Someone tweeted at me the other day stating interest in what was on my bookshelf (reader Ben of this blog I believe). I thought about it and decided it would make for an interesting post.
What you see above is my personal and current book collection* . I’ve owned and read many more in my life time of course, but I frequently sell books that I won’t read twice, and would be better off in the hands of someone else (hence you don’t see The Primal Blueprint hard cover in here, for one example).
*With a shameless self promotional piece in the back ground of master copy event DVD’s to be delivered this week to the production/distribution company I have chosen. Check out one of the full DVD covers here (it’s pretty slick).
Below I’ll briefly discuss each book, and provide a link to purchase it. Most will be to Amazon, in which case I get a small commission (usually less than a dollar) should you buy from that link, instead of going to Amazon.com directly – at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to support the blog which I write and host at no direct charge to you the reader.
Let’s begin shall we?
Reinventing Collapse
For me, and probably many others, it is a rare find when I come across a book I have trouble putting down. This, is one of those books (on the far left, face up).
Reinventing Collapse: The Soviet Example and American Prospects by Dmitry Orlov
It just arrived in the mail yesterday and I’m already about half done with it. In fact, as I just mentioned, I had trouble putting this book down last night and going to sleep. It is very likely I will finish it today, in my second sitting – it’s that good.
Why is it good? Well for one, this guy is intelligent and very aware of BS, in many different fields. I don’t agree with every little thing in the book, but for the most part, I believe Dmitry has a high level of ‘altitude’ on life and the problems we face collectively – and not just economic collapse as one would assume by the title of this book.
What’s more, Dmitry has a good sense of humor – dark as it may be. Come to think of it, this guy reminds me of George Carlin and his knack for “poking holes” where most won’t (may he rest in peace).
The neat thing about his sense of humor however, is that it balances out a serious topic without going to far over the edge. In that sense, the book is easily ‘digestible’, and should bring most ‘around’ who are skeptical of the most catastrophic, economic cluster f*uck in history that is looming at our doorstep here in the states.
He makes a lot of good points that I have previously made here on TDL, or have planned to touch on. The two I am referring to specifically are
A. You don’t have to be an economics wizard to understand what’s going on in the US. In fact I would go one step further and say that an ‘advanced’ understanding of ‘economics’ may indeed be blinding to the coming economic catastrophe on a scale never before witnessed.
Not unlike a vegan who knows everything there is to know about vegetarianism – it doesn’t change the facts, and the reality than vegetarianism in any form is harmful to both humans, the environment, and not ‘even’, but especially animals – paradoxical, maniacal, murderous, and blasphemous as it may sound.
B. People have an extremely difficult time taking action that directly contradicts their every day life. I’ve seen this many times over, in my own life, and the lives of others. Clear examples can be found (being discussed) in a few speeches from The 21 Convention regarding success with women – most guys have a very difficult time admitting they have any sort of problem in that area of their life, let alone that they can improve their success.
Why? In admitting that there is room for improvement (and that you could have done better in past situations, intimate, social or otherwise), you are in a sense deflating a false, situational confidence, based on your experiences with women over the course of your life time – or your ‘ego’ for short.
In doing so, many perceive this as a personal devaluation of themselves – as a threat. This is of course complete nonsense, and no such threat is ‘real’, but never the less people have a difficult time unraveling these self induced rationalizations.
In the same sense – interestingly enough, multiple – close friends of mine that read The Dream Lounge have stated more or less the same thing, in an eerily similar manner. They begin talking about what I’ve written on here about “bug out bags” and economic collapse (on their own accord), laugh a bit, and then state that if “anything happens” they know where they’re going first – to my house (or anyone’s house for that matter, assuming it’s not a pre-planned “bug out location” of some sort).
This for one, is complete and utter bull$hit. If and when some kind of catastrophe or disaster does occur – of whatever nature – there are very few people I would ‘take in’ unconditionally. Those people include immediate family, close relatives, the immediate family of my former best friend, and less than a handful of my close friends or close friends of any of the above people (my criteria being if my best friend was still alive, and with me during a major event, would he or would he not take in a friend of his that I also knew).
That’s it. Unless you’re prepped and can carry your own weight (or most of it and can be of aide in other forms), you’re getting a handful of food, a best of luck wish, and a foot in the ass out the door.
Call me a cold heartless bastard, but I’m not going to risk my life/well being or the life of anyone listed above for a ‘friend’ who was to busy laughing to stock pile some basic supplies (that you use anyway, like food) and spend 30 minutes seriously thinking out and planning for a major unforeseen event that causes civil unrest to any significant degree, for any prolonged period of time, that could threaten your life or the lives of your loved ones.
