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Rory Sutherland

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Rory Sutherland is the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather Group, which is one of the largest and most renowned advertising agencies in the world.
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Algorithms To Live By book cover
Algorithms To Live By
Brian Christian - 2016-04-19
Goodreads Rating
Discover how computer algorithms can teach us about the balance of new and familiar, knowing when to leave things to chance, and connecting with others. In this interdisciplinary book, Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths show how the solutions computer scientists have found for limited space and time can help us navigate the messiness of our daily lives. From finding love to finding a parking spot, Algorithms to Live By offers practical strategies for living a more fulfilling life.
Rory Sutherland
2022-10-28T12:45:47.000Z
Sensationally good book, and with an audiobook read by the co-author... @brianchristian - always better. Very interesting section explaining creative process in algorithmic terms, analagous to simulated annealing. @RogerLMartin will like.      source
Also recommended by
Sriram Krishnan
$100M Offers book cover
$100M Offers
How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No
Alex Hormozi - 2021-07-17
Goodreads Rating
Learn how to create irresistible offers that generate millions in revenue across different industries with this groundbreaking book. Discover the secret methods that work like magic to make your prospects say "yes" before you even ask for the sale. With tactics so effective, you'll see a change in your business's prospects right away. Find out how to transform your business and generate $100M offers with this must-read book.
Rory Sutherland
2022-03-04T01:50:00.000Z
Truly excellent book by @AlexHormozi , not least for its healthy coverage of B2B. via @AmazonUK      source
Wanting book cover
Wanting
The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life
Luke Burgis - 2021-06-01
Goodreads Rating
Explore the theory of "mimetic desire" and its influence on our daily lives, from work to romance to politics, in this groundbreaking book. Based on the ideas of French scholar René Girard, author Luke Burgis reveals how our desires are shaped by those around us and how we can break free from chasing unfulfilling desires. Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur and student of philosophy and theology, Burgis provides a toolkit for intentional wanting and finding meaning in our lives.
Rory Sutherland
2021-06-01T15:04:05.000Z
Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis via @amazon I hope everybody else enjoys this book as much as I did.      source
Also recommended by
Dan RockwellAndrew Wilkinson
When More Is Not Better book cover
When More Is Not Better
Overcoming America's Obsession with Economic Efficiency
Roger L. Martin - 2020-09-29
Goodreads Rating
When More Is Not Better delves into the imminent dangers facing American democratic capitalism, and the unprecedented state of economic disparity that plagues our society. Renowned management thinker Roger L. Martin argues that our relentless pursuit of efficiency has turned it into a destructive force, resulting in an unequal society and a fragile economy that is more vulnerable to shocks. He provides rigorous evidence and economic analysis to reveal the dark side of efficiency and highlights the urgent need to rethink our economy's underlying principles.
Rory Sutherland
2021-05-09T12:56:58.000Z
To fans of The Doorman Fallacy, here it is perfectly described by @RogerLMartin in his excellent book When More is Not Better.      source
Seeing Like a State book cover
Seeing Like a State
How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed (Veritas Paperbacks)
James C. Scott - 1998-01-01
Goodreads Rating
This insightful and thought-provoking analysis examines the reasons behind the failure of state-planning efforts around the world, from Russia to Tanzania. Drawing on a range of case studies, the author uncovers the common conditions that lead to disasters in social and environmental engineering projects. Praised as a "tour de force" by Columbia University's Charles Tilly, this is a beautifully written book that provides a sharp understanding of the world we inhabit today.
Rory Sutherland
2020-11-29T15:24:18.000Z
@JonathanShedler You'll enjoy a fabulous book called Seeing Like a State.      source
Traffic book cover
Traffic
Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)
Tom Vanderbilt - 2008-07-29
Goodreads Rating
Explore the psychology behind our driving habits in this eye-opening investigation by Tom Vanderbilt. Discover the cognitive limitations that make us worse drivers than we think we are and learn why plans to protect pedestrians from cars can lead to more accidents. Vanderbilt also reveals the common mistakes people make while driving, from honking to navigating parking lots. Traffic isn't just about driving; it's about human nature. Get ready to see yourself and the world around you in a whole new way.
Rory Sutherland
2020-11-28T16:17:32.000Z
I completely agree. Non-drivers have a very poor understanding of complex systems and should be treated with suspicion. The book Traffic by @tomvanderbilt should be a set text in schools.      source
Also recommended by
Malcolm Gladwell
Confessions of an Advertising Man book cover
Confessions of an Advertising Man
David Ogilvy - 2004-08-01 (first published in 1963)
Goodreads Rating
This classic business book, written by the "father of advertising," is as relevant now as it was in 1963. Filled with pioneering ideas and inspirational philosophy, it covers advertising, people management, corporate ethics, and office politics. This international bestseller, translated into 14 languages, remains an essential blueprint for good business practice.
Rory Sutherland
2020-02-15T13:17:28.000Z
@GuruAnaerobic Love it. His best book.      source
Obliquity book cover
Obliquity
Why Our Goals Are Best Achieved Indirectly
John Kay - 2010-03-18
Goodreads Rating
Gain insight into achieving complex goals with economist John Kay's revolutionary book, which proves that the best way to achieve any broadly defined goal is the indirect way. Using a gradual process of risk taking and discovery, known as obliquity, Kay shows how this seemingly counterintuitive path to success manifests itself in nearly every aspect of life, including business, politics, sports, and more. Get ready for a fast-paced and engaging detective story where the surprising secret to success is uncovered.
Rory Sutherland
2019-11-15T11:00:18.000Z
@d_f_stone @EconTalker I completely agree. The @peterthiel book, along with @ProfJohnKay 's Obliquity, is the best short read for businessfolk since R Updegraff's Obvious Adams and The Specialist by Charles Sale.      source
Obvious Adams book cover
Obvious Adams
The Story of a Successful Businessman
Robert R Updegraff - 2014-09-28
Goodreads Rating
Learn the business strategy of Obvious Adams, a legendary character in the advertising world who presents a germ idea for outstanding success in professions. Originally published as a short story in 1916, "Obvious Adams" quickly became a handbook for those seeking their fortune in any industry. Considered a must-read for anyone in the business world, this new Business Edition includes a Manager's Toolkit to capitalize on Obvious' ideas and bring success to your own company.
Rory Sutherland
2016-01-30T12:34:58.000Z
Two superb business books: "The Specialist" (1930) by Charles Sale & "Obvious Adams" (1916) by Updegraff. Both much cleverer than they look.      source
The specialist book cover
The specialist
Charles Sale - 1929-01-01
This vintage book, written by Charles Sale, covers a variety of topics and themes. Published in 1929, it has been reprinted five times and is presented with cardboard covers and scattered illustrations. Despite minor signs of wear, it remains in very good condition. With only 31 pages, the book is concise yet packed with information. Sold by the Friends of the Fullerton Library, it is a must-have for collectors of historical texts.
Rory Sutherland
2016-01-30T12:34:58.000Z
Two superb business books: "The Specialist" (1930) by Charles Sale & "Obvious Adams" (1916) by Updegraff. Both much cleverer than they look.      source