Litsy

Ages of American Capitalism: A History of the United States | Jonathan Levy

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This is easily the best book I‘ve finished so far this year. Levy tells a lively history of America through the lens of macroeconomics (and pop culture). Honestly, some of the economics details went over my head, but the lived experiences of people resonated quite clearly. It‘s a 51-hour audiobook 🤓

51 likes

Vivlio_Gnosi

Atlas Shrugged (Anniversary) | Ayn Rand

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⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to begin?
"My philosophy, in essence, is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness, as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute." - Ayn Rand

What if the titans of industry left? Rand uses a theoretical #economic #dystopia America to present her what-if.
Regardless if you agree with her, she opens your mind. #worthit #JohnGalt #Objectivism

CuriousG When I read this 20 years ago it blew my mind, but now the ablest nonsense makes me want to punch someone...I've definitely changed in 2 decades! Having a brother with a developmental disability and a husband with serious brain injury I see how damaging the sentiments in this really are as so many of us internalize the nonsense that we are only worthy human beings if able to 'contribute in traditional ways. 4y

CuriousG Seeing first-hand people contemplate taking their lives because of a society that pushes this stuff is eye opening. I want to be neutral on the subject, but clearly I'm not. That being said, I'm glad you found a book you found thought provoking. We could all use more of that! 4y

CuriousG I should say sorry - I didn't mean to sound judgy. I truly do think it is great that you found this book thought provoking and I think people should love what speaks to them, even if it doesn't speak to me It's clearly just a bit of a trigger for me. 4y

Vivlio_Gnosi @CuriousG thanks for sharing. A variety of viewpoints is critical to provide deep perspective which is vital to a society's success. I don't agree with everything Rand penned, I do respect her efforts greatly for writing her beliefs in such an in-depth manner & I wanted to conquer her monumental work. The more I can read that challenges me mentally can only be beneficial. I relish the adventure of consuming classic tomes which is wht drove me here 4y

4 likes4 comments

MargaretPinardAuthor

Status Anxiety | Alain de Botton

I‘m finally able to get past de Botton‘s structural foibles—the man drops pictures, diagrams, and numbers wherever he wants in a serious text—and am managing to understand and ponder his points!
This is as close to #philosophy as I think I‘ll get, ever since college put me off.

It‘s useful to think about how we attach #moral #merit to #economic status to #happiness, and how it‘s only been 250 years! I hope things evolve again, and soon.
#status

16 likes

Vivlio_Gnosi

Billion Dollar Fantasy: The High-Stakes Game Between FanDuel and DraftKings That Upended Sports in America | Albert Chen