21 Lessons for the 21st Century - Yuval Harari

This is a 300-page book, but you could complete it within a few weekends. It starts rather quite technically, but ends with great lessons for laypeople like you and me. 

Lesson #1: Disillusionment - The end of history has been postponed. 

This book was published in 2018, the time of Donald Trump, Putin and Xi. The world seems to be on the brink. 

Lesson #2: Work - When you grow up, you might not have a job. 

Yes. The way of life/work has been almost the same for the past 2 centuries. But this will change. Technology, AI and robots will be replacing humans very soon. What can we do?

Lesson #3: Liberty - Big Data is watching you.

All wealth and power might be concentrated in the hands of a tiny elite, while most people will suffer not from exploitation, but from something far worse - irrelevance.

Lesson #4: Equality - Those who own the data own the future. 

How can cope with the challenges of biotech and infotech revolutions (which threatens the core modern values of liberty and equality)? Nationalism, religion and culture divide humankind into hostile camps and make it very difficult to cooperate on a global level.

Lesson #5: Community - Humans have bodies.

I definitely agree that we need to go offline (away from gadgets) more.

Lesson #6: Civilization - There is just one civilization in the world. 

Everybody trust the USD, but it is actually humankind. We all came from the African continent after thousand of years of evolution. 

Lesson #7: Nationalism - Global problems need global answers. 

The EU model is so far the best. There is still peace. 

Lesson #8: Religion - God now serves the nation

The true expertise of priests and gurus has never really been rainmaking, healing, prophecy or magic. Rather, it has always been interpretation. A priest is not somebody who knows how to perform the rain dance and end the drought. He is somebody who knows how to justify why the rain dance failed, and why we must keep believing in our god even though he seems deaf to all our prayers. 

Scientist too know how to cut corners and twist the evidence, but in the end, the mark of science is the willingness to admit failure and try a different tack. That's why scientists gradually learn how to grow better crops and make better medicines, whereas priest and gurus learn only how to make better excuses.  

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant - Eric Jorgenson

By far the most simple, practical and easy to understand someone's wisdom. I am ready to reread this book for the second time. It is just worth it. The book is divided into 2 main parts: Wealth and Happiness. 

Credits to NLB Clementi Branch for the book

Part 1 Wealth

• Productize yourself - 'Productize' has leverage, and 'yourself' has accountability. We need to put ourselves forward and be accountable and responsible to what we are doing. There's risk, but the potential reward is huge. 
• Build a specific knowledge.
• Play long-term games. 
• 99% of effort is wasted. 
• Intentions don't matter. Actions do. 
• Build or buy equity in a business. Comparing ownership and wage work, we know which is better. Find a position of leverage. Compounding (interest, knowledge, network) is the key. 
• Earn with your mind, not you time. Get paid for your judgement. 

The section on how to get rich without being lucky is worth reading. I encourage you to read the book itself. 

Part 1 is insightful, but I am more attracted to Part 2, which is teaching you about happiness. In many ways, I think I have been practicing half of what was shared. To be able to articulate all the wisdom is quite amazing. 

Part 2 Happiness

The 3 big ones in life are wealth, health and happiness. We pursue them in that order, but their importance is reverse. 

• Don't take yourself too seriously. You're just a monkey with a plan. 
• Happiness is what's there when you remove the sense that something is missing in your life. It's a choice. 
• Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
• The fundamental delusion: There is something out there that will make me happy and fulfilled forever. 
• Success does not earn happiness. Happiness is being satisfied with what you have. Success comes from dissatisfaction. Choose. 
• Envy is the enemy of happiness. The enemy of peace of mind is expectations drilled into you by society and other people. 
• Care for yourself. Th priority should be physical health, mental health, spiritual health, and then other people's health and wellbeing. Look after your diet. Sugar and fat are not good. To have peace of mind, you need to have peace of body first. 
• Easy choice, hard life. Hard choices, easy life. The harder the workout, the easier the day.
• Too much sugar leads to a heavy body, and too many distractions (screen time) lead to a heavy mind. Time spent undistracted and alone, in self-examination, journaling (yay!) meditation, resolves the unresolved and takes us from mentally fat to fit. 
• Most of our suffering comes from avoidance. Once you are in it, it's not suffering anymore. Wim Hof advocates cold exposure, and  because people are too separated from their natural environment, being constantly clothed, fed and warmed. Cold shower in the morning actually builds our immune system. Acknowledge that it is cold, deal with it and accept it. Don't mentally suffer over it. I am planning to try this. I think being in Singapore, I can discard warm showers. 
• Be free from anger. Anger is a loss of control over the situation. Anger is its own punishment. An angry person trying to push your head below water is drowning at the same time. 
• People who live far below their means enjoy a freedom that people busy upgrading their lifestyles can't fathom. A taste of freedom can make you unemployable. 

