Book Review: The Logic of Life by Tim Harford and The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

As you might know, I’m trying to read a book each month this year. I’m a bit ahead of myself now, having added another two books to the read pile. Here's a brief look at what I’ve read (or listened to on audiobook).

The Logic of Life - Tim Harford

Image credit: Amazon

The Logic of Life is a similar read to Freakonomics, in that it looks at the hidden incentives that human beings respond to, and then looks at social and cultural changes that are usually outside the realm of economists. It begins with the idea that people are rational, though Harford does place some bounds on their rationality - namely, that people make rational decisions about the things which they face on a regular basis. This is a heavier restriction than a lot of economic models place on people. Anyhow, Hartford then goes on to talk about the economics of sex, marriage, poker, racism, office life, crime, politics and Neanderthal and early Homo Sapien civilisations. He makes some good arguments, that are backed up by some pretty cleverly designed experiments, and - while I'm still not thoroughly convinced that humans are entirely rational - it has unified one thing in my mind. That is, that even though people on the whole might make rational decisions, the outcome of those decisions does not necessarily create the best outcome for society. My prior thinking equated rationality and the optimal societal outcome, which in turn led me to think that people cannot be all that rational. Nevertheless, the book is food for thought, and if nothing else is entertaining and well-written.

The Dragon Reborn - Robert Jordan

Image credit: Amazon

The fourth book in the Wheel of Time saga. This has been my favourite book in the series so far. The story focuses a lot on the supporting characters, and manages to plait together three separate storylines into one by the end of the book. A good read.

My band is supporting Carcass and Coroner in June

 As you might know from my last post, I'm taking a hiatus from media for the duration of May. Even if I wanted to consume it lately, I've not really had the time anyway; I've been madly practicing drums and applying for jobs in Newcastle, though whether that plan goes ahead remains to be seen.

I've broken my media blackout on two occasions so far, but with good reason. One of which was to promote that my band will be sharing the stage with legendary Carcass next month. This is incredibly exciting for me - I've covered Carcass songs in former bands and really dig their music, but as a musician it's an honour. If this is the furthest that I go with my drumming/dream of being a rockstar, then I'll be contented. Everything from here on out is a bonus. The Sydney show is nearly sold out, so get your tickets quick!

Image credit: Carcass Australian Tour Facebook Event, buy your tickets here.

If you can't make it to Sydney, we're also doing a show at the start of that week in Canberra with Coroner!

Image Credit: Coroner Facebook Page, get your tickets here.

If you can make it to either of these gigs, you won't be disappointed - both shows are going to be awesome - and I'd really appreciate the support!

Media Blackout May

It's no secret that keeping up to date with news and current affairs can be a huge drain on personal productivity. Especially nowadays where we are subjected the 24-hour news cycle where good journalism, analysis and nuanced, considered opinions are exchanged for rapid publication of content. You've probably seen it before: most 'breaking news' just tends to repeat the same things you've heard before but with interviews with people who are only vaguely connected to the story, or a lazy regurgitation of some human interest story from Reddit, or a bare bones article stuck together with grabs from opinionated Twits. As an aside: seriously, what is with this newfound reliance on the general public to provide 'newsworthy' content? If you want proof of this, just check a few random articles on news.com.au.

It's not just traditional news media that is culpable for lost time either. As I touched on, while social media is becoming increasingly used to provide content for publication, social media in itself is also guilty. With the almost innumerable social media platforms that exist, I can't help but think of the hours wasted idly looking at Internet memes or writing far too many goddamn hashtags.

To paraphrase Sideshow Bob, I'm aware of the irony of appearing on social media only to denounce social media. This post is not to say that all news and all social media is a useless waste of time. There are clearly benefits to both: staying in touch with people, finding out the big problems in the world and looking at ways to fix them, speaking truth to power etc. I want to stress that I'm not making a value judgement on reading the news or checking Facebook. My point is that, for me, the signal-to-noise ratio has become a bit too high, that there is too much clutter, that there is too much rough and not enough diamonds.

Why form my own perspective like an idiot when the media tells me what to think?
Image Credit: http://www.avclub.com/

My observation of my own behaviour is that I don't consume these information sources responsibly and with restraint; in some respects, I think I'm rather addicted. Which is why I've decided to take a month off from news media - both traditional and social channels. For the entire month of May, I plan not to read any paper, check any news website or scan any social media platform. I plan to use the newly created free time to pursue personal endeavours, better process my own thoughts, and create my own content, rather than consuming it. I will still be updating this blog, but I will only be checking and/or responding to comments that are made to posts here.

For me personally, I don't see the benefits of voluminous consumption of news media outweighing the costs, but I'll make a full report in June.