My annual retrospective: 2019

When I just looked at Google Trends and realized that I had never heard the search term of the year, "Rebecca Reusch", I knew that my abstinence from the daily press had worked out well this year. Beyond that, I am also very satisfied with 2019 and, as every year, I have fond memories of some highlights. For the first time, I'm providing this in the form of a category-based Linkedin article - already at this point, I'd like to invite additions, feedback, discussion, and criticism. The nine categories in which I name and briefly explain my 3-5 highlights of the year are documentaries, movies & series, books, podcast shows, newsletters, Twitter accounts I follow, YouTube videos, new habits, and quotes I´ve read. Here we go.

Documentaries

The Godfather of Black Music (2019) - Have you ever heard about Clarence Avant? Me neither. But this chewy dude has contributed decisively to the success of various big names in the music scene and entire music genres. Netflix’s press release breaks it down:

The Black Godfather charts the exceptional and unlikely rise of Avant, a music executive whose trailblazing behind-the-scenes accomplishments impacted the legacies of icons such as Bill Withers, Quincy Jones, Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, and Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Driven by a sense of equality, loyalty, and justice, Avant left the Jim Crow south behind to emerge as a powerhouse negotiator at a time when deep-seated racism penetrated every corner of America. Avant defied notions of what a black executive could do, redefining the industry for entertainers and executives of color, and leaving a legacy of altruism for others to emulate. Directed by Academy Award nominee Reginald Hudlin and featuring interviews with Snoop Dogg, P. Diddy, Lionel Richie, Suzanne de Passe, David Geffen, Jerry Moss, Cicely Tyson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Jamie Foxx, among others, The Black Godfather pulls the curtain back on the maestro himself, projecting a spotlight on the man who’s spent his entire career ensuring that it shined on others.

Nowitzki - The Perfect Shot (2014) - Even though this documentary was first aired in September 2014 I first became aware of it through its listing on Netflix this year, although I have always been a big admirer of Dirk Nowitzki. Even as a non-basketball fan Nowitzki convinces with his warm-hearted and reserved manner and inspires with ambition and talent. My highlight is the portrayal of Dirk's mentor Holger Geschwindner, whose unconventional, yet analytical and extremely innovative mentoring and training philosophy has contributed significantly to the role of Dirk in shaping the way basketball is played in the NBA.

Game Changers (2019) - Much hyped, much-criticized, yet in my opinion one of the best-made documentaries this year. Not only because the narration is stirring and entertaining, but especially because the purpose of the film, namely to encourage reflection on one's own approach to healthy and sustainable nutrition, is fulfilled. For a critical counter-perspective to the health statements, I recommend the Joe Rogan podcast episode with Chris Kresser.

American Factory (2019) - American Factory is the first Netflix movie ever released by the Obamas. It shows the effects of capitalism using the example of a car factory in Ohio. I have experienced intercultural challenges in my daily work and have therefore been able to recognize some things. Although the documentary is clearly an American perspective, it convinces with its depth and story. At the end of the film, I was grateful for the strong presence of employee representatives and trade unions in Germany, which makes similar conditions here very difficult to implement.

Movies & Series

The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018) - In 9 episodes, the series explores the murder of designer Gianni Versace by serial killer Andrew Cunanan, based on Maureen Orth's book Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History. I think Darren Criss shows great performance in the role of the mentally unstable Andrew Cunanan. 

The People v. O. J. Simpson (2016) - This is the first part of the "American Crime Stories", including the aforementioned assassination of Gianni Versace. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays a great OJ who shows the viewer in 10 episodes several times the weaknesses of human judgment and of the American legal system. The medial staging of the accused as a representative of a disadvantaged minority and hero of the people fighting against a corrupt system is also very fascinating.

The Matrix (1999) - This is, of course, a re-watched and shows that I have generally not watched many (great) movies and series this year. But for the 20th-anniversary Matrix was once again on and the film still shines with its innovative idea and gripping action. And the question, if we all live in a simulation is not only Elon Musk's concern... 

