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Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014?

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291–294 of 294 posts

Re: Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014?

#291
Limits to Growth - the 30 year update

http://www.amazon.com/Limits-Growth-The-30-Year-Update/dp/19...

An introduction to systems theory and a look at why the authors think our system is already in "overshoot" (living beyond what is sustainable) and whether this will lead to collapse, or a smoother transition to a more sustainable and equitable society. Written by 3 scientists from MIT.

Re: Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014?

#292

Blindsight. (Spoiler alert!) Not because it's a great fiction story (it is), but because it introduced me to the concept of Unconscious Intelligence. We take it for granted that "sleeping on a problem" or "going for a walk" can lead us to great ideas and breakthroughs. That's great, ideas do just pop into the mind. But... what created those ideas? This might be the key to explaining a lot of things. For instance, I r…

There is quite a few books by that title, are you talking of the Peter Watts book?

Re: Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014?

#293
post #212

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And here's me thinking Piketty was all about blaming capitalism for wealth inequality. Care to correct me, and explain why you think he's an "avowed defender of capitalism"?

Because he's not actually proposing to move to an alternative system.

He is proposing increased state control and taxation.

Re: Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014?

#294
post #148

The 4-hour-body changed my life. It changed how I look, how I eat, my health, my self esteem/confidence, my mood. I am a completely different person now.

Which parts helped you the most? I didn't get a whole lot from it.

I've always been overweight, and struggled with it. I was unhealthy physically and I think it made me unhealthy mentally in some ways as well. I've always been the geek kind of guy, wasn't much into sports and had no idea how to take care of my own body. And this book made it all clear to me.
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