Back on point, I’m glad the author addressed this issue. Being hesitant to take action that directly contradicts your every day life is nonsense whichever way you cut it, but it’s also dangerous when talking about something like economic collapse.
Moving on …
Meditations
This was hiding elsewhere during the taking of the main picture, hence it’s in a stand alone photograph. In any case, it also deserves special mention as it is one of my all time favorite books – thanks to Ryan Holiday for the find by the way.
As Ryan states, Meditations may be one of the greatest books ever written. It really is that good, that humbling, that insightful, and that inspiring. I am in the process of reading it a third time over, and as soon as I finish, I will start over once again and read it a fourth, and a fifth, and a sixth …
Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Sort of going left to right now, Way of the Peaceful Warrior is an excellent novel (supposedly based on true events) by Dan Millman, that was made into a major motion picture only a few years back – yet was published many decades ago. I actually saw the movie first, and am even more fond of the film than the book – but never the less the novel is an excellent and calming late night read. I’ve read the book once, seen the movie 5 times, and may read the book again someday. (Please ignore the nutritional and exercise ideas in the book however).
Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr
I’ve read Eragon three times over, Eldest 4 times over, and Brisingr 3 times over. Needless to say, this series (that is not yet finished) is by far my favorite fictional series. I can never pin point what it is exactly that draws me into this series so much, but I suppose I’ll figure that out after reading the entire series over a few more times.
The Alchemist
I close friend recommended this one to me, and I have yet to finish it. That said, I will read and finish it as soon as I knock out a few other books on my table (no pun intended).
Ron Paul Speaks
A simple idea, a profound result. Ron Paul Speaks is a collection of quotes from perhaps the only sane individual working in our federal government, Ron Paul. Every issue imaginable is covered in this book, in his perspective – from the disastrous ‘war’ on drugs and terrorism to the Federal Reserve, it’s here. Considering where a lot of these quotes are taken (all have citations), to say that Congressman Paul has balls of steel is a dramatic understatement.
Also worth noting is the NY Times #1 best selling book by Ron Paul, The Revolution: A Manifesto. I burned through this one pretty quick and then made the fatal mistake of lending it to a friend – who quickly lost it =/. Great read as well.
Body by Science
Like I haven’t pimped this book enough! Haha. (I often wonder if any blogger has pushed more copies than me.)
With good reason though, as Body by Science is perhaps the most influential print book of our time to be released on the subject of exercise. Authors Doug McGuff and John Little (along with other contributors to the book) really did something incredible in Body by Science by challenging the status quo ‘idiocracy’* on exercise, and backing it to kingdom come with the latest research – without undue abrasion to the reader neck deep in mainstream ‘body building’, ‘aerobics’, ‘cardio’, and so on.
They fought fire with fire, and won. The fact that this book hasn’t made it to the top of every best seller list in the country and won international awards is a damn shame as far as I’m concerned – it’s that important. But who knows? It took Tucker Max years to hit number one on the NY Times. Good things may come when the reality show Doug and John filmed for releases.
*These are my words, not theirs.
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
An all time favorite of NY Times best selling author Tucker Max, this book is an excellent read from start to finish. I’ve discussed it before here.
Hamilton’s Curse: How Jefferson’s Arch Enemy Betrayed the American Revolution–and What It Means for Americans Today
I just got this yesterday along with Reinventing Collapse. I’ve read a tiny bit so far, and it’s right on track with The Real Lincoln (from the same author), which we’ll get to next. Chances are, it’s an excellent read.
The Real Lincoln: A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War
I wrote about this book in the Heroes and Villains post quite a bit, and quoted liberally from it. That said, The Real Lincoln does an excellent job de-mystifying one of our supposedly “greatest president” and revealing him for what he is – one of, if not the worst leader in our history as a nation.
That will probably pis$ off a lot of people, but I suggest you take a good look at the book before judging it by it’s cover – or in this case, my 15 second summary.
Special thanks to my friend Peter who went and got my copy autographed when the author was in town and I was not.
Basic Economics
Loaned to me by a friend … well hell, the title pretty much sums up the book. I’m not too far into Basic Economics yet, but thus far it’s easy to digest (in fact, that’s the major premise of the entire book), while supposedly being used as a text book for many economics classes around the country.
Much to my delight, it thus far leans strongly in favor of free markets and against central economic planning – you know, like ‘health care reform‘.
