MENU - REFERENCE SOURCES
(click to scroll to)
Categorizations are not precise, but indicate an emphasis.
Overview
Data: Raw(er) data focused resources
- Data - General
- Data - Sociopolitical (Society / Politics / Economics)
- Data - History
- Data - Maps
- Data - Science / Technology
- Data - Life Sciences (Biology / Health / Medicine / Nutrition / Exercise)
News: Daily event focused resources
Analysis: Interpretation/evaluation focused resources (Opinion)
- Analysis - Thinking (Philosophy / Rationality / Logic)
- Analysis - Progress
- Analysis - Sociopolitical (Society / Politics / Economics)
- Analysis - Civil Rights
- Analysis - Economics
- Analysis - Energy
- Analysis - Business / Science / Technology
- Analysis - Life Sciences (Biology / Health / Medicine / Nutrition / Exercise)
Media:
- Books - Thinking (Philosophy / Rationality / Logic)
- Books - Progress (Innovation / Energy / Climate)
- Books - Sociopolitical (Society / Politics / Economics)
- Books - History
- Books - Business / Science / Technology
- Books - Architecture / Construction
- Books - Other
- Books - Fiction
- Articles - Coming soon
- Audio / Video - Coming soon
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OVERVIEW
DATA - ANALYSIS
"Data" and "Analysis" can be considered as a range of objective to subjective, or facts to opinion. The determination of where any particular info or source sits on that range is generally difficult, and itself subjective.
Even the most raw data is inherently subjective to some degree, as it requires some preconceived focus, filtering, and analysis, in the acquisition/presentation.
Even the most speculative analysis (opinion) is based on some observation of reality (data).
“News”, here is defined as daily event focused, can vary across that fact/opinion spectrum, but current news media overall have a strong emphasis in analysis/opinion. Daily news sources inherently tend to shallow depth in research, detail, and context.
BIAS
These sources are subjectively selected based on a bias to the ideas that there are truths, that rationality, individual freedom, creativity/innovation, and the prioritization of truth and pro-human long-term results over harmony/appearances/short term comfort are moral, and optimal to long term human happiness/flourishing.
Inclusion on these lists does not suggest that these sources have entirely good data/info or entirely correct conclusions, just that they are better than most by this collators subjective evaluation. No source should be trusted automatically ...that is an abdication of thinking ...or faith.
ACCURACY / TRUTH
There are facts/truths, but they are known only to a degree of certainty. The degree of certainty of some things are so high, it is rational and appropriate to treat them as fact/truth for optimal living. Regardless, all information or conclusions should always be open to reevaluation as new data arises. (I.e. we once knew that the world was flat, and time is absolute, …intuitively obvious, and at the time, presumably undeniable truths.) The degree of certainty, and the degree of certainty on the degree of certainty, varies dramatically across these categories. Even within the single realm of health, nutrition data and analysis is extremely uncertain, while orthopedics is relatively well understood. Data and analysis should be considered in that context of degree of confidence regarding any specific area of knowledge generally.
INFORMATION FILTERING
These sources are a biased, filtered selection, often referred to as an information bubble. Exposure to, analysis of, and conscious effort towards the challenging task of honestly considering contradictory sources is a requirement of rational evaluation. Ideas that are not sincerely tested are based on flimsy foundations. Full understanding of contrasting perspectives is critical, not as a tool for counter attack/debate, but as broader context to test/evaluate one’s own conclusions, and consumption of such media needs to be approached from that perspective to be effective to that purpose of finding truth.
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DATA
DATA - GENERAL
Wikipedia
- Online encyclopedia. Excellent starting point for research. Content is filtered/controlled by a select small group of editor/gatekeepers. Bias may be significant on more sociopolitical topics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
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DATA - SOCIOPOLITICAL - (Society / Politics / Economics)
Our World In Data
- Extensive and deep, but easily accessible data focused on global scale issues from energy to food to health to human rights to environment to living conditions, uniquely incorporating broad context, including both positive and negative trends, the long term, all in the context of human flourishing. Filtering, exclusion, and premises/biases are less extreme than most sources, primarily based in ideas that human flourishing is good, and problems are solvable. Presentation is via concise, clear, thorough, and attractive interactive charts/maps/tables adjustable for country/region/global data, accompanied by straightforward contextual analysis.
HumanProgress.org - Cato institute
- Data emphasis. Articles/videos/books/interviews/lectures extend into analysis. Interactive charts, articles, and other media presenting comprehensive broad scope data outlining the “…dramatic improvements in human well-being throughout much of the world”, that is commonly taken for granted, unknown, or contradicted by faulty mainstream perceptions and communications. “Whereas we think that policies and institutions compatible with freedom and openness are important factors in promoting human well-being, we let the evidence speak for itself. Finally, we hope that this website leads to a greater appreciation of the improving state of the world and stimulates an intelligent debate on the drivers of human progress.” An emphasis on concise, simplified, easy to absorb media that focus on the key fundamentals.
https://www.youtube.com/@HumanProgressOrg/featured
Gapminder
- Research data across a wide spectrum of realms from the sociopolitical to the environmental w/ an emphasis in illuminating/correcting prevailing misperceptions, which inherently/inevitably means some emphasis in highlighting the trends of increased human flourishing. “Fighting devastating ignorance with fact-based worldviews everyone can understand.” “Gapminder identifies systematic misconceptions about important global trends and proportions and uses reliable data to develop easy to understand teaching materials to rid people of their misconceptions.” Particularly beautiful and innovative data graphics presentation, one example being the (at the time) new concept of “bubble” graphics, a highly clear/appropriate/effective communication tool for some data types, (a graphic technique now commonly used by mainstream media for purely aesthetic/non-functional purposes in visual presentations). Founded by Hans, Ola, and Anna Rosling.
https://www.gapminder.org/data/
Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis Ecomonic Data (FRED)
- Deep dataset of clean/clear interactive economic charts.
Yahoo Finance Stock Charts
- Clean/clear interactive stock charts with many parameter controls. Clicking through the news front page, or a direct search for a specific yahoo chart from browser search, and then several layers of setting adjustments required to get to a full screen, comprehensive chart.
MacroTrends
- Market data in charts. Clean/clear and interactive. Small, simplistic, and surrounded by ads.
U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. census data tables, charts, and maps.
https://www.census.gov/data.html
US Dept of Agriculture (USDA) – Economic Research Service
- Data visualizations regarding U.S. agriculture, food, nutrition, and socially related realms.
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/data-visualizations/
International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Energy statistics in charts.
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics
Pew Research Center
- Public opinion polls.
Uniform Crime Reporting Database (UCR)
- Law enforcement/crime stats collected by law enforcement agencies, and collated by the FBI. Collection variations, quality, and bias should be considered. Some measures such as deaths are inherently less subject to inaccuracies.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/ucr
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DATA - HISTORY
Oxford Reference Timelines
- Very simple non graphic clean/clear/precise/well organized world history timeline lists for each century, several specific eras, or several prehistory ranges, with filters for regions or themes.
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191735325.timeline.0001
Wikipedia History Timelines
- A full universe/Earth/life/man spectrum of history timelines/lists somewhat varying/fragmented/dispersed in presentation, quality, and detail, but covers a lot of information in a fairly clean, fairly consistent, often detailed, mostly easy to find manner.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timelines_of_world_history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_history
Histography - Ronel Mor
- "...interactive timeline that spans across 14 billion years of history, from the Big Bang to 2015. The site draws historical events from Wikipedia and self-updates daily with new recorded events. The interface allows for users to view between decades to millions of years. The viewer can choose to watch a variety of events which have happened in a particular period or to target a specific event in time. For example you can look at the past century within the categories of war and inventions.”
Digital History
- Clean/clear/well organized but extremely simplistic and minimalist American history overview by category, and timeline listing.
https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/index.cfm
- Input dates for minimalistic ordered list of major events. https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/timelines/timelines.cfm
Human History Timeline
- Extremely unpolished, simplistic, and minimalist human world history timeline list. Advertisements.
https://humanhistorytimeline.com/
Human Evolution Interactive Timeline - Smithsonian Institution
- Small and requires individual item selection to see events, but packs in a relatively large amount of data in a clean/clear format.
https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-evolution-interactive-timeline
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DATA - MAPS
GoogleEarth
- Comprehensive interactive satellite imagery level of detail map of earth, from globe to detail of a few feet. Adjustable 3D modeling of terrain and buildings. Extensive labeling/detail/info options. Time slider of historical sat captures. Time of day/time of year lighting. Interactive street level photo capture. Customization and overlay capabilities. Extensive video capture capabilities.
USGS (United States Geological Survey)
- Deep collection of maps and mapping tools. Organization/navigation/search can be obtuse, so multiple links are noted below.
