In July, the team met up for another ‘books and more’ discussion. From self-reflection to algorithms and everything in between. Check out our recommendations below, and let us know if you have read, watched or listened to anything good recently!
Reading 📖:
The Mountain is You – Brianna Wiest
A self-help book that explores the concept of self-sabotage and offers strategies to overcome it. The book uses a metaphorical approach, likening the challenges we face to a mountain that we must climb to reach our full potential. Looking at self-awareness, overcoming limitations, mindset shift and self-compassion.
The Lives of Lee Miller: A Multifaceted Woman by Antony Penrose
A fascinating biography that delves into the extraordinary life of a woman who defied categorisation. Lee Miller was a model, photographer, war correspondent, and surrealist artist. The book, written by her son, paints a vivid portrait of a complex and adventurous individual. It explores the various facets of her life. The overarching message of the book is a celebration of Lee Miller’s extraordinary life and her ability to reinvent herself in the face of adversity. It highlights her courage, resilience, and artistic talent.
The Way Of The Runner by Adharanand Finn
Delve into the exploration of Japanese running culture, including a 130-mile relay race, this book examines the unique approach to the sport prevalent in Japan, contrasting it with the Western perspective. Discover the cultural significance of running in Japanese society, the role of discipline and perseverance, the importance of community, and the mind and body connection.
Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind by Tom Holland
A sweeping historical exploration of Christianity’s profound and enduring influence on Western civilisation. By tracing the history of Christianity from its origins to the modern day, Dominion challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of Western civilisation.
Explores the profound impact of algorithms on various aspects of our lives, emphasising the need for a balanced perspective on their benefits and limitations. Fry illustrates this with the example of predictive policing, where algorithms are used to forecast criminal activity. While these algorithms can efficiently allocate police resources, Fry warns of the risks of bias and lack of accountability. She argues for the importance of maintaining human oversight and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of such technologies, advocating for a future where humans and machines collaborate effectively.
The Tyranny of Algorithms by Michael Benasayag
This book delves into the pervasive influence of algorithms on human autonomy and decision-making. Benasayag argues that while algorithms can streamline and optimise various processes, they often reduce complex human experiences to mere data points, leading to a loss of individuality and freedom. He highlights this with the example of healthcare, where algorithmic diagnosis and treatment plans might overlook the nuanced needs of patients. Benasayag calls for a critical approach to algorithmic integration, urging society to preserve human judgment and values amidst the rise of automated systems.
The Ethical Algorithm by Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth
Addresses the ethical challenges posed by the widespread use of algorithms and proposes solutions to make them fairer and more transparent. The authors discuss various instances where algorithms can inadvertently cause harm, such as biased hiring practices. For example, they illustrate how an algorithm designed to screen job applicants might unintentionally favor certain demographics over others, perpetuating existing inequalities. Kearns and Roth advocate for the development of algorithms that incorporate ethical considerations from the outset, promoting fairness, privacy, and accountability to ensure that technological advancements benefit society as a whole.
The Costs of Connection by Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias
Examines the hidden social and economic costs of digital connectivity and the pervasive data extraction practices underlying the internet. The authors argue that while digital platforms promise connectivity and convenience, they often exploit user data and reinforce inequalities. For instance, they explore how social media companies monetize personal information and manipulate user behavior for profit, leading to a loss of privacy and autonomy. Couldry and Mejias advocate for greater transparency and regulation in the digital economy to address these issues and ensure that the benefits of connectivity do not come at the expense of individual rights and societal fairness.
Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor by Virginia Eubanks
The main message of “Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor” by Virginia Eubanks is that technology, particularly algorithms used in public services, often exacerbates social inequalities and disproportionately harms marginalized communities. Eubanks argues that while these tools are presented as objective and efficient, they frequently perpetuate and deepen existing biases and systemic injustices.
An illustrative example from the book is the use of predictive algorithms in social services, such as those employed to assess the risk of child abuse. Eubanks describes how these algorithms can reinforce racial and economic biases by relying on historical data that reflects existing disparities. For instance, families in poverty or communities of color might be unfairly targeted by these tools, leading to increased surveillance and intervention in their lives, despite the tools’ claims of impartiality. This example highlights how technological systems can perpetuate inequality under the guise of objectivity and efficiency.
Listen🎧:
Behind the Seams: A Celebration of Creativity and Resilience by Esme Young
An autobiography of Esme Young, judge of The British Sewing Bee, looking back at her substantial career across the fashion industry. A celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of pursuing your passion. From her inspiring journey as a young girl with a love for drawing, and sewing to becoming a renowned fashion designer and a beloved TV personality. Her personality brings this autobiography to life. Following her journey through adversity, this is a heartwarming and uplifting tale that encourages readers to embrace their unique talents and live life to the fullest.
On this podcast, TikTok sensation Mel Robbins, shares practical advice, personal stories, and expert insights to help listeners overcome challenges, build resilience, and create a fulfilling life. Providing personal growth and development, reframing your thinking and patterns, building resilience, motivation and inspiration. Mel’s down-to-earth approach and relatable stories make her podcast a valuable resource for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.
Watch📺:
The Village offers a poignant exploration of life, love, loss, and change in rural England during the 20th century. Its core message is the enduring power of human connection and resilience amidst societal upheaval. A reflection on hard times, inequality, and the change of women’s status brought about by war, examining how war can shift the norms of society.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
A satirical news program hosted by British comedian John Oliver. Airing on HBO, it focuses on a deep dive into current events, often exploring topics that are overlooked or underreported by mainstream media. Using wit and satire to critique politicians, corporations and societal problems. A recent episode included sports that want to be entered into the Olympics eventually. Lots of peculiar examples such as Chess boxing!
Skid Row Marathon: A Story of Hope and Resilience
The Skid Row Marathon is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the lives of individuals struggling with homelessness and addiction. The film follows a group of people who, under the guidance of a dedicated judge, form a running club on LA’s Skid Row. This documentary really focuses on the power of human connection and the hope second chances can bring.
Inside Bill’s Brain – Decoding Bill Gates
A complex portrait of a man driven by an insatiable curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to solving the world’s most pressing problems. This documentary highlights Gates’ relentless pursuit of knowledge, and his ability to break down complex issues into understandable terms. We see Gates’ transition from a tech mogul to a global philanthropist, focusing on his work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Alongside, his real desire to make a difference.
Don’t forget to share what things you’ve loved recently, we’d love to hear!
