The Wealth of Nations: A Profound Economic Analysis of Market Forces

"The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith is a seminal work in the field of economics, laying the foundation for modern economic thought. Smith's rigorous analysis and keen observations have made this book a fundamental reference for economists and policymakers alike.

Smith explores the intricacies of market forces and their impact on economic growth, productivity, and wealth creation. His examination of the division of labor and specialization underscores the efficiency gains that result from individuals focusing on their comparative advantages. Smith astutely argues that when individuals pursue their self-interest in a competitive market, the overall welfare of society is enhanced.

The book delves into the concept of the invisible hand, which describes how self-interested actions of individuals collectively lead to the optimal allocation of resources. Smith emphasizes the importance of free trade and the removal of barriers, advocating for policies that promote international commerce. His defense of the principles of capitalism and limited government intervention continues to shape economic discourse to this day.

Smith's writing is characterized by logical reasoning and empirical evidence, making his arguments persuasive and intellectually robust. He masterfully dissects various economic phenomena such as wages, rents, profits, and the role of government in economic affairs. The book's comprehensive analysis demonstrates Smith's profound understanding of economic systems and their intricate workings.

While "The Wealth of Nations" was written in the 18th century, its insights remain highly relevant in today's complex global economy. It remains a cornerstone in economic literature, shedding light on topics such as market competition, the role of institutions, and the importance of economic freedom.

However, it is important to note that the book predates significant developments in economic theory and empirical methods. Consequently, some of Smith's ideas may require contextualization within contemporary economic frameworks.

In conclusion, "The Wealth of Nations" is an enduring masterpiece that continues to shape the way we understand and analyze economic systems. Smith's rigorous analysis, coupled with his eloquent prose, make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the profound economic forces that shape our world.

Book Review: The White Tiger

"The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the dark underbelly of Indian society. With a mix of biting satire and stark realism, Adiga presents a scathing critique of the class struggle, corruption, and social inequalities that plague the country.

The story is narrated through the eyes of Balram Halwai, a captivating and morally complex character. Balram's journey from a poor village boy to a successful entrepreneur is rife with ambition, cunning, and a willingness to break societal norms. Adiga's portrayal of Balram's transformation is both fascinating and unsettling, as he navigates the corrupt world of the Indian elite, revealing the ugly truths hidden beneath the surface.

One of the strengths of "The White Tiger" lies in its vivid depiction of the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots in India. Adiga fearlessly exposes the deep-rooted inequality and social injustices that persist in the country, painting a grim picture of a society where the rich exploit and oppress the poor without remorse.

The novel also shines a light on the corrupt political system that perpetuates this cycle of exploitation. Through Balram's experiences, readers are confronted with the rampant corruption and moral bankruptcy that infects every level of society. Adiga's portrayal is scathing and unapologetic, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

Furthermore, Adiga's writing style is engaging and immersive. The use of Balram's voice as a narrator adds an intimate and personal touch to the story, making it feel like a confession or a letter from a close friend. Adiga's prose is sharp and evocative, capturing the essence of both the gritty realities of poverty and the opulence of the elite.

However, some readers may find the dark and cynical tone of the novel overwhelming. The unrelenting portrayal of corruption and the harsh realities of life in India may be hard to digest for those seeking a more uplifting or optimistic narrative.

Overall, "The White Tiger" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that challenges conventional notions of success, morality, and the pursuit of happiness. Adiga's unflinching exploration of social issues and his ability to create complex characters make this book a compelling read. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated inequalities that persist in our world and raises important questions about the price one must pay for freedom and success in an unjust society.

The Decline of Bookstores in Singapore: Exploring the Challenges and Solutions

In recent years, Singapore has witnessed a decline in the number of physical bookstores, raising concerns about the future of these cultural institutions. As the digital age continues to transform the way we consume information and entertainment, traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores are facing numerous challenges. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the decline of bookstores in Singapore and explore potential solutions to revive and sustain these invaluable literary havens.

