4' - How to Think About Money

01/28/25 • 40 min

Jonathan Clements's How to Think About Money offers a practical, common-sense approach to personal finance, challenging conventional wisdom and emphasizing long-term planning. The book argues that diligent saving is key to wealth accumulation, while the pursuit of material possessions offers limited happiness. Clements uses research on happiness and behavioral finance to explain common financial mistakes and advocates for index fund investing, risk management, and a holistic view of one's financial life. William Bernstein's foreword supports Clements's perspective and adds insights from his own experience, emphasizing the importance of saving early and adapting to life's changes. The book provides a step-by-step guide to building a coherent financial plan centered around maximizing long-term well-being.

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7' - 48 Laws of Power: Strategy and Manipulation

The provided text excerpts from 48 Laws of Power and other sources detail Machiavellian strategies for acquiring and maintaining power. These tactics involve manipulating others through deception, exploiting weaknesses, controlling perceptions, and understanding human psychology. Key themes include the importance of appearing powerful, never outshining the master, and using various forms of manipulation to achieve goals. Specific strategies discussed encompass controlling options, playing to people's fantasies, and cultivating an air of unpredictability. Ultimately, the sources explore the amoral pursuit of power and the cunning necessary to achieve dominance.

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5' - The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

This text is an almanac compiling the writings and speeches of Naval Ravikant, a successful entrepreneur and investor. The book focuses on Ravikant's perspectives on wealth creation and happiness, offering practical advice and philosophical insights. It draws from various sources, including tweets, blog posts, and podcast interviews, presenting Ravikant's ideas in his own words. The almanac is structured around key themes, such as building specific knowledge, leveraging opportunities, and cultivating inner peace. The author emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, ethical behavior, and self-awareness in achieving both financial success and personal fulfillment.