Johannes Masserer on LinkedIn: #leadership #finance #recommendedreading #wisdom #insight (2024)

Summary of "Aftermath: Tales of Post-Apocalyptic Survival – Series 1" by Ime Ben"Aftermath: Tales of Post-Apocalyptic Survival – Series 1" by Ime Ben is an intense and gripping narrative set in a world where society has collapsed due to a series of catastrophic events. The story follows a group of survivors led by James, who must navigate the dangers of a post-apocalyptic landscape. They face not only the challenges of finding food, water, and shelter but also the threat of hostile groups and the harsh elements of their environment.The book delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the moral dilemmas that arise when society's rules no longer apply. As James and his group struggle to rebuild some semblance of normalcy, they encounter other survivors, form alliances, and confront the darker sides of human nature. The narrative is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure even in the most dire circumstances.Why You Should Buy ItThrilling Storyline: The book offers a suspenseful and engaging tale of survival in a world where every decision could mean life or death.Richly Developed Characters: Readers will be drawn into the complex emotions and relationships of the characters as they navigate their new reality.Exploration of Moral Dilemmas: The story raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human when the structures of civilization have crumbled.High Stakes and Realistic Depictions: The depiction of survival strategies and the constant tension will keep readers on the edge of their seats.How It Will Contribute to the Future"Aftermath: Tales of Post-Apocalyptic Survival" contributes to the future by exploring how humanity can rebuild after a catastrophic collapse. It challenges readers to think about resilience, leadership, and the ethics of survival. The book serves as a reminder of the fragility of modern society and the importance of community, cooperation, and moral courage in the face of adversity.Where to BuyYou can purchase "Aftermath: Tales of Post-Apocalyptic Survival – Series 1" by Ime Ben on Amazon worldwide. Dive into this thrilling and thought-provoking tale today!4o

Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel Prize-winning psychologist whose groundbreaking work reshaped our understanding of human judgment, decision-making, and behavioral economics, passed away at the age of 90. Kahneman, a towering figure in the field of psychology, was best known for his seminal book, "Thinking, Fast and Slow," which encapsulated decades of research into a comprehensive exploration of the mind's dual processes.Born in Tel Aviv in 1934 and raised in France, Kahneman's early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II. His family's escape from Nazi occupation and subsequent immigration to British-controlled Palestine in 1948 laid the foundation for a life of intellectual pursuit and resilience. Kahneman's academic journey took him from studying mathematics and psychology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem to earning a Ph.D. at Berkeley, where he delved into the psychology of visual perception and group dynamics.Kahneman's partnership with Amos Tversky at the Hebrew University would prove to be one of the most influential collaborations in the history of psychology. Together, they developed theories that challenged the prevailing notions of rational decision-making, demonstrating how human judgment is often swayed by cognitive biases and heuristics. Their work laid the groundwork for the field of behavioral economics, integrating psychological insights into economic theory."Thinking, Fast and Slow," published in 2011, became an instant classic, offering readers a deep dive into the two systems that drive the way we think and make decisions. System 1, fast and intuitive, operates automatically and with little effort but is prone to errors and biases. System 2, although slower and more deliberative, requires more effort and is responsible for complex reasoning. Kahneman's book illuminated the interplay between these systems, revealing how they influence our perceptions, judgments, and choices.Kahneman's contributions to psychology and economics were recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002, an accolade that underscored the profound impact of his research on understanding human behavior. His work has influenced fields ranging from economics and finance to public policy and healthcare, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of human thought and the irrationalities that often guide our actions.Daniel Kahneman's passing marks the end of an era in psychology, but his work will continue to inspire and challenge future generations. As we reflect on his contributions, we are reminded of the complexity of the human mind and the importance of understanding the subtle forces that shape our decisions and our lives.Thinking, Fast and Slow https://lnkd.in/grH_ZFBb

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"The Unconventional Conventionalist" by Zen Benefiel Offers a Transformative Journey into Creativity and WisdomExplore the transformative power of creativity and innovation in 'The Unconventional Conventionalist' – a guide to navigating life's complexities with grace and purpose.The Unconventional ConventionalistCHANDLER, Ariz.-March 18, 2024-PRLog-- Renowned author and thought leader, Zen Benefiel, is proud to announce the release of his latest book, "The Unconventional Conventionalist:Navigating Life's Complexities with Creativity and Wisdom."This groundbreaking work invites readers on a journey of self-discovery, challenging conventional wisdom and offering innovative strategies for personal and professional growth.In "The Unconventional Conventionalist,"Zen Benefiel draws upon his extensive experience in cognitive science, spirituality, and leadership to explore the power of unconventional thinking. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and practical insights, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique paths, question the norms, and discover the patterns that lead to success.Key themes of the book include:The cycle of unlearning, learning, and relearningThe importance of embracing change and innovationStrategies for creative problem-solving and leadershipInsights into personal growth and spiritual awakeningZen Benefiel's approachable writing style and profound insights make "The Unconventional Conventionalist"an essential read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and creativity."The Unconventional Conventionalist is more than just a book; it's a guide to living a life that defies expectations and unlocks your true potential," says Zen Benefiel. "I hope to inspire readers to embrace their unconventional sides and make a meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives.""The Unconventional Conventionalist"is available for purchase onAmazonand other major book retailers.https://amzn.to/3VmbMbc

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One of my favorite activities is digging into the science behind ideas that humanity's collective wisdom nailed way before the sciences got their act together. I'm talking about the kind of knowledge that's been passed down through generations, found in ancient texts and philosophical teachings, hinting at truths we're only now proving with data.In this vein, I recently took a class from Prof. Roderick Kramer in #LEAD. One concept that emerged feels like a secret superpower we all possess but seldom use to its full potential: mental time travel. I recall my grandmother teaching me that seeing the world with a bit of sparkle in our eyes and tackling it with a mix of wonder and enthusiasm doesn't just make life richer—it's like a secret shield against the slings and arrows out there.Now, diving into the world of contemporary psychology, we understand that our brains are pretty much non-stop time travelers, bouncing between past, present, and future. This constant movement has a massive impact on how we feel day-to-day. But what if I told you that science has cracked the code on how to wield this time-traveling power for our benefit?Here's the scoop: it's all about using this mental time travel to boost our self-affirmation. Imagine if every trip down memory lane or fantasy about the future could make you feel more like the superhero of your own story. That's what tapping into the power of self-prospection and nostalgia can do. By envisioning our future selves with a sprinkle of optimism and revisiting our past with a lens of positivity, we're not just reminiscing or daydreaming; we're building our self-esteem, finding coherence in our life's narrative, and seizing control over our destiny. It's about enriching our now by drawing strength and wisdom from our past and future selves.The burgeoning field of social science is creating a playbook for us, a guide to harnessing our brain's natural tendencies to foster a life of joy, purpose, and fulfillment. And that, my friends, is not just a psychological theory; it's a call to action—a reminder that within us lies the power to shape our reality, one thought, one memory, one dream at a time.

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15 Lessons from "Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will" by Robert M. Sapolsky:1. Free Will: An Illusion? The book challenges the traditional notion of free will, arguing that our thoughts and actions are largely determined by complex interactions between genes, environment, and neural processes.2. The Power of Determinism: Recognizing the deterministic nature of life can liberate us from self-blame and guilt, shifting our focus towards understanding and influencing our behavior through proactive measures.3. Beyond Cause and Effect: While some actions have clear causal linkages, others emerge from chaotic systems within the brain, making perfect prediction and free will an illusion.4. From Judgment to Understanding: The book encourages shifting perspective from judging ourselves and others to understanding the complex factors that shape our decisions and behaviors.5. Embrace Responsibility: Despite the absence of free will in the traditional sense, we should hold individuals accountable for their actions, focusing on rehabilitation and restorative justice.6. Morality Revisited: If free will is an illusion, does morality hold meaning? The book explores alternatives to traditional ethical frameworks, suggesting a focus on well-being and harm reduction.7. The Science of Morality: Drawing on neuroscience and social sciences, the book explores the biological and cultural foundations of our moral instincts and decision-making.8. Finding Meaning in a Deterministic World: Even without free will, life can still be meaningful. Sapolsky suggests finding purpose in connection, compassion, and contributing to a larger good.9. The Illusion of Control: We crave control over our lives and external events, but the book teaches us to embrace uncertainty and focus on what we can influence within our sphere of control.10. Compassion and Understanding: Understanding the deterministic factors shaping human behavior can foster greater empathy and compassion towards ourselves and others.11. The Potential of Neuroscience: Advances in neuroscience can help us better understand the brain and develop interventions to mitigate harmful behaviors and promote individual well-being.12. Beyond Individualism: The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of human lives and environments, advocating for systemic changes to address issues like poverty and inequality.13. The Importance of Storytelling: While free will may be an illusion, our capacity for storytelling gives us agency in shaping our own narratives and finding meaning in life's unfolding journey.14. Openness to Change: Sapolsky encourages continual questioning and revision of our understanding of free will and its implications for ethical, legal, and social frameworks.15. Embrace the Paradox: "Determined" leaves us with a thought-provoking paradox: how to live responsibly and strive for personal growth in a world without pure free will.

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Ideas that shape our understanding of what it is to be human...Evan Stark shaped our understanding of coercion and control and Daniel Kahneman shaped our false understanding of ourselves as rational actors. Two great minds lost to the world this week. Kahneman's seminal work 'Thinking, Fast and Slow'...gave us our understanding of Unconscious Bias. Often used as a tool to recognise our racism but really a broad concept that helps us to understand all of the potential for bias in our thinking. The concept of bias is oft-quoted nowadays and we have Kahnemans work to thank for that, the book itself is so accessible and meaningful and the concept itself really allows an exploration (in training, reflective practice etc.) of how we are fundamentally irrational actors who need the space to slow down and process key decisions and thought processes. Working across Social Care and the Social Sector these ideas are so important. Our underfunded, deadline heavy, targets based approaches are the antithesis of reflection, but without reflection we cannot solve 'wicked' problems, problems that are wicked because of the systemic failures and oppression experienced by members of our community. Practitioners career from one thing to the next, frantically trying to keep up with demands with limited space for reflection. Reflection becomes misunderstood as problem ➡️ action with crucial steps of analysis and critical reflection missing. Thanks Daniel Kahneman for furnishing us with this accessible concept, I know from my small area of work that many practitioners have really benefitted from exploring this idea, as have I. #emotionalintelligence #reflectivepractice#systemchange#antioppressivepractice

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“What’s wrong with the world?”G. K. Chesterton replied: “I am.”According to legend,TheTimes of Londonsubmitted this question to famous authors of the day. This was the early 20th century.Chesterton showed self-awareness and personal responsibility in his answer.He echoed the famous call to action attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world."Why is this important?Because even if these quotes are fiction, they contain wisdom.What we experience on Earth is the sum total of all human action - trillions of individual choices.This is a central thesis of the landmark book on economics,Human Action, by Ludwig Von Mises.Alfred Adler built his entire philosophy of psychology on a related premise. “All problems are human problems,” aside from accidents and acts of nature.So if it is true that "all problems are human problems" then it is possible to solve them.We have a responsibility to do so.Yet to address "what's wrong with the world" we must get to the foundation - the root cause - to change the effects.As an individual, this requires self-reflection.It requires understanding how we formulated our worldview.It requires reasoning and creative thinking from first principles.While difficult, we may have to admit we were wrong.Each of us holds an epigenetic basket of talents.If we cultivate these gifts, we can achieve a good life.Adler believed we must contribute to others to overcome our sense of inferiority.By creating value from our abilities, we achieve a sense of belonging and fulfillment.What is true? What is just?As a society, answering these questions requires reasonable people. Or as I like to say, reasonable folks.If we know what is true and just, then we can solve what is wrong with the world.But it takes courage.We can choose a world of chaos, scarcity, and suffering.Or we can choose a world of justice, abundance, and beauty.We will achieve our potential as a society by sharing 2 simple intrinsic human values:1. Natural Law Rights.We must have a foundation of morality that makes it easy for anyone to determine what is right and what is wrong.Natural Law is an elegant, simple foundation for justice.2. Discernment of Truth.If we can discern what is true then we can achieve common ground in our disagreements.The Trivium is an ancient method for arriving at what is true and false. Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. The Scientific Method.What we experience, and what others experience, is "experiential truth."It is not true for everyone, yet it feels like truth to us.Understanding the difference between truth and experience will improve our relationships.Make Everything Awesome is a mission.The 2 principal values above are essential for a society to flourish.The mission will be a success if a majority of humans understand and practice them.Read the full post at Substack:

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Book synopsis #14Thinking In Systems: A Primer (Donella H. Meadows,Diana Wright) (https://lnkd.in/ek_RREx8)“You think that because you understand “one” that you must therefore understand “two” because one and one make two. But you forget that you must also understand “and.”” – Sufi proverbLife, ecosystem, economies, societies, human body, bureaucracies, corporations – these are all examples of systems. They have an internal logic and incentive structures, they are influenced by feedback loops, and they can self-organize and evolve. These properties make them complex systems where nonlinear behavior dominates. Human mind is ill-equipped to comprehend all the forces acting on each other. Hence, at best, humans are boundedly rational, acting with imperfect information and unaware of the second- or third-order effects our actions will precipitate. To change a system, we must identify its leverage points. Changing the system's paradigm - the very reason for its existence - is one of the most effective leverage points, but often it is difficult to do so. An effective leader can change a system's paradigm, leading a change in the behavior of thousands or millions of people.The real-world systems are rich, complicated, and unpredictable. Superficial causalities and simplistic cause-and-effect narratives can be dangerous. We must stay humble and always put our theories to test.

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𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗞𝗮𝗵𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻: 𝗔 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀Reading of Daniel Kahneman's passing at the age of 90 last week, a wave of gratitude and reflection swept over me. Kahneman, whose pioneering work laid the foundation of behavioural economics, has left an indelible mark on the field and on me personally.His insightful exploration into the irrationality of human decision-making not only earned him a Nobel Prize but also challenged the long-held belief that we act out of rational self-interest. His studies revealed the quirks of human nature - our loss aversion, our peculiar valuation of gains versus losses, and how our decisions are swayed by how choices are framed, among others.Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" is a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates his life's work. It details our mind's two systems: the fast, instinctive, and emotional; and the slower, more logical one. His advice to recognise when we're in a "cognitive minefield" has been a beacon for me, guiding my approach to financial planning. It underscores the importance of slowing down, embracing rational thinking, and questioning our instinctive choices.His findings - that wealth beyond a certain point doesn't correlate with increased happiness, and that our brains are wired to jump to conclusions based on incomplete information - have profoundly influenced how I advise clients. They remind us to focus on what truly matters: not just the accumulation of wealth but the pursuit of a life rich in experience and meaning.Kahneman's work has fundamentally shaped my understanding of human behaviour in finance. It's a reminder of the complex interplay between our financial decisions and our deepest, often unconscious, biases and beliefs. As we navigate the financial landscapes of our lives, let's carry forward his legacy by making more informed, reflective choices.As we mourn his loss, let's also celebrate his monumental contributions to psychology and economics. His work continues to inspire a more nuanced understanding of the human mind and its impact on financial decision-making.#DanielKahneman #FinancialWisdom #ThinkingFastAndSlow

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"Limitations are only permanent if you choose to accept them as unchangeable."That’s one of the reasons I wrote You Are Your Only Limit: A neurodivergent journey in a neurotypical world—not to feed my ego, but to explore how self-realisation and self-acceptance can be uncomfortable, yet absolutely necessary.I’m still wrestling with myself to finish the last pieces based on feedback (yes, even authors procrastinate 😅). It’s not just about the edits—it’s about giving even more of myself to the story. And let’s be honest, there’s always that fear of releasing something so personal into the world.But that’s my next challenge...once I’m happy with the content (if I will ever be totally happy remains to be seen), I’ll be sharing my journey, coping strategies, research, and ideas with all of you. Whether it becomes a bestseller doesn’t matter - what does matter is the impact it’s already had on those who’ve read it as part of my willing victims, Beta readers Clare Preston-Davies, MSc (Dist).In a way, I’ve already succeeded in my mission. Here’s what I hope the book will achieve:🌍 Break down barriers and encourage reflection for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.📖 Share my experiences so others can avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way.🗣️ Encourage open conversations about who we are as individuals, beyond labels and stereotypes.Now it’s just about sharing it with more people who might benefit from it.Just my thoughts. 💡