Mere Mortals Book Reviews

I explore the themes and insights from the book 'Japanese Death Poems' by Yoel Hoffman. I discussed the spirit of the Japanese people, their ability to embrace opposing ideas, and the complexity and simplicity of reality. I share selected death poems and provides analysis on their meaning. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Finally, the delusion of death poems and emphasizing the value of embracing imperfection and taking action in life.Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction and Purpose(1:04) - The Spirit of the Japanese(3:53) - Selected Poems and Analysis(9:40) - The Last Day and the Delusion of Death Poems(12:51) - Conclusion and TakeawaysValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Japanese Death Poems by Yoel Hoffmann is a compelling anthology that explores the Japanese tradition of Jisei, or death poems. The book provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of these poems, reflecting on the life, death, and impermanence of existence through the lens of Zen Buddhism. It is divided into three main sections: an introduction, death poems by Zen monks, and death poems by haiku poets. While the book may not offer practical takeaways, it offers a somber and thought-provoking perspective on life and death.Takeaways:Japanese Death Poems offers a unique insight into the cultural and historical significance of Jisei, or death poems.The book is structured into three main sections: an introduction, death poems by Zen monks, and death poems by haiku poets.Readers should approach the book with the expectation of philosophical contemplation rather than practical takeaways.Japanese Death Poems is recommended for those interested in exploring somber and thought-provoking perspectives on life and death.Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction to Japanese Death Poems(1:04) - Structure of the Book(3:31) - Structure of the Poems(4:30) - Understanding the Purpose of Death Poems(5:00) - Expectations and Practicality(6:17) - Recommendation and Reflection(7:35) - Summary and Final ThoughtsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Would you have the fortitude to stick to your principles, even in the face of certain death?'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight' by an unknown poet is a story from a 14th/15th century manuscript. It tells of Sir Gawain, a knight at Arthur's round table who accepts a challenge from a mysterious & magical being. This requires him to willingly offer up his life whilst first being tempted by the most beautiful lady in the land. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this little ditty and is a great example of poetry told in alliterative verse.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(4:10) - Themes/Questions(8:30) - Moral Learnings(19:21) - Author & Extras(23:28) - Summary(26:36) - Value 4 Value(28:33) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Let's travel back to the days when people didn't take offense so easily ...... or did they?'The Innocents Abroad' by Mark Twain is a compendium of his adventures whilst travelling for 5 months across Europe & The Middle East. It is told in his usual humorous style of witty anecdotes and droll sarcastic one-liners. The bulk of it relates to visiting historic landmarks & places of cultural significance, with some parts on the actual travel journey itself. During his life it became his best selling book, also becoming renowned in the travel genre as well.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:45) - Themes/Questions(15:44) - Author & Extras(19:32) - Summary(23:29) - Value 4 Value(25:04) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Righteous anger can be useful .... if applied to the right people.'A Room Of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf is an essay critiquing woman's literature and female authors. Her core argument is that the lack of financial means, privacy and strict social norms has resulted in the inability for females to write great books. And that it is not due inherent feminine weakness or lack of genius. She also emphasises that women need to write in their own voice and spends a fair bit of time criticising authors like Charlotte Brontë and Mary Carmichael who don't do this adequately (in her opinion).Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:49) - Themes/Questions(16:23) - Author & Extras(20:22) - Summary(23:05) - Value 4 Value(24:58) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Can you think yourself to death?'Confessions Of A Mask' by Yukio Mishima follows a young rather frail boy called Kochan in the 1920-40's period in Tokyo set against the backdrop of WW2. We see his homosexual desires for another boy Omi emerge as well as a morbid fascination with blood, death and love. He tries to force himself to fall in love with a girl called Sonoko but struggles to combine this with his true feelings. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:53) - Themes/Questions(10:57) - Author & Extras(12:55) - Summary(16:16) - Value 4 Value(17:31) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Manners, decorum, morals, tact, niceties, propriety. Doesn't this all sound fun!'A Room With A View' by E. M. Forster is the tale of a young woman who is constrained by the conventions of her time. Lucy Honeychurch lives in 1900's England and meets the strange George Emerson whilst travelling to Italy. After a brief but intense contact she returns home and becomes engaged to the uptight Cecil Vyse. However coincidence throws the two back together and she has to decide whether to be a proper lady or do what would make her happy.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(3:00) - Themes/Questions(13:11) - Author & Extras(19:10) - Summary(22:28) - Value 4 Value(26:53) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.'Death Of A Salesman' by Arthur Miller is a play that showcases the tragic life of a simple man with delusions of grandeur. Willy Loman is nearing the end of his days as a travelling salesman and the return of his son Biff pushes his instability into overdrive. Through a series of flashbacks we see how the whole family is suffering from their excessive pride before reaching an ultimate breaking point.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:49) - Themes/Questions(9:08) - Author & Extras(10:19) - Summary(12:17) - Value 4 Value(16:31) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Drop the dishes and let's get JACKED!!!'Picnic In The Storm' by Yukiko Motoya is a series of 11 short stories of everyday life in Japan, but with a twist. So inside you'll find stories about a housewife getting jacked, a cat that won't stop peeing everywhere and couples that keep merging into one entity. They were kind of fun although I found them more random than anything else.Hope you appreciate the new shorter format and want to thank Cole for all his fabulous voice acting!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(3:17) - Questions/Themes(7:07) - Author & Extras(10:31) - Summary(12:51) - Value 4 Value(15:33) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Fret your silly head not, you won't leave this book discontented.'The Winter Of Our Discontent' by John Steinbeck takes place in the fictional New Baytown where Ethan Hawley has become dissatisfied with his life. The lingering legacy of his family is in stark contrast to the life of grocery store clerk trying to support his family. He decides to change his circumstances but must act ruthlessly to gain what he wants. He spends a lot of time in his head moralising, giving a great insight into the compromises we must all face at times.Big thanks to Deezlaughs for the support, much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:49) - Initial Impression(2:50) - Plot/Style(5:07) - Quote 1(7:12) - Themes/Questions(10:04) - Quote 2(16:00) - Author & Extras(18:38) - Quote 3(20:45) - Summary(23:08) - Boostagram Lounge(24:42) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

