| Sunday, 06 October 2024 |
A community-powered Sunday newsletter on mental models, self-reflection, learning, growth, photos, books, and more Subscribe here
Good morning [%first_name |Dear Reader%],
The more observant of our regular First Principles readers have probably already noticed a difference in this edition’s byline, and that’s because Rohin is on a much-deserved vacation right now—as is his weekly section on mental models and leadership. I know it’s something all of you (and the rest of the First Principles team) eagerly look forward to every Sunday, so let me pass on his apologies and assure you that both he and his section will be back on 20 October.
But this newsletter has, for a long time now, been about much more than just the central section on first-principles thinking. We get dozens of recommendations and contributions from our vibrant community every week, and Hari (our books editor) and I thought it wouldn’t make sense to deprive our readers of all those goodies for two weeks straight.
So here’s what we have for you this edition of First Principles:
1. Ticking the right boxes 📚
2. Silent Sunday pics, and a callout for the next edition of Framed 📸
3. The Two by Two podcast: Ather Energy was a pioneer. Can it also be a leader? 🎙️
1. Ticking the right boxes
Hello dear readers, it’s Hari here with this week’s books section.
Last week, I put out a call for recommendations for books that could help us learn how to write better. And the first of those recommendations I want to show you today was actually suggested by two of our readers. I take that as a strong sign that it does something very right.
Both Anusha Mysooru and Darshan Regi Kalathil wrote in about George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain.
I haven’t managed to pick up the book yet, but from what I read of it, it seems to be a very interesting look at how narratives function in fiction and how literature helps us see the world differently and with curiosity.
Here’s what Anusha and Darshan have to say about it:
Anusha Mysooru: “It is specifically meant for short story lovers as George Saunders dissects seven Russian short stories, and what they’re doing right and why”
Darshan Regi Kalathil: “George Saunders breaks down his favorite short stories by Russian writers and explains why they are considered great works of literature.
I enjoy reading The Ken because it is informative, the articles are well researched, well written, without the spin and bias. I admire The Ken team for their dedication to getting closer to the true picture.
Hari Buggana
Chairman and MD, InvAscent
Transparent, Honest, Detailed. To me, The Ken has been this since the day I subscribed to them. The research that they put into each story and the way it is presented is thoroughly interesting. Personally, I’ve always had a great time interacting with the publication and reading the stories.
Harshil Mathur
CEO and Co-Founder, Razorpay
The Ken has proven naysayers wrong by successfully running a digital news publication on a pure-subscription business model in India. They have shown that discerning readers are willing to pay for well-researched, well-written, in-dept news articles.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Executive Chairperson, Biocon Limited
As a designer, it’s easy to get lost in the craft of building products. As a business owner however, keeping up with a rapidly changing landscape is key to saying relevant. The Ken doesn’t just help me stay on top of what’s happening in India(and beyond), but makes it fun to do so.
Rahul Gonsalves
Co-founder and CEO, Obvious Ventures