Books

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) by Maya Angelou - Probably one of the most honest and thought-provoking books I ever read, not just in 2019. Maya Angelou uses her autobiography to explore subjects such as identity, rape, racism, and literacy. She also writes in new ways about women's lives in a male-dominated society.

A brilliant writer, a fierce friend and a truly phenomenal woman. - Barack Obama

Educated: A Memoir (2018) by Tara Westover - Tara Westover tells in a unique way about her stony journey as a little girl in a Mormon family up to her doctorate in Cambridge. It is always wonderful to read about what people are capable of and how grateful one should be for one's own situation and make use of it.

An amazing story, and truly inspiring. It’s even better than you’ve heard. - Bill Gates

The Third Door (2018) by Alex Banayan - Another biographical book. I recommend this work especially to those who are just starting something new or are navigating in an environment for which they do not feel equipped. The third door describes an unconventional way of approaching things and Alex Banayan illustrates this with vivid examples from the book's genesis. 

Exhilarating and empowering . . . If you care about your success, you have to read The Third Door. - Tony Robbins

A Man for All Markets (2017) by Edward O. Thorp - A mathematics professor who first develops, tests and implements a method to beat the blackjack dealer in the casino and then revolutionizes quantitative investing. An inspiring portrayal of an ingenious tinkerer and doer who cannot be stopped by various setbacks. 

In A Man for All Markets, [Thorp] delightfully recounts his progress (if that is the word) from college teacher to gambler to hedge-fund manager. Along the way we learn important lessons about the functioning of markets and the logic of investment. - The Wall Street Journal

Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? (2010) by Michael Sandel - Even if probably nothing can replace the own reading and processing of the great philosophers this book is absolutely worthwhile. Michael Sandel illustrates the most important philosophical narratives of modern societies in a comprehensible and captivating way. Must read for those who did not have any philosophy courses at university and who are not familiar with the originals.

This book is absolutely indispensable for anyone who wants to be a good citizen. It shows how to balance competing values, a talent our nation desperately needs nowadays. - Walter Isaacson

Five more books published 2019 that didn't make the list but that I recommend anyway:

The Book of Why: The New Science of Cause and Effect by Judea Pearl

What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture by Ben Horowitz

The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race, and Identity by Douglas Murray

Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal

Ultralearning: Accelerate your Career, Master Hard Skills and Outsmart the Competition by Scott H. Young

Podcast Shows

Artificial Intelligence Podcast with Lex Friedman - Even if Lex Friedman is not the best interviewer (he is getting better and better from episode to episode) this is a very good podcast on AI & Tech. It started with Autonomous Driving focus, notably a popular episode with Elon Musk, but the format is developing in different directions. The last episodes deal not only with AI but also with exciting topics in mathematics, physics, and philosophy.

The Portal with Eric Weinstein - Eric Weinstein often represents unconventional or unpopular positions on current issues and discusses them with interesting personalities from business and academia. If you have never heard of Eric Weinstein, Jordan B. Petersen or Sam Harris should at this point google for "Intellectual Dark Web".

The Jim Rutt Show - I did quite some research on complexity theory in 2019, which brought me to the Santa Fe Institute and the podcast of Jim Rutt. Jim describes his show as follows: The Jim Rutt Show is an interview podcast series examining cutting-edge thinking in science and technology and the future of our economic, political and social systems and institutions. New episodes are released weekly, more or less.

The Dropout - This Pick must be pretty biased. I heard the multi-part story about the rise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes during a several month-long stay in Silicon Valley and so I was able to visit the places mentioned in the show by bike. Even from a distance, I recommend the show because it is very well edited and demonstrates how good storytelling and excessive trust in an unstable system can lead to collapse.

Jung & Naiv - The first of two podcast recommendations in the German language. With his podcast, Thilo Jung does an incredibly valuable job of making everyday political life accessible to a broad audience in a refreshing way. Even though I rarely listened to the recordings of the press conferences, I am thrilled by the in-depth interviews and analysis - although I don't agree with many of the host's political views ;)

Steingarts Morning Briefing - Often exaggerated and pointed, yet the only podcast I listen to every day from Monday to Friday. In 30 minutes, Gabor Steingart and his team give an update on the news of the day from politics and business and provide an impulse for in-depth research on one or the other topic.