The modern struggle:

Lone individuals summoning inhuman willpower, fasting, meditating and exercising...

Up against armies of scientists and statisticians weaponizing abundant food, screens, and medicine into junk food, clickbait news, infinite porn, endless games and addictive drugs. 

Health, love and your mission, in that order. Nothing else matters. 

I am totally mesmerized. 

Nature spaces in Singapore

I spent this year's Lunar New Year away from home. Well, technically about 30 km away from home. I wasn't able to get the VTL tickets, but I am grateful that I have been home last October. I think the folks who have been stuck in Singapore for 2 years deserve this break. In a way, I am fine letting others taking the chance to go home. 

Reunion dinner was simple

On Day 1, I went cycling with XS, my mate since secondary school from Bukit Timah till Buona Vista. 

Haven't ride for years - Was fun, as the route was quite empty

Had a detour inside Clementi Forest. 

On Day 2, we did hiking from Chestnut Park to Mandai, in search of the 'Fallen Tree' at Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Taking pictures are like doing squats nowadays

In Singapore, one thing is a given - You are always watched, even out in the wild

Ok. How does it feel like being friends since 13, and then being 35 this year?

Alright - Wasn't that fantastic

I am grateful to have buddies around. It is not to say that I can't find interesting things to do. 

Having friends with similar hobbies and interests in a foreign land is a blessing

This is the healthiest Chinese New Year ever

Wishing everyone a great year ahead. Hopefully, this year will signal the start of the end of COVID-19.

The kindness of strangers (Tales of fate and fortune on the road) - Don George

Lonely Planet has certain authority when it comes to traveling. This book was published in 2016, during the height of the travel boom. There are 26 inspiring short stories in this book, and I must say, I couldn't stop reading.  

Credits to NLB Clementi for having this book

The first few stories were rather peaceful and quite pleasant. Towards the end is where the actions are. 

James D. Houston found himself locked outside his car on a cold rainy night, having lost his way in the Hawaiian island of Honolulu. He by a huge Polynesian man. Turns out, the kind Samaritan lent him a coat hanger and unlock his car. In fact, the man directed him to his destination.

Amanda Jones was lost in the Sahara Desert, alone, and was rescued by a young man from the Wodaabe tribe.

Fran Palumbo had a horrible trip in India and switch to a solo road trip to the Scottish Highlands. She was enjoying the quietness before meeting an old man - Walter, who actually gave her hope in life. Life isn't that miserable when we take things positively. 

Tanya Shaffer found the wrong Abdelati in Morocco, but was still treated warmly as a guest. 

Rolf Potts felt like a hostage in Beirut for 3 days, as he befriended a rich young man - Mr. Ibrahim, who was almost dictating what he should do, eat or think. This is an epic story. 

Anyone who is sick of being stuck (due to the pandemic) should take up this book. I can assure you that your traveling desires will be answered. 

Some of the English used by the writers are way beyond a IELTS 8.5 person like me.  

What a book~

PS: Happy Chinese New Year, and Gong Xi Fa Cai, from Singapore. 

Graeme Souness - Football: My life, my passion (With Douglas Alexander)

In many ways, Souness remains a mystery figure for me. I started following Liverpool in 2000, but seldom hear about him. I would normally see him on Sky Sports as a football pundit, and am aware he played for Liverpool. And that is all. 

