The World's Best Book Summaries
Why did Abraham Lincoln choose Andrew Johnson as his running mate? Did Johnson carry on Lincoln’s work? Historian and biographer Jon Meacham writes about the life and leadership of Abraham Lincoln in his book And There Was Light. He also discusses the drastic change of course in the presidency and nation after Lincoln’s assassination. Read more to learn about Lincoln and Johnson, according to Meacham.
What’s effective altruism? Why did Sam Bankman-Fried adopt this philosophy? According to biographer Michael Lewis, Sam Bankman-Fried’s effective altruism is rooted in another philosophy that he learned from his parents. Lewis writes about Bankman-Fried’s adoption of this concept and its particular path of “earning to give.” Keep reading to learn about Sam Bankman-Fried’s effective altruism beliefs and practices.
How did some Confederates view the Union’s victory? How did they hope to keep their cause alive and secure some victory after all? According to historian Jon Meacham, after the Civil War, some of the vanquished Confederates developed an idealized view of their cause. Meacham argues that at least some aspects of this “Lost Cause” ideology persist even today. Continue reading to learn about this perspective on Civil War history.
How did Sam Bankman-Fried get a job with Jane Street Capital? Why didn’t he stay with the firm longer? Sam Bankman-Fried left MIT for Wall Street, taking a job with Jane Street Capital. In Going Infinite, Michael Lewis discusses Bankman-Fried’s hiring and success with the firm and reveals why the young trader didn’t stay there for the long haul. Continue reading to learn why, for Sam Bankman-Fried, Jane Street wasn’t enough.
How do people think of Abraham Lincoln today? What if his life hadn’t been cut short? In And There Was Light, Jon Meacham breaks down the myths and legends surrounding America’s 16th president. He seeks to present a fair and honest account of Abraham Lincoln’s life and concludes with what he believes is a balanced view of the president’s legacy. Continue reading to learn about the weighty and complex issues entailed in Abraham Lincoln’s legacy—and decide for yourself.
Why and how did Sam Bankman-Fried build his cryptocurrency empire? Why did his managers and half of his employees quit? According to biographer Michael Lewis, Sam Bankman-Fried’s financial empire began with Alameda Research. Lewis explains why and how Bankman-Fried started the quantitative cryptocurrency trading firm. Read more to learn about the development and rise of Sam Bankman-Fried’s Alameda Research.
What does it mean to be “woke”? Is it a good thing, or does it go too far? Douglas Murray argues that the West is consumed by an ideology that insists that certain groups endure widespread prejudice and oppression. Therefore, this ideology goes on to insist, these groups should receive sensitivity, accommodations, and apologetic behavior from the social majority. Read more to get Murray’s take on social justice ideology and wokeism.
Why did the Republican Party choose Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate? What backlash did his election receive? Just as Abraham Lincoln was losing a Senate race, he was winning the confidence of his fellow Republicans. Biographer Jon Meacham discusses the election of President Lincoln and how it stirred up a hornet’s nest that put the nation on the path to war. Read more to learn about the election of President Lincoln and the stunning aftermath.
What were the strengths and weaknesses of FTX? How did Sam Bankman-Fried win the confidence of customers? Sam Bankman-Fried found success with his first company, Alameda Research. But, it still didn’t satisfy his desire to practice effective altruism on a grand scale. Biographer Michael Lewis relates why Bankman-Fried started FTX and how the company secured early success. Keep reading to learn about Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX before its collapse.
What’s woke culture? Why do many people believe that it’s gone too far and become destructive? In The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray argues that Western society is under attack from woke culture. He argues that this ideology is obsessed with social justice, intersectionality, and identity politics. Murray contends that what appears on the surface to be a compassionate movement is dangerous at its core. Continue reading to understand woke culture from Murray’s perspective.