USGS National Map Viewer
- Public domain (mostly) maps in integrated form gathered in an interactive viewer. Downloadable. A multitude of layer options from topography, to satellite imagery, to 3D data, to a wide range of geographic data.
https://www.usgs.gov/tools/national-map-viewer
Other USGS
- List/descriptions of interactive map tools. https://apps.nationalmap.gov/
- Interactive variation of topos/trails aspect of national map viewer. https://www.usgs.gov/tools/usgs-trails-explorer
- Interactive topo and historical map tool. https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/
CalTopo
- Clean, fast, detailed,
deep interactive backcountry mapping tool with a multitude of layers, map
types, and mark up tools.
https://caltopo.com/about/
https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=39.15509,-120.02975&z=10&b=t&o=r&n=0.55
OldMapsOnline
- Interactive tool accessing large database of historic maps.
https://www.oldmapsonline.org/
David Rumsey Map Collection
- "...contains more than 200,000 maps ... [focusing] ... on rare 16th through 21st century maps of North and South America, as well as maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania.
The collection includes atlases, globes, wall maps, school geographies, pocket maps, books of exploration, maritime charts, and a variety of cartographic materials including pocket, wall, children's, and manuscript maps.
Items range in date from around 1550 to the present. Digitization of the collection began in 1996 and there are now over 129,000 items online, with new additions added regularly. The site is free and open to the public.
Here viewers have access not only to high resolution images of maps that are extensively cataloged, but also to a variety of tools that allow users to compare, analyze, and view items in new and experimental ways.
Maps are uniquely suited to high-resolution scanning because of the large amount of detailed information they contain. ...
With Luna Imaging's LUNA software supporting this virtual library, the maps are experienced in a revolutionary way. ... Multiple maps from different time periods can be viewed side-by-side. ...
High resolution permits the inspection of detail with the same intimacy of viewing the maps in person, using a magnifying glass. ... Complete cataloging data accompany each image, enabling in-depth searches of the collection."
- Interactive map tool for overlaying/comparing historic/contemporary maps. https://www.davidrumsey.com/view/georeferencer
Open Historic Map
- Interactive map with timeline slider.
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DATA - SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deep collection including mission details and extensive image galleries including Hubble and Webb space telescope captures. Organization/navigation/search can be obtuse, so multiple links are noted below.
- Missions. https://science.nasa.gov/science-missions/
- Hubble telescope information, including images. https://hubblesite.org/home
- James Webb telescope information, including images. https://webbtelescope.org/home
- Hubble telescope images. https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahubble/albums/
- James Webb telescope images. https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasawebbtelescope/albums
- Historic and general images. https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/albums/
- General images. https://www.flickr.com/photos/24662369@N07/albums/
- European Space Agency info/images on/from Hubble. https://esahubble.org/
- European Space Agency info/images on/from James Webb. https://esawebb.org/
MIT Open Courseware (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Class lectures in a wide range of topics/disciplines. Varying degrees of quality.
https://www.youtube.com/@mitocw/playlists
Stanford online
- Class lectures in a wide range of topics/disciplines. Varying degrees of quality.
https://www.youtube.com/@stanfordonline/playlists
Real Engineering
- Detailed, clearly communicated, highly polished, basic explanations of assorted technological innovations.
https://www.youtube.com/@RealEngineering
MinutePhysics (Henry Reich)
- Physics related topics explained via simplistic video graphics in a clear accessible manner.
https://www.youtube.com/@MinutePhysics/featured
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DATA - LIFE SCIENCES (Biology / Health / Medicine / Nutrition / Exercise)
Open i - National Library of Medicine (NLM) - National institute of Health (NIH)
- Open access biomedical image search engine.
WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
- Highly detailed 3D biomedical animations that are much closer to realism than symbolic representations than typical graphic media explaining microbiological processes.
https://www.youtube.com/@WEHImovies
https://www.wehi.edu.au/wehi-tv/
Nucleus Medical Media Animations
- 3D visualizations focused on medical conditions.
https://www.youtube.com/@nucleusmedicalmedia/featured
Professor Scott
- Basic biology in clear, straightforward, detailed lectures.
https://www.youtube.com/@professorscott7060/featured
Cleveland Clinic Health Library
- Database of basic health issues with clear, cautious, simplistic/basic explanations of symptoms, causes, and treatments. Slightly more detail than WebMD.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health
WebMD
- Database of basic health issues with clear, cautious, simplistic/basic explanations of symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Cochrane Reviews
- Healthcare related systematic meta-analysis reviews gathering data from all primary relevant research/data, each focused on a specific question, and presented in plain language summaries.
PubMed - National Library of Medicine (NLM) - National institute of Health (NIH)
- Free database listing and abstracts of academic/peer reviewed life science publications. Access to full papers varies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)
- Interactive data visualizations regarding global health and wellness.
https://www.healthdata.org/interactive-data-visuals
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Comprehensive detailed U.S. data regarding selected health issues. CDC is a government agency which sometimes views its role as encouraging or discouraging public behaviors via communications/info, which may be reflected in data focus and/or filtering that can stretch to misrepresentation.
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NEWS
Straight Arrow News
- Daily news. As of Feb of 2024, seems to be better than most news media sources at focusing more on data than opinion, and relatively good at presenting a small slice of some diverse analysis/opinion perspectives somewhat equally, without evaluation.
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ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS - THINKING (Philosophy / Rationality / Logic)
Ayn Rand
- 1905-1982 - Developed “Objectivism”, a comprehensive philosophical framework for human life based in principles that living requires self-interest, rationality, and individual freedom.
Objectivism is a consistently misunderstood philosophy that argues against the prevailing and deeply ingrained idea that life should, first and foremost, be lived for others. It highlights that survival requires putting oneself first, and doing so with rational, full context, long-term, self-interest, which requires mutually beneficial interaction with, and concern for, others who behave the same. (As opposed to emphasizing intuitive, or partial context, or short-term gains). Objectivism is unique in providing a comprehensive and coherently consistent philosophical foundation and framework that provides a fundamental ethical basis for the social-political-economic ideals of limited government, free markets, personal freedoms, and individual rights.
- The Ayn Rand Institute https://aynrand.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@AynRandInstitute
- "The Virtue of Selfishness" https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Selfishness-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002OSXD64/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Philosophy - Who Needs It” https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Who-Needs-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002JPGQ2A/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal" https://www.amazon.com/Capitalism-Ideal-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002OSXD6E/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Julia Galef
- Writer, speaker, interviewer on, and proponent of, rationalist thinking strategies and failures, with an emphasis on Bayesian thinking, the difficult process of re-evaluating/adjusting conclusions when presented with new data.
http://rationallyspeakingpodcast.org/past-episodes/
https://www.youtube.com/@measureofdoubt/featured
LessWrong
- “…an online forum and community dedicated to improving human reasoning and decision-making. We seek to hold true beliefs and to be effective at accomplishing our goals. Each day, we aim to be less wrong about the world than the day before.” Based in belief that “…the more rational you are, the more likely your reasoning leads you to have accurate beliefs, and by extension, allows you to make decisions that most effectively advance your goals.” Focused on ”… being deliberate about processing the evidence, and avoiding common pitfalls of human reason”, and “…how minds work (both human, artificial, and theoretical ideal), how to reason better, and how to have discussions that are productive. Emphasis on”…Bayes Theorem and other theories of normatively correct reasoning.”
Gurwinder Bhogal - The Prism
- Writing on how to think, information media, and how to use it effectively.
https://substack.com/@gurwinder
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ANALYSIS - PROGRESS
Matt Ridley
- Writer and speaker on the ideas and behaviors key to human flourishing, based in analysis of empirical data and considering the broadest context of relevant factors to frame conclusions rationally.
