Category Archives: Book Reviews

Another of my book pairs is “Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe” and “Talking to Strangers,” the latest Malcolm Gladwell book. Of the two, “Skeptic’s” is the better book, but “Talking to Strangers” is maybe more entertaining and will sell more … Continue reading →

I tend to finish books in related pairs. This is because of Amazon/Audible marketing, and it works. When you buy one, you get the ad, “Customers who viewed this item also viewed.” Often there is a related book that looks … Continue reading →

What I liked most about my work in the Foreign Service were the opportunities to for interaction with other systems and cultures. I used historical-anthropological method and came up with lots of insights beyond the simple joy of doing the … Continue reading →

  Sorry, cannot blame Trump Some parts of America are doing very well; others are okay, and some are in serious decline. This is a long-term trend, not something we can blame on the policies of any president. And it … Continue reading →

The legacy of liberalism More than anything else, liberalism was responsible for the great enrichment that pulled humanity out of the poverty trap that has afflicted people always and everywhere from prehistoric times until just a few centuries ago. Liberalism … Continue reading →

  audible.com The Intelligence Trap Check out this great listen on Audible.com. An eye-opening examination of the stupid things smart people do – and how to cultivate skills to protect ourselves from error. “As a rule, I have found that … Continue reading →

audible.com The Conservative Sensibility Check out this great listen on Audible.com. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, a monumental new reflection on American conservatism, examining how the Founders’ belief in natural rights created a great American political tradition – one that … Continue reading →

audible.com This View of Life Check out this great listen on Audible.com. It is widely understood that Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution completely revolutionized the study of biology. Yet, according to David Sloan Wilson, the Darwinian revolution won’t be truly … Continue reading →

The Volunteer   The incredible true story of a Polish resistance fighter’s infiltration of Auschwitz to sabotage the camp from within, and his daring escape to warn the Allies about the Nazis’ true plans for a “Final Solution.” To uncover the … Continue reading →