review
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon (2012)
At its core, Steal Like an Artist is a manifesto for the modern creator. Kleon’s main premise is liberating: nothing is completely original. Instead of the crushing pressure to create something from a "blank slate," Kleon argues that all creative work is a remix of what came before. The book is structured around ten simple lessons that demystify the "tortured genius" trope. It teaches you how to collect influences, build a "creative lineage," and—most importantly—how to "fake it until you make i...
"De cero a uno: Cómo inventar el futuro" (2014)
Zero to One is a powerful reminder that evolution isn't enough; true innovation requires a leap into the unknown. Thiel’s core message is that "vertical progress" comes from creating something entirely new—moving from 0 to 1—rather than simply competing in an existing market.It feels a bit like a time capsule now. While the mindset is still essential, some examples haven't aged perfectly, and the total lack of AI mentions feels like a glaring omission in today's landscape. However, the book's ch...
"Acontece que no es poco" (2023)
The book offers a quick overview of many historical events and includes a substantial bibliography.I would have preferred a slightly more formal style, although I enjoyed reading it.If you've ever heard the author speak on the radio, the book is written in a similar style.
The Lessons of History (1997)
If you feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the modern world, this 100-page masterpiece is the ultimate "macro" perspective. After spending 40 years writing the history of the world, the Durants distilled everything they learned into this concise brief. It is not a book about dates and wars; it is a book about how the world actually works. The Durants argue that history is a branch of biology. Our technology changes, but our instincts—to compete, to protect our kin, and to accumulate—remain ide...