The MEK List – Top Books of 2023 (or thereabouts)
Of the making of lists, there apparently (and happily) is no end when it comes to top books and their intrinsic value. Such is the nature of these lists that the venerable Wall Street Journal asked no less than 50 luminaries to weigh in. Other tried and true recommendations were served up by the Economist , Bloomberg (a mere 62 recommendations) and of course, the New York Times
Of course we have our own opinion of same. Thus, here, presented for your consideration, is the MEK list for 2023 (and please consider sharing your own favorites in the comments section).
Slouching Towards Utopia – an Economic History of the Twentieth Century – While 2023 was definitely a year of American discontent, it was nothing like pre-Industrial Revolution circa 1870, when the vast bulk of humanity was essentially imprisoned in poverty. In highly readable prose (and remarkable depth), economic historian J. Bradford DeLong takes readers through an insightful grand narrative of the “long 20th century,” asking “Is there anybody in the previous century who would not be amazed and incredulous at seeing humanity’s technological and organizational powers of 2010?” Arguing that the most important history of that time is economic, DeLong tracks three instrumental and insightful macrotrends as breathtaking wealth unfolded and the world stumbled toward utopia. You may well be surprised by this one (named a “best book” by the Financial Times, Economist and Fast Company).
Chip War – the Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology – In an era where federal industrial policy has produced the $53 billion CHIPS and Science Act and new collaborative technology hubs — touching almost every aspect of American (and global) life — there’s little wonder that this well-documented work was previously selected as the Financial Times Business Book of the Year (mirroring similar current honors from Bloomberg). Virtually every technology runs on (or is dependent on) semiconductors of some fashion. Combining highly readable history and current developments, Chip War details the massive complexity of the global industry and the coming geopolitical reckoning that awaits.
Silicon Heartland – Transforming the Midwest from Rust Belt to Tech Belt – In recent decades past, one might not have used the words Midwest, technology innovation, and savvy boldness in the same sentence. But not today – systemic and confident change is afoot. A native Buckeye with in-depth global tech street cred, Rebecca Fannin leverages insightful story-telling skills honed at Forbes and CNBC to chronicle sweeping change in former Rust Belt regions. As the luster of the original Silicon Valley dims, another region is redefining itself with vibrant opportunity, including Indiana. As Fannin herself notes of her passage through an increasingly muscular Midwest economy, “I had no idea it would yield such surprises and unpredictable discoveries.”
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity – Tapped by the Economist, the New York Times and Bloomberg as a 2023 “must-read,” Outlive was also enthusiastically endorsed by a central Indiana hospital Chief Medical Officer to yours truly. Warning of the modern equivalent of the apocalyptic “Four Horsemen” – heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease and Type 2 diabetes (and related metabolic dysfunction) – Peter Attita, MD focuses on upfront prevention of chronic disease. The good news? You can start at any time.
Conflict – The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine – What happens when a former Director of the CIA and combat-tested Mideast theatre commander sits down with a New York Times bestselling historian and member of the Royal Historical Society? You get a tightly written yet deep history and analysis of the wars and skirmishes that have largely defined human discourse since World War II. Essentially every page rewards the reader with remarkable insight, served up in strategic brevity. The shortest 444-page book (with additional maps and illustrations) you’ll read this year.
The Gates of Europe – A History of Ukraine – While we’re talking about Ukraine, at the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal rightly pointed to Serhii Plokhy’s masterpiece on why Ukraine holds such a globally strategic position. As Plokhy opines: “To understand the trends underlying current events in Ukraine and their impact on the world, one has to examine their roots.” That, interestingly, even involves the Vikings. Ukraine holds a complex and dynamic history, one that has been maligned by other certain persons to the north. As the anonymous author of History of the Rus is quoted by Plokhy, “Come and you will see.”
Meditations – Marcus Aurelius – What value do the collected 1,850-year-old reflections and thoughts of the only Roman emperor who was also a Stoic philosopher have for people in the 21st century? A brief forage through the battered copy you probably have in your attic will help answer that question. But in this particular instance, none other than professional bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-two-term-California-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger surprised yours truly and reawakened interest. As The Terminator rightly says, “It is unbelievable to see how the emperor’s words have stood the test of time.” As the Emperor tells you and me today: “Do not waste the remaining part of your life in thoughts about other people, when you are not thinking with reference to some aspect of the common good.”
The Art of Military Innovation – As evidenced by Coup D’etat – A Practical Handbook and the timeless Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire, virtually any book by sought-after analyst Edward Luttwak guarantees unusual (and often controversial) insight. Here, Luttwak and co-author Eitan Shamir carefully parse the driving forces of innovation and improvision that sets apart the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Regardless of one’s personal views, this book yields critical background of how the IDF consistently institutes macroinnovations of true disruptive technology. Many, many insightful takeaways here (Harvard University Press).
On Speaking Well – Today an influential Wall Street Journal weekly columnist, Peggy Noonan captured national attention by redefining high-impact speech-writing excellence. Her splendid speechwriting prowess helped shape the Reagan and Bush Presidential administrations. While she influences key policy makers in the WSJ and elsewhere, here she tells you how to do it yourself. First published in 1998, it’s still a book for those who truly want to communicate – and communicate well.
Leadership – Six Studies in World Strategy – A 2023 redux bonus. Several years ago, I had the singular fortune to converse one-on-one with Dr. Kissinger. “Converse” as in he did the talking. Awaiting the new German Ambassador at a Washington, D.C. reception, he essentially had no one else to speak with at the moment. So, I asked a question based on a prior work of his and away we went. His death this year at the age of 100 reinforces the value of this work on Leadership, hence its inclusion again this year. Together with recent works on AI and its global impact, Henry Kissinger stood upon a profound bridge crossing the intersection of two dramatically different centuries, serving as influencer, observer, and commentator. In this remarkable tome he writes: “The vital attributes of a leader in these tasks, and the bridge between the past and the future, are courage and character…Courage summons virtue in the moment of decision; character reinforces fidelity to values.” If you do nothing else, stand in the bookshop or library and read the 12-page introduction. As Kissinger quotes Winston Churchill, “In history lie all the secrets of statecraft.”
Served up without rancor by Michael Snyder, MEK, who unabashedly accepts all responsibility.