The Tipping Point was a great book, and I would recommend it to nearly anyone interested in the concept of social epidemics (trends, ideas, etc.). The author, Malcolm Gladwell, did very well in putting together an idea that seems to have made its mark on society. I must admit that my perception of things has changed due to reading The Tipping Point. I look forward to reading his second book, Blink when my friend can lend it to me -- though I'll likely end up owning it at some point. I figure that if I enjoy a book enough, I should own a copy as a show of courtesy to the author and so I can lend it out to others.
I started reading an older book called Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. A philosophical book, Status Anxiety is so far fairly interesting and quite approachable. I bought it because I remember seeing a program called "Status Anxiety" hosted by the author on Book Television a few weeks ago -- it's aired on Saturdays, 12pm PST.
I've only gotten through the first two chapters, and I can say that the main idea here is the simple equation:
Self-Esteem = Success / Pretensions* (or simply Expectations)
What does one do to solve the problem of this "status anxiety"? One solution would be to increase one's relative success by acquiring more money, but that's not a guarantee. Not everyone is successful, and sometimes, hard work alone is not enough. The only other solution is to change one's expectations in life.
It made me think about all that existential stuff that no one really talks about openly.
Don't worry though, I'll finish the book before I get too reflective.
Seattle was a bit of a bust. I spent a grand total of three and a half hours there and only saw a few streets, the insides of two taxis, one office building, and a Seattle's Best coffee shop. I did vow to return at some point though...
Friday is the last day of work before the Xmas break until January 3rd, 2006. I plan on doing as little as possible during that time, perhaps intermixed with a little more socialization. Or at least more coffeeshop with a book in hand to make a dent in the ole queue that keeps growing because I buy them impulsively.
Ah well, there's worse things to buy impulsively, right?
I started reading an older book called Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. A philosophical book, Status Anxiety is so far fairly interesting and quite approachable. I bought it because I remember seeing a program called "Status Anxiety" hosted by the author on Book Television a few weeks ago -- it's aired on Saturdays, 12pm PST.
I've only gotten through the first two chapters, and I can say that the main idea here is the simple equation:
Self-Esteem = Success / Pretensions* (or simply Expectations)
What does one do to solve the problem of this "status anxiety"? One solution would be to increase one's relative success by acquiring more money, but that's not a guarantee. Not everyone is successful, and sometimes, hard work alone is not enough. The only other solution is to change one's expectations in life.
It made me think about all that existential stuff that no one really talks about openly.
Don't worry though, I'll finish the book before I get too reflective.
Seattle was a bit of a bust. I spent a grand total of three and a half hours there and only saw a few streets, the insides of two taxis, one office building, and a Seattle's Best coffee shop. I did vow to return at some point though...
Friday is the last day of work before the Xmas break until January 3rd, 2006. I plan on doing as little as possible during that time, perhaps intermixed with a little more socialization. Or at least more coffeeshop with a book in hand to make a dent in the ole queue that keeps growing because I buy them impulsively.
Ah well, there's worse things to buy impulsively, right?