Hiroshima by John Hersey:  A classic New Yorker long-form article written in 1946 that explores the harrowing aftermath of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb. Although graphic in detail, it is an important reminder of the devastation modern weapons can unleash on humanity.

The Absolute Sandman, (Volume 2 - Issues 21 - 39) by Neil Gaiman: As I continue the Sandman series, I'm impressed, perhaps even awed, by the sheer number of stories, myths, and historical figures it draws upon. I'm beginning to understand why Sandman is often thought to be in a league of its own within the graphic novel genre. My thoughts on Volume 1 of the series can be found here. 

The Changing World Order (Chapter 3) by Ray Dalio: The third chapter of Ray Dalio's upcoming book discusses the rise and decline of the Dutch, British, and American Empires. It mostly focuses on economics, with a particular emphasis on currencies. My takeaway was that empires usually have the added benefit of controlling the world's reserve currency, which allows them to dominate international trade. However, when an empire's power and influence declines, their currency generally does as well, and often with economic consequences. Given the U.S.'s current relative decline, this chapter was of particular interest. Should history repeat itself, as it often does, it's reasonable to expect the U.S. dollar to lose its reserve status as well. The questions that then arise are, when will that occur and how will it affect global markets? 

The Playing Field by Graham Duncan: Life can be seen as an elaborate game - perhaps even as a number of games within the larger game. With that in mind, this article makes two important points: it encourages the reader to stop and consider what game they are playing (and whether it's the one they want to play), and it discusses the levels of expertise one can reach while playing any particular game.

 

Best Route to Wealth: Savings or Earnings, a Debate by Barry Ritholtz: Interesting conversation about spending and frugality in the COVID era.

Yes, Financial Literacy Programs Do Work by Anthony Isola: I've been passionate about financial literacy for some time. It's nice to see that considerable research exists to validate its positive affect.

The Thinker's Thinker by Anthony Gottlieb: Worthwhile essay on the short life of philosopher, economist, and mathematician, Frank Ramsey.

 

A Faint Flicker of Hope in Europe by Peter Zehan: Peter Zehan rarely has a positive thing to say about Europe and its future. Although far from glowing, this blog post discusses the one aspect about the continent that gives him a degree of hope.

Shubham in Volgograd by Patrick Fearon-Hernandez: Interesting commentary on Russian history and how it relates to the current Putin regime. Worth reading just to learn about Rodina Mat' Zovyot, a statue that makes Lady Liberty seem small.

The Idea Trap by Bryan Caplan: Thought-provoking article on how developing countries would be wise to implement the policies of wealthy countries. I agree with much of the article's notion that success leaves clues to be followed. However, I think Caplan misses an important point: As explained in Joe Studwell's great book, How Asia Works, developing countries are often better off walking before they run. Many countries have been hurt implementing an open free-trade structure before they were ready.

What You Can't Say by Paul Graham: From 16 years ago, yet many of the topics are just as relevant today.

Why Fiction Beats Facts by Tom Morgan: In order to mobilize large groups, societies have always been founded on stories and myths. As the author puts it, "Thus believing in a common fiction that forms a solid social group has been evolutionarily much more important than any objective truth or reality." 

When I first came across this theme in Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens, I was skeptical. However, the more I've learned and observed, the more I'm convinced there is something to this argument.

Josh Wolfe - The Mind Financing The Future by The Portal: Wide-ranging conversation between two brilliant people: Josh Wolfe and The Portal's Eric Weinstein.