James

Raises Questions and Conflicts Itself

Revisado: 02-23-25

Meadows offers good foundational definitions to properties of systems and solid analogues in applying that lexicon. However, possibly due to the fact it is not a “finished” work, it begets philosophical questions about systems that appear counter to the author’s theses. E.g. Meadows describes the hierarchical subsystems from a liver cell to a national society, but does not approach where the line of classification occurs between the physical and non-physical subsystems nor how such subsystems can or should relate efficiently. The book also avoids any real suggestion that systems can benefit from democratization and should compete in a marketplace of ideas to discover the best in class.

Meadows, an academic, also lets slip her veil of an analyst to reveal socialist and eugenicist proclivities at latter points in the text - painting corporations as functioning only for perpetual (malignant) growth, misquoting JFK as a means to attack Ronald Reagan for addressing one of the very system flaws she describes just a chapter prior, and repeatedly pointing to a threat of human overpopulation.

Overlooking these disappointments of the book, the reader comes away with some good direction to identify systems in everyday life and inspiration to think outside a linear perspective.

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Compelling and Honest

Revisado: 12-21-24

Senik does a marvelous job in presenting Grover Cleveland, across time and obscurity, at a very human level. He describes key and controversial events from multiple perspectives and through the lens of a historian. At points in the text, Senik appropriately calls out contemporary works about Cleveland for their overt bias to capitalize on fleeting wokism rather than presenting complete facts or context of the times of the subject. A Man of Iron guides its reader through the amazing life of Grover Cleveland - a figure of renowned integrity - at a matching degree of honesty.

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Extraordinary People

Revisado: 11-17-24

This classic work is among the best at humanizing the very brave individuals who banded together to defy tyranny and sow the seed of the tree of liberty. Astonishing is these talented minds constellated at a critical point in history and all risked their fortunes, reputation, and lives to unlock a chance to create a better nation.

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Scalable Insight

Revisado: 09-02-24

Having grown up during the time of the happenings described in this book, revisiting those is nostalgic. Many of the deals and players were newsworthy well outside of 1980s New York. Gaining Mr. Trump's perspective of their unfolding provides very interesting details I had not then known. One case is the demise of the USFL.

Based on the press of that time, I had been misled to disappointment in Mr. Trump for abandoning the league and betraying fellow teams' owners. Only many years later did some truth emerge about Mr. Trump's personal commitment to the USFL, and the financial fragility and weak conviction shown by fellow franchise owners. From this book's look at the situation, I am astonished at how vulnerable the NFL actually was and its fear of a competitor.

The deals featured in this book are unique and told of in a compelling way. While each is certainly of scope well beyond anything attempted by the average reader, the lessons and wisdom Mr. Trump share are directly scalable to the typical negotiations we face in middle class life and retail investing. Chief among the takeaways is patience - a missed opportunity today could become a better one later. Another is personableness - forming lasting relationships with the highest quality people in their trade reduces risk and protracts success for all stakeholders. A third is tempered persistence - be tenacious about your goal, but just short of the point of recklessness. A timeless fourth is government is interested only in itself - ceteris paribus, competent and proven private enterprise eclipses political bureaucracy in efficiency and results for the public.

Perhaps the most surprising and inspiring point taken from Trump: The Art of the Deal is that the character, focus, commitment, and drive of the author read fully aligned with the man we see today. Consistency is a key to success, and I am pleased to only now open the time capsule of this book and behold that example.

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Motivating and Presaging

Revisado: 06-15-24

The story is one that is uplifting and empowering. Yet, Rand’s words reflect tyranny and decay occurring in our real world which produces the state of her fictional one.

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Outstanding Narration

Revisado: 06-10-24

This story is timeless. It describes the light and shadowy elements within any society and offers hope that the former will prevail from their conflict.

Hughes masterfully gives dimension to distinct characters who interact in a realistic, yet strained way. He adds to that symbolism and foreshadow, which keep the reader/listener engaged throughout the telling.

More still, Myra Taylor's narration is marvelous. Her singing is wonderful, and she expertly transitions to and from it with remarkable grace. Between the harmony portions of the story, Taylor voices life into the characters and expresses each personality through their respective dialogue.

All together, this is a fine presentation.

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Intriguing Predictions upon which to Reflect

Revisado: 12-04-23

Being the text was written in the latter years of the last century, contemplating the authors' predictions in comparison of actuality adds to the value of this work.

As we continue our journey through the American experience, the thesis and supporting arguments of this book are very much worth considering among other historical and philosophical theories.

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The Great Reset by Another Name

Revisado: 09-25-23

Wells, in this writing, espouses the same old dream of the "elite" to rule the world and eradicate the bulk of it's population. The remainder, more manageable to subjugate of course, would be carefully continued through eugenics to serve the collective.

Criticising Marxism throughout the text, Wells fails to sell his dystopic alternative as significantly distinct.

God, family, and traditional values are passé to the Open Conspiracist. Rather, scientism is humanity's destiny and salvation. As with his novels, Wells sprinkles racism into The Open Conspiracy, reminding the world that he was a despicable figure.

The Open Conspiracy should be read to understand that the socialist Malthusian cult which Wells promotes is today called the World Economic Forum. Understanding the players change, but the game persists can help us recognize and reject the twisted future those with hyper wealth and power recursively seek.

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Historical and Bigraphical

Revisado: 01-10-22

While this is an interesting listen, it focuses on the history and persons who comprised the Austrian School more than detailing the principles and ideas they produced.

If you are interested in Austrian economics per se, keep this book in mind after learning those principles. This work can then humanize those who brilliantly forged those ideas.

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Excellence in Content and Performance Converge

Revisado: 06-26-21

This classic story, unedited, offers powerful insight into the time and locale it describes. What we perceive with contemporary ears to be raw and uncomfortable dialog re-edifies us about how our collective culture has grown. My applause to Amazon/Audible for (so far) not succumbing to the sweeping madness of censorship.

Twain masterfully weaves moralistic messages throughout the text in a way that is counterintuitive at times. It is that challenge to the audience which gives the story the qualities of timelessness and timeliness, simultaneously.

Elijah Wood brings this story to life in an amazing way. He demonstrates exceptional talent in voicing characters in unique styles that are consistent, highly realistic, and do great justice to the underlying humor the author conveys.

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