How to be Perfect

"How to be Perfect, The correct answer to every moral question" is a light-hearted, philosophy for dummies book by Michael Schur. Schur takes on many of the deepest questions facing mankind through the eyes of many of history's greatest philosophers. From Aristotle's virtue ethics, to Jeremy Bentham and John Stewart Mills utilitarianism, to Immanuel Kant's deontology, the author tries to answer moral questions. He moves on to Scanlon's contractualism, to African ubuntu, to Thich Nhat Han's mindfulness, to William James' pragmaticism, to Singer's selflessness, and even to Ayn Rand's egotistical selfishness. Throughout the book Schur provides cleaver stories and classic case studies, such as the run-away trolley. He often references a favorite TV series of mine that he wrote and created called "The Good Place." For example, Ted Danson asked the character Chedi (a Kantian rules based philosophy professor) "Has anyone told you what a drag you are?" Chedi responds, "Everyone, constantly." It becomes clear that no one can be perfect and in fact it is not necessarily a good thing. There are so many moral dilemmas and rules that one gets moral exhaustion. We look for little digressions but look out for the Overton windows. We don't want to become Atlas Shrugged or engage in "whataboutism". Schur finishes up with Satre's existentialism, Frank and the luck factor, and the effect of privilege on our ability to make good choices. He concludes that "nobody is perfect" and goes on to apologizing. How moral is good enough? The important thing is that we keep striving to be better. We owe it to ourselves and to others. "Try again, fail again, fail better."

Victory City

Salman Rushdie's novel is a provocative tale of the 247 year life of the god-like heroin Pamopa Kampana and the rise and fall of the mythical city of Bisnaga (1335-1565). The young Pampa gives rise to the city from seeds. She aids the cowherds Hukka and Bukka in molding Bisnaga into a glorious city with arts, culture, and powerful women. Bisnaga is constantly challenged by foreign invasion from factions in the south, sultans in the north, and Portuguese in the west. There is also the challenges of theological "advisors" with excess power challenging free will, women's rights, and education. The initial five "remonstrances", or protests, involved the separation of church and state, the observance of mass worshipping, policing morality, making war, and the pursuit of the arts. Bisnaga experiences years of glory with wealth, poetry, temples and military conquests. There are also years of decline with beheadings, poisoning, blinding, and unrest. Eventually Bisnaga falls and Pampa meets her demise upon completing her manuscript. The fictional tale warns the reader of the threat of theological zealots and ruthless, unjust, and/or sly rulers. The many lessons of Bisnaga can be applied to all social orders and countries. 

Rules of Civility

Amor Towles' book is a story of the events and relationships of a woman in her twenties in Manhattan in 1938. The story begins and ends with Katey reminiscing of her adventures and affairs with Tinker, Eve, Wallace, Dicky, and Anne. Katey has become successful and happily married, yet you feel a little sadness for the people in her past, especially Tinker. 1938 was a special year filled with good friends, fast times, Jazz, successes, and personal loss. The characters are mostly likable, friendly, and civil. The book ends with an appendix of George Washington's "Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation" that was kept by Tinker and picked up by Katey. The final entry #110 reads, "Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience."

Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver's book is a grueling coming of age novel of an orphan growing up in the rural south. Demon is born to a junkie mother, abused by a step father and foster care, blows out his knee playing football, and gets addicted to drugs. Despite the best efforts of two teachers, a bullied friend from foster care, the Paggots, June, and Angus, Demon takes a long road to the bottom with drug addition. The book highlights the opioid and meth epidemic in poor communities in the US, along with its origin. Demon and Tommy explore the plight of the poor rural south through comics and a pending graphic novel. They compare the hustle in the cities for money verses the struggles of the poor land people. They defend the resilient people of the land as having the advantage of finding a way to get by with little to no money and the help of the local community. At least before the drugs.

Lessons in Chemistry

Stanley's selection is a favorite of mine. It was recommended by our neighbor and I have passed it on to everyone I can think of. It is about a fictional female character that overcomes the abuse and challenges of a 1950's male dominated field of Chemistry. With the aid of her wits, determination, and good looks, she is able to overcome all obstacles to survive and eventually triumph. 

Horse: A Novel

Geraldine Brooks is an Australian, horse-loving, history buff. The historical fiction is both a celebration of a great horse and a depiction of the discrimination against black people in America. Her story covers the period surrounding the civil war, a brief story from the 1950's, and a current day discovery and love affair. The book studies the anatomy of the horse and details the art of painting the champion. Lexington is possibly the greatest American horse of all time from a racing and stud perspective. Her story tells the reader about the horse as well as the individuals that helped make him special.

