband. This book is your how-to manual on optimizing muscle growth and overall health. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas so let’s jump straight in!