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Zeynep Tufekci

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Zeynep Tufekci is a sociologist and writer. Her work focuses on the social implications of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, as well as societal challenges such as the pandemic using complex and systems-based thinking.
3 books on the list
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How Positive Thinking Is Undermining America
Barbara Ehrenreich - 2009-10-13
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Explore the strange career of America's obsession with positivity and optimism with this thought-provoking and myth-busting book. Author Barbara Ehrenreich traces the origins of our sunny outlook and how it has become deeply ingrained in our culture, from evangelical mega-churches to the business community. She exposes the downside of positive thinking, including personal self-blame and a national era of irrational optimism resulting in disaster. This book is a call for existential clarity and courage in a world that often values positivity over reality.
Zeynep Tufekci
2022-09-02T23:10:33.000Z
@richardpointer I really liked that book.      source
The March of Folly book cover
The March of Folly
From Troy to Vietnam
Barbara W. Tuchman - 1993-12-06 (first published in 1984)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the fascinating and tragic history of governments making avoidable mistakes with Barbara Tuchman's The March of Folly. Pulitzer Prize-winning Tuchman discusses the pursuit of policies contrary to a government's interests, despite the availability of other, better options. She delves into four instances throughout history, including the Trojan War and America's involvement in Vietnam, to illustrate the impact of folly. Through vivid storytelling, readers experience the people, places, and events of these turning points in history.
Zeynep Tufekci
2022-02-24T18:21:51.000Z
"Guns of August" by Barbara Tuchman on the first month of WWI is another essential book, along with her other classic "March of Folly." Both are excellent to help to fight the temptation of looking at world history teleologically.      source
Recommended by
James Mattis
The Guns of August book cover
The Guns of August
Barbara W. Tuchman - 2009-07-22 (first published in 1962)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the fascinating events and people that led to World War I with this Pulitzer Prize-winning book. The author, Barbara Tuchman, provides intricate details and an expert understanding of the subject that will leave readers captivated. Throughout this historical survey, Tuchman reveals how the war started, why it began, and how it could have been prevented. THE GUNS OF AUGUST offers an engaging perspective on a critical moment in world history that is not to be missed.
Zeynep Tufekci
2016-02-07T04:17:32.000Z
@mattdpearce loved that book.      source