My favorite quote came from the artist Scott when speaking of the southern soldiers. "They were, all of them, lost to a narrative untethered to anything he recognized as true...their complete disregard-denial-of the humanity of the enslaved, their fabulous notions of what evils the Federal government intended for them should their cause fail-all of it was ingrained so deep, beyond the reach of reasonable dialogue or evidence."

Age of AI

The Age of AI is an ambitious undertaking by three older guys to explain the benefits and threats of a broad and hard to define technology. The authors explore three examples of what they classify as artificial intelligence with a chess playing program (AlphaZero), an anti-bacterial drug development program (Halicin), and a language generative program (GPT-3). They identify the development of AI and AGI as a major development in human history and compare it to the introduction of the printing press. They emphasize the dangers of a run away AGI that can threaten our very existence. They call for guardrails and safeguards to be developed to monitor and control the machines. As apposed to the last book that recruited young people to altruistically guide AI, the authors suggest a more top down, philosophical and governmental control. Either way, the potential benefits and risks are monumental. 

What we owe the future

William MacAskill is a very young Oxford professor of philosophy that introduces the reader to "longtermism" and "effective altruism". He challenges each of us to address the biggest challenges facing the human race for the sake of all future generations to come. He addresses the threat of collapse and extinction of civilization from nuclear war, climate change, asteroids, bioweapons and pandemics, and artificial intelligence. He describes the lasting impact of social values and norms through the example of slavery and describes the danger of locking in values. He suggests the we can do more than be just good citizens and good consumers and should take action to improve the future. He suggests that each individual should utilize their individual talents for maximum impact. "Beyond donations, three other personal decisions seem particularly high impact to me: political activism, spreading good ideas, and having children."

MacAskill loses me on the subject of population and I believe he downplays negative human behavior that has a lessor impact. I personally see over population as a major threat and have less concern about continued technological advancement. I also see a greater need to address the small stuff like plastics and work hard on spreading all good ideas. On the other hand, MacAskill walks the walk. He is a modest living vegetarian that donates a significant portion of his earnings and encourages others the do the same. I have shared the book with my son-in-laws and I do believe that we have a unique opportunity to help affect the lives of mankind for millennia to come.

Discussion questions:

1. What does the author mean by the title?

2. Who is the author's targeted reader? Why?

3. What can we do to help the future of mankind?

4. Why does the author encourage more children? Do you agree?

5. What is the author's take on religion and value setting?

6. Do you feel threatened by AI? AGI?

Deep South

Paul Theroux documents four seasonal trips through the back roads of "the lower 20"with a collection of interviews. He provides a window into the lives of unique characters from black spiritual and community leaders (Virgin Johnson and Eugene Lyles), to fellow writers (Randall Curb and Mary Ward), to the valiant Delores Walker Robinson, to the energetic social worker/agitator Pam Dorr, to the Indian/Patel hotel operators and the Iranian entrepreneur. He also provides history and insight on Bill Clinton, John Lewis, Strom Thurmond and William Faulkner. Theroux even seems to imitate Faulkner by getting wording and verbose in his writing, particularly in the interlude sections. 

Overall, the book is a pretty depressing and sad depiction of the southern American backcountry. Segregation is alive and well. There are too many very large poor families with no mention of family planning. The people are often unhealthy, everything is deep fried, the fields are underutilized, too many are obsessed with guns, and there are very few jobs. Outside help is often shunned and white people still have priority over people of color.

In this grim environment only a few are able to shine. In searching for a cause the writer does a lot of bashing of the establishment from foreign aid, Clinton, and outside agitators. Yet most of the problems in the south originate from it being stuck in the past. I came away from reading the book thinking the southerners need to stop glorifying the Civil War, stop with the segregation, forget the belief in white supremacy, get rid of the Klan, disarm yourselves, stop being takers, and get to work.

Confidence Man

Maggie Haberman's book is the latest in a long series of books on Donald Trump. Although many have come before, her book is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and well researched of the lot. Trump has been part of her beat since the late 80's and her detailed, chronological telling of Mr. Trump's misadventures is disturbing and brings back unpleasant memories. She provides the back stories and the complete cast of characters that have created the alternate reality of Trump World. Her retelling is very matter of fact yet flows well. She ends by quoting Trump from their third and final meeting, "I love being with her, she's like my psychiatrist." She took the statement as an empty compliment and ends by saying "he is often simply, purely opaque, permitting people to read meaning and depth into every action, no matter how empty they may be." If we ever get through this mess, Maggie's 508 pages should be required reading in American history.