A hidden gem of war time literature!'The Moon Is Down' by John Steinbeck is a short simple tale written to encourage passive resistance. A small town in an unnamed country is taken over by an invading force. The townsfolk unhappy with this situation turn the tables by creating a hostile atmosphere that makes it a living hell for the aggressors. The backstory behind the impact of this book is actually quite fascinating!No boostagrams this week, you are actually making a sad puppy :'( But I do appreciate the comments on the YT channel.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:34) - Initial Impression(3:01) - Plot/Style(5:53) - Quote 1(8:59) - Themes/Questions(11:23) - Quote 2(16:03) - Author & Extras(20:42) - Quote 3(23:40) - Summary(25:44) - Boostagram Lounge(30:33) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

How much has the digital revolution changed the publishing industry?'Book Wars' by John B. Thompson is an overview of how the internet and digitisation of books changed the publishing industry. It mostly covers the 2005-2018 period when Ebooks started gain popularity and momentum. It goes into extreme depth so be prepared to read through a lot of history, which makes it a comprehensive book. I quite enjoyed it for the unexpected outcomes that ran counter to intuition but also found it tedious at times to keep going through.Only one boostagram from Brian D O'Leary this week (which is very much appreciated). You are actually making a sad puppy :'( But I do appreciate the comments on the YT channel.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:15) - Initial Impression(3:26) - Plot/Style(6:06) - Quote 1(8:33) - Themes/Questions(15:07) - Quote 2(22:55) - Author & Extras(26:34) - Quote 3(30:04) - Summary(34:22) - Boostagram Lounge(36:52) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Forgive me please, I'm about to turn into a hater.In today's episode I'm going over a couple of books that I disliked. The main point of this is to showcase my thinking on the types of things I won't read or dislike to read. Not going to lie, this wasn't my greatest episode ever. I was tired, sick and all my normal settings got disturbed before the live stream. Truly helped me be the greatest hater, bleh.Huge props to Deezlaughs for supporting the show, I really appreciate it!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:15) - Time eliminates untruths(6:24) - Supercharged emotions(10:42) - Communication style(15:52) - Purpose: Persuade, inform &/or entertain(20:40) - Exceptions to the rule(22:29) - Boostagram Lounge(25:03) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Politics, violence & propaganda; what an awful mix.'Manufacturing Consent' by Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky explains the propaganda model of communications, which explains why mass media shows an overall biased view. They describe the 5 mechanisms that lead to heavy filtering of information before going over examples from the Vietnam War to Latin America politics. It's a book that made me super angry, distressed, disgusted and depressed. Has really reinforced my philosophy against violence/coercion and also my detestation of politics/mass media.Huge props to Deezlaughs for supporting the show, I really appreciate it!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:37) - Initial Impression(3:58) - Plot/Style(6:44) - Quote 1(9:36) - Themes/Questions(16:09) - Quote 2(19:40) - Authors & Extras(22:20) - Quote 3(26:47) - Summary(31:41) - Boostagram Lounge(34:08) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Juan's back for a review.Join us on Mere Mortals for a renewed and deeper exploration of David Goggins' renowned book, 'Can't Hurt Me.' This revisit uncovers fresh insights and perspectives on Goggins' journey of mental toughness and self-transformation. Dive into our discussion about overcoming life's toughest challenges and the power of pushing beyond limits.Timeline: (0:00) - Intro(2:10) - Accountability Mirror(4:55) - Darkness(8:03) - Battle of the Mind(11:29) - Taking Souls(13:28) - Being Comfortable(14:56) - The 40% Rule(17:13) - Joy(19:45) - What If?(21:23) - Support UsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Sometimes punishments just can't make up for the crime.'Darkness At Noon' by Arthur Koestler is a taste of a political prisoner's experience during the Moscow Trials. Rubashov is a high ranking party member that has been thrown in jail and accused of crimes against the Revolution. It follows his detention over a several week period as he is tortured and comes to realise the terrible things he has done in the name of 'the greater good'.Huge props to Petar and Ashley Glenday for supporting, really appreciate it!