1. The Rise of Online Retail: The advent of online book retailers, such as Amazon and Book Depository, has revolutionized the way people buy books. With the convenience of browsing and purchasing books online, often at discounted prices, readers have shifted towards digital platforms. The ease of doorstep delivery and the accessibility of e-books have posed a significant challenge to physical bookstores.

2. High Rental Costs: Singapore's high rental costs have burdened many businesses, including bookstores. Prime retail spaces in popular malls demand substantial rental fees, making it challenging for bookstores to sustain profitability. These costs often force bookstores to limit their physical presence or relocate to less prominent areas, affecting footfall and sales.

3. Changing Consumer Preferences: The reading habits of consumers have evolved over time, with digital formats gaining popularity. E-books offer convenience, portability, and instant access to a vast library of titles. As a result, some readers have shifted away from traditional print books, impacting the demand for physical bookstores.

4. Competition from E-commerce: E-commerce giants have disrupted the retail landscape, including the book industry. Online platforms provide a vast selection of books, often at discounted prices, enticing customers away from physical stores. The convenience and competitive pricing of e-commerce pose a significant threat to the survival of brick-and-mortar bookstores.

5. Lack of Government Support: While various countries have implemented policies and initiatives to support local bookstores, Singapore has struggled to provide comprehensive support for this sector. Limited funding, incentives, and resources for bookstores have hindered their growth and resilience in a rapidly changing market.

Reviving Bookstores in Singapore: While the challenges are formidable, there are strategies that can be implemented to revive bookstores in Singapore:

1. Diversifying Business Models: Bookstores can explore diversification by incorporating cafes, hosting literary events, offering specialized book collections, or creating curated reading experiences. By embracing a multi-faceted approach, bookstores can attract a broader range of customers and foster a sense of community.

2. Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborating with local schools, libraries, and literary organizations can strengthen the connection between bookstores and the community. Partnerships can lead to joint events, book clubs, and educational programs that promote reading and literacy.

3. Emphasizing the Unique Experience: Physical bookstores provide a sensory experience that online retailers cannot replicate. Highlighting the joy of browsing physical books, the opportunity for serendipitous discoveries, and the personal interaction with knowledgeable staff can help differentiate bookstores and attract customers seeking a more immersive reading experience.

4. Government Support: Increased government support in the form of subsidies, grants, and policies that promote local bookstores can play a vital role in their survival. Creating a favorable business environment and recognizing the cultural significance of bookstores will contribute to their long-term sustainability.

Conclusion: While the decline of bookstores in Singapore is a pressing concern, there are opportunities to revitalize and sustain these cherished institutions. By embracing innovative strategies, fostering community engagement, and receiving support from both consumers and the government, bookstores can continue to serve as vital hubs for reading, learning, and cultural enrichment. Preserving bookstores not only ensures access to diverse literary offerings but also fosters a vibrant and intellectually engaged society.

The Little Book of Value Investing

"The Little Book of Value Investing" is a book written by Christopher Browne and published in 2006. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the value investing philosophy and its application in the stock market.

The book covers the basics of value investing, such as the definition of value investing, its history, and the principles that guide it. It also discusses the importance of finding companies with strong fundamentals, such as strong balance sheets and consistent earnings growth, and avoiding companies with weak fundamentals.

The book also talks about the importance of patience and discipline in value investing, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that investors may encounter. Additionally, the book provides insights on how to find undervalued stocks, how to evaluate a company's financial statements, and how to build a diversified portfolio.

In summary, "The Little Book of Value Investing" is a comprehensive guide that provides an introduction to the value investing philosophy and its application in the stock market, providing insights and tips on how to find undervalued stocks and build a diversified portfolio.

The Simple Path to Wealth - Book Review

"The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins is a personal finance book that focuses on the power of long-term investing and the importance of financial independence. The book is written in a conversational style and is aimed at helping readers achieve financial freedom and retire early.

