Weapons of Math Destruction, by Cathy O’Neil
A New York Times bestseller that exposes how big data and mathematical models pervade modern life, often reinforcing discrimination and threatening democracy. O’Neil, a former Wall Street quant, reveals the “black box” algorithms that shape our futures—from education and employment to credit and policing—and calls for greater algorithmic accountability.
Fooled by Randomness, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
After reading Antifragile, I fell in love with Nassim’s wit and insights into randomness and uncertainty. This book delves further into these themes, providing a fascinating exploration of luck, risk, and our understanding of probability.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
A powerful and harrowing account of a single day in a Soviet forced labor camp, told through the eyes of prisoner Ivan Denisovich Shukhov. Solzhenitsyn’s restrained prose captures the brutal realities of the gulag system while illuminating the resilience of the human spirit.
Storytelling with Data, by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
In this insightful book, Knafic explores the art of data storytelling, offering practical tips and techniques to effectively communicate data. It has reshaped how I present and visualize data in a compelling and understandable manner.
Antifragile, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of antifragility and its applications in various domains. Taleb’s ideas challenge conventional wisdom and encourage us to embrace uncertainty.
Automating Inequality, by Virginia Eubanks
In this eye-opening book, Eubanks sheds light on the societal implications of automated decision-making systems. She highlights the ways in which these systems can perpetuate and exacerbate inequality, especially for marginalized communities.
Basic Economics, by Thomas Sowel
Fun fact: I’ve read this book more than 7 times, and I’m not stopping there. I found it in my father’s office for the first time and was immediately captivated by its insights into fundamental economic principles. It’s a timeless read that deepens my understanding of economic concepts with each revisit.
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
― Rumi