Out of my three small forearm tattoos, the one I get asked most often about is one that reads in typewriter font: “Readers Anonymous.”
It signifies a small book club that my brother and I started. We’ve always been a family that reads. Saturdays and Sundays were mostly spent on porches or in nooks inside our house, lost in stories or obsessively learning about the topic du jour. Like many kids, it took me longer than it should have to choose reading over more stimulating mediums like video games or TV. However, the habit eventually stuck. If there’s one thing I’m most grateful for from my parents, they made reading sacred.
The tattoo is hopefully enough social proof to know I take reading and any recommendations seriously. A good book (or in modern times, long-form article) at the right time can change your life; and the dog days of summer are often the best time to read before the post-Labor Day push arrives.
Thus, I present your Shadow Summer reading list, a mix of long-form articles, presentations, and books. We’ll keep the themes on brand – focusing on technology, startups/venture, and the built environment.
Technology/Startups/Venture
- Situational Awareness by Leopold Aschenbrenner
- Matt O. will roll his eyes at this sensationalist take, however I had to pick my jaw up from the floor to type this description. This is a long-form essay from a former OpenAI researcher who makes the case for artificial general intelligence (AGI) and superintelligence by the early 2030s, arguing that these concepts are not speculative leaps but rather continuations of historical trends in AI advancement. If it happens, the geopolitical and societal consequences are earth-shattering. The author takes certain liberties, but the thought experiment alone makes it well worth the read.
- Read more
- Why Robotics Won’t Have a ChatGPT Moment by Sri Viswanath, Vibhor Khanna, Yijia Liang, Abhi Srinivas, Zach Cherian (Coatue)
- A lot has been promised regarding general-purpose robotics (specifically in construction…). This report discusses the rise of AI in robotics, highlighting the roadmap for general-purpose robots. It contrasts the development of robotics with the rapid adoption of AI models like ChatGPT, emphasizing that while robotics may not have a singular breakthrough moment, it is poised to transform industries and physical work.
- Read more
- Pattern Breakers by Mike Maples and Peter
- Mike Maples, founder of Floodgate VC, has the best mental models for startups looking to build outliers. He challenges conventional wisdom in startup strategy, arguing that targeting large markets with unmet needs is less effective than leveraging new technological inflection points and unique insights. That’s because in startups, you must be non-consensus and right to overcome the incumbent advantages. Mike lays out the playbook to stress-test ideas and investment frameworks with direct examples (Lyft, Twitch, Airbnb, etc.)
- Read more
- What is ChatGPT Doing and Why Does it Work?
- This is the best primer I’ve seen on how ChatGPT functions and why it has been so effective in various applications. It delves into the underlying technology, including transformer models and natural language processing techniques, and discusses the broader implications for AI development.
- Read more
- Creating the Intangible Enterprise by KP Reddy
- Some will say I was bribed to include…However, KP’s latest book deserves a look for those operating in large organizations and antiquated services industries (like architecture, engineering, or construction). He offers insights into how companies can structure themselves to maximize innovation, competitive differentiation, and agility in the world of AI. KP is the master of analogies and you’ll appreciate several in this book.
- Read more
- Founder Sales
- Most founders believe they are one great sales person away from their first million in revenue. This book advises to not hire a salesperson until you have at least $1M in revenue. It’s a deep dive into very early distribution strategy and go-to-market (GTM) approaches for startups, particularly from the perspective of founders.
- Read more
- Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke
- Annie Duke emphasizes the importance of thinking about probabilities and expected value rather than outcomes, using insights from professional poker to teach readers how to make better decisions in business and life. Fundamental in making venture bets!
- Amazon Link
- Monetizing Innovation by Madhavan Ramanujam and Georg Tacke
- This book provides a comprehensive guide to designing products around pricing strategies. It argues that understanding customer willingness to pay is crucial for innovation and that companies should integrate pricing into the product development process from the beginning.
- Amazon Link
- Ergodicity by Luca Dellanna
- An exploration of the concept of ergodicity and its implications for decision-making, particularly in finance and economics. Dellanna explains how understanding the difference between time averages and ensemble averages can lead to better strategies in uncertain environments.
- Amazon Link
Infrastructure and The Built Environment
- How to Build a Data Center by Brian Potter (Construction Physics)
- One of three articles from Brian Potter at Construction Physics (The 🐐). This article provides a detailed overview of the steps involved in constructing the hottest building type in construction: the data center. It covers site selection, design, infrastructure requirements, and operational concerns, offering insights into the complexities of this critical infrastructure. Worthwhile to understand in 2024.
- Read more
- Will We Ever Get Fusion Power? by Brian Potter (Construction Physics)
- Covers the challenges and potential of fusion energy as a future power source. The article discusses the scientific and engineering hurdles that must be overcome and the implications of achieving successful fusion for the energy sector and beyond.
- Read more
- Will Stone Replace Steel and Concrete? by Brian Potter (Construction Physics)
- Examines the potential for stone to replace steel and concrete in construction. It discusses the environmental, economic, and practical considerations involved in using stone as a primary building material.
- Read more
- Energy and Civilization by Vaclav Smil
- The historical energy text. A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped human society throughout history, from pre-agricultural societies to today’s fossil fuel-driven world. Smil covers the evolution of energy use and its profound impact on civilization.
- MIT Press Link
- The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander
- This review hits: “The Timeless Way of Building does not only foster a love and appreciation of beauty, which elevates the human soul; it encourages a way of life and pattern of behavior that elevates human behavior.” The book is basically Alexander critiquing contemporary architectural practices and presenting an alternative approach focused on creating living, adaptable structures. He argues for a deeper understanding of patterns in design and the importance of context and human experience in architecture.
- Amazon Link
- The Future of Fusion Energy by Jason Parisi and Justin Ball
- The regulatory headwinds for nuclear in the US seem to be dissipating. It’s a good time to read TFFE, a detailed exploration of the science and technology behind fusion energy, discussing the current state of research and the potential timeline for achieving practical fusion power.
- Amazon Link
- Escaping the Housing Trap by Charles Marohn and Daniel Herriges
- This book addresses the tension between viewing housing as an investment and as a fundamental need for shelter. It offers a critique of current housing policies and suggests community-based solutions for creating more affordable and sustainable housing.
- Escaping the Housing Trap Link
- What Happens After August (NAR new era predicitions) by Rob Hahn
- This piece examines the implications of changes in the NAR policies reflecting new buyer-broker agreements after their $410 million settlement, which take effect in August. Rob takes a deep look at the likely short, medium, and long term reactions of the consumer.
- Read more
- Industrial Megaprojects: Concepts, Strategies, and Practices for Success by Edward W. Merrow
- Textbook style but worth its weight in detail. It’s a comprehensive guide to planning and executing large-scale industrial projects. Merrow covers best practices in project management, risk assessment, and strategic planning, with a focus on achieving success in complex and costly ventures.
- Amazon Link
- The Invention by Lewis Enterprises
- This article explores the history and impact of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) on the American economy. It discusses how MBS transformed home mortgages into major financial assets and the broader implications of financialization on American life.
- Read more
- Thinking in Physics
- Sometimes it’s more important to go back to the basics…A collection of essays exploring first principle concepts in physics and their implications for understanding the world. The book covers topics such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and the nature of scientific inquiry, making complex ideas accessible to a general audience. As a dad, I’ll keep this handy as a helpful explainer to my boys.
- Amazon Link
You have my full permission to pick up a monocle while going at this list.
-Nick