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:33) - Initial Impression(2:56) - Plot/Style(5:50) - Quote 1(8:10) - Themes/Questions(12:27) - Quote 2(17:20) - Author & Extras(19:37) - Quote 3(24:42) - Summary(29:12) - Boostagram Lounge(31:09) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Aiiiiiiii aiaiaiaia aiiiyayayaiaaia!'The Last Of The Mohicans' by James Fenimore Cooper is a work of historical fiction set during the colonisation of the United States Of America. It follows the dangerous adventures of a mixed group of native Indians and English settlers as they are plagued by adversaries. The dialogue can be a bit hard to interpret at times but the portrayal of untouched nature is beautiful and the constant surprises keep you on your toes.No support again this week, need to pick this up people.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:29) - Initial Impression(2:41) - Plot/Style(6:13) - Quote 1(8:20) - Themes/Questions(12:35) - Quote 2(19:14) - Author & Extras(22:40) - Quote 3(26:26) - Summary(29:57) - Boostagram Lounge(32:55) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

You wouldn't steal a car .... but I would download one!'Free ' by Chris Anderson is an argument for why online abundance has changed the way businesses run and that this trend is only going to continue. He looks at various types of companies/products and shows how zero marginal costs result in 4 outcomes: direct cross-subsidies, the three-party market, freemium and nonmonetary markets. I read this mostly for more material to use on my 'Value 4 Value' podcast so it was part work and part pleasure. A solid book if you're interested in how digital abundance has changed the world.No support this week :'(Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:27) - Initial Impression(2:44) - Plot/Style(5:17) - Quote 1(7:07) - Themes/Questions(12:08) - Quote 2(18:19) - Author & Extras(22:44) - Quote 3(25:23) - Summary(28:44) - Boostagram Lounge(33:21) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Who will end humanity first, the aliens or us?!'The Three-Body Problem' by Cixin Liu is a sci-fi novel involving aliens, science, warfare and politics. Unexplainable events start to occur to scientists after contact has been made with the Trisolaris world. We gradually learn about their unique ecosystem and why humanity might be in danger not just from the outside, but also within. I loved the first 2/3rds of the book for it's distinctive plot/style but was slightly disappointed at how rushed the end felt. Was still a great read overall though.Thanks to Petar and Joe Martin for supporting the show. Absolute legends!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:15) - Initial Impression(2:20) - Plot/Style(6:10) - Quote 1(8:26) - Themes/Questions(9:37) - Quote 2(15:00) - Themes/Questions (Continued)(18:34) - Author & Extras(21:10) - Quote 3(24:54) - Summary(27:47) - Boostagram Lounge(30:36) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Prepare for your heartstrings to be plucked.'The Harp In The South' by Ruth Park is a classic Australian book detailing the lives of the poverty stricken Darcy family. This fictional family lives in Surry Hills, which in the 1930's was an inner city slum of Sydney. There is no plot per se as it simply follow the lives of this small family, with particular attention shown to the young daughter Roie. The events that unfold are tragic but they battle through to find the moments of love that make all the pain bearable.Thanks to Cole McCormick & Sam Sethi for supporting the show. Absolute legends!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:03) - Initial Impression(2:16) - Plot/Style(4:34) - Young Love(6:30) - Themes/Questions(10:30) - Poverty(16:27) - Author & Extras(19:12) - Aussie Issues(23:04) - Summary(26:16) - Boostagram Lounge(28:29) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Will the psychology of humans be compatible with the predicted tech future we face?'The Inevitable' by Kevin Kelly is a series of technological trends that he believes will dictate the future. It is primarily based on what is already happening and his educated guess as to how this will manifest in a couple of decades time. It is broken down into 12 themes which interact and merge with each other. It is somewhat utopic in nature but I feel does a decent job of showcasing what could be possible and at the very least is thought provoking.Thanks to Cole McCormick from the AMERICAPLUS podcast for the guest voice-over and Cole/Sam Sethi for the support.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:43) - Initial Impression(3:38) - Plot/Style(5:31) - Quote 1(7:48) - Themes/Questions(8:16) - Quote 2(11:26) - Privacy & Utopias(17:06) - Author & Extras(18:54) - Quote 3(20:43) - Summary(25:15) - Boostagram Lounge(29:55) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