One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of investing in low-cost index funds and avoiding active management. Collins argues that passive investing is the simplest and most effective way to build wealth over time. He also provides practical advice on how to invest in index funds, including how to choose the right funds and how to allocate your portfolio.

Another key theme of the book is the importance of saving and investing early in life. Collins emphasizes the power of compounding and how small investments made early on can grow into significant sums over time. He also provides guidance on how to set and achieve financial goals, and how to develop a plan for early retirement.

The book also covers the topic of financial independence and the importance of living below your means to achieve it. Collins stresses the importance of being frugal, avoiding consumer debt, and focusing on what's truly important in life.

Overall, "The Simple Path to Wealth" is a well-written and informative book that provides a clear and simple approach to personal finance. It is a great resource for anyone looking to build wealth and achieve financial independence. It is written from the perspective of the author, and some of the ideas may not work for everyone, it's important for readers to understand the context and tailor the advice to their own situation.

The Total Money Makeover- Book Review

"The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey is a personal finance book that provides a step-by-step plan for achieving financial freedom and building wealth. The book is based on Ramsey's experience as a financial counselor and offers practical advice and strategies for getting out of debt, building an emergency fund, investing for retirement, and achieving financial goals.

One of the key principles of the book is that it emphasizes on the importance of creating a budget and sticking to it. The book provides a detailed budgeting system, known as the "Baby Steps," which is a seven-step plan that helps readers get their finances in order and achieve their financial goals.

Another highlight of the book is the emphasis on the importance of emergency funds, and the concept of "living like no one else so later you can live like no one else", which means living below your means and saving aggressively to achieve your financial goals.

The book also provides practical advice on how to get out of debt, including strategies for negotiating with creditors and consolidating loans. It also covers investing basics and provides tips on how to choose the right investments for your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Overall, "The Total Money Makeover" is a comprehensive guide to personal finance that offers practical, actionable advice for achieving financial freedom. It is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and gain a better understanding of how to manage their money. However, the book is quite focused on Dave Ramsey's personal philosophy and methods, and not all of his ideas may be suitable for everyone.

Who is Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is an American financial expert, author, and radio host. He is best known for his personal finance advice and his nationally syndicated radio program, "The Dave Ramsey Show," which focuses on personal finance and money management.

Ramsey is a self-taught personal finance expert and has written several books on the subject, including "The Total Money Makeover" which is one of his most popular books. He is also the founder of the company, Ramsey Solutions, which provides financial education and counseling to individuals, families, and businesses.

Ramsey is known for his emphasis on the importance of living below your means, creating a budget, and getting out of debt. He has developed a seven-step program, called "The Baby Steps," which is a step-by-step plan for achieving financial freedom and building wealth.

He is a popular speaker and has been featured on many national television shows, as well as in numerous newspapers and magazines. He is also a regular guest on other radio shows and podcasts.

Dave Ramsey's teachings and methods have been well-received by many people, but also have some critics who may disagree with some of his views and methods. It's always important to do your own research and consult with professionals before making any financial decisions.

The Millionaire Mind - Book Review

"The Millionaire Mind" by Thomas Stanley is a book that delves into the financial habits and attitudes of millionaires in America. The book is based on a study of over 1,000 millionaires and offers insights into their spending habits, investment strategies, and overall financial mindset.

One of the key takeaways from the book is that the majority of millionaires in America are self-made and have achieved their wealth through hard work, frugality, and smart financial decisions. The book also highlights the importance of financial education and the role it plays in building wealth.

Stanley also delves into the difference between the mindset of the wealthy and the non-wealthy. He argues that the wealthy tend to be more frugal, have a long-term perspective, and are more focused on saving and investing. They are also more likely to take calculated risks and are more resilient in the face of financial setbacks.

Overall, "The Millionaire Mind" offers valuable insights into the financial habits and attitudes of the wealthy. It is a useful read for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and gain a better understanding of the mindset and behaviors that can lead to financial success. However, it's important to note that the book is based on a study done in the late 90s, and some of the information may be outdated and not applicable to current market conditions and demographic.