- "How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom" https://www.amazon.com/How-Innovation-Works-Flourishes-Freedom-ebook/dp/B07WSBV7YZ/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves" https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Optimist-Prosperity-Evolves-P-s-ebook/dp/B003QP4BJM/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Marian Tupy - HumanProgress.org
- Founder of HumanProgress.org. Data emphasis. Articles/videos/books/interviews/lectures extend into analysis. Interactive charts, articles, and other media presenting comprehensive broad scope data outlining the “…dramatic improvements in human well-being throughout much of the world”, that is commonly taken for granted, unknown, or contradicted by faulty mainstream perceptions and communications. “Whereas we think that policies and institutions compatible with freedom and openness are important factors in promoting human well-being, we let the evidence speak for itself. Finally, we hope that this website leads to a greater appreciation of the improving state of the world and stimulates an intelligent debate on the drivers of human progress.” An emphasis on concise, simplified, easy to absorb articles/charts that focus on the key fundamentals.
https://www.youtube.com/@HumanProgressOrg/featured
- "Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet" https://www.amazon.com/Superabundance-Population-Innovation-Flourishing-Infinitely-ebook/dp/B0B196K1XT/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Chelsea Follett - HumanProgress.org
- Managing editor of HumanProgress.org. Highly pertinent, focused, and concise articles, interviews, and lectures aimed at "...educate[ing] the public on the global improvements in well‐being…” via “…empirical data on long‐term developments."
https://humanprogress.org/authors/chelsea-follett/
https://fee.org/people/chelsea-german/
Bjorn Lomborg - Copenhagen Consensus Center
- Founder of think tank Copenhagen Consensus, which is aimed at "...[researching] the most effective solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, from disease and hunger to climate and education...", and "...advising policymakers and philanthropists how to spend their money most effectively." "We are solutions-oriented, and our approach improves knowledge and gives an overview of research and facts within a given problem, which means that the prioritization is based on evidence. In particular we focus on the international community's effort to solve the world's biggest challenges and on how to do this in the most cost-efficient manner. We create a framework in which solutions to the world's big problems are prioritized explicitly, with the goal of achieving the most 'good' for people and the planet.”
- Prioritized list of most productive targets for improving global problems compared by benefit per dollar spent https://copenhagenconsensus.com/post-2015-consensus
- Climate change initiatives analyzed in broader cost/benefit analysis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAITTAx4tCU
https://copenhagenconsensus.com/
- "False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs Us Trillions, Hurts the Poor, and Fails to Fix the Planet" https://www.amazon.com/False-Alarm-Climate-Change-Trillions-ebook/dp/B0827TL851?ref_=ast_author_dp
Steven Pinker
- Writing, lecturing, and interviewing in an example heavy and accessible style on fundamental aspects of human behavior. Deeply researched conclusions that tend to avoid automatic adherence to consensus or intuitive positions.
- "Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress" https://www.amazon.com/Enlightenment-Now-Science-Humanism-Progress-ebook/dp/B073TJBYTB/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined" https://www.amazon.com/Better-Angels-Our-Nature-Violence-ebook/dp/B0052REUW0/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Ingenuism - Yaron Brook - Robert Hendershott - Don Watkins
- Articles and videos outlining the great value and critical importance of ingenuity, as well as how to support it, in human progress/flourishing, from a primarily positive perspective highlighting successful innovation in business, technology, and ideas in general.
https://ingenuism.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@Ingenuism
Long Now Foundation
- Articles and video examining societal issues from a long-term perspective that is rare in traditional information sources.
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ANALYSIS - SOCIOPOLITICAL - (Society / Politics / Economics)
Thomas Sowell
- “For more than thirty years now, Sowell has been applying the principles of economics to a range of intellectual disciplines, including history, politics, and education. Sowell focuses on empirical evidence rather than theoretical probabilities. It is an approach he believes is missing from modern education. “In classrooms today, your imagination is just as good as knowing the facts,” he explains. “For example, in studying our colonial history, we ask a child, ‘How would you feel if you were a child in those days?’ But how can we expect that child to understand before knowing the facts. I call it the preposterous approach to education. You literally put in front what belongs behind.” Sowell feels that intellectual rigor, whatever the subject, is needed in education to prepare students for the world outside the academy. “In the twentieth century, we need people who are trained to analyze,” he says, so they can understand long-term consequences. “We don’t see that, even in national policy. Something sounds good right now and sounds good in the media, so they do it.” (from biography by LR - National Endowment for the Humanities).
Sowell is an American treasure.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKruweaZqDNcTAPb0nBqGx-Ekl9k9ns-V
https://www.hoover.org/profiles/thomas-sowell
- “Economic Facts and Fallacies” https://www.amazon.com/Economic-Facts-Fallacies-Thomas-Sowell-ebook/dp/B004THDT8A/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Social Justice Fallacies” https://www.amazon.com/Social-Justice-Fallacies-Thomas-Sowell-ebook/dp/B0BJYSCX2M/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Black Rednecks & White Liberals” https://www.amazon.com/Black-Rednecks-White-Liberals-Autonomy-ebook/dp/B003XRDBYE/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Discrimination and Disparities” https://www.amazon.com/Discrimination-Disparities-Thomas-Sowell-ebook/dp/B07JLS7P8D/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Onkar Ghate - Ayn Rand Institute
- Exceptionally ordered, methodical, straightforward, and emotion-free analyses of sociopolitical/cultural/economic issues/ideas, carefully and clearly framed and laid out by clarifying foundational premises on up.
https://ari.aynrand.org/experts/onkar-ghate/
https://www.youtube.com/@AynRandInstitute
John McWhorter
- Prolific author, writer, and speaker. Careful, non-emotive, full context, analysis of cultural issues, with an emphasis in linguistics and race politics, from a uniquely strong and sincere methodology that leans heavily on deep-thought, self-reflective steel-manning of opposing perspectives.
https://johnmcwhorter.substack.com/
https://www.theatlantic.com/author/john-mcwhorter/
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Race-Beyond-Crisis-America-ebook/dp/B000OT8GU8/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America” https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Race-Self-Sabotage-Black-America/dp/0060935936
- “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America” https://www.amazon.com/Woke-Racism-Religion-Betrayed-America-ebook/dp/B095JLK96B/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Coleman Hughes
- Uniquely carefully/deeply considered/precise and composed analysis of race and cultural issues via writing, talks, debates, and interviews by/of, from a base of exceptional equanimity/composure in responding to opposing perspectives.
https://colemanhughes.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@ColemanHughesOfficial
John Stossel
- "After 40+ years of reporting, I now understand the importance of limited government and personal freedom." "Libertarian journalist John Stossel created Stossel TV to explain liberty and free markets to young people."
https://www.youtube.com/@StosselTV
- "Give Me A Break" https://www.amazon.com/Give-Me-Break-Exposed-Hucksters-ebook/dp/B000FC2NF8/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Yaron Brook
– Perhaps the most prolific, dynamic, and emotively compelling public promoter of Objectivist ideas. His informal/accessible style well presents Objectivist philosophy’s typically clear/non-abstract language/framing, and uniquely straightforward focus on real world application to living a positive life. At an individual level first, and what that means/how it should apply at sociopolitical levels.
https://www.youtube.com/@YaronBrook
- "Equal Is Unfair: America's Misguided Fight Against Income Inequality" https://www.amazon.com/Equal-Unfair-Americas-Misguided-Inequality-ebook/dp/B015CKO1DY/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Douglas Murray
- Critic of trending shallow, incoherent, backwards ideas such as “anti-racism” racism, selective censorship, and embrace of oppressive movements in the name of fighting oppression, that are contrary to the western enlightenment discoveries/values of freedom, individual rights, and classic liberalism. Incisive, succinct, cutting analysis that tends to cut through the layers of political correctness and evasion that often obscure simple truths.
https://www.youtube.com/@douglasmurray/featured
Matt Kibbe
- "Don't hurt people, and don't take their stuff." "...deliberately explores issues that bridge the partisan divide—topics like criminal justice reform, health care choice, and opposing corporate cronyism." " ...a rational but passionate voice for liberty."
https://www.youtube.com/@freethepeople/videos
UnHerd (Freddie Sayers)
- Interviews with contrarian thinkers on sociopolitical topics, with pushback and steel manning of opposing perspectives by the host. “…push[ing] back against the herd mentality with new and bold thinking, and [providing] a platform for otherwise unheard ideas, people and places.”
https://www.youtube.com/@UnHerd
Reason Magazine
- Sociopolitical opinion articles on current events from a Libertarian bias to free markets and free personal activity.
https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonTV/featured
https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonRoundtable
Bari Weiss
- Writing, speaking, interviews on the ideals underlying liberalism/freedom, and critiques of the rise of illiberalism labeled as liberalism/freedom.
https://substack.com/@bariweiss
The Free Press
- Sociopolitical articles by a variety of journalists on a site founded by Bari Weiss, with a less partisan or activist bias than the majority of current mainstream media.
https://www.youtube.com/@thefreepress
Jonathan Haidt
- "My mission is to use research on moral psychology to help people understand each other and to help important social institutions work better."
https://jonathanhaidt.com/essays/
https://www.youtube.com/jonathanhaidt1
- "The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure" with Grek Lukianoff https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation-ebook/dp/B076NVFT5P/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Peter Zeihan
- Concise and confident analyses and predictions regarding Geopolitics.
https://www.youtube.com/@ZeihanonGeopolitics
Hannah Cox
- Writer, political commentator, and activist, writing and speaking with emphasis on criminal justice, healthcare, and education, from deeply researched perspectives.
