A slice of my 2022 through the lens of the books I read this year.
It’s been months since I’ve written a new post and as the year draws to a close I thought I’d take an easy way out and pen a brief summary of all the books I’ve read during the past 12 months. I wish you all a healthy and happy 2023, and regardless of how much of a reader you are, I also wish for you to rediscover (or discover) the joys of reading & learning from sources other than social media and the internet…
Karl
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Do not ever assume others think or perceive things in the same way you do. E.g. when a leader from a democratic country negotiates with a dictator/despot, do not assume they enter into negotiations in good faith.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: It’s remarkable how much has changed in certain parts of the world during my lifetime, and gained a new perspective on the saying “teach a man to fish” (that it’s mostly used out of context, with bias, is bullshit, and only makes those saying it feel better).
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Doing (or standing up for) the right things can be (very) hard…but don’t let that stop you. Courage is not having “no fear” – it’s about acknowledging the reality of that fear and going forward anyway.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: If we are stuck and can’t make our way forward (literally and figuratively), the obstacle isn’t the problem, it’s showing us the way ahead. The ‘way’ (or objective) might be altogether different but be open to that…
Brief Insight(s) Gained: History is filled with great figures who did not need, nor crave, the spotlight. Instead, they put the achievement of higher (and more noble) goals above their desire and need for recognition. Also, have discovered there is immense joy that comes from simply doing any task/job well…
Brief Insight(s) Gained: A stunning memoir. Sheds so much light into the inner workings of Washington DC (and US culture) as well glimpses inside the heart of an incredibly talented human.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: We Canadians are SO different from our cousins south of the 49th parallel. If you’re Canadian, or have ever lived here for a few years, you will love this book. Chalk-full of Canadian humour and biting commentary directed at all sides of the political spectrum.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and learning new skills are important to overall wellness BUT I had no clue regarding the significant impact these have on our cognitive health, and the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: If you’ve ever wondered whether Christians, in particular, tend to have greater shame and guilt about sex and sexuality, Lutheran Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber uncovers key reasons why. Another nugget I learned from this book was that the Southern Baptist Convention was pro-choice until the 1980s.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Reading about Frankl’s firsthand experiences in Nazi death camps was difficult (significant understatement), but gaining insight into how he maintained the will to live was beyond powerful. What really resonated with me was his view that our primary purpose in life is not pleasure (or entertainment) but instead, meaning.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Not my favourite read of 2022 but learning about four major masculine archetypes was insightful.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: A life-changing read that I now have on repeat (reading bits every few days). I hadn’t come to appreciate how much impact our thoughts have on our life, nor the immense and liberating power that comes from learning to control how we respond to our circumstances.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: The Christian religious right does not want democracy, but rather a theocracy. It was disturbing to read how some core tenets of this faith have been distorted (or completely ignored…think Trump) to instill influence over political and judicial spheres for the end goal of establishing permanent minority rule.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: An overview of all the major Stoic Philosophers and the role each played in influencing the school of thought that strives to influence all of humanity (on an individual level) to live lives of honour, high moral character, and to practice moderation in all things.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: For those of us that were already adults before the dawn of social media and smartphones, we may recall a time when we were more able think deeply and maintain greater focus. If you, too, see that there is rampant decline in concentration and flow-state (living in the moment), then this book is for you. Hari is a brilliant writer, and you won’t be able to put this one down. (Side note – if you or anyone you know struggles with depression and/or anxiety please read Hari’s book Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions)
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Emotional resilience/toughness…do you want more of it? Do you want to hold yourself to a higher ethical standard? This book is a great place to start.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: A delightful memoir from one of the wine world’s most influential figures. Spurrier was the organizer behind the “Judgement of Paris” in 1976, which turned the wine world in its head and elevated California wines to international notoriety.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Rediscover how and what to eat to nourish your body and mind, and to feel great. The word “rediscover” is key…it’s about getting back to (literally) eating real food and how it truly feeds our body and soul.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: There are a very few people who have become successful through luck; if you want to be great (or succeed) at anything, it’s going to take self-discipline and commitment to sharpen your skills. And in most cases it’s going to take a long time before you see/feel progress – that’s reality and it’s always better to accept it.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Why cultivating regular moments of silence and stillness are a key to surviving and thriving in our chaotic world. Tools, techniques, benefits and key figures throughout history who have cultivated this skill are explored in insightful and easy to understand terms.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: While this book was published 16 years ago it’s as relevant as ever in light of global warming, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and our ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. As someone who works in the field hydroelectric power I even learned a great deal about why we need smart-grids and time-based billing…
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Another life-changing read. I had no idea about the profound impacts proper nasal breathing has on our health and wellness (and the detrimental influence poor breathing has). Thanks to this book I’ve learned to better control my heart rate and blood pressure and have reduced my mild snoring by 80%.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: For those who have read the Bible (both the Old and New Testament), or those that are curious about its themes, laws, etc., you will find this book insightful, delightful, and humorous.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: If you are God-curious this book is for you. I learned more about God and how the definition, meaning and influence of God has profoundly influenced history (for good and bad) over many thousands of years. One of hundreds of “aha” insights I learned was that, for example, the concept of the “triune God” or “Trinity” did not become Christian doctrine until hundreds of years after the death of Jesus Christ. Also, if you find divergent concepts such as mysticism and literalism interesting…this book is for you.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: Why do people who live in the world’s ‘Blue Zones’ (and in Okinawa, in particular) live longer, healthier, and happier lives? Yes, nutrition, movement and mindfulness play a significant role, and surprisingly so does finding meaning/purpose and rich social connections in one’s life.
Brief Insight(s) Gained: If you’re white and you think you’re not benefiting from the many many centuries of entrenched racism, white privilege, and white fragility…put on your big boy, big girl, or big gender non-binary pants and prepare to confront the biases that are ever-present.
Coffee and Karma 