The Little Black Book of Violence: What Every Young Man Needs to Know about Fighting
I saw Drew Baye post this on his Facebook a few months back and decided to pick it up. At first glance it sounds like a book that will try to teach the reader martial arts through text alone – but this book is anything BUT that.
The book is focused on pounding basic principles about fighting into your head, you know, like avoid it at all costs except under these circumstances, and when forced to fight take X, Y, and Z into consideration – especially the law.
While a bit repetitive (seemingly on purpose), it’s well worth your time no matter how experienced a ‘fighter’ or martial artist you think you are – as in the end, victory in a street fight is going to go to the guy who runs away and doesn’t get hurt, or the guy who is thinking ‘combat‘, not ‘fight’ – and is therefore ready to stomp on someone’s neck to save his life while the guy thinking ‘fight’ is still thinking about rules that simply don’t exist in a situation such as that.
In addition, as a testimonial, I’ve already had the opportunity to apply some of the ideas in this book, and it’s literally kept me out of jail, and another person in jail. This incident happened not two weeks ago, and is in no way/shape/form a joke.
Moment Arm Exercise
Truly one of a kind, Moment Arm Exercise dives head first into a field few have gone before – the overlooked yet critical bio-mechanics of exercise.
Check out my review here, interview with the author here, follow up interview with the author here (on another site), and the author’s videos here.
In case you haven’t guessed by now, you don’t want to miss this one. BUT, I would strongly recommend reading Body by Science first.
The Dip
I’ve read The Dip: A Little Book that Teaches you When to Quit (and When to Stick) … some 4 times over now? Regardless, it’s resonated with me pretty hard in the past, as someone who has been through a collage of business ventures, and as a college student alike.
Also, notice my exclusive focus on The 21 Convention? Take a guess where that came from (with ensuing success), as it wasn’t always that way.
The Four Hour Work Week
I confess, I do not yet own the revised and expanded edition, despite being mentioned in it . “Treason” you scream! Ha, maybe. I will grab a copy soon enough and read through it however – scouts honor.
That said, I’ve read the original 4, maybe 5 times over. Like Reinventing Collapse, it was one of those rare finds for me where I just couldn’t put it down.
And, in the end, had I not discovered this book, it is beyond unlikely that you would see The 21 Convention where it is today. It has had that profound of an effect on my life – albeit indirectly through T21C and the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears poured into it.
Awaken the Giant Within
Man it’s been years since I’ve cracked open Awaken the Giant Within. To be honest, it’s been so long since this book has crossed my mind, I could hardly tell you what it’s about.
That said, I remember it being out right inspirational, and my guess is that it’s worth your time if you haven’t already read through it. Tony Robbins is an interesting guy, to say the least.
The Leap: How 3 Simple Changes Can Propel Your Career from Good to Great
To be completely honest, I feel a bit foolish for not putting out a full review on The Leap when it released. I instead opted to try something new and posted my highlights from the book – a decent enough idea on paper, but one that played out poorly here on TDL due to the quotes not making much sense when taken out of context.
That said, The Leap is an excellent and powerful read – entrepreneur or otherwise. Tim Ferris and Anthony Robbins, among others, seem to agree (see the back cover).
On the fence? I’ll add this then – 5 minutes into reading this book, and throughout the majority of my read beyond that point, I kept asking myself: Why couldn’t this book have come out 6 months ago!?!
In any case, Rick Smith, author of The Leap will be at The 21 Convention 2010 (USA) this year on Friday July 23rd from 10-11 am. I suspect broadcasting his speech out to the world on The21Convention.com will alleviate the mildly botched post here on TDL.
I even set up a limited access ticket for locals that would only be interested in his presentation. I know , I know, I’m so thoughtful it hurts.
The Final 3
The final three in this picture include The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Way of the Superior Man, and The Power of Now.
Admittedly, despite owning The 7 Habits for many years, I’ve never taken the time to finish it. Something about the way it was written … it just never hooked me. Even getting half way through it was a chore.
Never the less, it is wildly popular. Who knows, I may pick it up someday and finish it.
The Power of Now is another book I don’t have much to say about. Have I finished it? You’re damn right I’ve finished it, three times over if memory serves right.
However, I’ve always been a bigger fan of A New Earth, and as a result it’s difficult to differentiate between the content of the two books – on the fly anyway.
It’s probably worth checking out if you haven’t read A New Earth yet though.
Finally, The Way of the Superior Man IS a book I have some comments on. For one, I find it to be one of (if not) the best “how to be a man” books written in modern times. Or I suppose, how to be a superior man, and not just any man.