https://www.youtube.com/@HannahCox
https://www.based-politics.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@BasedPoliticsPodcast/videos
Brad Polumbo
- Journalist and political commentator, with an emphasis in culture and economics, from a principled basis in the ideas of social freedom and free markets.
https://bradleypolumbo.com/key-issues
The Objective Standard
- “…commentary from an Objectivist perspective, Objectivism being Ayn Rand’s philosophy of reason, egoism, and capitalism.” “…in-depth articles on philosophy, politics, education, history, self-improvement, and the arts; reviews of books, movies, and television shows; and interviews with intellectuals, activists, and politicians.”
https://theobjectivestandard.com/about-the-objective-standard/
Catalyst
- Articles on sociopolitical topics from a generally free market biased perspective.
https://catalyst.independent.org/
Matt Taibbi
- Investigative journalist utilizing the currently rare journalistic methodology of deep research/investigation. Emphasis/focus on corruption and infringements on civil liberties underreported by mainstream media.
https://www.racket.news/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile
Zuby (Nzube Olisaebuka Udezu)
- Interviews across many realms with an emphasis in culture and politics from a generally methodically logical perspective based in individual rights and self-determination. Interviews are sometimes with individuals he disagrees with to varying degree, with pushback that is extremely civil and insightful, though perhaps too subtle.
https://www.youtube.com/@ZubyMusic/videos
California Insider (Siyamak Khorrami)
- Interviews highlighting California government overreach and shortsighted policy that tend to foreshadow future trends for the rest of the country.
https://www.youtube.com/@californiainsidershow/videos
Open To Debate
- Formerly "Intelligence Squared". "Nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues." Debates on a wide range of topics aimed at counteracting increasing polarization, and providing "a national model for how we can combat echo chambers, information silos, and the tribal mentality that is dividing the country." "That means open to listening. Open to disagreeing. Open to understanding. Open to learning. Open to “the other side.” "
https://www.youtube.com/@OpentoDebate/featured
Soho Forum Debates
- Debates hosted by Libertarian based Reason Foundation.
https://www.youtube.com/@thesohoforum9409/featured
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ANALYSIS - CIVIL RIGHTS
Foundation For Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
- Advocacy, legal support, research, papers, and articles defending First Amendment rights including free speech and civil liberties, filling the role vacated by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as it has transitioned in recent years to policy of selectively defending rights/or not, based on skin color or other group identity, and selectively rejecting the ideas of due process and criminal enforcement/prosecution, based on the same group characteristics.
https://www.youtube.com/@TheFIREorg/videos
Greg Lukianoff - President/CEO of FIRE
- Writing and speaking on free speech and associated psychology.
https://substack.com/@glukianoff
Heterodox Academy (HxA)
- Lectures, interviews, and talks regarding the state of academia. Promotion of the traditional academic ideal of idea diversity, open inquiry, and constructive disagreement, as fundamental requirements in the search for truth, ...in response to the rise of orthodoxy within academia promoting idea uniformity, censorship of ideas, and emotional harmony/comfort as primary.
University of Austin
- Video interviews in line with the mission of the university to prioritize the search for truth over emotional comfort, the classical liberalist role of universities that has largely been abdicated by many universities today where censoriousness and illiberalism are prevalent.
https://www.youtube.com/@uaustinorg/featured
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ANALYSIS - ECONOMICS
John Cochrane
- News, views, and commentary, from a humorous free-market point of view. A Senior Fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford, adjunct scholar of the Cato Institute, and former professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
- The Grumpy Economist https://johnhcochrane.blogspot.com/
Foundation For Economic Education (FEE)
- Foundation focused on educating students on the “…economic, ethical, and legal principles of a free society.” “These principles include: individual liberty, free-market economics, entrepreneurship, private property, high moral character, and limited government.” “…seminars and webinars, free books and online materials for teachers and classrooms, and relevant daily online articles, podcasts, and videos.”
The Future of Freedom Foundation
- Libertarian educational foundation articles focused on the “…advance [of] freedom by providing an uncompromising moral and economic case for individual liberty, free markets, private property, and limited government.”
The Library of Economics and Liberty (Econlib)
- “…dedicated to advancing the study of economics, markets, and liberty.” “The website is provided by Liberty Fund, Inc., a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals. The Foundation develops, supervises, and finances its own educational activities, with the goal of fostering discussion and thought on enduring topics pertaining to the creation and maintenance of such a society.”
https://www.econlib.org/library/About.html
Cato Institute
- Libertarian think tank (public policy research organization) promoting policies “…based on the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace”. Policy papers, reports, and articles.
https://www.youtube.com/@catoinstitutevideo
The Mises Institute
- “…exists to promote teaching and research in the Austrian school of economics, and individual freedom, honest history, and international peace, in the tradition of Ludwig von Mises and Murray N. Rothbard. These great thinkers developed praxeology, a deductive science of human action based on premises known with certainty to be true, and this is what we teach and advocate. Our scholarly work is founded in Misesian praxeology, and in self-conscious opposition to the mathematical modeling and hypothesis-testing that has created so much confusion in neoclassical economics.”
Learn Liberty
- Very accessible/simplified explanations, often via topical examples, of freedom based policies in comparison to statist policies in long term effects and consequences.
https://www.youtube.com/@LearnLiberty
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ANALYSIS - ENERGY
Alex Epstein
- Uniquely clear, concise, full context educational overview of energy use/needs, including the tradeoffs of different energy sources, particularly highlighting critically important aspects of the topic that are almost universally taken for granted/ignored.
https://energytalkingpoints.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@ImproveThePlanet
- "Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas--Not Less" https://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Future-Flourishing-Requires-Gas-Not-ebook/dp/B098M3Y7VC/ref=monarch_sidesheet
Robert Bryce
- Reporting on the energy industry for 30 years. Data driven, in depth analysis of energy alternatives, including the full breadth of costs and benefits often overlooked, providing realistic assessments/solutions.
https://robertbryce.substack.com/
Doomberg
- Writing focused on “...highlight[ing] the fundamentals missing from many economic and policy decisions...by a group of individuals ...deep[ly] experience[d] in heavy industry, private equity, and the hard sciences.”
https://doomberg.substack.com/
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ANALYSIS - BUSINESS / SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY
Lex Fridman
- MIT AI research scientist very long, detailed, expansive podcast interviews leaning heavily to science and technology. The STEM interviews are excellent, the questioning very insightful and based in deep thought rationality, though the level of technicality can sometimes be beyond layman level. Sociopolitical interviews are much weaker, and the questioning less rational, often based in emotion and intuition.
https://www.youtube.com/@lexfridman
Pirate Wires
- Founder Mike Solana’s group write from a San Francisco tech based and often contrarian to mainstream perspective on technology, politics, and culture.
https://www.youtube.com/@pirate-wires/featured
Ryan McBeth
- Intelligence analyst and journalist presents highly detailed and methodical reporting/analysis, primarily focused on topical issues where tactical, intelligence, or military analysis is applicable.
https://ryanmcbeth.substack.com/
Judith Curry
- Climate scientist writing/analysis arguing that some of the most publicized global warming concerns are exaggerated, poorly based, rife with uncertainty not acknowledged, and politically shielded from normal/appropriate scientific debate/analysis.
Joe Lonsdale
- Entrepreneur/investor interviews leading innovators from a dynamically positive perspective.
https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanOptimist
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ANALYSIS - LIFE SCIENCES (Biology / Health / Medicine / Nutrition / Exercise)
Institute for Human & Machine Cognition
- The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) pioneers technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities. Lectures and papers on a variety of technology based human science advances with a STEM health emphasis. Quality and accessibility for laymen vary dramatically.
https://www.youtube.com/@IHMC/videos
Peter Attia
- MD focused on analysis and promotion of latest research on health, nutrition, and fitness, with an emphasis on proactive efforts towards extending active/productive life span.
https://www.youtube.com/@PeterAttiaMD/featured
Medicine with Dr Moran - Keith Moran MD
- Cautiously conservative and detailed analyses of topical medical issues, focusing on empirical data. Emphasis in Covid.
https://www.youtube.com/@MedicinewithDrMoran
Vinay Prasad MD
- Lectures, articles, and papers evaluating/critiquing medical research and policies, based in deep analysis of the relevant epidemiology.
Dr. Gik Carvalho - Nutrition Made Simple
- Thorough/detailed nutrition analysis/recommendations, including explanations touching on breadth of available research study factors/methods. Strictly limited to empirical data, (real world observations), but given the limitations of human study, much of that is epidemiological, (often questionnaire based studies), which has a high potential for inaccuracies/shortcomings/confounding factors.
https://www.youtube.com/@NutritionMadeSimple
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MEDIA
BOOKS - THINKING (Philosophy / Rationality / Logic)
Ayn Rand
“The Virtue of Selfishness” https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Selfishness-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002OSXD64/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Prioritizing self is required to live, and doing so rationally, fully, with consideration of the long term, and psychological factors, inherently means engaging honestly, fairly, and with concern for the welfare of others. On the other hand, prioritizing others before self, one of the most common fundamental ideas of most societies, is contradictory to living if followed as a principle, and instead requires unprincipled/unclear/incoherent standards, along with a life of evading reality/cognitive dissonance.
“Philosophy - Who Needs It“ https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Who-Needs-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002JPGQ2A/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Philosophy is the how to guide for successful living. Humans, as uniquely “thinking” based creatures, require principles to gather and organize the complex realm of ideas into clear, consistent, more digestible macro ideas which can be applied for successful living.
"Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal" https://www.amazon.com/Capitalism-Ideal-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002OSXD6E/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Capitalism is the economic system of freedom, of a society where force is limited to defense against force, enabling unrestricted non-forceful/free/voluntary activity/interactions such as production and trade, parallel with the same unrestricted non-forceful/free/voluntary activity/interactions beyond the economic.
Paul Bloom
“Against Empathy – The Case For Rational Compassion” https://www.amazon.com/Against-Empathy-Case-Rational-Compassion-ebook/dp/B01CY2LCZI/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Emotional empathy”, (feeling what others feel emotionally), can often be detrimental to good/considerate/successful decision making, and “cognitive empathy”, (understanding what others experience by careful analysis), is often the better path to good/considerate/successful decision making/problem solving.
Temple Grandin
"Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions" https://www.amazon.com/Visual-Thinking-Pictures-Patterns-Abstractions-ebook/dp/B09Q89CG86/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A theory of variation in thinking inclinations/modes/methodologies between different humans, broadly separated into verbal and visual thinkers, with focus on variations and specifics of visual thinkers/thinking, and the lack of societal recognition and support for the benefits inherent to this mode of thinking.
Arthur Herman
"The Cave and the Light: Plato Versus Aristotle, and the Struggle for the Soul of Western Civilization" https://www.amazon.com/Cave-Light-Aristotle-Struggle-Civilization-ebook/dp/B003EY7JG2/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A comparison of Plato’s idea that our experiences/observances/physical perceptions are not reality, that reality is hidden from us, and Aristotle’s idea that we can and do perceive key aspects of reality directly. Plato’s ideas underlie ideologies promoting religion, disregard for scientific discovery/knowledge, and self-determination, while Aristotle’s ideas underlie the enlightenment ideologies of self-actualization, scientific discovery/knowledge, rationality, and individualism/freedom.
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BOOKS - SOCIOPOLITICAL - (Society / Politics / Economics)
Don Watkins and Yaron Brook
"Equal Is Unfair: America's Misguided Fight Against Income Inequality" https://www.amazon.com/Equal-Unfair-Americas-Misguided-Inequality-ebook/dp/B015CKO1DY/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...the real threat to the American Dream isn’t rising income inequality—but an all-out war on success..." “The critics of inequality ... instead of fighting to make America a place where anyone can achieve success … are fighting to tear down those who already have. The real key to making America a freer, fairer, more prosperous nation is to protect and celebrate the pursuit of success—not pull down the highfliers in the name of equality.”
Thomas Sowell
“Economic Facts and Fallacies” https://www.amazon.com/Economic-Facts-Fallacies-Thomas-Sowell-ebook/dp/B004THDT8A/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...exposes some of the most popular fallacies about economic issues... [including] ...many beliefs widely disseminated in the media and by politicians, such as mistaken ideas about urban problems, income differences, male-female economic differences, as well as economics fallacies about academia, about race, and about Third World countries... [ideas that] ...have a certain plausibility that gives them their staying power-and makes careful examination of their flaws both necessary and important..."
“Social Justice Fallacies” https://www.amazon.com/Social-Justice-Fallacies-Thomas-Sowell-ebook/dp/B0BJYSCX2M/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...those who use the same words do not always present the same meanings. Clarifying those meanings is the first step toward finding out what we agree on and disagree on. From there, it is largely a question of what the facts are. Social Justice Fallacies reveals how many things that are thought to be true simply cannot stand up to documented facts, which are often the opposite of what is widely believed.” “However attractive the social justice vision, the crucial question is whether the social justice agenda will get us to the fulfillment of that vision. History shows that the social justice agenda has often led in the opposite direction, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.”
“Black Rednecks & White Liberals” https://www.amazon.com/Black-Rednecks-White-Liberals-Autonomy-ebook/dp/B003XRDBYE/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...an in-depth look at key beliefs behind many mistaken and dangerous actions, policies, and trends... [including] ...insights into the historical development of the ghetto culture that is today wrongly seen as a unique black identity--
a culture cheered on toward self-destruction by white liberals who consider themselves "friends" of blacks... ..."The Real History of Slavery"... ...a jolting re-examination of that tragic institution and the narrow
and distorted way it is too often seen today... ...The reasons for the venomous hatred of Jews, and of other groups like them in countries around the world...", and other explorations.
“Discrimination and Disparities” https://www.amazon.com/Discrimination-Disparities-Thomas-Sowell-ebook/dp/B07JLS7P8D/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "Economic and other outcomes differ vastly among individuals, groups, and nations." This "...gathers a wide array of empirical evidence to challenge the idea that different economic outcomes can be explained by any one factor, be it discrimination, exploitation, or genetics, ..." and "...analyzes the human consequences of the prevailing social vision of these disparities and the policies based on that vision--from educational disasters to widespread crime and violence."
Jonathan Haidt and Grek Lukianoff
"The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure" https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation-ebook/dp/B076NVFT5P/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Shows "...how the new problems on campus have their origins in three terrible ideas that have become increasingly woven into American childhood and education: what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker; always trust your feelings; and life is a battle between good people and evil people. These three Great Untruths are incompatible with basic psychological principles, as well as ancient wisdom from many cultures. They interfere with healthy development. Anyone who embraces these untruths—and the resulting culture of safetyism—is less likely to become an autonomous adult able to navigate the bumpy road of life."
Sam Harris
"Letter to a Christian Nation" https://www.amazon.com/Letter-Christian-Nation-Sam-Harris-ebook/dp/B000JMKTNM/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A short overview of some of the contradictions and incoherencies of religious belief.
Elan Journo
"What Justice Demands: America and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" https://www.amazon.com/What-Justice-Demands-Israeli-Palestinian-Conflict-ebook/dp/B07D93DWKD/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Analysis of the full context of the conflict at a high/broad level, and uniquely, frames and evaluates it based on the appropriate key fundamental and rational principles …namely, individual rights/freedom.
John Stossel
"Give Me A Break" https://www.amazon.com/Give-Me-Break-Exposed-Hucksters-ebook/dp/B000FC2NF8/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A short memoir of a reporters transition from the typical journalistic mindset that “…corporations are evil, all risk is intolerable, [and] consumers need more government to protect us”, to an appreciation of free markets and a skepticism of government intervention. Stossel highlighted many illiberal trends in his journalism and this book decades before they entered more mainstream public debate today.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
"Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now " https://www.amazon.com/Heretic-Why-Islam-Needs-Reformation-ebook/dp/B00FVW8MH0/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Courageously challenging the jihadists, she identifies five key amendments to Islamic doctrine that Muslims have to make to bring their religion out of the seventh century and into the twenty-first. And she calls on the Western world to end its appeasement of the Islamists. “Islam is not a religion of peace,” she writes. It is the Muslim reformers who need our backing, not the opponents of free speech. … Interweaving her own experiences, historical analogies and powerful examples from contemporary Muslim societies and cultures, Heretic is not a call to arms, but a passionate plea for peaceful change and a new era of global toleration. In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo murders, with jihadists killing thousands from Nigeria to Syria to Pakistan, this book offers an answer to what is fast becoming the world’s number one problem.”
John McWhorter
“Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America” https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Race-Self-Sabotage-Black-America/dp/0060935936
- "...dar[ing] to say the unsayable: racism's ugliest legacy is the disease of defeatism that has infected Black America. Losing the Race explores the three main components of this cultural virus: the cults of victimology, separatism, and anti-intellectualism that are making Black people their own worst enemies in the struggle for success.”
“Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America” https://www.amazon.com/Woke-Racism-Religion-Betrayed-America-ebook/dp/B095JLK96B/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Outlining the problem "...that a well-meaning but pernicious form of antiracism has become, not a progressive ideology, but a religion—and one that’s illogical, unreachable, and unintentionally neoracist." Showing "...how this religion that claims to “dismantle racist structures” is actually harming his fellow Black Americans by infantilizing Black people, setting Black students up for failure, and passing policies that disproportionately damage Black communities. The new religion might be called “antiracism,” but it features a racial essentialism that’s barely distinguishable from racist arguments of the past."