It's a fine line between conveying deep insights vs being overly mystical.'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran is a quick read that maybe shouldn't be quick. It has a simple plot setup of a prophet answering questions to townsfolk he is about to leave and never see again. They ask him to speak on 26 topics and he delivers a short poetic response in reply. At times it does seem to hold a deeper wisdom but some of them seemed overly complicated and obtuse.Thanks to Ashley Glenday and Juan for supporting the show. And a reminder that you'll now be able to listen in live via a Podcasting 2.0 app!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:28) - Initial Impression(2:49) - Plot/Style(6:41) - Themes/Questions(10:57) - Author & Extras(14:45) - Summary(18:19) - Boostagram Lounge(20:35) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Today, I'm discussing "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor, one of my top book recommendations. This book brilliantly combines storytelling with scientific research, exploring the profound impact of breathing on our health and well-being. Nestor's personal journey to understand breathing is interwoven with just the right amount of technical detail, making it an engaging and enlightening read.For those interested in deeper exploration, the book provides extensive research references. It's a perfect read for anyone curious about the science behind one of our most basic yet transformative abilities. Highly recommended for its insightful and transformative approach.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:20) - Synopsis(6:55) - Breathing(8:40) - TakeawaysValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Sometimes you really can be too outlandish.'The Happy Prince & Other Stories' by Oscar Wilde are a collection of short stories. They have a childlike feel and are almost like fairytales except the moral of the story seems to be missing or is rather bleak. I've also included my review of 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', a separate play that showcases Wilde's wit and ability to construct a humorous narrative.Thanks to everyone for sending in kind messages about my Mum. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:21) - Initial Impression(3:07) - Plot/Style(7:53) - Themes/Questions(12:30) - Author & Extras(17:01) - Summary(19:39) - Boostagram Lounge(22:41) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