Seriously, this book is packed front to back with wisdom on difficult decisions and challenges we face. Whether it be work, relationships, or desire, David Deida* offers a third choice when we narrow things down to a black and white lose/lose scenario – the superior choice we often overlook, or are afraid to face.
I would be very surprised if more than a handful of people reading this post had not already read this book. If you’re one of those few, and you’re male, you should probably pick this one up before anything listed above.
*I’ve been exchanging e-mails with David’s assistant for some time now trying to get him to either T21C Orlando or T21C Stockholm this year. It’s unlikely due to his current ‘sabatical’, but still up in the air. If something comes through, I’ll let everyone know on The21Convention.com.
…
By the way, this is my room mates collection that I pick at from time to time, including books like Emergency, I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (he owns multiple autographed copies worth hundreds a pop), and A New Earth.
And this is a snapshot of what I’m currently digging through. You could add Body by Science to that list as well even though it’s not pictured, as I read through it pretty consistently.
Suppose I could have just listed those via text, but what fun would that be? It certainly looks cooler in picture format too.
It’s always interesting to see what interesting people read. I already added all the books from Ryan Holiday’s list and Tucker Max’s list to my reading list, and I’m definitely gonna add these as soon enough. (My list: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2127724)
It’s like Ryan says, you have to “treat your education like the job that it is”. Don’t rely on the public school system for education; we’ve all seen what destruction government subsidization causes. Besides, there are hundreds of thousands of college grads and MBAs, how are you gonna stand out?
I could go on about standardized testing, but that’s just preaching to the choir. Great post, Anthony. Bookmarked for sure.
Florida and education are like alcohol and driving – they mix perfectly! (with a heavy dose of dark sarcasm on the side). So please, if you do have a rant about the stupidity of mandatory standardized testing and the public education system, please feel free to let loose on TDL – I will be the last person to complain =).
Thanks for the kind words
-Anthony
You might also be interested in reading Muscle, Smoke and Mirrors by Randy Roach. It is a history of nutrition in bodybuilding and contains a lot of information about how our food supply has degenerated over the past century, how the nutritional supplement industry got its start, and a lot of the deception and politics involved.
Added to the wish list.
“– as in the end, victory in a street fight is going to go to the guy who runs away and doesn’t get hurt, or the guy who is thinking ‘combat‘, not ‘fight’ – and is therefore ready to stomp on someone’s neck to save his life while the guy thinking ‘fight’ is still thinking about rules that simply don’t exist in a situation such as that.”
Run on sentence. Anyway, a trained sportfighter will ALWAYS beat an average, book reading guy in a street fight. I don’t care how many books he reads. A true disciplined martial artist / fighter will be on another level.
That said, just because a cagefighter is respectful and follows rules when competing doesnt mean he can’t simply turn those rules off when a ‘street’ situation calls for it.
I for one would certainly never eye gauge or foot stomp in a cagefight as it is against the rules. Get me in a street fight rather with no rules, and I will be the first one to adapt fluidly and curb stomp whoever stand in my way.
THIS IS LIKE COMPARING SOMEONE WHO READ “THE GAME” AND DOES NOT GO OUT TO PRACTICE TO SOMEONE WHO TRAINS FREQUENTLY AND ACTUALLY GOES OUT TO GET BETTER.
The guy who trains harder will win. Especially if he is ‘allowed’ to fight without rules. After all as competitive fighters, we train for EVERY and ANY given situation to be the best.
Dream, this is like me trying to debate Emotion / Logic with you. Let’s stick to what we know.
Actually the authors, who have decades of experience with private security and martial arts training, specifically address ‘fighters’ and how poorly they *can* do in ‘combat’ due to consistently competing in ‘fights’ which are akin to *sports*, NOT a real ‘fight’ on the street, in an alley, or behind a bar – with no rules what so ever.
I suggest you take a look at the book Jeff, it’s a great read regardless of one’s background.
And in any case, I conceal carry multiple weapons and a firearm on me at almost all times when allowed by law, including a 9mm compact handgun loaded with frangible hollow points, a telescopic police baton stick, a 5 inch fixed blade survival/combat knife, and pepper spray.
You never know who’s carrying what, legal or illegal, and I for one wouldn’t hesitate to use any of these weapons/firearms if the situation called for it and I was within moral and legal limits for their use.
Case in point, you’re not doing much of anything when your eyes involuntarily close from easily accessible pepper spray – not to mention any other number of weapons people may be walking around with.
