Martin

Great book, in print, not audio.

Revisado: 10-28-23

One of the best books on investing, however, I ended up buying the Kindle version as well. Not easy to follow up in audio.

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Yes, blame Europe for the migration mess

Revisado: 01-13-23

A strange book. It depicts the difficult and dangerous life of migrants, which is of course pitiful, and clearly shows that many more migrants would flee if the journey was easier.

At the same time it almost blames the West for the migrants' difficult life. It celebrates the far leftist ideas of no borders and anti-capitalism.

As if the freedom and relative wealth of Europe grew on trees and was not based in Europe's culture, democracy and market economy. And as if the coveted Europe was responsible for the hatred between ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan and elsewhere. As if the West should and indeed could ensure peace there (the US tried). And as if Europe should save everyone and destroy capitalism, it's source if success.

The communist ideas in the book have been tried. Why nobody flees to the paradises if N. Korea, Cuba, Venezuela or China is not explained.

I grew up in communist Czechoslovakia - I know it is all sh*t.

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A great (long) book

Revisado: 12-26-22

A great book on human nature, should be read by all who aspire to make a new and better world.

It shows how and why it backfires and how modern and old tragedies of totalitarian regimes directly stem from the idea that the human nature is malleable.

Yet it springs up again and again in intellectual life. When the masses get hold of simplified versions of it, tragedy ensues. The current western culture wars are a manifestation of its mild form.

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The theses of the book is wrong

Revisado: 10-02-22

The book argues that while new technology is deflationary (making things ever cheaper), colluding central banks drive inflation and credit to keep economics running, with inequality as a by product The book proposes deflation as a solution.

This is wrong or at least debatable at many levels. For example, technology has been improving for thousands years. More technology results in more productivity, which is actually the main force driving the economy and improving our lives. In real terms, things are getting relatively cheaper in time, relentlessly.

Nominal decrease in price levels (i.e.deflation) would increase the burden of debtors, probably only increasing inequality.

Deflation would also shrink wages... So no improvement for those dependent on them. If wages stayed put, companies would go bust as profits would go down.

Sorry...

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Must-read for inquisitive progressive people

Revisado: 09-23-22

I have noticed how I was betrayed by my own reason on a few occasions and how the "less thinking" people had a point, though perhaps not so perfectly articulated.

This book shows why that is so and why supposedly rational and probably well meant attempts to correct the world often go dangerously wrong. Think social programs, gender and racial issues etc.

Even if you instinctively disagree upfront, you should still read it and consider the arguments.

At times a bit too long, but otherwise well written.

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Excelent and illuminating

Revisado: 07-17-22

The book is an excellent presentation of evolutionary perspective on human mating and relationships between the sexes.

Clearly written and presented, explains a lot. Benefitial to read or listen to for anyone, perhaps most if one finds man/woman relationships as flawed, a giant conspiracy of one sex against the other, or similar.

The evolutionary view puts a lot you see around you in a different light and hopefully leads to more understanding. Very much recommended.

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Brilliant defence of the great Western tradition

Revisado: 07-07-22

Highly recommended. Though not nice to listen to at times, it is bold, unapologetic and very well argued. Great reminder of why we should be grateful to live in the West rather than in some idealistic places that never existed.

Instructive both for progressives and traditionalists.

Growing up in communist Czechoslovakia, I watch with disbelief how little the Western democracies appreciate the uniquely free world they have managed to create and we were lucky enough to join. Listen carefully.

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Grounded in physical realities, yet accessible

Revisado: 07-07-22

Highly recommended. For once a book on energy and climate that is grounded in the reality of how agriculture, construction and other human activities are really conducted and what these processes require at physical level.

Smil clearly says Earth is warming, which to him is very old news. At the same time, he shows how woefully uninformed many vocal activists and politicians are.

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Thoughtful and very well argued

Revisado: 12-16-21

Interesting, very well argued and slightly contrarian to the prevailing climate disaster narrative. Even if do not agree, it will broaden your horizons.

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Outstanding defence of free thinking and speech

Revisado: 11-29-21

This book should listened to by both defenders of free speech and the defenders of minorities, whatever it may mean. The argument is clear and whether you largely agree or not, it is food for thought.

Some of the examples of people persecuted for publishing mildly controversial studies or opinions disliked by some groups are like a carbon copy of what we experienced behind the Iron Curtain. From first hand experience, that is bad. Mr. Saad does an excellent job of defending the freedom the West managed to achieve and should fight hard to keep. I highly recommend this book

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