Quick Reads

Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows

Donella H. Meadows’ book, Thinking in Systems: A Primer, which serves as an extensive introduction to systems dynamics and thinking.

Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman

Ehrman discusses the origins of Christian writings, the low literacy rates in the ancient world, and how early texts were likely read aloud in congregations. A central theme is how scribes introduced numerous changes, sometimes unintentionally and sometimes deliberately for theological or apologetic reasons, as evidenced by variant readings concerning Jesus's emotions or divinity. The book outlines the shift from amateur scribes in the early centuries to professional Christian scriptoria in later periods, which improved copying accuracy, and details the ongoing academic quest to reconstruct the original words of the New Testament authors.

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they knew, the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century. We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience. On Tyranny is a call to arms and a guide to resistance, with invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the uncertain years to come.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

"The Hard Thing About Hard Things," offers candid insights into the challenges of managing and leading a technology company. It addresses difficult aspects of business, such as layoffs, demotions, and confronting harsh realities.

Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi

Content Inc. outlines a business model where entrepreneurs build an audience through valuable content before offering products or services.