Happy Saturday! Here is your weekly dose of the world of Miles, learning, techno-optimism, business thoughts, and ways to be a better human.
Hiring. We’re growing the team at Purpose Built. As a reminder, Purpose Built venture studio brings together pre-idea entrepreneurs, capital, coaching, and resources to turn the best ideas into great companies focused on fintech, upskilling, and the future of work. We support our founders' personal and professional development while building companies that help people reach for economic opportunity. We are hiring for lead gen and venture analyst roles. Please reach out if you know someone who would be a good fit for these roles.
The End of the World is the Beginning. I enjoy a long-term forecast book like The Next 100 Years, More from Less, The Bet, or The Storm Before the Calm. I also think it is important to take in different viewpoints to challenge your existing ones. In that vein, I found it stimulating (and scary!) to read The End of the World is Just The Beginning by Peter Zeihan. The book starts from two major premises: (a) the decline of American-led global order with emphasis on lack of cheap & safe shipping and easy finance plus (b) the decline of China related to demographics, political challenges, over-reliance on debt, lack of sophisticated industry and loss of cheap shipping. Other premises are that geography and economics drive politics. The forecast starts with the pronouncement that “2019 was the last great year for the world economy.” He goes on to say that one billion people will starve. And to rub salt in the wounds, he predicts worse global warming due to many countries falling back on burning coal and wood for energy. I didn’t understand the drivers for his premise (a). Why is the US committed to a path of stepping back from a US-led order? Because loss of trust, change in strategic position or a focus inwards? Could the book be read as a reasons why the US should not step back from its role? Regardless, he believes that North America has the geography and demographics that allows for strong economics and security over the long-term. Is that any comfort to you? Any other thoughts on the book?
Book Club. I’m on my second time through the book How to Live by Derek Sivers. A unique book, I can’t wait to discuss it more. So, I’m putting together a Zoom book club discussion. Let me know if you want in. Here is a bit about the book: “each chapter believes it knows how you should live. And each chapter disagrees with the next. One chapter makes a compelling argument for why you should be completely independent, keeping all options open. The next chapter argues why you should commit to one career, one place, and one person. One chapter persuades you to be fully present, and experience each moment. The next, to delay gratification and invest for the future.”
Until next week,
Miles