Don’t be so cocky
Regarding trained “fighters” versus a random dude on the street, ive seen a top martial arts instructor where I live get knocked unconcious. He was outside a club, got into an argument with a drunk guy. Drunk guy proceeds to repeatedly beat him over the head with a beer bottle.
Anyways, Way of the Superior Man is an excellent book, for what ive read (about half way done, heh.)
As for a political book I could recommend, “Liberal Facism” by Jonah Goldberg. It helped clear up some issues in my head, such as why in europe right wing makes people think of massive, facistic government, and in the US right wing leans toward less and less government. As well as the history of socialism, media talking BS, that horrible word “progressive” et al. I dont agree with everything the author states, but it is a facisnating read, and really resonates with me in an age where governments are growing ever more powerful and the masses ever more ignorant.
“Regarding trained “fighters” versus a random dude on the street, ive seen a top martial arts instructor where I live get knocked unconcious. He was outside a club, got into an argument with a drunk guy. Drunk guy proceeds to repeatedly beat him over the head with a beer bottle.”
Exactly my point, and now imagine a guy who is stone sober and armed with a lethal weapon, be it a gun, baton stick, knife, or even tazer. No matter how high your threshold for pain is, or your experience fighting, it mostly goes right out the window if any of these are taken out in self defense (or offense).
Unless Jeff is immune to tazers, pepper spray, and all of the above. Perhaps I am oblivious to his super powers
…
Added Liberal Facism to the wish list. Thanks. And no worries, governments undermine & cannibalize themselves in the process of expanding their power beyond what is ‘right’ and helpful to the people they serve. I for one, am far more concerned about civil unrest, mass looting, and widespread hunger/economic chaos (fueling the former 2 items) than the federal government breaking into my home and black bagging me in the middle of the night.
Rejoice, fun times are ahead for the prepared individual! =)
Huge difference between a ‘top’ martial arts instructor and a top-level MMA fighter who competes. The martial arts instructor most likely trains taekwondo and religiously practices ‘point sparring’. Hence, he got ko’d. MMA is about the closest thing to a real street fight there is. I am confident a top-level MMA fighter could smash some random club guy, even if he had a ‘beer bottle’.
Weapons on the other hand are an entirely different story! As far as tazers go, I own one and practice it on myself frequently. ( kinda weird, I know
) I am also yet to desensitize myslef to pepper spray but would be willing to try it out.
I had habanero pepper juice in my eyes when I was 15 for about 30 minutes. It is an experience you will never forget, and is probably more painful than anything most people have experienced. Truly terrifying, especially if you don’t know what exactly is causing the pain.
Combine that with military grade tear gas (found in most pepper sprays, including mine), and you have one nasty combination of chemicals. The idea of ‘practicing’ this on yourself is outright insane and probably downright dangerous should you manage to repeatedly ‘test’ it on yourself against all odds and rational thought.
” I am confident a top-level MMA fighter could smash some random club guy, even if he had a ‘beer bottle’.”
This is complete nonsense. If someone gets a clean (surprise) shot across the face with a glass beer bottle and it breaks, that person is down and out for the count. The authors specifically address this ‘pain threshold’ fantasy, and whats more, I’ve seen people go down like a sack of potatoes after this specific incident happening (glass bottle across the face). It’s not like the movies dude, it’s a serious weapon that should not be underestimated.
I also just picked up Way of the Superior Man and am really enjoying it. ( 8
By the way, the core fundamental behind martial arts is discipline. If a ‘top’ martial arts instructor gets in fights w/ drunk guys at clubs– he is purely a joke.
A true martial artist would never bring himself down to that level.
I have to agree with Jeff here. As a 20+ year trained competitive martial artist (BJJ,Muay Thai,Kali)I have had lots of “Combat” oriented guys show up at the club to ‘try us out’ only to get totally owned by us silly sport fighters. I also have about 6 years of bouncing experience and I can tell you a skilled wrestler is far more of a dangerous opponent than someone who knows some eye gouges and fish hooks. Combat sport athletes additionally have a whole other level of toughness that comes from regular contact and resisting opponents. When working the door and ending up in ‘real’ fights I had no trouble transitioning from ring to street and as a result everyone ended up being easy. My .02
Good points, but perhaps I didn’t put enough emphasis on weapons – which are for the most part not included in ‘fights’, but are a real consideration in ‘combat’, and as I stated above, make experience/pain thresholds less of a factor, or borderline irrelevant in the case of a rapidly drawn firearm or clean whack across the face with a steel baton stick =/
Hi Dream,
Granted. That being said – this why why I include Kali in my personal list of arts I train. If it is practiced in a realistic manner against a live resisting opponent your chances of surviving a street encounter go way up. Everyone always has a “puncher’s chance” but I think working towards limiting those chances is worth-while. If there is a downfall among sport athletes it is the weapons piece. Toss a Sharkee trainer (hard plastic trainer)next to a pair of guys grappling and treat it as the real thing and see what happens. Changes the dynamic entirely.