Jason Riley
"Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed" https://www.amazon.com/Please-Stop-Helping-Us-Liberals-ebook/dp/B017GH546O/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “…examines how well-intentioned welfare programs are in fact holding black Americans back. Minimum-wage laws may lift earnings for people who are already employed, but they price a disproportionate number of blacks out of the labor force. Affirmative action in higher education is intended to address past discrimination, but the result is fewer black college graduates than would otherwise exist. And so it goes with everything from soft-on-crime laws, which make black neighborhoods more dangerous, to policies that limit school choice out of a mistaken belief that charter schools and voucher programs harm the traditional public schools that most low-income students attend. In theory these efforts are intended to help the poor—and poor minorities in particular. In practice they become massive barriers to moving forward. Please Stop Helping Us lays bare these counterproductive results. People of goodwill want to see more black socioeconomic advancement, but in too many instances the current methods and approaches aren’t working. Acknowledging this is an important first step.”
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BOOKS - PROGRESS (Innovation / Energy / Climate )
Matt Ridley
"How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom" https://www.amazon.com/How-Innovation-Works-Flourishes-Freedom-ebook/dp/B07WSBV7YZ/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story of how innovation is the result of bottom up, free market, trial and error, not top-down control.
"The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves" https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Optimist-Prosperity-Evolves-P-s-ebook/dp/B003QP4BJM/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Making the case that state of the human race is improving, at an accelerating pace, and will continue to do so, as long as free markets are allowed to flourish.
Marian L. Tupy and Gale L. Pooley
"Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet" https://www.amazon.com/Superabundance-Population-Innovation-Flourishing-Infinitely-ebook/dp/B0B196K1XT/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A contrarian analysis indicating that resource abundance increases faster than population growth, due to the fact that more people produce more innovations, the key to creation of more from less.
Steven Pinker
"Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress" https://www.amazon.com/Enlightenment-Now-Science-Humanism-Progress-ebook/dp/B073TJBYTB/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “Far from being a naïve hope, the Enlightenment, we now know, has worked. But more than ever, it needs a vigorous defense. The Enlightenment project swims against currents of human nature--tribalism, authoritarianism, demonization, magical thinking--which demagogues are all too willing to exploit. Many commentators, committed to political, religious, or romantic ideologies, fight a rearguard action against it. The result is a corrosive fatalism and a willingness to wreck the precious institutions of liberal democracy and global cooperation. With intellectual depth and literary flair, Enlightenment Now makes the case for reason, science, and humanism: the ideals we need to confront our problems and continue our progress.”
"The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined" https://www.amazon.com/Better-Angels-Our-Nature-Violence-ebook/dp/B0052REUW0/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "Exploding fatalist myths about humankind's inherent violence and the curse of modernity, ..." this shows "...just the opposite is true: violence has been diminishing for millennia and we may be living in the most peaceful time in our species’ existence. For most of history, war, slavery, infanticide, child abuse, assassinations, programs, gruesome punishments, deadly quarrels, and genocide were ordinary features of life. But today, Pinker shows (with the help of more than a hundred graphs and maps) all these forms of violence have dwindled and are widely condemned."
James Burke
"Connections" https://www.amazon.com/Connections-James-Burke-ebook/dp/B00768D5BK/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A tour through the history of some key inventions in the march of human progress, why and how these discoveries were made, and how they are connected.
Alex Epstein
"Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas--Not Less" https://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Future-Flourishing-Requires-Gas-Not-ebook/dp/B098M3Y7VC/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Uniquely clear, concise, full context educational overview of energy use/needs, including the tradeoffs of different energy sources, particularly highlighting critically important aspects of the topic that are almost universally taken for granted/ignored.
Robert Bryce
"Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper: How Innovation Keeps Proving the Catastrophists Wrong" https://www.amazon.com/Smaller-Faster-Lighter-Denser-Cheaper-ebook/dp/B00IHGVRZG/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "In the face of today's environmental and economic challenges, doomsayers preach that the only way to stave off disaster is for humans to reverse course: to de-industrialize, re-localize, ban the use of modern energy sources, and forswear prosperity. But in this ... rebuke to the catastrophists, Robert Bryce shows how innovation and the inexorable human desire to make things smaller, faster, lighter, denser, [and] cheaper is providing consumers with cheaper and more abundant energy, faster computing, lighter vehicles, and a myriad of other goods."
Bjorn Lomborg
"False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs Us Trillions, Hurts the Poor, and Fails to Fix the Planet" https://www.amazon.com/False-Alarm-Climate-Change-Trillions-ebook/dp/B0827TL851?ref_=ast_author_dp
- “Politicians, activists, and the media espouse a common message: climate change is destroying the planet, and we must take drastic action immediately to stop it. …Enough, argues bestselling author Bjorn Lomborg. Climate change is real, but it's not the apocalyptic threat that we've been told it is. Projections of Earth's imminent demise are based on bad science and even worse economics. In panic, world leaders have committed to wildly expensive but largely ineffective policies that hamper growth and crowd out more pressing investments in human capital, from immunization to education. False Alarm will convince you that everything you think about climate change is wrong -- and points the way toward making the world a vastly better, if slightly warmer, place for us all.”
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BOOKS - HISTORY
Clifton Daniel
"Chronicle of the 20th Century " https://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-20th-Century-Clifton-Daniel/dp/1872031021/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Massive month by month chronicle of newspaper headline articles step through modern history from the perspective of U.S. newspapers at the time. There are probably more updated versions or imitations available.
Geoffrey Parker
"Random House Compact Atlas of World History" https://www.amazon.com/Random-House-Compact-Atlas-History/dp/0375705058/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- History detailed in maps chronologically from the rise of Homo Sapiens to the twenty first century.
Bernard Bailyn
"The Barbarous Years: The Peopling of British North America: The Conflict of Civilizations, 1600-1675" https://www.amazon.com/Barbarous-Years-Peopling-Civilizations-1600-1675-ebook/dp/B0082XLXOO/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “The immigrants were a mixed multitude. They came from England, the Netherlands, the German and Italian states, France, Africa, Sweden, and Finland, and they moved to the western hemisphere for different reasons, from different social backgrounds and cultures. They represented a spectrum of religious attachments. In the early years, their stories are not mainly of triumph but of confusion, failure, violence, and the loss of civility as they sought to normalize situations and recapture lost worlds. It was a thoroughly brutal encounter—not only between the Europeans and native peoples and between Europeans and Africans, but among Europeans themselves, as they sought to control and prosper in the new configurations of life that were emerging around them.”
Bradley Thompson
"America's Revolutionary Mind: A Moral History of the American Revolution and the Declaration That Defined It" https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Revolutionary-Mind-Revolution-Declaration-ebook/dp/B09BBJ187R/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “…elucidate[s] the logic, principles, and significance of the Declaration of Independence as the embodiment of the American mind; and … shed[s] light on what John Adams once called the "real American Revolution"; that is, the moral revolution that occurred in the minds of the people in the fifteen years before 1776. The Declaration is used here as an ideological road map by which to chart the intellectual and moral terrain traveled by American Revolutionaries as they searched for new moral principles to deal with the changed political circumstances of the 1760s and early 1770s. This volume identifies and analyzes the modes of reasoning, the patterns of thought, and the new moral and political principles that served American Revolutionaries first in their intellectual battle with Great Britain before 1776 and then in their attempt to create new Revolutionary societies after 1776. The book reconstructs what amounts to a near-unified system of thought—what Thomas Jefferson called an “American mind” or what I call “America’s Revolutionary mind.” This American mind was, I argue, united in its fealty to a common philosophy that was expressed in the Declaration and launched with the words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” “
Gordon S. Wood
"Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson" https://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Finding-Things-Out-Richard-ebook/dp/B005QBLHB4/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story, based largely on their extensive correspondence, of two of the most prominent figures in early American history, comparing and contrasting their great differences, their bitter conflict, and ultimately their late life reconciliation based in mutual fundamental regard for the country they worked so hard to create, and the principles underlying.