The grittier Australian version of magic realism.'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton follows the merging lives of two families (the Lamb's & the Pickle's) as they move into a shared house in Perth. We see the hardships that individual characters go through and how family and kinship is what saves them. It incorporates real life events with absurd fictional elements to give a taste of Aussie life in the 1940's-1960's.Huge thanks to Sir TJ The Wrathful & Ashley Glenday for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:16) - Initial Impression(3:01) - Plot/Style(8:40) - Themes/Questions(18:22) - Author & Extras(21:25) - Summary(24:00) - Boostagram Lounge(27:28) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Never have I ever more wanted to be a homeless peasant!'Tortilla Flat' by John Steinbeck is the tale of how an eclectic bunch of friends live together in Monterey. Danny becomes a house owner and experiences the highs and lows of a raised social status. To help Danny his friends begin living with him and hijinks ensue. They rotate between fights, wine, fire and women whilst being lovable rascals.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:00) - Initial Impression(2:19) - Plot/Style(9:06) - Themes/Questions(15:57) - Author & Extras(20:10) - Summary(24:24) - Boostagram Lounge(28:28) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Hopefully I'm not as boring as Cicero is ..... but don't count on it!'On Government' by Cicero is a collection of his writings set out in a chronological format. The large bulk are orations he delivered in front of the senate (or law court) and some smaller sections on his ideals for what a government should look like. I found it pretty boring to be honest but did give me some historical insights into the time period of ~100-0 BC and showcased why politics has always been a shitshow.Huge thanks to Petar & Cole McCormick for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:04) - Initial Impression(3:08) - Plot/Style(9:27) - Themes/Questions(18:56) - Author & Extras(22:31) - Summary(25:32) - Boostagram Lounge(27:29) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Join me as I dive into the heartwarming and insightful pages of "The Daily Dad" by Ryan Holiday, exploring 366 meditations on fatherhood, love, and raising great kids. This book, structured to be read daily, offers a unique blend of historical context, stoic principles, and practical advice, all condensed into one-page chapters. I share my personal journey of reading it aloud to my baby girl, turning it into a cherished daily ritual and sparking meaningful conversations with mypartner. Discover how this book, meant to be revisited year after year, can offer new perspectives and become a timeless guide for all.Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

What's it really like to work in the United States Post Office?'Post Office' by Charles Bukowski is a fictional yet semi-autobiographical account of Henry Chinaski working as a mailman/clerk in the post office. His life sucks and gets increasingly worse as he deals with frustrating bureaucracy and seeks escape through sex, gambling and alcohol.Huge thanks to Ashley Glenday for supporting the podcast. Very much appreciated.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:40) - Initial Impression(4:42) - Plot/Style(9:05) - Themes/Questions(17:54) - Author & Extras(19:59) - Summary(24:44) - Boostagram Lounge(28:10) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Will the Jews ever find a peaceful resting place?'If Not Now, When?' by Primo Levi is a fictional story of Jewish partisans surviving behind German lines during WWII. It follows Mendel as he tries to forget about his suffering/pain but is constantly reminded of his deceased wife and the uprooting of his life. He joins a band trying to escape the horrors of war but is constantly drawn into conflict and revenge.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick and Ashley Glenday for supporting the podcast. Very much appreciated.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:42) - Initial Impression(3:43) - Plot/Style(10:42) - Themes/Questions(18:17) - Author & Extras(20:44) - Summary(24:02) - Boostagram Lounge(28:17) - V4VValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

How can you heal a damaged mind?'The Body Keeps The Score' by Bessel Van Der Kolk is a book focused on mental health plus the what/why's of PTSD and trauma. It's split into 5 parts dealing with history, brain science, child abuse, memory and healing strategies. It has a mix of case studies, hard/soft science and personal opinion.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a dense read that was more scientific than not. The tone was empathetic and despite being about heavy topics it focused on the positive of how trauma could be overcome. I didn't learn much new information but it did make me grateful for my upbringing and understanding of why other people behave how they do."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(3:58) - Trauma: Why all the acronyms?(9:17) - Healing: Strategies for recovery(18:03) - Observations/Takeaways(25:18) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

I'm changing up the book review channel and starting a book club.In September 2023 we reviewed 4 books on the channel. No real standouts to be honest so instead I'll mention why and how I'm going to do things differently. Basically I'm putting in a lot of effort but don't feel like I'm getting much value in return. So I'm going to streamline the process by doing them live, focusing less on creating highly detailed notes/images and by trying to engage more with you, the readers at home. Big thanks to Cole McCormick (from the America+ podcast) and Ashley Glenday for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:45) - Bitter Orange Tree: Jokha Alharthi(3:55) - The Diving Bell & The Butterfly: Jean-Dominique Bauby(5:27) - Swearing Is Good For You: Emma Byrne(6:48) - Zen & The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance: Robert M. Pirsig(8:33) - Boostagram Lounge(11:33) - Coming Up In October 2023(12:56) - Changes To The Channel(17:53) - V4V: Would You Join A Book Club?Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

What's it like to lose your own body?'The Diving-Bell And The Butterfly' by Jean-Dominique Bauby is a short memoir describing life with locked-in syndrome. It's a mix of personal recollections before his life altering stroke and daily hospital trivialities afterwards. He focuses on the hardships of being trapped within a mute body but the joy of unlocking his mind.I summarised the book as follows. "A complex series of emotions arise whilst reading. Heartbreak, mirth, horror & fascination all alter quite rapidly due to the small chapters. It is written in that journalistic editorial style so never gets too deep on anything, also understandable because of the way he had to 'write' the book. Ultimately it's a tragedy and a reminder to enjoy what you have."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:29) - Synopsis(3:44) - The Body: Trapped within yourself(9:09) - The Mind: Unlimited possibilities(13:49) - Observations/Takeaways(17:39) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Don't weep for lost dreams, they were never real to begin with.'Bitter Orange Tree' by Jokha Alharthi is a fictional series of recollections told by a young Omani woman about her life, family and relationships. It mostly focuses on her grandmother's tribulations and her own personal grief/regret of her passing away.I summarised the book as follows. "I came in to this blank was pleasantly surprised considering it is outside of my normal genre's of reading. There are some nice cultural insights to take away and I was impressed by the qualities of fortitude and hardiness found in the grandmother. The constant style of switching back and forth was ok for this book, but certainly would get tiresome if I read more like this."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(3:20) - Lost Dreams: Accepting the bitter reality of life(12:02) - Lament: A passionate expression of grief(18:04) - Observations/Takeaways(21:33) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Fucking hell that's a bit shit ya dawg.'Swearing Is Good For You' by Emma Byrne is a popular science book detailing the positive aspects of profanity. It tackles this by somewhat providing the who/what/when/where/why/how using case studies and observations. There is data mixed in with her own humour and research she conducted as a scientist.I summarised the book as follows. "This was just about acceptable for me. I really prefer nuance but this book had what seemed an unnecessary agenda to really PROVE that swearing is a good thing (maybe because I'm Aussie I take that for granted). I'm not doubting any of the science she provided by overall it still felt a bit shallow and one-sided."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:34) - Synopsis(2:12) - Swearing: Taboo or not taboo, that is the question(12:22) - Observations/Takeaways(17:43) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Hey Mere Mortalites! Juan here. I've just journeyed through 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,' where road trips meet deep philosophical dives. Let's unravel the adventure, the metaphysics of Quality, and see why this classic might just redefine your understanding of life. Join me as we ride through Pirsig's masterpiece!

Mark Twain is a superb author, who else do you really enjoy?In August 2023 I reviewed 4 books on this channel. Although it wasn't the best of the month I did really enjoy 'Roughing It'. I really just do think Mark Twain knocks it out of the park with his books.Big thanks to Cole McCormick (from the America+ podcast) and Petar for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:35) - Fantastic authors are rare(2:05) - Amusing Ourselves To Death: Neil Postman(4:43) - Roughing It: Mark Twain(6:19) - The Long Tail: Chris Anderson(8:42) - Island Of The Blue Dolphins: Scott O'Dell(9:29) - Boostagram Lounge(11:43) - Coming up in Sep 2023(13:25) - V4V: 1 more month until changesValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Let's pack it up and go strike it rich!'Roughing It' by Mark Twain is a collection of rambling anecdotes from his travels as a younger man. It details his travels to the Wild West during the California gold rush, working as a journalist in San Francisco and crossing the Pacific Ocean to reach the Kingdom of Hawaii. There are many funny stories within and is semi-autobiographical but with plenty of fictional inventions as well.I summarised the book as follows. "I'm a huge fan of Mark Twain in general and this book didn't let me down. It really has everything: entertaining, informational, a unique perspective, historical, funny, etc,. My favourite part was the middle section and the only way to make it better would have been if it was slightly shorter."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:27) - Synopsis(3:19) - America: Capturing it's spirit(12:30) - Nature: Seeing is believing(18:13) - Observations/Takeaways(22:49) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Would you read this to your child?'Island Of The Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell is a fictional children's novel (loosely based on a real story) of a lone girl living on an island. Karana (12) has to fend for herself after being left behind by her tribe. She must use survival skills to weather through storms, feed herself and stay safe from wild dogs and other animals.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a nice and sad story at the same time. Ultimately it's made for kids so personally it didn't do that much for me. But there are lots of nice themes for kids to dig into and I could see this being a great launching point for fun topics of discussion."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:28) - Synopsis(2:19) - Animals: The band-aid for loneliness(6:56) - Survival: Little room for pity or nicety(12:44) - Observations/Takeaways(17:30) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