Dream, have you ever had any friends who are like hardcore ‘street’ gangster kids? I personally stay away from them now but had a fair share of those types in the past and leaned A LOT about life and others.
I ask because you seem a little paranoid with all the weapons you carry. As a hobby, it would be totally different. But I find absolutely no good reason to be fully armed at any time, place, or setting.
I will check out the book you mentioned and in turn recommend you broaden your horizons and set out to find what the ‘streets’ are truly like. If you gain some experience you will realize there is absolutely no reason to be armed when living a non-criminal, healthy lifestyle.
By the way Dave, glad to see others on here who are also fighters. That’s cool you train Kali! I have never practiced this art but have had extensive weapons training in Kenpo karate growing up.
ALL OF THIS SAID,
It is pretty unlikely to ever even get in a streetfight yet alone one where your opponent has weapons. Unless of course, a criminal lifestyle is being lived (eww).
JEFF [ =
“Dream, have you ever had any friends who are like hardcore ’street’ gangster kids?”
For the most part no. I played football with an interesting mix of people in high school though, including someone who was much older than the rest of the team and had spent 3 years in jail (for bashing someone’s head into a curb, no less, repeatedly). Another player 1 year ahead of me was shot in the lower spine his senior year as well (nearly permanently paralyzing him). So, I’ve spent a good deal of time with people who are at least somewhat close to ‘hardcore gangsters’ but no, I haven taken time out of my life to befriend these types of people.
“I ask because you seem a little paranoid with all the weapons you carry. ”
What I carry depends on where I am going and what I’m doing. Most often it’s just my hand gun and pepper spray. I carry other combinations as well though. Regardless, your statement above is largely grounded in ignorance (as in a lack of knowledge, not stupidity which the term is more closely associated with in our time).
“As a hobby, it would be totally different. But I find absolutely no good reason to be fully armed at any time, place, or setting.”
You should tell that to the families of the 32 students that were gunned down at Virginia Tech in 2007, or perhaps the 25 that were seriously injured but survived from that same incident (bringing the total to over 50 shot). Columbine graduates should also be sympathetic towards your ill informed views.
Indeed, it’s a good idea to carry a weapon no matter where you are going. If allowed by law, what’s your reasoning not to? This is how people think that understand the subject. Those who do not are mystified by it and reject it (all the same applies to ‘gun control’ laws and restrictions).
“I will check out the book you mentioned and in turn recommend you broaden your horizons and set out to find what the ’streets’ are truly like. If you gain some experience you will realize there is absolutely no reason to be armed when living a non-criminal, healthy lifestyle.”
I’ve walked through the ‘streets’ as you call them of San Jose, Costa Rica, at night, where my then current room mate had been mugged at gun point hardly 6 months prior and nearly killed. Ultimately, your view on this subject is naive and based on false confidence seemingly from competing in a violent sport. I don’t know what state you live in, but if concealed or open carry is legal of a weapon or firearm I would recommend you do further reading into the subject, starting with Google.
“It is pretty unlikely to ever even get in a streetfight yet alone one where your opponent has weapons.”
This is the height of naivety, and a point discussed relentlessly in various ways throughout The Little Black Book of Violence. You never know what’s going to happen, nor what your opponent has on him. Had I not told you, would you have ever suspected I would carry a loaded gun? The answer to that question is no, as as I conceal carry (open is not allowed in Florida at the moment), and you would have never been able to tell until I pulled it (had you been able to I would be in violation of state law).
I am running entirely off of memory here but I think official FBI stats on assaults quote something like 70% involve a weapon of some type. Weapons change everything. I agree with your earlier comment about always being armed. Other than the shower and swimming at the pool I am always armed – five inch folder or a collapsible baton or neck-knife depending upon the environment I am in. I think people get a false sense of security being being in a ‘good neighborhood’. Creeps have cars and violence shows up in the most unexpected places. Strange how these “insane” people never target a biker bar, police station or martial arts club to go on a rampage! Their insanity must preclude them from thinking of these locations.
“So, I’ve spent a good deal of time with people who are at least somewhat close to ‘hardcore gangsters’ but no, I haven taken time out of my life to befriend these types of people.”