Credits to Clementi NLB for the book

After reading Bob Paisley's book - Quiet Genius, I got really curious about Souness. He was Bob Paisley's chief lieutenant on the pitch. He captained Liverpool for 5 years out of 7, and won 5 league titles and 3 European Cups. Bob Paisley had replaced Phil Thompson as captain during Christmas of 81-82, and from 10th spot, Liverpool somehow came back strongly and won the league. It was Paisley's proudest moment because of the comeback that season. 

Steven Gerard was Liverpool captain, but seems to have more adulation from the fans. I have not seen Souness watching football at Anfield, unlike Dalglish, Rush, or even Keegan. 

I was puzzled, and had to read about him. Turns out, Souness was someone quite controversial, especially when he went into management.  

Souness grew up in Edinburgh, but at the age of 15, he joined Tottenham as a trainee. From then on, he went on to have an football playing career that is hardly rivalled in the UK. He arrived at Liverpool in 1978 from Middlesbrough, at a time where people would choose Liverpool over Read Madrid. He left Liverpool at the high after winning 5 league titles and 3 European Cups, to play for Sampdoria in Italy. The contract to play for 1 year equaled his pay at Liverpool for 7 years. 

It means something to be Liverpool captain - You are the leader of a very talented team

Souness then returned to become player-manager at Rangers in 1986. It was a successful stint and he regrets leaving Rangers to take up the Liverpool job in 1991, at the age of 38. He managed Liverpool in 1991 after Dalglish left. Until today, he still says that it was the wrong time to take up the job, but he felt invincible when he was young, and was too eager to help change Liverpool. The picture of him celebrating his recovery from heart-bypass, published on The Sun on the 1-year anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster practically soured his standing at the club. 

 Still, Souness was a hot property. He had a fantastic reputation as a player. He took a year of sabbatical after resigning in 1992. Management jobs were still knocking on his door, and he travelled and managed different clubs such as Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. Management was not for everyone, and Souness, as proud and successful as he was as a player, had to accept that management wasn't for him. 

Days as a manager

Souness explains that during the days of Paisley, players remain players. Nowadays, player-power can get you sack. Just look at David Moyes, Van Gaal and Mourinho at Man Utd. In many ways, the story of Souness is a bit disheartening, and you feel for the guy. Most autobiographies are written by successful people. There was a sense of regret, especially during his career in management. 

Newcastle was his last job as manager, and he was tough - Souness was sacked.

The positive note is that he was the David Beckham of his playing days.  

Today, Souness is milder and the intensity has waned. He enjoys doing TV, and has a fabulous contract with SKY. He enjoys commentating on games, and gets to travel to different stadiums. If you look at Souness today, you could tell that he is at peace. 

As you grow older, you get wiser and somewhat get to accept who you are. At least, Souness gave everything a try when he was young, and he could look back with pride. 