Burt Folsom
"The Myth of the Robber Barons: A New Look at the Rise of Big Business in America" https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Robber-Barons-Business-America-ebook/dp/B004X2IJ72/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “…the role of key entrepreneurs in the economic growth of the United States from 1850 to 1910 … Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, James J. Hill, Andrew Mellon, Charles Schwab, and the Scranton family. Most historians argue that these men, and others like them, were Robber Barons. The story, however, is more complicated. The author, Burton Folsom, divides the entrepreneurs into two groups market entrepreneurs and political entrepreneurs. The market entrepreneurs, such as Hill, Vanderbilt, and Rockefeller, succeeded by producing a quality product at a competitive price. The political entrepreneurs such as Edward Collins in steamships and in railroads the leaders of the Union Pacific Railroad were men who used the power of government to succeed. They tried to gain subsidies, or in some way use government to stop competitors. The market entrepreneurs helped lead to the rise of the U. S. as a major economic power. By 1910, the U. S. dominated the world in oil, steel, and railroads led by Rockefeller, Schwab (and Carnegie), and Hill. The political entrepreneurs, by contrast, were a drain on the taxpayers and a thorn in the side of the market entrepreneurs. Interestingly, the political entrepreneurs often failed without help from government they could not produce competitive products. The author describes this clash of the market entrepreneurs and the political entrepreneurs. … The author also has a conclusion, in which he looks at the textbook bias on the subject of Robber Barons and the rise of the U. S. in the late 1800s. This chapter explores three leading college texts in U. S. history and shows how they misread American history and disparage market entrepreneurs instead of the political entrepreneurs.”
Wilfred M. McClay
"Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story" https://www.amazon.com/Land-Hope-Invitation-Great-American-ebook/dp/B0796ZLQXJ/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “…a clear, informative, and inspiring narrative account of…” the American story, too often in other texts presenting “…a fragmented outlook that fails to convey to American readers the grand trajectory of their own history.” This provides to our country a “…coherent narrative, as an expression of its own self-understanding and its aspirations…”. “…it goes without saying that such a narrative cannot be a fairy tale of the past. It will not be convincing if it is not truthful. But as Land of Hope brilliantly shows, there is no contradiction between a truthful account of the American past and an inspiring one.”
Harriet Ann Jacobs
"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" https://www.amazon.com/INCIDENTS-SLAVE-Written-Herself-Annotated-ebook/dp/B092STQQY4/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Autobiography detailing the life of a slave and her eventual escape to freedom.
Ira Berlin and Marc Favreau and Steven F. Miller
"Remembering Slavery: African Americans Talk About Their Personal Experiences of Slavery and Emancipation" https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Slavery-Americans-Experiences-Emancipation-ebook/dp/B005OCJD5M/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...excerpts from the thousands of interviews conducted with ex-slaves in the 1930s by researchers working with the Federal Writer's Project..."
Seymour Drescher and Stanley L. Engerman
"A Historical Guide to World Slavery" https://www.amazon.com/Historical-Guide-World-Slavery/dp/0195120914/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A clinical listing and detailed overview of slavery throughout human history across the world. A basic data dump providing oft ignored context clarifying the overwhelming existence of slavery as common practice everywhere and through all of time until the last 100-200 years.
Yoshiko Uchida
"Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese American Family" https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Exile-Uprooting-Japanese-Literature-ebook/dp/B012AC195K/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Firsthand account of a Japanese-American families imprisonment in internment camps during WW 2.
Alexandr Solzhenitsyn
"The Gulag Archipelago: An Experiment in Literary Investigation" https://www.amazon.com/Gulag-Archipelago-Experiment-Investigation-Collection/dp/B0CHFZWSRD/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Firsthand account and interviews of life and death in the Soviet Union from it’s inception through the early 1950’s, including detail of the massive labor camp system that held 14-18 million.
Loung Ung
"First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" https://www.amazon.com/First-They-Killed-Father-Remembers-ebook/dp/B0046ZRG0M/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- “From a childhood survivor of the Cambodian genocide under the regime of Pol Pot, this is a riveting narrative of war crimes and desperate actions, the unnerving strength of a small girl and her family, and their triumph of spirit.”
Benny Morris
"Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-2001" https://www.amazon.com/Righteous-Victims-Zionist-Arab-Conflict-1881-1998-ebook/dp/B004KABDNO/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Per the blurb: “…a comprehensive and objective history of the long battle between Arabs and Jews for possession of a land they both call home." While I wouldn’t consider this entirely objective, it is much more balanced in data gathering/presentation than most other sources, walking through the history in great detail, acknowledging the limitations of historical record, noting wrongdoing on the part of all actors, and generally providing rare, fuller context. The ultimate framing, analysis, and conclusions are lacking.
Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns
"The National Parks: America's Best Idea" https://www.amazon.com/National-Parks-Americas-Best-Idea/dp/0375712100/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The history of America’s National Parks System, richly detailed in an easy reading narrative densely highlighted with photos. Partially captured in the PBS documentary as an even more accessible alternative.
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BOOKS - BUSINESS / SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY
Richard P. Feynman
"The Pleasure of Finding Things Out: The Best Short Works of Richard P. Feynman" https://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Finding-Things-Out-Richard-ebook/dp/B005QBLHB4/ref=monarch_sidesheet
" "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character " https://www.amazon.com/Surely-Youre-Joking-Mr-Feynman-ebook/dp/B077J7F78Z/ref=monarch_sidesheet
"What Do You Care What Other People Think: Further Adventures of a Curious Character " https://www.amazon.com/What-Care-Other-People-Think-ebook/dp/B004OA6KIS/ref=monarch_sidesheet
"The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen-Scientist " https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-All-Thoughts-Citizen-Scientist-Helix-ebook/dp/B006U6IFSC/ref=monarch_sidesheet
"Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track: The Letters of Richard P. Feynman " https://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Reasonable-Deviations-Beaten-Track-ebook/dp/B007ZDDDO0/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- There are many biographical books on, and by Feynman, and they’re all good. He was a brilliant, groundbreaking physicist, and uniquely brilliant at organizing and conveying concepts in clear, comprehensible, straightforward manner, made all the more compelling by an eccentrically charismatic personality. His infectious, enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge in its inward rewarding conceptual sense, rather than the all to commonly pursued, outward impression focused terminological sense, is aptly conveyed in his drive …"the pleasure of finding things out”. Feynman is a world treasure.
Desmond Morris
"The Naked Ape: A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal" https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Ape-Zoologists-Study-Animal/dp/0385334303/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Classic and at the time very unique analysis of the human animal through the lens of evolution, much of which is no less fascinating today.
Jeff Hawkins
"A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence" https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Brains-New-Theory-Intelligence-ebook/dp/B08CDX6YNW/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A theory of intelligence based on the idea that many alternative models of each individual aspect of elements of reality are stored in cortical columns of neurons and upon sensory inputs, these preconceived aspects are compared and combined for selection of an optimal match.
James Watson
"The Double Helix - A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA" https://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Illustrated-Double-Helix-ebook/dp/B008QYGS8A/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Autobiographical history of the discovery of the structural form of DNA molecules.
Nessa Carey
"The Epigenetics Revolution: How Modern Biology Is Rewriting Our Understanding of Genetics, Disease, and Inheritance" https://www.amazon.com/Epigenetics-Revolution-Rewriting-Understanding-Inheritance-ebook/dp/B0074MTTEK/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...a readily understandable introduction to the foundations of epigenetics...", how environmental factors can interact with our genetic code.
Walter Isaacson
- Biographies of key historical and technological figures, approved (sometimes solicited) by the focal subject, generated through extensive interviews, and carefully crafted into beautifully written, accessible, narrative flows centered on the primary details of the technologies they developed. There may be a bit of subject framing bias to a flattering light, perhaps unavoidably, but warts are sometimes still an appropriately significant part of the narratives. Some other critiques suggest exactly the opposite, that some biographies are too critical.
"Steve Jobs" https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson-ebook/dp/B004W2UBYW/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Portrait of the intensely driven and uncompromising innovator of the groundbreakingly useful and uniquely user friendly string of consumer computer/electronics products from Apple Inc.
"The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race" https://www.amazon.com/Code-Breaker-Jennifer-Doudna-Editing-ebook/dp/B08G1XNG7J/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A detailed timeline in narrative form, of the development of CRISPR, a dramatic advance in gene editing technology.
Michael Riordan and Lillian Hoddeson
"Crystal Fire: The Invention of the Transistor and the Birth of the Information Age" https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Fire-Invention-Transistor-Information-ebook/dp/B0CJ4WFD9T/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- An easy reading story of the invention of the transistor, and the lead up to the transistor’s evolution to the microchip.
Robert C. Alexander and Douglas K. Smith
"Fumbling the Future: How Xerox Invented, Then Ignored, the First Personal Computer" https://www.amazon.com/Fumbling-Future-Invented-Personal-Computer-ebook/dp/B0791LWDG3/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), its development of a number of the key technologies underlying personal computing, and how those innovations were ignored.