Originals

John's selection is full of information nuggets and practical advice. As an educator, I can see how John chose the book for advice on how parents and teachers can help encourage innovative thinking throughout child development. Adam Grant's advice applies to all types of organizations trying to adapt to an ever changing environment. To a fault, the book seems to contain a little bit of everything. His case studies such as Bridgewater are insightful, and who knew the people and the story behind the women's suffrage (Lucy Stone), digital photography (Land), the cell phone, the internet (CIA, Medina), and the Segway? The book includes humor and one-liners, insight to non-violent revolutionary leaders (MLK, Popovic), traits of famous innovators (Da Vinci, Einstein), and even a cold water swimmer (Pugh). Personally, I don't buy into all the benefits of procrastination and the virtues of the determined pessimist, and his deliberate methods of testing and analysis would drive me batty. Nonetheless, he could be right.

"The greatest tragedy of mankind comes from the inability of people to have thoughtful disagreement to find out what is true."

The Girl with Seven Names

The Girl with Seven Names is a remarkable tale written by a remarkable young woman. She was able to escape from North Korea at 17, make her way in China, and settle in South Korea. On top of that she was able to aid her mother and brother to escape to South Korea. Her travels and tribulations were tremendous and it took all her intelligence, persistence, language skills, and good looks to make it. Even then, she needed the aid of a stranger and a boyfriend to prevail. The book makes you realize how difficult it is for a North Korean to defect and the power of brainwashing in a totalitarian state. As she pointed out, not only are so many others ready to deport North Koreans, North Koreans themselves do not understand that they have basic human rights.

Skeletons at the Feast

Although David's selection has romance and a relatively happy ending, I found the book disturbing. The brutality of the German and Russian soldiers, the bombing and strafing by the German and Allied planes, the raping and pillaging, and especially the persecution of the Jews, it is a painful reminder of man's inhumanity to man. I am reminded of a book I read in high school called the "Painted Bird" involving a 14 year old Jewish boy enduring the atrocities in Eastern Europe at the end of the war. I also also am reminded of the book we read, "Slaughterhouse 5" involving the senseless bombing of Dresden. The story is told from the perspective of the German family fleeing their estate in occupied Poland. The family has to live with the guilt that they benefited under the Nazi's and the men fought for the 3rd Reich. On the other hand, the main characters are decent and one can say goodness won out, but just barely.

Paul

Our co-founder and good friend passed away last week. He was our most conservative, yet still non-Trumpian, voice. He was not shy to take up any opposing side on an issue and provided balance and perspective to our conversations. He believed in the power of individual ingenuity to solve the problems of the world and was against excess regulation. Although not the youngest, he continued to work as a mentor for others long after most of us had retired. 

Paul did select more business related books than the rest of us. He had a passion for improving efficiency and empowering entrepreneurs. Many of his selections were challenging reads that greatly expanded our business knowledge, with the possible exception of "Who moved my Cheese". I vaguely remember Paul trying to upgrade the book club by providing the group with a list of 100 classic books that we could choose from. After one Hemmingway and a Tolstoy we all nixed the list. Paul's other selections brought to our group his interest in archeology, synchronicity, and simply stories of human kindness.  

Paul's wit, charm, and insight will be sorely missed and I believe his voice will live on in our future meetings.

On Sunday, July 31, 2022, members of the book club attended Paul's celebration of life. Stanley spoke of Paul's unique personality, their involvement with the SPUSD, and their trips together. David read a letter from Bob about his long term friendship and spoke of his input to the club and to CAS. Bill spoke of his special talents in mentoring others in his professional life and what made Paul special. It was a moving gathering of friends and especially his extended loving family. Thank you Susan!

Midnight in Washington

Dear Mr. Schiff,

We members of the No Name Book Club would like to thank you for your years of honorable service to our country and our district. We are a group of guys from the San Gabriel Valley that just read your book, Midnight in Washington. Mr. Higgins is hosting our gathering tonight just down the street from where you had your wedding reception in Altadena.