If you had all the choice in the world, what would you do?'The Long Tail' by Chris Anderson is an exposition of how greater access to choices of products has altered business practices. Greater value can be unlocked from producers selling to consumers via better aggregation methods such as digitisation and rating systems. This has had huge impacts on music/market places/culture and given rise to massive companies like Amazon, Netflix and Google.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a great explanation of a phenomena and trend. Generates a compelling argument of why all these companies arose with links to the deeper principles behind them. I think there are some limitations of how the long tail will apply to future trends (AI/social media/3D printing) but did a great job of explaining at the time. It could have been slightly shorter and it is a little bit dated but it gave me a lot of insights into economic and market dynamics."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:34) - Synopsis(2:52) - The Market: How supply & demand interact(14:45) - Economics: Clearing up misconceptions(30:21) - Observations/Takeaways(34:43) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Will TV be the death of us?'Amusing Ourselves To Death' by Neil Postman is an argument of why television as a medium lessens rational discourse and ultimately is a bad trade-off for society. The first part focuses on the past, in particular how typography is serious and encourages critical thinking. The second part demonstrates how TV is predominantly about entertainment and is negatively effecting politics, education, religion and advertising.I summarised the book as follows. "I loved this, but it's only for certain types of people. If you are fascinated by communication & languages, marketing & media or how society is impacted by change then you will like this. You'll also need a broad base to begin with as he covers many historical topics and references a lot of things."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(3:14) - The Medium: The way information is conveyed(10:14) - Amusements: The seriousness of Huxleyan mindlessness(22:03) - Observations/Takeaways(28:12) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

15 years late but I'm starting to develop some taste!In July 2023 we reviewed 5 books on this channel. My two favourites of this month both have what I would call 'style'. The content within them was interesting but what made them stand out was the way they were written. I used to really suck at understanding this as artsy type things were never intuitive for me. But I think reading a lot of fiction over the last couple of years has made me understand why these unquantifiable factors can make a big difference.Big thanks to Cole McCormick (from the America+ podcast), Petar & The Wild Hustle for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:36) - No Longer Human: Osamu Dazai(6:31) - Fiesta/The Sun Also Rises: Ernest Hemingway(8:43) - Energy/A Human History: Richard Rhodes(14:02) - The Double: Fyodor Dostoyevsky(14:54) - Discipline Is Destiny: Ryan Holiday(17:01) - Boostagram Lounge(21:47) - Housekeeping(27:14) - Coming up in August 2023(29:35) - V4V: Give me a recommendationValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Technology is going so fast I can't see .... ahhhhhh .....'Energy: A Human History' by Richard Rhodes is a brief flash through 400 years of human technology and history. It begins in the 1600's and shows the transition from wood to coal/steam to oil/gas and to nuclear (and beyond). It is comprised of stories and told via the numerous inventions of innovators across the centries.I summarised the book as follows. "It's thick & lengthy but it doesn't feel like a tome. The overall theme felt relatively unbiased but I'm sure many of the stories were spruced up a bit. Unless you haven't read much history there's nothing astoundingly new, however there's nuggets of great info that can be useful to know later."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(3:37) - Technology: The art/craft of unlocking energy(11:04) - Transitions: Why do they take so long?(25:55) - Observations/Takeaways(33:50) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Partying hard and losing friends!'Fiesta: The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a roman-à-clef depicting 1920's life in Europe after WW1. It is told from the point of view of Jake Barnes an American expat living in France. He joins his friends for a week long party in Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls but it all turns into a drunken fiasco.I summarised the book as follows. "Hemingway's style is as unique as he was. It can kind of seem unrealistic due to the amount of partying, alcohol and lack of sleep, but there are some pretty wild people in this world. I enjoyed it for the prose but am not a fan of non-consensual violence, even if it was intriguing to learn about the atmosphere of the fiesta and bullfighting."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:39) - Synopsis(3:06) - Friendship: Sometimes you need to cut the edge(8:53) - Passion: Not a free ride(15:52) - Observations/Takeaways(22:01) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Appreciate what you have, we're not all born the same.'No Longer Human' by Osamu Dazai is a series of notebooks depicting the short life of a troubled Japanese boy, set in Tokyo after WW1. Ōba Yōzō is born different to everyone else and has a feeling of alienation and estrangement from society. He tries to mask this via acting, expression through art and ultimately self destruction. It is strongly autobiographical and follows many of the events that occurred in Dazai's life.I summarised the book as follows. "Wow! This hits hard and yet doesn't have the emotional burden of a Russian/German equivalent novel. I think this is because the Japanese style is elegant & whilst depressing still shows moments of gaiety and everyday life. It's a beautiful book with an amazing title written by an unfortunate but very talented man."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - Synopsis(3:01) - Alienation: Estrangement from a social group(7:43) - Liberation: Release from imprisonment & oppression(14:20) - Observations/Takeaways(20:50) - SummaryValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

