▶️ Book a free strategy call for your life, leadership or business with Richard https://calendly.com/richard-firsthuman/30min

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Tom and I review "The Tyranny of Merit", a thought-provoking book by Michael J. Sandel that challenges the prevailing notion of meritocracy and explores its unintended consequences. Sandel argues that in our modern societies, the idea that individual success is solely based on merit has led to a growing divide and a sense of unfairness.

The book delves into the history of the meritocratic ideal and examines its impact on social and economic inequality.

Drawing on philosophical, political, and sociological perspectives, Sandel explores alternative visions of a just society that go beyond the narrow confines of meritocracy. He calls for a more inclusive understanding of success that takes into account the common good and promotes a sense of solidarity among citizens.

"The Tyranny of Merit" raises important questions about the nature of success, fairness, and the role of luck in our lives. It challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions and consider alternative models that prioritize equality, dignity, and a sense of community.

▶️ Book a free strategy call for your life, leadership or business with Richard https://calendly.com/richard-firsthuman/30min

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Tom and I review "The Palliative Society: Pain Today" by Byung-Chul Han, a Korean-born Professor of Philosophy and Cultural Studies who teaches at the Berlin University of the Arts.

The author chronicles how our societies today are characterized by a universal algophobia: a generalized fear of pain. We strive to avoid all painful conditions – even the pain of love is treated as suspect. This algophobia extends into society: less and less space is given to conflicts and controversies that might prompt painful discussions.

The phenomenon takes a hold of politics too: politics becomes a palliative politics that is incapable of implementing radical reforms that might be painful, so all we get is more of the same.

▶️ Book a free strategy call for your life, leadership or business with Richard https://calendly.com/richard-firsthuman/30min

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Tom and I review "The Man Who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America—and How to Undo His Legacy" by David Gelles. The book examines the impact of one of the United States’ most powerful chief executives, Jack Welch of General Electric (GE).

The author chronicles Welch's aggressive measures to increase profits, which included eliminating hundreds of thousands of jobs, resulting in the decline of the manufacturing sector and the destabilization of the middle class. Welch's focus on downsizing, with a goal of cutting 10% of employees annually, transformed GE and inspired other companies worldwide to adopt similar strategies.

Gelles demonstrates how Welch's emphasis on increasing shareholder value at any cost—through layoffs, outsourcing, offshoring, acquisitions, and buybacks—became the prevailing norm in American business. This approach has led to significant socioeconomic inequality and has harmed the very companies that embraced it.

Gelles highlights the transformation of companies like Boeing, Home Depot, Kraft Heinz, and more, as they followed in Welch's footsteps. However, he also explores the current shift taking place in corporate America, where companies and leaders are rejecting the Welchism philosophy and proving that success can be achieved without sacrificing livelihoods, devastating communities, and disregarding regulation.