Interesting fact:

As of 2021, the number of millionaires in America is estimated to be around 14.5 million. This number is expected to increase in the coming years as more people continue to build wealth and achieve millionaire status. The United States is home to the largest number of millionaires in the world, and it is also the country with the highest number of billionaires.

The Intelligent Investor - Book Review

"The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham is a classic book on investing that was first published in 1949. It is considered a "bible" of value investing and is widely regarded as one of the most important books ever written on the subject. The book is aimed at the lay investor and provides a comprehensive guide to the principles of sound investment.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of the principles of value investing, including the importance of understanding the underlying value of a company and the dangers of speculation. The second part covers the various types of common stocks and bonds, and the third part provides practical advice on investment strategies and portfolio management.

Throughout the book, Graham emphasizes the importance of long-term investing, diversification, and avoiding common mistakes such as following market trends and chasing hot stocks. He also stresses the importance of understanding financial statements and the underlying business of a company.

The book has stood the test of time and is still considered a must-read for anyone interested in investing. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the principles of value investing and is a valuable resource for both novice and experienced investors.

These are some of the most well-known quotes from Benjamin Graham's book "The Intelligent Investor" a classic book on value investing.

1. "The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists."

2. "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."

3. "The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing."

4. "In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine."

5. "The most important quality for an investor is temperament, not intellect."

6. "The investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself."

7. "The future is never clear; you pay a very high price in the stock market for a cheery consensus."

8. "The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient."

Top 20 Personal Finance and Investment Books

1. "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham: This classic book on value investing provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of investment, with a focus on the importance of understanding the underlying value of an investment and the importance of discipline and patience in investing.
2. "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki: This book offers a different perspective on personal finance and wealth-building, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and the power of investing in assets rather than liabilities.
3. "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey: This book provides a step-by-step plan for getting out of debt and building wealth, with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing.
4. "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins: This book focuses on the power of long-term investing and the importance of financial independence. It provides practical advice on how to invest in index funds, how to set and achieve financial goals and how to develop a plan for early retirement.
5. "The Millionaire Mind" by Thomas Stanley
6. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith
7. "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" by John C. Bogle
8. "The Intelligent Asset Allocator" by William Bernstein
9. "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
10. "The Behavioral Investor" by Daniel Crosby
11. "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Timothy Ferriss
12. "The Efficient Frontier: Investing for Growth and Capital Preservation" by James O'Shaughnessy
13. "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel
14. "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
15. "The Everything Investing Book" by Ken Little
16. "The Random Walk Guide To Investing" by Burton Malkiel
17. "The Intelligent REIT Investor" by Stephanie Krewson-Kelly
18. "The Little Book of Value Investing" by Christopher Browne
19. "The Intelligent Investor in the Age of Irrational Exuberance" by Howard Marks
20. "The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor" by Howard Marks

Cashflow Quadrant

"Cashflow Quadrant" is a personal finance book written by Robert Kiyosaki, published in 2000 as a sequel to his bestselling book "Rich Dad Poor Dad." The book is based on Kiyosaki's own experiences and provides advice on how to build wealth through investing in assets such as real estate and small businesses.

The book's main concept is the "Cashflow Quadrant," which is a framework that categorizes people into four groups: E (Employee), S (Self-Employed), B (Business Owner), and I (Investor). The book explains the different characteristics and financial opportunities of each group, and encourages readers to move from the left side of the quadrant (E and S) to the right side (B and I) in order to achieve financial freedom.

Critics have noted that the book's emphasis on real estate investing and entrepreneurship may not be suitable for everyone, but generally speaking the book has been well received. The book has  been praised for its clear and concise explanation of the different ways to make money and its practical advice on how to achieve financial freedom.

Overall, "Cashflow Quadrant" is a valuable addition to anyone's personal finance library. It's an informative and thought-provoking book that provides a unique perspective on building wealth and achieving financial freedom. It's a great read for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and take control of their financial future.

Here are a few quotes from "Cashflow Quadrant" by Robert Kiyosaki:

1. "The Cashflow Quadrant is a way of looking at the different ways people make money."

2. "The Cashflow Quadrant is a map that shows the journey from being an employee or self-employed person to becoming a business owner or investor."

3. "The E (employee) and S (self-employed) quadrants represent the left side of the Cashflow Quadrant, while the B (business owner) and I (investor) quadrants represent the right side."

4. "The difference between the left side and the right side of the Cashflow Quadrant is that the left side is about working for money, while the right side is about having money work for you."

5. "The E and S quadrants are where most people spend their lives, trading time for money. The B and I quadrants are where financial freedom is found."

6. "The key to moving from the E and S quadrants to the B and I quadrants is to acquire assets that generate cash flow."

7. "The key to financial freedom is to have enough passive income to cover your expenses."

Rich Dad Poor Dad - Book Review

"Rich Dad Poor Dad" is a personal finance book written by Robert Kiyosaki and published in 1997. The book is based on the author's own experiences and provides advice on how to build wealth through investing in assets such as real estate and small businesses, instead of relying solely on traditional methods of earning money, such as working for a salary.

The book has been widely popular and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It has been praised for its simple yet effective advice on financial literacy and investing. Kiyosaki's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book accessible to a wide audience.

Critics have noted that the book's emphasis on real estate investing and entrepreneurship may not be suitable for everyone and that the book is not without its flaws, but generally speaking the book has been well received.

Overall, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" is an informative and thought-provoking book that challenges traditional ways of thinking about money and wealth. It offers practical advice and a unique perspective on building financial security and achieving financial freedom. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and take control of their financial future.

Here are a few quotes from "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki:

1. "The rich don't work for money. They make money work for them."

2. "The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them."

3. "Your house is not an asset. It's a liability."

4. "The more you learn, the more you earn."

5. "The single most powerful asset we all have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth."

6. "Financial intelligence is not the ability to show how much you know, but the ability to know how much you don't know."

7. "The love of money is not the root of all evil. The lack of money is the root of all evil."

8. "The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way."

9. "The most important thing is to learn how to take your own advice."

10. "The rich buy assets. The poor only have expenses. The middle class buys liabilities they think are assets."

Review of The Secret Life of Bees

"The Secret Life of Bees" is a novel by Sue Monk Kidd, first published in 2002. The story is set in South Carolina in 1964, and follows the journey of 14-year-old Lily Owens, who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. With the help of three beekeeping sisters, Lily learns about love, motherhood, and the power of female bonds.

The novel received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Kidd's writing style and the story's themes of race, femininity, and family. The novel was a bestseller and won multiple awards, including the BookSense Book of the Year.

Critics noted that the novel's portrayal of race relations in the South during the Civil Rights Movement was both honest and powerful. The novel's themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and the power of women were also praised.

Overall, "The Secret Life of Bees" is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that explores important social issues with sensitivity and depth. It is a powerful and moving story that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.

Lessons from Atomic Habits

"Atomic Habits" is a well-written and well-researched book that provides practical and actionable advice for building and maintaining good habits. The author, James Clear, presents the concepts in an easy-to-understand and relatable way. The book is filled with real-life examples and case studies that illustrate the principles outlined in the book.

One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on the power of small, incremental changes in achieving big results. Clear argues that small, atomic habits are more manageable and less daunting than big, sweeping changes. By focusing on small habits, readers can gradually improve their lives without feeling overwhelmed.

The book also provides a comprehensive system for building and maintaining good habits. Clear lays out a four-step process for creating new habits and breaking old ones: cue, craving, response, and reward. This system is easy to understand and provides a clear roadmap for readers to follow.

Clear also offers practical tips and strategies for making habits more attractive, such as using rewards and making habits easy to start. This is a key point, as it's easier to stick to habits when they are enjoyable or rewarding, and that makes the book more actionable

One of the book's limitations is that it doesn't delve deeply into the psychological and neuroscience behind habits. While the book provides a lot of practical advice, it doesn't delve into the underlying science of why habits form and how they can be changed.