I hope he gets to be back at Anfield as a guest.

~~~

I turn 35 today. It's a meaningful milestone in life. Thank you Susu for being by my side after quite a challenging year. Here's to many years to come. 

Quiet Genius - Bob Paisley, British Football's Greatest Manager by Ian Herbert

'If you want to tell anybody anything, speak softly. You'll find they're trying to listen to you.'

Bob Paisley

I would have thought that Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful British football manager, but this book corrected my understanding. Ferguson delivered 28 trophies in 27 years; Clough 11 trophies in 18 years; Paisley won 14 in nine years (6 league titles and 3 European Cups). But the ratio of trophies to seasons, Paisley (1.5) ranks above Ferguson (1.03) and Clough (0.61). 

How did Paisley managed his team of stars and conquered Europe? Being an introvert who is not at all comfortable in public speaking, he found a way to generate success. When Bill Shankly suddenly retired in 1974, Paisley reluctantly took the manager job, and against all odds, duly delivered league titles and Liverpool's first three European Cups.  

 

Credits to NLB Clementi for having this book

I took down some interesting facts and quotes, and hopefully will inspire you.

His choice of friends reflected both his priorities and his discomfort in the company of those who might be considered sophisticates. They generally all loved horse racing or participated in it, though their lack of airs and graces made them unintimidating. Paisley didn't want the challenge of cutting-edge conversation about football or anything else.

- In the mid 60s, while Paisley was still one of the team in the Boot Room under Shanks.

Gradually, Liverpool emerged from the barren years. Shankly bought young players from the lower leagues - Keegan and Clemence. The side won the First Division title and UEFA Cup in 1973, and the following season's FA and UEFA Cups. The players who gathered at Anfield for pre-season training in July 1974 were viewed as the ones who stood on the cusp of renewed success. 

And then came two bombshells. Shankly told the world that he was stepping down, and Liverpool told Paisley that they wanted him to be their next manager. For the man who spent the best part of 15 years lost in Shankly's conversation, the first revelation was shocking. The second was beyond belief. 

- Paisley and his family never thought that he would become manager. This was the man who still liked to do the ironing on Sunday afternoons. 

Yet now he was standing in front of the players, on a July morning in 1974, telling them he was going to be their manager. Witnesses say Paisley mumbled some self-conscious thanks. He said they'd see how it went. He'd try to tide them over until someone else was appointed. Three minutes later he'd run out of things to say. That was it, then. They'd better get on with the job and make the best of it, he concluded, and ventured off, with the familiar limp they'd all come to know. 

Mixed up with it was the culture embedded in the club about not knifing your boss. It was his way of saying he hadn't in any way stabbed Shanks in the back and didn't go looking for that kind of job. (John Toshack)

But most of the team saw a man who just didn't want to be there. For perhaps a minute after he'd gone there was silence, as the enormous collective realisation dawned on the players of what Shankly's departure actually meant. They were to be led by a manager who had never given a team talk in his life and who seemingly could not string a sentence together. 

Paisley's disinclination to do that (not wanting Shankly back at Anfield) revealed that the quiet man was also an unyielding one. Once he had taken up the position, he DID want to be manager and, what is more, he was not inclined to ask for his predecessor's advice. 

The Liverpool rules were simply that, 'You get the ball; you give it, you move,' says Steve Heighway. 'It was the ultimate team game. You were only as good as your last game. You never got ahead of yourselves and you learned that the way you play is a waste of time without the physical effort.'

After Toshack's move the Leicester City failed, he told Paisley that he intended to play a match for Wales in Budapest, ahead of Liverpool's penultimate game of the season, against Middlesbrough, where the team needed to win to secure the second spot that would  guarantee them European football. 'If you play for Wales you'll be dropped for Middlesbrough,' Paisley informed him. Toshack had been his second top scorer in the First Division that year, and as planned he was dropped for the game. Liverpool loss 1-0. Everything then fell on winning the last game of the season, against Queen Park Rangers at Anfield. Prouder managers would have left such a player out in the cold, though a moral victory was not the kind he was looking for. Paisley selected the striker for the game and Toshack scored twice as Liverpool won 3-1. 

'I do wonder if Shanks, with his pride, would have found a place for me,' Toshack reflects. 'But that was Bob. He could take the emotion out. He would definitely hold a grudge. But he wouldn't hold a grudge if he knew it was going to work against him.'