Exactly my point. You have never had friends who live this type of lifestyle and are therefore completely clueless to what it actually entails. ‘Knowing’ people like this does not build any cred or street smart whatsoever. You have to simply immerse yourself in this lifestyle in order to learn.
“What I carry depends on where I am going and what I’m doing. Most often it’s just my hand gun and pepper spray. I carry other combinations as well though. Regardless, your statement above is largely grounded in ignorance (as in a lack of knowledge, not stupidity which the term is more closely associated with in our time).”
Dream, this is what I refer to as paranoia. This is most likely brought about by deep insecurities and complete lack of street smart.
“You should tell that to the families of the 32 students that were gunned down at Virginia Tech in 2007, or perhaps the 25 that were seriously injured but survived from that same incident (bringing the total to over 50 shot). Columbine graduates should also be sympathetic towards your ill informed views.”
50 people is absolutely insignificant. This is what I was talking about when I said you need to broaden your horizons as you have spent WAY too much time listening to news media and have therefore been struck and paralyzed with fear. I once again suggest you set out to experience the world through your OWN eyes, and in turn create an individual, unique opinion of what it has to offer.
“I’ve walked through the ’streets’ as you call them of San Jose, Costa Rica, at night, where my then current room mate had been mugged at gun point hardly 6 months prior and nearly killed. Ultimately, your view on this subject is naive and based on false confidence seemingly from competing in a violent sport. ”
Again, this is exactly my point. ‘Walking’ down a street does not prove a thing or make you tougher/ more knowledgeable in any way. Immersing yourself in this lifestyle rather, is an entirely different story.
Also I will not take offense to this direct, personal attack you wrote towards me. I am completely comfortable with who I am and express myself openly. I believe the reason you wrote this attack is to bring me down to your level of insecurity and possible fear of the world. (and complete lack of non-media influenced knowledge).
“I don’t know what state you live in, but if concealed or open carry is legal of a weapon or firearm I would recommend you do further reading into the subject, starting with Google.”
Dream, I have met and befriended a wide-variety of people from contrasting backgrounds throughout life. I therefore have my own unique opinion and do not base the grip of my knowledge off ‘Google’. You still have A LOT to learn about this subject, in entirety.
“This is the height of naivety, and a point discussed relentlessly in various ways throughout The Little Black Book of Violence. You never know what’s going to happen, nor what your opponent has on him.”
THIS, is ignorance in its purest form. You are once again basing your view off of media rather than creating your own. I doubt you will ever even have an ‘opponent’ in your lifetime Dream. Talk about insecurity!
“Had I not told you, would you have ever suspected I would carry a loaded gun? The answer to that question is no, as as I conceal carry (open is not allowed in Florida at the moment), and you would have never been able to tell until I pulled it (had you been able to I would be in violation of state law).”
Honestly it doesn’t matter if you carry a gun as a lot of people do. Does this mean I’m going to walk around living a timid life like others? Fuck no.
WITH THIS SAID:
I believe if we were meant to be attacked or ‘shot’ at any given time, then it was meant to be. I do not worry about these incidences as they all happen for a reason.
You for one would be who I thought would understand this out of everyone, after losing a best friend. There is only so much we can do to be ‘prepared’ for what our future holds and I do NOT believe weapons are necessary for a standard, regular citizen. (This obviously excludes law enforcement and military).
There is a stark difference between book smart, and street smart. ( =
You are out of your mind.
And you have a limited thought-process.
You should consider adding REWORK by 37signals to your list (just released). It outlines their business philosophy which, at its root, is really quite primal (focus on customers, product, and real organic growth and not on investors, showiness, competitors, etc).
Saw it on Tim’s blog, adding it to the wishlist now. Thanks for bringing it up.
Why does Jeff insist of flaming everything you do?
Anyway, here’s my beef on standardized testing, since you asked:
There seem to be two reasons standardized testing exists: (1) to funnel kids into colleges, and (2) to measure the intelligence of American students in comparison to other countries.
The problems with each:
(1) Standardized testing doesn’t measure creativity. I know one girl at Maryland Institute College of Art that got something like an 18 on the ACT and yet is one of the most creative and talented artists at MICA. She also received a generous scholarship, I believe more than 3/4 of the cost to attend, and it costs $40k+ per year. Other things standardized testing doesn’t measure: ambition, ability to learn new things quickly (versus retaining math functions and history facts for long periods), ability to make things happen in the entrepreneurial sense, and ability to adapt to new circumstances (such as the internet revolution. I think internet marketing was a large part of why Obama won and McCain lost).
Standardized testing attempts to funnel students into the right school for their intellect in order to ensure they are successful in life. However, this is flawed because it is almost impossible to prepare for the changing future, as Taleb explains in “The Black Swan”. I won’t go into this. Just read the book.
Also, the college’s idea of following their system and you automatically get a job and are successful is just sugar-coating the actual work it takes to be successful. It’s false advertising and bound to fail.
I actually attempted to hack the ACT last summer. I used a concoction of supplements (similar to what’s in brainQuicken) and took it in the morning in order to increase my attention span and level of concentration. I raised my score from a 27 to a 29 and my friend’s score from a 20 to a 24. That (admittingly unscientific) experiment led me to believe the ACT and SAT can’t measure intelligence and thus are useless.
(2) It’s a well-established fact that the human brain can only process about 7 pieces of information at any given time. For this reason phone numbers began as 7 digits. I read once that Asian-languages have a numbering system where each number only takes up 1 piece of information in the brain. I don’t remember where I heard this, and if anyone can confirm or correct me, please do. However, recently I read an article (in Newsweek I believe) that said Asians “feel” numbers, as apposed to how Americans just see numbers as a word.
This explains how Asians are so much better at math and science than Americans. Their language and culture literally allows them to think about numbers differently. Thus, we can be competitive, but we can never compare to them in the math and science fields.
I know the logic is kind of a stretch on the second one, and if any of my information is inaccurate, please correct me.
—
Complaining without proposing a solution is useless and annoying, so here is my fix:
Return to something like the master-apprentice system, but updated for the current times. In retrospect, standardized testing is a recent fad, and the master-apprentice relationship lasted many more years than the current educational system.
My idea is this: go to the industry for how to create standardized tests, not the government. For example, if you want to become and aeronautical engineer and design aircraft, ask Boeing and a panel of other aerospace companies what they want in a rookie engineer, and have them help create the test. Have them help create the curriculum at universities.
Anyway, there is my rant. My ideas need some more developing, but my laptop battery is dying and I’m tired of typing. Let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Ben
My thoughts? I learned a lot from this simple comment, those are my thoughts =). I share the same disdain, but my thinking was more basic than yours, and you expanded upon some ideas I haven’t taken the time to investigate yet. Interestingly enough standardized testing is also addressed in Revinenting Collapse.
I will read Black Swan eventually. I did read through a good chunk in a book store though (amusingly, I finished Body by Science in the book store, at which point I purchased it).
…
One more thing I should add – I’m a bit of a doomsdayer in the sense that I think standardized testing will get it’s ‘off’ or ‘reset’ button hit by economic collapse before it can be replaced with something better as you suggested =/. It definitely sucks in the interim for my younger brother though.
And btw, I got a 19 on my ACT =). 1100 on the SAT though.
“Why does Jeff insist of flaming everything you do?”
Someone has to put Dream in his place, as no one else seems to OR has the balls.
Can’t let him get too fond of himself or he’ll have an ego the size of Texas! ( =
Already do. =D
I definitely agree with this
Hey Dream:
Big fan of your blog. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Have you ever read “The New Bodybuilding for Old-School Results” By Ellington Darden?
If so, what did you think? If not, it’s a great read about HIT history and some nice work there by Bill De Simone.
Later
Dave
Ive seen it but havent read it. I have read The New High Intensity Training though. Decent, but not impressed after reading BBS.
Well anyway, back on topic
Didn’t see two of my all time favourites on your list.
GTD by David Allen.
and
Mode One by Alan Roger Currie.
Both mustard!
“Both mustard!”
Oliver dude, you are weird! I like you.
I come from a place on earth where weirdness is treated like royalty. i’m in my eliminate. But hey, just stick to the “liking” I don’t want you falling in love!
Oh and I will deffo be checking out The Little Black Book at some point. Your book recommendations haven’t let me down yet, hope that’s another great one.. Though at 393 pages its not exactly “little”.
It’s shorter than you think. The text is large and there are plenty of illustrations and text boxes used for added emphasis (that repeat what is right next to them in slightly smaller text).
I’m glad you posted something like this. I haven’t been inspired to read anything lately, but with this new list you suggested, and other I read about in the comments, I have a nice wish list too.
Since a lot of people have added their own favorites here, I’ll do the same.
fiction:
Fight Club – chuck palahniuk
Yes Man – Danny Wallace
High Fidelity – Nick Hornby
non-fiction:
Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
Philosophy:
The prophet – Kahlil Gibran
simz