“There is often a fuzzy boundary between myth and history…and…Rome is one of those cultures where that boundary is particularly blurred.” — Mary Beard, SPQR
Currently Reading
The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future Kevin Kelly
It begins as a bit of a screed with broad, sweeping generalizations, statements such as “everything is mutable” [Italics not mine] combined with oversized metaphors like “the highest mountains are slowly wearing away under our feet”, but it has merit. It has merit. So slog through that and get to the good bits.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome Mary Beard
This is a tome, a door-stopper, a definitive statement on history. It begins with Catiline and Cicero, sweeps us into the origin myths of Romulus and Remus, and fans from thereon outward. I will be reading this for a long time. Certainly not for the faint of heart.
On the Pile
But What If We’re Wrong? Chuck Klosterman
The Originals Adam Grant
Narcoeconomics: How to Run a Drug Cartel Tom Wainwright
The Information Diet: The Case for Conscious Consumption Clay A. Johnson