Reviews and Comments

This book was recommended to me in a conversation about 'Non Violent Communication'. Similar to NVC, it highlights the importance of authentic human interaction. The book critiques the use of Rewards and Punishments, arguing that they destroy the quality and self-fulfillment in work. When Rewards and Punishments are introduced, the task at hand becomes a means to an end, rather than an intrinsically valuable experience. This also holds true for merit pay programs. The best employees don't work for money or rewards; they are intrinsically motivated.

Intrinsic motivation is the key to success, and the book emphasizes the importance of self-determination. While the book focuses primarily on teaching and children, its advice can be applied to any situation.

The core message is to abandon reward and incentive systems and instead structure work in a way that genuinely engages people. Although I was hoping for more business-specific advice, the essence of the book is applicable across all areas of life. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their interpersonal relationships and create a more fulfilling workplace environment.

I picked up Vernor Vinge's Rainbow's End with a sense of excitement, expecting a hard-hitting, technological thrill ride with the kind of Gibson-esque flair that I absolutely adore. And while the novel certainly had its moments of brilliance, it left me with mixed emotions.

From the moment I read about the young-again poet, Robert Gu, I was intrigued by the concept. It seemed like an interesting twist on the usual sci-fi tropes, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in Gu's journey. However, as I dove further into the novel, it became clear to me that Vinge was combining elements of a coming-of-age story into his futuristic narrative, which didn't quite suit my preferences. I felt a little out of step with these elements, as I'd been hoping for a more hard sci-fi experience.

As I continued reading Rainbow's End, I was initially captivated by the undercurrent of a global conspiracy that promised to elevate the tension and propel the story forward. However, as the plot progressed, that captivating thread seemed to diminish into a human interest narrative, which, although engaging in its own right, wasn't quite what I had expected or what I was looking for in the novel.

Nonetheless, I had to admire Vinge's world-building skills. The author effortlessly pulled me into a rich and imaginative future that felt both foreign and strangely familiar, offering a profound exploration of technology's increasingly pervasive role in our lives. In this aspect, I felt a deep appreciation for the novel.

Regarding the novel's characters, I found interactions and relationships compelling, and they've left me thinking about them even after finishing the book. These detailed character connections may strike a chord with readers who relish human stories in their sci-fi adventures, even if the overarching narrative isn't what they expected.

So, where do I stand with Rainbow's End? I'd say that it's a well-written and creative book that offers some genuinely engrossing reading moments. However, it might not satisfy everyone, especially those who crave a hard-hitting sci-fi experience or a fast-paced conspiracy thriller. In the end, it's an enjoyable read, but for me, it didn't quite hit the mark I was looking for.

I was recommended this book as a technical guide on sales for technical people, and in this regard, I found it most fitting. It clarified some old clichés and recommends that first, you find out what your customer needs by asking Situation Questions, the S in SPIN. These questions aim to identify the customer's current situation and where they are experiencing problems, the P. Once you understand the customer's situation and problems, try to grasp the implications of these problems and make sure the customer understands them - but only for problems for which you have solutions. Now present your product as the solution to their problems. By doing so, you meet the customer's Needs. However, it would help if you were aware that the problem the customer has must be a need, not just a preference. Problems can be transformed into needs if the implication step is done accurately. This approach is excellent, in my opinion, if you want to establish a rapport with the customer, where you listen to and try to genuinely help them, rather than only selling something.

The "End and The Death" is the first volume in a two-part conclusion to the epic 62-book series known as the Horus Heresy. To fans of Warhammer, this book requires no introduction. It is a true masterpiece.

For those unacquainted with the world of Warhammer 40,000, the story takes place in the year 30,000, when the Emperor of Mankind creates genetically engineered superhumans to help him reunite Earth and conquer the galaxy. The creation of these superhumans is a result of the Emperor's use of ancient and forgotten technologies, as well as alien technologies and the mysterious energy known as the Warp.

Ships equipped with a Warp-Drive can travel faster than the speed of light, but the Warp is not an empty realm. The Warp, through with the ships travel, is a dimension teeming with beings that connect to human emotions and give them shape. These beings, or perhaps the emotions themselves, become the catalyst for the Horus Heresy when the Emperor double-crosses them, and they seek to reclaim what they were promised - and more. The Warp's influence corrupts the superhumans and their brethren, sparking a bitter conflict that pits brother against brother.

The line between the Warp and reality is shattered, and millions of demonic entities are unleashed, while the Emperor sits on the golden throne, an ancient device that allows him to control the Warp and prevent a full-blown invasion of the galaxy. However, as he sits in silence, people begin to lose faith in him, and a rebellion fueled by the Warp and demonic forces breaks out, engulfing the galaxy in flames.

While the story may appear to be a typical tale of order versus chaos, it is also a tragic one, filled with flawed characters and heartbreaking moments. The Emperor, once thought to be invincible, is revealed to be imperfect. The superhumans, despite their incredible power, succumb to the Warp's influence. The Horus Heresy is a tale of epic proportions, a fight for the fate of the galaxy, and it is written with the utmost seriousness. However, it is also a story to be read with a twinkle in your eye, as it grips you and makes you root for one side or the other.