In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to build and maintain good habits. The book is well-written, easy to understand, and provides a comprehensive system for creating and breaking habits. While it doesn't delve deeply into the science behind habits, it offers a lot of practical advice and strategies for making changes in your life.

Lessons from Richest Man in Babylon

"The Richest Man in Babylon" is a collection of short stories written by George S. Clason. The stories are set in ancient Babylon and are told in a parable-like format. They are designed to teach readers about the principles of personal finance and wealth-building. The titular character, Arkad, is considered to be the richest man in Babylon and is held up as a model of financial success.

One of the key messages in "The Richest Man in Babylon" is the importance of saving and investing. Arkad learned early in his life that "a part of all he earned was his to keep." He saved one-tenth of his earnings and invested it wisely, allowing his wealth to grow over time. This message is still relevant today, as many people struggle with saving and investing for the future. By setting aside a portion of their income and investing it wisely, people can build wealth over time and achieve financial freedom.

Another important principle in "The Richest Man in Babylon" is the importance of living below one's means. Arkad was able to accumulate wealth because he lived a simple and frugal lifestyle. He avoided unnecessary expenses and focused on building his wealth, rather than spending it on frivolous things. This is an important lesson for people today, as the culture of consumerism often leads to people spending beyond their means and getting into debt. By living below one's means, people can save more money and invest it for the future.

The book also emphasizes the importance of education when it comes to money and finance. Arkad was not born into wealth, but he was able to acquire it through hard work and learning about money and investing. He sought out the advice of wise men who had already achieved financial success and applied their wisdom to his own life. This is a valuable message for readers, as many people are not taught about personal finance in school. By seeking out knowledge and taking the time to learn about money and investing, people can empower themselves to achieve financial success.

Finally, the book encourages readers to take action towards achieving their financial goals. Arkad did not just sit around and wish for wealth, he took action and worked hard to achieve it. The book encourages readers to set financial goals and take the necessary steps to reach them. This includes creating a budget, saving and investing money, and seeking out education and advice from those who have already achieved financial success.

In conclusion, "The Richest Man in Babylon" is a timeless classic that teaches valuable lessons about personal finance and wealth-building. The book's messages of saving, investing, living below one's means, and education are just as relevant today as they were when the book was first written. By following the principles outlined in the book, readers can empower themselves to achieve financial success and build the life they desire.

Books to Read - My 2022 Reading List

 It is the new year and Covid has definitely given us lots of opportunities to stay home and indulge ourselves in hobbies such as reading.

Here is my list of books that I intend to read in 2022.

1. Atomic Habits 

This is a New York Times #1 Bestseller by James Clear.  Packed with different self-improvement strategies, the book is meant to bring about changes in your life through tiny changes that you can make.  Lessons from the book can be found.

Amazon is having an offer right now and you can get the book through this link: Atomic Habits: The life-changing million copy bestseller

2. Genghis Khan: And the Making of the Modern World

Highly recommended by various people, this book is an epic tale of how Genghis Khan rises from a small tribe to become ruler of a vast empire, conquering more lands than the Romans did in a much shorter time.  This revisionist history depicts Genghis Khan as a progressive, tolerant leader who abolished torture, and provided almost universal religious freedom.  In fact, many of the Mongols were either Christian, Muslims or Buddhists.

Get your copy from Amazon here:

Genghis Khan: And the Making of the Modern World 

3.  Klara and the Sun

Kazuo Ishiguro is probably one of my favorite authors and have read almost every single book of his.  Unfortunately, have yet to read this book of his.

Klara and the Sun: Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2021

4. Has China Won?

The title of this book is intriguing enough.  And it is written by Kishore Mahbubani who wrote Can Asians Think?  Having read his earlier books, I think this will make for an interesting read given his previous experience in Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  He actually rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is actually the highest ranking civil servant just below the minister.  So his knowledge of the issues at hand are definitely worth a read.

