Neostoicism 2.0 by Robert Woolston

Neostoicism 2.0: Stoicism, Christianity & Personal Empowerment for the 21st Century by Robert Woolston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Neostoicism 2.0: Stoicism, Christianity & Personal Empowerment for the 21st Century by Robert Woolston is a bit of a challenge to read, but is a rewarding read nonetheless. In the preface, the author breaks out how the book is written into sections as follows: Ancient Greek Stoicism, Christianity, Neostoicism 1.0, Neostoicism 2.0. The author recommends reading each section in sequence to fully understand his methodology. He details examples of neostoicism at work, with it's seeming inception during an exchange between Alexander the Great and Diogenes. This moment becomes an example of transcendence and equality in the philosophical world, and sets the stage for this new philosophy. Contained herein are great history lessons, alluding to how powerful the ancient Greeks were, in particular the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius as possibly the most famous of all stoics. From there the author moves on to Christian theology, and ultimately to Flemish humanist Justus Lipsius, who may be considered the father of Stoicism. As a way of life, neostoicism is presented as a moral alternative, and while humans enjoy free will, ultimately, man must submit to God so as not to be overcome by passions or instincts. An intellectually stimulating book that will certainly expand your knowledge of neostoicism.

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Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia by Jason Schenker

Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia by Jason Schenker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jobs for Robots: Between Robocalypse and Robotopia by Jason Schenker is a fascinating look at the implications that may arise with advances in technology. As the author of several best selling books, and a self-described futurist, Schenker is well qualified to write on this subject. Somewhere between a doomsday scenario where robots perform all the functions of labor, to a more pragmatic version where robots actually aid and assist, Schenker finds a happy medium. There is much to absorb in this book from highly interesting data showing the decline of certain industries, and the jobs within those industries, to learning about the background of common names like Smith, Miller, and Weaver, the author makes history and learning about the advances of the industrial revolution accessible and even entertaining. This is a must read for anyone interested in economies, technology, the workforce and labor, and econometrics. Lucid and clearly written, this book is strongly recommended.

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Interviews with the Rauschmonstrum by Nick Latorre

Interviews with the Rauschmonstrum by Nick LaTorre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interviews With the Rauschmonstrum by Nick LaTorre is a tour de force about a shapeshifter who predicts human history, including elections. He is depicted on the cover of the book with someone who appears to be Dick Cavett, during an interview by the same. Told in a unique format, with a series of interviews, the first with Mike Wallace, this is an ingenious approach to political satire and observation. None of this is meant to be taken seriously, but just to ponder the supernatural essence of the Rauschmonstrum. All of the best television interviewers are included in this book from William F. Buckley to Jimmy Fallon. LaTorre delivers a fine performance with this satiric style of writing, and with nothing else to go on with any biographical data, the reader is left to wonder who this fascinating writer is and what he will come up with next.

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