I have vicious enemies who have vowed to ruin me!'The Double' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a short tale of a man who encounters a double of himself. Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin is a titular councillor living in St Petersburg during the 1800's. He starts to suffer from schizophrenic delusions and behaves bizarrely at work and amongst colleagues with increasingly severe outcomes.I summarised the book as follows. "I found it quite lackluster, even insipid if allowed my double to be mean. No themes jumped out at me and I didn't feel there was any real depth to it. Unfortunately I found it rather forgettable and probably should have dropped reading it earlier."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:34) - Synopsis(2:59) - Schizophrenia: Lunacy & persecution(8:42) - Observations/Takeaways(13:07) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Ryan Holiday is a well-known author, and some of his notable works include "The Obstacle Is the Way," "Ego Is the Enemy," and "Stillness Is the Key." which we have all covered in this channel.His latest entry into the stoic series, Discipline is Destiny, is a master work from Ryan. Enjoy the review and leave any comments below.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Sometimes you come across the answers you're looking for, even if they aren't what you want to hear.In June 2023 I reviewed 4 books on this channel. This was a month of learning for me and I received some good lessons from these books. It kind of centred around two things. One, if you dwell on negative thoughts and try to use 'feeling like an outsider' as justification for behaving badly, you're going to end up bitter and alone. Two, it is exceedingly easy to believe real evidence but miss the greater picture of what is going on. So you really need to work hard to analyse all the various reasons to determine the 'real' truth.Big thanks to Cole McCormick (from the America+ podcast) and Ashley Glenday for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro & clarifications(2:37) - The Temple Of The Golden Pavilion: Yukio Mishima(5:11) - Notes From Underground: Fyodor Dostoyevsky(7:10) - The Crucible: Arthur Miller(9:38) - Merchants Of Doubt: Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway(14:04) - Shoutouts & Support(15:19) - Coming In July 2023(17:24) - Value For Value: The 3 T'sConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

I reject your doubt and substitute my own.'Merchants Of Doubt' by Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway is a historical recount of the scientific debate regarding the effects of smoking, the DDT insecticide, chlorofluorocarbons and burning fossil fuels. The evidence proved there was health and environmental damage but a group of individual scientists waged a campaign to seed doubt against the science.I summarised the book as follows. "It started solid but slid into subjective opinion towards the end. It was quite illuminating when they stuck to the book's subtitle but personally I would only read the first third or first half if I had to read it again."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:37) - Synopsis(2:26) - Merchants: Buyers & sellers of commodities for profit(12:03) - Doubt: Uncertainty, distrust & hesitation(17:56) - Observations/Takeaways(29:26) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Gentlemen, I will fight against the stone wall of twice two is four!'Notes From Underground' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky are the semi-insane rambling of an unnamed narrator in St Petersburg during the 19th century. It's split into two parts: a bitter monologue addressed to society and then his miserable life as a civil servant in his younger years. As typical of Russian novels (especially Dostoyevsky) it centres around suffering, morality, cold winters and reason.I summarised the book as follows. "It takes time for this book to sink in. I was initially unimpressed in my reading but more appreciative with a bit reflection afterwards (although Part 2 is still meh in my opinion). The Underground Man is a rather sad blend of nihilism, anger, pity & insight. He's not to be emulated but was identifiable as someone who used their intellect in a way that wasn't that smart."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:37) - Synopsis(2:21) - Nihilism: Why do anything?(7:30) - Irrational Rationality: The outcome of trying to fight Nature's laws(12:04) - Observations/Takeaways(19:14) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show