Creating Freedom by Raoul Martinez

This is one of the most comprehensive and compelling books I've read in recent years. As suggested in the title, a central question that Martinez explores is the extent to which we are actually free. The "lottery of birth", failing criminal systems, the perversities of markets and limitless growth, the corrosive influence of mediascapes, and broken electoral systems, are some of the crucial topics that Martinez unpacks. Importantly, he synthesizes a staggering amount of research and thought leadership across these issues. In doing so, he makes a strong case for why the social and economic systems that shape the lives of present and future generations need to be re-imagined. What is clearly illustrated in this book is that there are a plethora of solutions, but systems change requires strong grassroots mobilizations to overcome the powerful interests of a few.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in social justice. Particularly those trying to grasp what some of the root causes might be. It offers a sweeping overview of systemic challenges and possible solutions. What I really appreciate about this book is that it is not just a list of technocratic policy prescriptions, Martinez interrogates some of the deeply held ideas, beliefs, and values that have shaped our societies. In my view, he opens space for us to embrace the spirit of compassion and cooperation that has been diminished in an age of rugged individualism.

Biased by Jennifer Eberhardt

"Biased" draws upon extensive research (including her own) to provide insight into how our often unconscious minds are prone to implicit biases e.g. damaging stereotypes.

Eberhardt, a social psychologist, grounds her analysis in fundamental aspects of human behaviour such as why we are "hardwired to see difference" and we tend to see people outside our "group" as being a threat. She traces the historical roots of the association between blackness and being sub-human (e.g. akin to apes), an association that has had devastating impacts and lingers in many structural forms across the world e.g. migration, education, employment, incarceration. However, this book is not just about racism. Its insights speak to the limitations of our minds, and how casting attention to our own biases is central to fairer societies. To this end, Eberhardt also draws upon her extensive experience in training (e.g. US police forces) to put forward some pragmatic solutions to address implicit bias.

Overall, this book was eye-opening. Eberhardt skilfully combines powerful stories and research insights to give attention to how our implicit biases shape can shape our world. Her message is clear - bias is not the domain of a select few "bigots", it is part of the human condition... but we all have the power and responsibility to transform it.

The Courage to be Disliked

The Courage to be disliked" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the "self-help" category, but I do make some exceptions. This book serves as a primer on Adlerian psychology, Adler being less well-known than his famous counterparts Freud and Jung. This thought-provoking introduction is unfurled across a rich range of dialogues between a fictional philosopher and a young student. In my view, this format goes a long way towards making the book's themes and ideas much easier to grasp and relate to.

As reflected in the book's title, it's core message is that our happiness is inextricably linked to having the courage to be disliked. A prospect that can confront many, if not all. It urges us to exercise agency (as best we can) to undertake our "life tasks" instead of shifting responsibility to others. That is to say, the tasks that give our lives meaning, and are more firmly within our span of control. While some may see this approach as being dismissive of the impacts of trauma, I found its emphasis on our agency refreshing. Similar to Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning", the authors argue for more useful interpretations of the past so as to forge more fulfilling experiences in the present, and future. Overall, I feel the book offers an insightful exploration of what living by our values/principles entails.

Have any of you read this book? I'd love to hear from you. If this spurs you to give it a read/listen, do chime in when you dive in :)