In 'The Age of Surveillance Capitalism', Shoshana Zuboff delves into the pervasive nature of tech giants like Google and Facebook, exploring how they have transformed into surveillance capitalism entities. Through meticulous research and analysis, Zuboff uncovers the methods used by these companies to capitalize on our personal data, ultimately posing a threat to privacy and individual autonomy. She raises crucial questions about the implications of this new form of capitalism on society, democracy, and human freedom. Zuboff's groundbreaking work offers a comprehensive examination of the digital landscape, shedding light on the urgent need for regulations and ethical considerations in the digital age.
Shoshana Zuboff is a renowned author and scholar known for her groundbreaking work in the realms of technology, surveillance capitalism, and business theory. With a background in social psychology and philosophy, Zuboff's keen insights have shaped discourse on the societal implications of digital technologies. Her seminal work 'The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power' garnered widespread acclaim for dissecting the ways in which corporations exploit user data for profit. Zuboff's research and writing have had a significant impact on understanding the intersection of technology, capitalism, and privacy in the digital age.
Rebecca Costa’s The Watchman’s Rattle explores how civilizations collapse when complexity outpaces our ability to solve problems. Blending science, history, and psychology, she argues that as global crises become more complex, society risks paralysis unless we evolve our cognitive strategies. Costa introduces the idea of “cognitive threshold,” suggesting we must adopt new ways of thinking—such as intuition and pattern recognition—to survive modern challenges. The book links ancient failures with contemporary threats like climate change and global instability. It’s a call to embrace adaptive thinking before our most pressing problems become unsolvable.
by Adam Smith
Series: The Wealth of Nations (#2)
Books IV–V of The Wealth of Nations critique existing economic policies and propose a framework for limited but essential government intervention. In Book IV, Smith dissects the mercantile system, rejecting trade restrictions and monopolies while advocating for free trade. He critiques colonialism and tariffs, favoring open markets. Book V addresses the role of the state in education, justice, defense, and infrastructure—functions Smith sees as necessary for a stable, prosperous society. These volumes balance his case for laissez-faire economics with the need for public investment, rounding out his vision of a functional, ethical, and productive political economy.
by Jeremy Heimans, Henry Timms
New Power explores how influence, leadership, and engagement have evolved in the digital age. The authors contrast "old power"—top-down, closed, and leader-driven—with "new power"—open, participatory, and crowd-sourced. Through case studies like #MeToo, Airbnb, and TED, they show how modern movements and brands leverage community and transparency. The book offers tools for leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs to harness this shift effectively. Branson and other innovators have praised New Power for its relevance in today’s hyperconnected world, where collaboration and authenticity often matter more than hierarchy or control.
Economist and political commentator Thomas Sowell explores how knowledge is distributed and used across different institutions, from markets to governments. He argues that decision-making is most efficient when decentralized and guided by incentives, rather than centralized planning. Sowell highlights how information, incentives, and constraints shape outcomes in society, emphasizing the superiority of systems that allow individuals to act on local knowledge. Rich in economic and philosophical insight, the book critiques technocratic overreach and defends free-market mechanisms. It’s considered one of Sowell’s most intellectually rigorous works, offering a deep framework for understanding how societies function.