Newsletters

The Morning Brew - In my opinion, the best newsletter on American Tech and Business News. Well prepared, funny, informative - on point!

Movements - A great compendium of the latest news about New Mobility. A must-have for everyone who is active in this field and wants to stay up to date.

The Ryan Holiday Reading Recommendation Email - If you like my book recommendations, you can subscribe to this newsletter with a clear conscience. Ryan Holiday presents 5-10 books every month, covering a wide range of genres and release dates. From Greek classics to the latest management handbook, I have already gratefully accepted many of Ryan's recommendations.

Lenny´s Newsletter - In multiple articles, Lenny Rachitsky describes how digital marketplaces work and what challenges are involved in setting up such marketplaces or how to overcome them. A must-have for everyone who is setting up or running a marketplace business.

Twitter Accounts I follow

Simone Cicero - Everything about digital platforms, ecosystems and the functioning of a complex social system. Valuable podcast and article recommendations. Simone has also developed the Platform Design Toolkit, a platform development resource worth trying.

Naval Ravikant - Every tweet is on point. Philosophical reflections on startups, investments, and life. Naval Ravikant is regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and entrepreneurs of this generation. I agree.

The Seasteading Institute - Through the book Seasteading, I became aware of the topic of floating cities as a valid option in the face of current problems related to climate, political conflicts or bureaucratic nonsense. If you have never heard of it, you should definitely take a look. Interesting links to articles and good comments on this exciting topic.

Youtube Videos

The Struggle of the Original iPhone - The Untold Story - Not all that glitters is gold and those who want to achieve great things often have to act differently than the rest. The ColdFusion team prepares the story of the creation of the first iPhone in an exciting and entertaining way. In particular, the way Steve Jobs organizes the teams is very interesting.

How The Economic Machine Works by Ray Dalio - I have watched this video multiple times and I will certainly watch it again. If you haven't seen it yet - watch it.

Yoga With Adriene - Out of the interest to try Yoga I was recommended to visit Adriene's site and I think the 30 days challenges are really great. Although for my taste it is a little too much fooling around from time to time - it is a great starting point for every beginner level. And even though I'm not doing an active challenge at the moment, I have incorporated many of the exercises I have learned into my regular training.

Habits

A Salty Start of the Day - I start each day with 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan salt, a shot of lime juice dissolved in a glass of water on an empty stomach. The substance most similar to human blood is a 0.9% saline solution (sea water); with saline solutions, doctors compensate for the loss of blood plasma. Salt also has another important function; it nourishes and relieves the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is a walnut-sized gland that sits on the kidney and is responsible for the production of various hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, aldosterone and above all cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol is primarily released under stress and is usually only associated with the negative aspects of stress. However, cortisol also has a great influence on our energy level and thus a positive effect. The recipe mentioned above helps to strengthen the adrenal gland and increase the energy level.

Cold Showers - Cold showers also help to reduce stress levels, increase alertness, strengthen the immune system and promote general health through increased blood circulation. I take a cold shower for the first or last 30 seconds of the morning shower (I started lukewarmly and the water gets colder and colder every day) and feel noticeably great. Highly recommended. 

Movement Meditation - Through a friend of mine I became aware of the Movement Monk Benny Fergusson and have adopted some of his exercises into my daily routine. Especially the standing meditation before going to bed has noticeably contributed to my improved sleep. Also in everyday life, Benny's exercises lead to more conscious movement and increased attention.

Quotes

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. - Mark Twain

What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do. - Timothy Ferriss

The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity. - Douglas Horton

I will leave it at that for this year. Feel free to take what you find interesting and leave the rest. I am looking forward to feedback and discussions on any point. I am also very happy to receive your recommendations! I wish you a successful and healthy year 2020! Warmly, Philip