The Bloomberg List 2023 #3
This book about a forgotten and terrifying time in American history reminds me how important it is to know our history. Understanding this period after World War I makes this current one of extremism much more easy to fathom.
Published on October 4, 2022
I loved this fascinating story about two people who were largely behind the scenes: the lawyer and collector John Quinn and the first director of the Museum of Modern Art, Alfred H. Barr—who, through their intense connection with the art of their times, changed the course of art history. If it weren’t for these two figures, there’s a good chance not only Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, but also Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Rousseau and many others would not have their proper place in art history—let alone be in the collection of major American institutions. It just goes to show how important the enthusiasm and dynamism of a few dedicated art lovers can be to the history of this field.
Published on July 12, 2022
A thorough and entertaining read addressing two topics of personal interest: politics and the crucial role of education and upbringing. I was fascinated by the impact that an elite education establishment and a student cohort can have on the destiny of a whole nation.
Published on April 28, 2022
I read it this summer after Barbara joined our Chelsea consortium. It’s a total joy, an up-close-and-personal look at the music business and a real inspiration to all those who want to make their dreams come true.
Published on June 23, 2022
A fascinating journey through Earth’s history, from the very start of evolution, while capturing the almost unthinkable ways geography has shifted and changed over time. It makes you think not only about the past differently, but certainly also about the future.
Published on February 1, 2022
I discovered Yung Pueblo from Instagram a few years ago, and he’s a favorite in my daily feed. He talks about the importance of self-love, of compassion, and despite his young age he is very much a modern sage. I was touched by how he shared his own healing journey in such an eloquent way. In this challenging time, we are all in search of more humanity and connection. Lighter is a beautiful encouragement to have a positive impact on the world and society, starting with a deeper understanding of self. A ray of sunshine in these dark times.
Published on October 4, 2022
Whole Earth: The Many Lives of Stewart Brand
I have never read a biography of an individual who does not fall into one particular category, but Brand is a publisher, publicist, author, organizer, technologist, contrarian and so on. An inspiring story of a life more like an expedition. Brand was always willing to moving forward.
Published on March 22, 2022
A true story that revolves around the death of an insurance investigator in the shipping industry. It reminds me of Joseph Conrad’s tales of life at sea during the period of great globalization in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It exposes the underbelly of a business that is simultaneously central to the global economy but also often outside the reach of the law. The authors weave together a suspenseful tale that reflects on the state of our economy and human nature.
Published on May 3, 2022
A “big picture” book in the vein of Guns, Germs, and Steel and Sapiens, it steps back to capture a broad narrative of human history, focusing on the rise of inequality and how humans evolved to where we are today and challenging much conventional wisdom on these matters. Most people assume that humans were on a straightforward path from simple hunter-gatherer societies to the capitalist, democratic and massively stratified societies of today, and that the moves to agriculture, cities and more were all foregone conclusions. Yet the book presents many cases where groups did not make these transitions, sometimes expressly rejecting them and other times only doing them seasonally. A thought-provoking and eye-opening read.
Published on November 9, 2021
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