Appearance and reality were different entities. Being observed in plain sight did not interest Paisley. The quiet persona and undemonstrative exterior obscured an individual who very much did want to manage Liverpool and take the decisions that came with it. Changes were under way and it suited him fine if others wanted to think otherwise. 

7 truths spoken by Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel is stepping down as German Chancellor after 16 years. 

There was an article on Sinchiew Daily's Business Section on 21st October 2021 (page 8).

Read more on Merkel on Wikipedia

There are 7 famous quotes that spoke the truth of our word today:

1. The question is not whether we are to change but whether we are changing fast enough. 

- Before becoming Chancellor in 2005, Merkel was sure that the Germans were able to change, learn, adapt, and progress. Those who thing otherwise were wrong. 

2. You could certainly say that I've never underestimated myself. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious. 

- During an interview with Time in 2010 (after 5 years as Chancellor), she brushed off doubts about her ability and credibility. The fact that she managed to bring Germany out of the financial crisis was proof that her election as chancellor was no fluke. 

3. When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromise. 

- During the Arab spring in 2010, Germany accepted the most refugees. Although there were disadvantages, displeasures and challenges, Merkel showed support and care for human rights.

4. Freedom does not mean being free of something, but to be free to do something. 

- Merkel grew out in Communist East Germany, where freedom was almost unknown. Safeguarding freedom was one of the objectives as a politician. 

5. Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are. 

- Probably one of the most famous quotes from Merkel, this quote reflects her career and personality as a whole. When she was chosen as Time's Person of the Year in 2015, she said that a German sees politics as a skill and not merely about showmanship. Merkel's demeanor and practicality was what the people desired. 

6. So, one has to try to find compromises with mutual respect, but also with a clear opinion. That's politics - always looking to find a common way forward. 

Financial Times compared Trump and Merkel's personalities, and both could not be more different. Merkel was open and free while Trump was racist and inward looking. Still, Merkel refrained from a confrontation policy but tried her best to seek common grounds. This met her political objective. 

7. The fact that people seem to no longer wish to talk to one another... that is something that fills me with grave concern. 

- During World Economic Forum in 2020, Merkel explained that unlike the cold war period, the current international community lacks communication. If we only engage with one another who shares the same views and values, disaster may happen. For the past 16 years, Merkel has been a proponent for a united Europe. She has been dubbed as the leader of the free world. 

What a leader and person Angela Merkel is. We could learn so much from her. 

The Art of Influence - Dr. Tunku Alina Alias

Last night, I attended a talk by Dr. Tunku Alina Alias, organized by Chevening Malaysia Alumni. It was a 45 minute webinar, but I learned a lot. 

Full credits to the organizing team!

Below are some key takeaways regarding the art of influence:

1. The first step is to start with why. 

• What is our purpose and cause? Why would you wish to influence anyone?

2. How can we do it? 

• Before we even start, we need to create rapport. The method to influence depends on the intent. People use a variety of methods - Educate, advocate, threats, bribes... Again, it all depends on the intent. The best way though, is to inspire. 

3. We need to know the drivers of human condition.

• Different people are driven and persuaded by different conditions - Intellect, bias, emotion, circumstances, desperation, superstition, greed... By understanding our counterpart, we can use the best approach. 

4. In short, extraordinary influence method:

• Requires and depends on purpose, technique, occasion, time horizon and person. 

5. Leadership encompasses a wide range of dimensions - personal, family, team, community, corporation, political and etc. The facets of a leader is divided into:

• Innate - Personality, talent, charisma, internal strength, will, comfortable in tension, emotional resilience.
• Art - Developing intact core, building credibility and personal branding, learning communication skills, acquiring resources, networking (is vital, it is part of 'work'. We don't call it netplaying), wisdom of humidity, influence and inspire. 

6. Active listening ability is key:

I first came across this understanding from Prof. Arfah Salleh of Putra Business School, UPM in 2014

That's why we all have a pair of ears and eyes, but only one mouth. 

In summary, the art of influence involves:

1. Active listening skills
2. Creating alignment and trust
3. Recognizing the human before you and their needs