Has China Won?: The Chinese Challenge to American Primacy

5.  The Audacity of Hope

Well, it has been quite a few years since Barack Obama has stepped down as President of the United States of America.  And this book which became the best seller in 2006 has been on my reading list.  But this year, I intend to complete it. I am currently at Chapter 2 of the book.

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream

[This post to be continued...]

Voltaire's Thoughts About Labour

Labour holds off three great evils:  tedium, vice and poverty.

True?

Work as boring as it seems wards off tedium or boredom.  Boredom can drive people mad.  Imagine having no purpose in life and having absolutely nothing to do.  So yes it does ward off tedium.  But work can sometimes be boring too after a while.

Of vice, it does ward off to a certain extent.  After all, it is during idleness that the children start disturbing the cats.

And with work, rightly should come some form of income.  Thus one who works ought not to be poor.

Harvard Classics - Herodotus and Book of Job

I must have done at least 6 hours of pure reading yesterday.  And I sure covered a lot of ground though some of my reading was outside the "canon" of the Harvard Classics.  I spent most of time reading the Book of Job though I spent a greater part of the time wondering why this had been placed under the History of Civilizations section since the Book of Job was clearly a book that discusses about suffering (or in particular, why do good people suffer).  I guess it was helpful to see what the wisdom was about why suffering occurs and how some times, human wisdom has its limitations.

Reading Herodotus' Histories is tiring.  In the harvard classics, it is his second book that is inside and it gives an account of Egypt.  Or should I say ancient Egypt.  As much as I love history, the way it is told is actually a bit too detailed for my liking.

Harvard Classics - Five Foot Shelf of Books

I have started  into my reading habit once again.  And what better way to start by doing it in a structured manner rather than the current haphazard way in which I conduct my reading.  Have been reading Harvard's Classics, which is supposed to be the "Western Canon" of books worth reading in order to attain "a liberal frame of mind or way of thinking".  I was tempted to try Adler's Great Books but then decided to start with the original so-called "canon" first before I proceed on.

This whole exercise is just a way of educating myself for free. Almost like obtaining a liberal arts education except without the need to attend lectures/tutorials/etc And besides,  I love to read.. (Oh gosh, how much I miss school).

Well, it will certainly be a challenge as there are a total of 50 volumes worth of books. You can find all the books online (which means you save lots of money too) in this link:  http://archive.org/details/harvardclassics

 I am getting started on the section regarding History of Civilization (refer to Volume 50 for the introduction to the Readers Guide).  I guess it sure beats reading from Vol 1 to Vol 51.  

If anyone else is interested in getting started on reading the Harvard Classics too, feel free to comment!

The Death of Reading

Reading is slowly becoming a dying hobby.  I am not surprised that many bookshops around Singapore have closed down.  First it was Borders at Wheelock, followed by PageOne at Vivocity and also Harris in Great World.  Will bookshops become a thing of the past?  Why are these bookshops not profitable?

These are questions that I ask myself.  And I have come to this slow realisation that people actually might be reading a lot less than in the past.  When I refer to reading, I mean the reading of physical books.  On the other hand, they are actually now reading more through sources like the internet which has become so accessible.

People are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for the latest handphone, but might not even spend that same amount on books.  They might love reading, but they simply do not see the need to buy physical books to read.  Even a person like me who quite enjoys reading seldom buy any books. Even if I do, my monthly budget or money spent on books is only around $20 to $50.  That is almost peanuts when compared to the amount I spend on food, transport, and other so-called necessities in life.  So I am not surprised in a certain way that the bookshops have closed down.  If even a book lover like myself is spending so little on books, how much money can these bookshops even make?

I also realised that time passes, I have set aside less and less time to read.  Work, the internet, distractions prevent me from reading a book in peace.  The latest book I bought still lies half read on my bedside drawer.  And yet, I have plenty of time to surf the net, eat, sleep and do so many other things.  Do I like reading?  Yes.  But I simply cannot afford the luxury of sitting down and reading like in the past.