Tracy Kidder
"The Soul of A New Machine" https://www.amazon.com/Soul-New-Machine-Tracy-Kidder-ebook/dp/B005HG4W9W/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Kidder wrote a series of books embedding himself into/alongside individuals, small groups, institutions, or businesses at the center of very specific realms, and intimately detailing the intricacies in beautifully accessible story form. This was one of his best, walking us through the design/development process of mini-computer design, just preceding and foreshadowing the coming personal computer explosion that changed the world, and the now taken for granted hard-driving tech culture that has come with it.
Andrew Grove
"Only the Paranoid Survive" https://www.amazon.com/Only-Paranoid-Survive-Exploit-Challenge-ebook/dp/B0036S4B2G/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The leader of Intel Corporation through the 1980’s outlines business strategies of embracing and exploiting change and challenges through Intel’s transition from memory to microprocessor chips.
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BOOKS - ARCHITECTURE / CONSTRUCTION
Matthys Levy and Mario Salvadori
"Why Buildings Fall Down : How Structures Fail" https://www.amazon.com/Why-Buildings-Fall-Down-Structures/dp/B00A2MN60W/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- An easy reading tour through structural failures through the ages, highlighting and explaining in clear simple language and graphics some basic engineering/construction principles along the way.
Francis D. K. Ching
"Architecture: Form, Space, and Order" https://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Francis-D-K-Ching-ebook/dp/B0C2B2C34D/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Classic text explaining fundamental concepts of positive and negative spatial design via a dense library of beautifully illustrated concept diagrams and real-world examples.
"Building Construction Illustrated" https://www.amazon.com/Building-Construction-Illustrated-Francis-Ching/dp/111958308X/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Classic text outlining via precise illustrations the basic principles of construction.
" Architecture: Form, Space, and Order " https://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Francis-D-K-Ching-ebook/dp/B0C2B2C34D/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Classic text explaining fundamental concepts of positive and negative spatial design via a dense library of beautifully illustrated concept diagrams and real-world examples.
" Architecture: Form, Space, and Order " https://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Francis-D-K-Ching-ebook/dp/B0C2B2C34D/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Classic text explaining fundamental concepts of positive and negative spatial design via a dense library of beautifully illustrated concept diagrams and real-world examples.
David Macaulay
"Castle" https://www.amazon.com/Castle-David-Macaulay/dp/0395329205/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A visual walk through a castle’s construction and use via beautifully detailed sketches and minimalist text.
"Cathedral" https://www.amazon.com/Cathedral-Story-Construction-David-Macaulay/dp/0395316685/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A visual walk through a cathedral’s construction over 86 years, via beautifully detailed sketches and minimalist text.
"Underground" https://www.amazon.com/Underground-David-Macaulay-ebook/dp/B004H1UEG8/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- An overview of the complex array of systems, transportation, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, that underlie a major city, conveyed via beautifully detailed sketches and minimalist text.
"The Way Things Work: A Visual Guide to the World of Machines" https://www.amazon.com/Way-Things-Work-Now/dp/0544824385/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Clear and simple explanations via detailed diagrams of how hundreds of diverse machines and technologies work. A bit cutesy with occasional humorous additions to the diagrams, but very functional and accessible.
Xavier Hernandez and Jordi Ballonga and Xavier Hernande and Francesco Corni
"Lebek: A City of Northern Europe Through the Ages" https://www.amazon.com/Lebek-City-Northern-Europe-Through/dp/0395574420/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The evolution of a city from 1000 B.C. to the present, richly detailed in intricate pen and ink drawings.
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BOOKS - ANATOMY
Gerard J. Tortora and Mark T. Nielsen
"Principles of Human Anatomy" https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Human-Anatomy-Gerard-Tortora-ebook/dp/B08QF2JJZK/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Classic anatomy text. Extremely dense and detailed overview of a wide breadth of human anatomy supported with numerous high-quality drawings and photographs.
Gyorgy Fehér
"Cyclopedia Anatomicae: More Than 1,500 Illustrations of the Human and Animal Figure for the Artist" https://www.amazon.com/Cyclopedia-Anatomicae-Illustrations-Animal-Figure/dp/1884822878/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Dense classic visual anatomical guide to human and animal structure/musculature from a visual/artistic emphasis via 1500 plus illustrations.
Sarah Simblet and John Davis
"Anatomy For the Artist" https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-for-the-Artist/dp/0241426456/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Beautifully composed juxtaposition of photography and illustration to convey key human anatomical features from underlying structure to surface perturbations.
Joseph Sheppard
"Anatomy: A Complete Guide for Artists" https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Complete-Guide-Artists-Dover/dp/0486272796/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Beautifully illustrated and highly detailed anatomical guide for artists, uniquely capturing three dimensional form via light and dark media applied to gray substrate.
Bruno Lucchesi
"Modeling the Figure in Clay: A Sculptor's Guide to Anatomy" https://www.amazon.com/Modeling-Figure-Clay-30th-Anniversary/dp/0823030962/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A visual guide to human bone and muscle structure via the step by step sculptural construction/modeling of individual muscles towards a realistic final figure.
John Cody
"Visualizing Muscles" https://www.amazon.com/Visualizing-Muscles-Ecorch%C3%A9-Approach-Surface/dp/070060426X/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A highly unique photographic pose library of a model carefully body painted with scientifically accurate muscle/tendon striations in scientific accuracy and high detail.
Frederic Delavier
"Strength Training Anatomy" https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Frederic-Delavier/dp/1718214863/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Detailed and annotated illustrations of the specific muscles activated in a wide range of strength training movements.
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BOOKS - OTHER
Thomas J. Stanley
"The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy" https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas-ebook/dp/B0BX7G7PZN/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- An overview via case studies of strategies for financial success underlying many inconspicuously wealthy Americans, including living below means, frugality, planning, consistency, self-awareness, and a minimal interest in what others think of them.
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BOOKS - FICTION
Ayn Rand
"The Fountainhead" https://www.amazon.com/Fountainhead-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B002OSXDAU/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story of an individual living for himself in our society …heavily populated by people and ideas based in ideology that everyone should live for someone else.
"Atlas Shrugged" https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand-ebook/dp/B003V8B5XO/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story of a few refusing to submit to the demands of a society forcing them to live for others. A compelling heroic narrative, but challenging, as the narrative flow is broken with long philosophical expositions that, particularly due to their non intuitive/norm breaking nature, require careful, deep, and focused conceptual analysis, a task not generally common for the casual reader of fiction, usually holding expectations of a smooth flowing, lackadaisical experience of semi focused emotive immersion. Correctly identified as her seminal work, outlining the core principles of her philosophy, this is often the first attempt at reading Rand, but because it is often more work than readers are willing to invest, and often misinterpreted/misunderstood, I’d suggest first reading other of her fiction, which are compelling but easier reads, or her nonfiction, which is extremely clear, straightforward, and precise, though equally radical and challenging.
"Anthem" https://www.amazon.com/Anthem-Ayn-Rand/dp/1503250709/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story of a dystopian future society where the concept of individuality is forbidden for the sake of collective “good”.
George Orwell
- Interestingly, despite the implicit critiques of collectivism in his novels, Orwell remained a staunch “Democratic Socialist”, …of the opinion that such Socialist movements as the Stalin era Soviet Union or Nazi Germany were moral and practical failures only because they were headed by corrupt leaders.
"1984" https://www.amazon.com/1984-George-Orwell-ebook/dp/B0CW19ZJFW/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...dystopian social science fiction novel and cautionary tale ... [centered] on the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance and repressive regimentation of people and behaviors within society ... modelled [in the novel on] the authoritarian state ...[of]... Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany. More broadly, the novel examines the role of truth and facts within societies and the ways in which they can be manipulated."
"Animal Farm" https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Farm-George-Orwell-ebook/dp/B0C5FLKBWK/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- Allegorical novel highlighting the immorality of the Stalin era Soviet Union via a story of farm animals taking over a farm from oppressive humans.
Aldous Huxley
"Brave New World" https://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Aldous-Huxley-ebook/dp/B0CFT773QL/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- The story of a future collectivist dystopian society where the comfort of all is prioritized over any hint of individualism.
Kurt Vonnegut
"Harrison Bergeron" https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Monkey-House-Special-Stories-ebook/dp/B00E2RZIEA/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- "...a satirical dystopian science-fiction short story" of an America that has mandated total equality.
Richard Adams
"Watership Down" https://www.amazon.com/Watership-Down-Novel-Puffin-Books-ebook/dp/B002NXOQF2/ref=monarch_sidesheet
- A children’s allegory of individualism, fortitude, and collaboration facing life’s hardships, compellingly told through a story of rabbits in the English countryside struggling for survival.
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ARTICLES
- Coming soon.
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AUDIO / VIDEO
- Coming soon.
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