4. Affirmation and encouragement at the right rime
5. Provide guard rails and watching out for derailment

We had some interesting questions from the floor and these are the answers from Dr. Tunku. 

1. People always remember how you made them feel, no so much what you said. So treat people as human first. 

2. How do we manage when we are of a minority in society (ethnicity, gender)?

• Sometimes, we may need to recognize that some things cannot be changed. But we should not give up. Never underestimate the power of collective voices of the masses. 

3. What happens when someone is also trained and tries to influence us? 

• It is always challenging if someone comes with an agenda. There is no point trying to influence them back. We can help people with problem, but cannot help problem people. 
• We rather have honest people, and we are open to be persuaded. When we feel that we are being manipulated, we need to turn around. We need to recognized our counterpart.

The Rise of Goliath - A.K. Bhattacharya

One of the luckiest things in my life was that I decided to do a solo backpack to northern India in December 2019. We all know what had happened afterwards. The skies closed.

Check out my adventure in India at: https://weesertan.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel%3A%20India 

To start with, I had always wanted to visit New Delhi, and am a huge fan of Indian cuisine. Tell me which Malaysian doesn't like roti canai or nasi briyani. Secondly, I am totally mesmerized by the Indian civilization, history and culture. Lastly, I have several friends from my time in Glasgow based in India. I took the chance to visit them. 

I stumbled upon this book, and it has been a terrific read.

Credits to NLB Singapore, Clementi branch

The Rise of Goliath - Twelve disruptions that changed India (after independence) is like a modern day history of India. Fantastically written by AK Bhattacharya (AKB). It covers the days of Nehru up until Modi. 

You can't talk about India without the Partition, which is the first disruption. AKB presented many facts unknown to me, such as Jinnah was initially a Congress member, and was a nationalistic moderate that promote a Hindu-Muslim unity and a united India. By 1930, he lost his influence, left the Congress, and went to London to practice law, before coming back to lead the Muslim League. He never trusted the Congress again.  

There were pros and cons for both India and Pakistan after independence. India saw 24% of its total land area being hived off to Pakistan (including East Bengal which became Bangladesh from 1971). This meant that there were less land per person in India and more land per person in Pakistan. Of the total population in an undivided India was estimated at 390 million, of which about 60 million went to Pakistan. While Pakistan got the land, India got 90% of industrial establishment. Textiles, chemicals, cotton mills, silk, cement, sugar mills, heavy engineering factories mostly remained in India after Partition. 

Kashmir remains a contentious issue between India and Pakistan today, more than seven decades after Partition. This is a story by itself though.

Post independence, Nehru went for a stream of nationalization projects, and pushed for a welfare state and socialistic economy. This was a time when industrialist like GD Birla, JRD Tata, Purshottamdas Thakurdas and Walchand Hirachand played important roles.

Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister in 1966-77 and 1980-84 when she was assassinated by her body guards. Operation Blue Star is itself a story for the ages. Based on this book, Gandhi is a both and shrewd politician. The Green Revolution helped solve the issue of rice crops, while more nationalization projects kicked in, creating waves of disruption in the banking, oil and coal mining sector. She was toppled in court in Feb 1975 due to her involvement in employing a government servant Yashpal Kapoor to campaign for her during 1971's election. Her election to parliament was declared void!

Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in June 1975, one of the most dangerous disruption in post-independence India. It was Gandhi's political response to a political challenge. She and her son Sanjay Gandhi, the heir apparent who had no constitutional authority ran the government with a small group of ministers. 

After lifting the emergency in 1977, she loss the election in 1977 and led to the formation of the first non-Congress government. Emergency rule galvanized the opposition parties. Gandhi actually won the next election in 1980 and was elected Prime Minister the second time. The bounce back was because she readily acknowledge her defeat and committed herself to democracy. Sent to jail after the defeat, she gained huge voter's sympathy.

The 1990's saw the heroics of Finance Minister Manmohan Singh who later became Prime Minister.

Modi came to power and is still in power today. The biggest disruption that happened was the demonetization program in November 2016. AKB was able to explain how Modi and his most trusted advisors pulled this off. The main objective was to rid off black market and counterfeit money. 

What a story!

~~~

I have been fortunate to work with colleagues from India. One of the true qualities that I learned is the ability to remain calm and composed even during supposedly critical situations. In life, it's good to not take things too seriously too often. 

Take care my friends, as Malaysia is opening up for cross-state travels. 

The Room Where It Happenend - John Bolton

Nothing beats having a good cup of tea and a good book after dinner after a long workday. It would be an icing on the cake if I have a quiet garden with some crickets sing. I like history books and biographies; written by heroes and villains, as long as they are genuine. This form of relaxation is even more enjoyable, especially during pandemic days, where travelling seems like something of the past. The pace of life has dramatically dropped. 

There will hardly be another instance where I arrive at KLIA at 6am in the morning from the UK, and catch the 3pm flight to China. 

Reading has become the new way to travel and to meet new people. 

It is so much beneficial than scrolling social media, watching dramas or playing computer games (which I stopped when I entered university). Life has a lot more to offer, while we improve ourselves by learning from others. The opportunities will come, but it is up to us to recognize and grab it.

Today marks the 5th month into the (surprise) new job in Singapore, and it has been terrific. Not smooth sailing all the time, workload has increased but I find it truly interesting and valuable. Structured training has been fun and I met new people. The 7 of us (global new hires) are 100% aware of our responsibilities and timelines. I am truly fortunate and will be forever indebted to my boss, mentors and seniors. Not the quickest learner, I am determined to add value to the team. It is amazing how your previous work experience and past learnings propel you to do greater things. 

So never give up and always make the best out of the worst situations. 

~~~

John Bolton's The Room Where It Happened was a book a picked up at Clementi Library. It feels like a  guide for what was going on in Trump's White House. I was fortunate to visit Washington DC and do all the touristy stuff back in March 2019, such as admire the heavily secured White House and the magnificent Capitol. So it was interesting to read about the rooms inside. 

Check out my post on my visit to Washington DC at: 

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/07/traveling-america-washington-dc-part-1.html

~~~

For a start, any reader would need to take a very very very neutral approach. Trump's tenure as the 45th POTUS was since as a complete disaster on the international scene. He basically bulldozed and removed most of Obama's contribution on the international stage, e.g. quitting the TPPA, exiting Paris Agreement on Climate Change, souring relationships with the EU and etc. He ran on an American First policy, built a wall with Mexico and waged trade wars on China.

Nevertheless, this would have garnered quite some support domestically. I suppose this is what democracy is. 

John Bolton's book on his stint as National Security Advisor under Donald Trump was insightful. It records down how politicians think, calculate and react. Being a long time Republican and served with at least 2 other Republican Presidents, Bolton is a seasoned politician and administrator. 

To start with, I never liked the regime, or Bolton for that matter. It was a relief when a second term did not material. 

Bolton was a Trump supporter but later resigned and turned into his fiercest critics. He was at the center of power, and was privy to almost all decision making process in the White House. Needless to say, he had a lot to share, and Trump had wanted to ban this block-buster book, especially right before the Presidential Election in November 2020. As a lawyer, he definitely knew the implications of dropping such bombshells on the president during his term. Trump tried his best to ban the book, but was unsuccessful. 

From his writings, Bolton described himself as hawkish, someone who advocates aggressive public policy, especially in foreign affairs. He was in a hurry to get things done. In fact, on some issues, he was even more aggressive than Trump, especially on North Korea. While Trump wanted photo opportunities and media attention with Kim Jong-Un, Bolton was sweating in his pants. Trump of course, was his own man. He met Kim twice; in Singapore (2018) and Hanoi (2019). Bolton didn't want to have anything to do with it. According to Bolton, US was being played by North Korea. US was giving out too many goodies. 

Some parts of the book was difficult to read and stomach. I often found myself irked and puzzled. It looked like a book for the domestic reader in the US. Bolton's theories and sentiments were extreme. He was anti-China, anti-Iran, anti-Venezuela and anti-EU. He was convinced that foreign countries are taking advantage of US being too kind and diplomatic. I always believe that globalization is symbiotic. For example, US companies setting up factories in China and thus achieving lower production cost and a global market. They definitely earn big bucks, but as a consequence, jobs are shifted overseas too. How are you going to blame China from snatching jobs away from the US? It was the US companies who made the move abroad to tap cheaper labour and resources. 

The book also gave interesting insights on Trump's personal life, management skills (or rather none of it) and his Twitter career. An interesting part of the book revolves around the challenges of Trump's aids and supporting crew. Having quite an unpredictable leader was a nightmare, as the scripts get changed without much warning. It was interesting to see how the White House team managed Trump's temperament. I think we could learn a thing or two in terms of reacting to unforeseen circumstance. 

Overall, the book is filled with a lot of negativity, and provided harsh realities and calamities of the Trump administration. We need to thank Bolton for tabling them out. This book could be studied by crisis management personnel.  

 Ps: Credits to Singapore's National Library Board for having this book.