#58 - Summer of Books 2023

As summer arrives, Wayfinder takes a break. It's a time for me to unwind and recharge. Stepping back to absorb the flow of ideas and embrace a slower pace is essential. For me, this means indulging in a collection of captivating books. Here's my summer reading list - a mix of books I've already enjoyed and those I eagerly anticipate exploring. These thought-provoking reads cover a wide range of topics, including innovation, personal growth, societal issues, and the transformative power of technology in our lives.

Exploring Media and Digital Transformation

"The Gutenberg Parenthesis: The Age of Print and Its Lessons for the Age of the Internet" by Jeff Jarvis

As the internet surpasses print culture, journalism professor Jeff Jarvis explores the lessons we can learn from this shift. Are we heading towards a society reminiscent of pre-mass media, emphasizing conversation and ephemeral media?

"Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral" by Ben Smith

Join Ben Smith, the ex-editor-in-chief of Buzzfeed News, as he uncovers the origin of age disinformation and the impact of HuffPost-Buzzfeed rivalry on the rise of influential forces shaping the internet and American society.

"The Streaming Book" by Matthew Ball

Written by a national and international best-selling author Matthew Ball, this chart-filled mini-book offers a comprehensive exploration of the streaming wars. Gain a deeper understanding of the past, present, and future of streaming platforms and their impact on media consumption.

Understanding the Impact of Technology

"Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler

In 1965, Alvin Toffler introduced "Future Shock," describing the overwhelming stress caused by rapid change. Today, as AI advances rapidly, we experience an intensified sense of being "future shocked." AI's ever-evolving nature and profound influence challenge our understanding, reshape our perspectives, and prompt contemplation about our humanity.

"Thriving on Disruption" by the Disruptive Futures Institute

Data, trends, and past experiences are not a proxy for the future and are no longer sufficient to address today’s systemic challenges. In fact, they provide a false sense of security in our ever-changing, contradictory world.?This four-volume collection provides valuable insights and frameworks to embrace the unknown and take agency over the future.

"Users" by Colin Winnette

Great fiction trumps reality. ‘Users’ investigates, with both humor and creeping dread, how interpersonal experiences and private decisions influence the hasty tech developments that have the power to permanently alter the landscape of human experience.

Leadership and Personal Growth

"Make Something Wonderful'' by Steve Jobs Archive

A curated collection of Steve’s speeches, interviews and correspondence, Make Something Wonderful offers an unparalleled window into how one of the world’s most creative entrepreneurs approached his life and work.

"Think Bigger" by Sheena Iyengar

In Think Bigger, Sheena Iyengar—an acclaimed author and expert in the science of choice—answers a timeless question with enormous implications for problems of all kinds across the world: “How can I get my best ideas?”?

"Excellent Advice" by Kevin Kelly

Compiled from the life wisdom of renowned technologist Kevin Kelly, this book presents a heartfelt collection of insights and lessons learned. Embark on a journey of self-discovery as you uncover the timeless advice Kelly imparts to his young adult children.

Society, Culture & Reflection

"What's Our Problem?" by Tim Urban

Using his signature style of deep analysis, engaging illustrations and sticky metaphors, Urban provides a new framework for understanding the complex issues of our modern world, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking insights.

?"Who Gets Believed" by Dina Nayeri

Former refugee and award-winning author Dina Nayeri begins with this question, turning to shocking and illuminating case studies in this book, which grows into a reckoning with our culture’s views on believability.

"The Earth Transformed" by Peter Frankopan

Discover the profound role of nature throughout history, as Frankopan highlights the impact of climate change and its influences on civilizations across centuries and continents.

Artificial Futures

"AI 2041" by ?Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan

A groundbreaking blend of imaginative storytelling and scientific forecasting by AI expert Kai-Fu Lee and speculative fiction writer Chen Qiufan. Join them on an immersive journey to explore how artificial intelligence will transform our world over the next two decades.

"Datapreneurs" by Bob Muglia

Journey through the past, present, and future of AI with a leader in the data economy. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.

"Real Fake" by Menno Van Doorn, Sander Duivstein & Thijs Pepping

Real Fake offers a comprehensive exploration of synthetic media and its related fields, such as AI, VR, the metaverse, deepfakes, and the meme economy. This deeply philosophical and engaging book delves into the essence of reality, covering objective, subjective, and synthetic realities.

Pre-Order

"Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture" , by Kyle Chayka

Not yet out but alread on my radar, Filterworld by one of the creators of the Dirt Newsletters, Kyle Chayka. As algorithms determine our choices, important questions arise: What happens when shareability supersedes messiness, innovation, and creativity—the very nature of being human? What does the notion of choice mean when the available options have been so carefully arranged for us?

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That's it this was the last Wayfinder before the summer break. I hope you all can take a well-deserved break, disconnect, and recharge. Wayfinder will be back in late August with a curated selection of the top links from the summer.

Ezra