We found your book, on the one hand, a sad and painful reminder of the past several years of Trumpian politics in America. On the other hand, you reminded us of the brave women and men that have stood up for democracy including Yovanovitch, Hill, Vindman, Taylor, your fellow impeachment managers, and yourself. We recognize the courage it must take to stand up to the bully in chief, not to mention white supremacy and the Russians.

As a group, we come from a broad range of the political spectrum, however none of us identify with what has become of the Republican party. We have engaged in lively conversation for over 22 years and 270 books and still are the best of friends. Too bad our Republican Representatives, and many of the Senators as well, are unable to practice basic civility.

Keep up the good work, including your recent stand against Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, and know that you have the full support of our book club…for what it’s worth. 

Our sincere thanks,

No Name Book Club

The Geography of Genius

Eric Weiner takes the reader on a trip through time and space to explore locations that experienced brief periods of explosive creativity and genius. From Socrates and the teachings of the ancient Greeks of Athens, to the advances of the poet emperors of 1300 Hangzhou China, to the brilliance of Leonardo and Michelangelo in Florence, to the modern thinkers of Edinburgh, to the random ideas of Calcutta, to the artistic and then scientific advances of Vienna, to finally the technologic advances of Silicon Valley. He tries to tie them all together by the three T's (technology, talent, and tolerance) but more appropriately by the three D's (disorder, diversity, and discernment). Bright individuals from various places came together to drink wine, beer, and coffee and share ideas and talents. The geniuses are the surfers that "will ride the wave beautifully." Or as Linus Pauling said, "You have a lot of ideas and throw away the bad ones."

Catalina No-names

 

The No Name Book Club held their 271st meeting in their 23rd year at the Staff family home in Avalon. Seven members and their wives held separate gatherings with the men outside and in the Ratskeller and the women in the dining room and living room. I hope everyone had a great time on the Island.

Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh

“Calming, smiling, present moment, wonderful moment.”

I hope each of you are getting some “nuggets” from the short book. I find the book one that I can pick up at any point and find something to ponder. I admit, I have not set up a meditation room and I am not going about chanting Om. Yet the author does introduce the reader to the Buddhist teachings including the 3 gems, Buddha (awakening), Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community). I have not memorized the 14 tenants of mindfulness training, although there is something to consider from each (with the exception of 14b). On the other hand, the point of Buddhism is that each individual needs to find his or her own inner peace.

In Siddhartha, Hess explains the difference between knowledge and wisdom, the importance of listening and understanding, and the personal journey that each of us needs to take. In Hanh’s book “Happiness” when talking about mindful walking, he mentions the quote “There is no way to peace; peace is the way” and asks the reader why rush “our final destination will only be the cemetery”. Our friend Tim Keenen referred to the concept of “the raft is not the shore”. Hahn points out that Buddha’s teachings are only a raft to help you cross the river and that no ideology is worth killing for.

Buddhism supports my core beliefs in family and community (sangha), protecting the environment, moderate consumption, being anti war, and supporting birth control. It allows the individual to have spiritual awareness without worshiping a god or having a rigid set of doctrines that must be followed.

The Chilean Poet

Thank you Bob for introducing us to a new author and the fascinating and passionate world of Chilean poets. I sense that the book loses some of the elegance of the Spanish language in translation, however some of the poetry makes it way through the story. The passion for language and sex comes through load and clear from Gustavo and Carla, to Vincente and Pru, to the rest of the rest of the cast and characters. The many poets have their own level of brilliance and command of words, yet at the same time they are dysfunctional and unproductive. Nonetheless, I am in awe of their poetic talents, knowledge of literature, and command of language (including foreign languages) that I will never have. The step-father and son relationship is a heart-warming conclusion by reuniting two like souls, Chilean Poets.

Iron Lake

Iron Lake is one of a series of detective stories by William Kent Kruger featuring Cork O'Connor. Cork is a hard-boiled former sheriff of the small town of Aurora on the shores of Lake Superior. Cork is part Irish and part Anishinaabe Indian and the book incorporates Indian folklore, particularly the call of death from the "Windigo". Many of the characters are grossly flawed from the town patriarchs, the new sheriff, the corrupt Indian gamers, to both Cork and his wife Jo. It is interesting how Cork and Jo see the infidelity of the other as wrong without also seeing it in themselves. The only truly good soles are the old Indian Meloux who helps save day and Mollie who sadly is murdered. 

Overall a good mystery read that gives you a taste of the cold far north and the potential secrets of a small town.