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Simon Kuestenmacher

Recommended Books

Simon Kuestenmacher is the Co-Founder of The Demographics Group based in Melbourne. He is a columnist with The Australian newspaper. Simon is an engaging speaker who backs his opinion with data and evidence.
11 books on the list
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The Invention of Nature book cover
The Invention of Nature
Alexander von Humboldt's New World
Andrea Wulf - 2015-01-01
Goodreads Rating
Discover the life of Alexander von Humboldt, a visionary German naturalist whose ideas changed the way we see the world. Andrea Wulf explores his expeditions, discoveries, and revolutionary vision of nature as a global force interconnected with humankind. Humboldt's writings inspired poets like Wordsworth, naturalists like Darwin, and preservationists like Muir. With compelling writing and research, Wulf champions a renewed interest in this forgotten player in environmental history and science.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2022-09-16T22:05:01.000Z
This is a view of Chimborazo in 1810 as recorded by the greatest geographer in history (bold claim, I know...) Alexander von Humboldt. I love reading about his life. Map source: Must read book on Humboldt:      source
Recommended by
Alan EyreAndrew Revkin
Disunited Nations book cover
Disunited Nations
The Scramble for Power in an Ungoverned World
Peter Zeihan - 2019-11-19 (first published in 2020)
Goodreads Rating
Disunited Nations by Peter Zeihan is a thought-provoking guidebook that delves into the future of world powers, trade agreements, and international institutions. Zeihan presents counterintuitive arguments about a world where cooperation is disintegrating, and smaller, competing powers will prevail. He predicts that China will collapse, France will replace Germany as Europe's most powerful country, and Saudi Arabia, not Iran, will pose the biggest threat to the Middle East. This essential reading provides insights that no leader can afford to ignore, as we enter a period of chaos and uncertainty.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2022-04-11T14:05:05.000Z
Map by @rhodescartogra1 shows natural barriers that @peterzeihan argues Russia is after in their war. There is no safety in Russia's mind until all these areas are under Russian possession. Zeihan's book "Disunited nations" is a great albeit depressing read. Sorry, Peter...      source
The Kon-Tiki Expedition book cover
The Kon-Tiki Expedition
Thor Heyerdahl - 1990-05-01 (first published in 1948)
Goodreads Rating
Join biologist Thor Heyerdahl on an astonishing adventure across the Pacific Ocean by raft. In a journey of 4,300 nautical miles, Heyerdahl and five other adventurers set out to prove an intriguing theory about the settlement of the South Sea Islands. Battling raging storms, whales, and sharks for three months on the open sea, they sighted land and achieved their mission. Translated into 65 languages, Kon-Tiki is a classic tale of daring and courage that has inspired countless readers.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2020-05-14T20:29:02.000Z
Map of the journey the Kon-Tiki raft took in 1947. An amazing story summarized beautifully y by Thor Heyerdahl in his 1948 (1950 in English) book: A book is too long? Here is the Wikipedia link:      source
Recommended by
Alastair Humphreys
Mythos book cover
Mythos
A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece
Stephen Fry - 2017-11-02
Goodreads Rating
Explore the timeless tales of Greek mythology with Mythos, a captivating retelling by acclaimed author Stephen Fry. From the mighty Zeus to the vengeful Gaia, experience the birth and downfall of the gods and mortals that shaped Western culture. Fry's modern take on these age-old stories is both spellbinding and informative, offering a rich and human understanding of the myths that continue to inspire writers, artists, and dreamers alike.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2020-01-27T18:50:01.000Z
Amazing series of symbol visualises Greek mythology. I just finished @stephenfry's amazing book Mythos and could remember more characters than expected. Icon source: The book: #Greece #mythology #history #booklovers      source
Recommended by
Alexander Stubb
Prisoners of Geography book cover
Prisoners of Geography
Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World (1) (Politics of Place)
Tim Marshall - 2015-07-09
Goodreads Rating
This acclaimed book examines how geography shapes global politics, using ten crucial regions to explain the strategies of world powers. The author provides unique perspectives on Russia, China, the US, Latin America, and more, exploring how each country's physical characteristics impact their leadership and decision-making. Whether through ancient maps or Google Earth, this compelling read reveals how geography always plays a role in shaping our world.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2019-02-23T07:59:07.000Z
"Prisoners of Geography" is one of my all time favourite geography books. A must for anyone interested in geopolitics or maps. Best book out there to give you a big picture overview of our world. #SimonReadsBooks Amazon: GoodReads:      source
Us vs. Them book cover
Us vs. Them
The Failure of Globalism
Ian Bremmer - 2018-04-24
Goodreads Rating
Us vs. Them is an eye-opening book that warns of the next wave of global populism, one that hits emerging nations before they have fully emerged. The author, Ian Bremmer, explores the rising global frustration with governments that aren't capable of providing security and prosperity. As in Europe and America, citizens want protection and are becoming increasingly frustrated with their ruling parties. The book warns about the dangers of building walls, both digital and physical, to protect insiders from outsiders, and the state from its people. This book is a dire warning about what lies ahead and offers insight into what we can do about it.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2018-11-11T11:00:51.000Z
Unsolicited book tips on the topic "Us vs Them" by @ianbremmer "The Age of Walls" by @Itwitius      source
The Age of Walls book cover
The Age of Walls
How Barriers Between Nations Are Changing Our World (3) (Politics of Place)
Tim Marshall - 2018-03-08
Goodreads Rating
This book delves into the theme of borders, walls, and boundaries that divide countries and their populations. From the Great Wall of China to the Berlin Wall, the globe has always been a world of walls, but now we are experiencing a new age of isolationism and economic nationalism. Tim Marshall offers engaging context and real-life experiences to explore how walls, borders, and barriers have been shaping political landscapes for hundreds of years, and especially since 2001. With over a third of the world's nation-states having barriers along their borders, understanding what is behind these divisions is essential to understanding the world we live in today.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2018-11-11T11:00:51.000Z
Unsolicited book tips on the topic "Us vs Them" by @ianbremmer "The Age of Walls" by @Itwitius      source
On Writing book cover
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King - 2002-07-01 (first published in 2000)
Goodreads Rating
Learn from one of the bestselling authors of all time in this revealing and practical master class. Part memoir, part guide, On Writing shares Stephen King’s experiences, habits, and convictions that shaped his work. With advice grounded in vivid memories from childhood to near-fatal accident, this book is perfect for any aspiring writer or fan of a great story.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2018-09-08T14:05:06.000Z
My favorite Stephen King book is "On Writing". It's not a horror story but his reflections about being a writer and a collection of writing tips. In fact it's my favorite book on writing. Here are some writing tips from the book summarized.      source
Reinventing Organizations book cover
Reinventing Organizations
A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage in Human Consciousness
Frederic Laloux - 2014-02-09
Goodreads Rating
This groundbreaking book takes a fresh look at the way we manage organizations and how it's become out of date. The author explores the possibility of more soulful workplaces that prioritize authenticity, community, passion, and purpose. Using insights, examples, and inspiring stories, the book provides practical details on how a new shift in consciousness can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs in collaboration. From leaders and coaches to founders and consultants, everyone can benefit from this enjoyable and comprehensive handbook that guides us to build a new paradigm organization for the future.
Simon Kuestenmacher
2018-03-12T11:20:30.000Z
@quasielegance This book blew me away. Very different workplaces and organisations are possible.      source
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan