Mere Mortals Book Reviews

A new villain and a new frontier. Crocodile Tears throws Alex Rider into the jaws—literally. We open in Scotland, meet philanthropist-on-paper Desmond McCain of the First Aid charity, and quickly discover a disaster-profit scheme that weaponises tragedy for donations. From GM-food labs and biodomes to fake cops, forced travel and a crocodile interrogation in Kenya, this one moves.Highlights we cover:The McCain playbook: create chaos, cash in on sympathyThe school sequence & realism check (fun, if implausible)Nuclear-plant scare, dam finale, and why the collateral “cost” is part of the messageBig idea: Urgency is non-negotiable—how to build it into your day without burning out00:00 – Cold Open: “New villain, new frontier” hook00:25 – Meet Desmond McCain & the First Aid façade01:00 – Scotland opener: party, near-drowning, immediate stakes01:42 – GM lab & biodome chase (the white-line injury)02:20 – School sequence & “could that really happen?”02:55 – Kidnapped by fake police → drugged transit → Kenya03:35 – Crocodile pit interrogation: the plan revealed04:20 – Indian intel ally, nuclear-plant scare, jets & fields05:05 – The dam decision & collateral damage question05:40 – The philosophy: Urgency is non-negotiable (applied)07:00 – Verdict: who should read Crocodile Tears (and why)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

“The enemy isn’t out there. It is within.” That line sets the tone for Snakehead, the seventh Alex Rider novel: darker, sharper, and closer to the bone. We open in Australia (very on-brand for me), surge into Bangkok, and tangle with human-trafficking rings and a bomb plot on the water. Along the way, we meet Ash and face the kind of betrayal that doesn’t fit neatly into “good guy / bad guy.”Big idea: Reality is messy. Moral clarity often arrives after the decision. I’ll show you how to act decisively when you can’t see the full board, then learn fast and adjust.What you’ll get:A spoiler-lite overview of the plot beats that matterThe Ash dilemma and why “the enemy within” cuts deepA practical framework to make better choices under uncertainty(00:00) Cold Open(00:24) Series context & why this entry hits different(00:56) Crash-landing in Australia & the SAS test vibe(01:39) Snakehead & Scorpia: the Southeast Asia operation(02:02) The bomb at sea & Bangkok detour(02:36) Pacing & world-hopping done right(03:09) Enter Ash: darker threads & moral fog(03:32) Godfather angle & the “enemy within” theme(03:53) Big philosophy: “Reality is messy”(05:20) Personal reflections: choices, service, and uncertainty(06:39) You only get the options you create(07:28) Final verdict & who should read thisConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Into space we go!Ark Angel takes Alex Rider higher, literally, as he stumbles from a hospital bed into a conspiracy that leads straight into orbit. Anthony Horowitz throws his young spy into billionaire plots, CIA entanglements, and finally, a space station showdown that decides the fate of nations.(00:00) – Welcome: Alex Rider in Ark Angel(00:19) – Why the series always feels limitless(00:56) – Picking up after Scorpia(01:22) – The hospital incident & mistaken identity(01:59) – Enter Nikolei Drevin, billionaire philanthropist or villain?(02:26) – The plot escalates: CIA, Washington, and Ark Angel(02:45) – Yes, Alex actually goes into space(03:08) – The philosophy of recklessness & willingness(03:54) – Alex’s reluctance: a real 14-year-old in the fire(04:57) – Risk, persistence & personal reflection(05:27) – The go-kart race with Drevin(06:27) – Pacing: strong start, slower middle, explosive ending(07:05) – Horowitz’s acknowledgements & research(07:45) – Final reflections: Ark Angel as outrageous but thrillingConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Scorpia isn’t just another Alex Rider adventure, it’s the book where everything shifts. Darker, grittier, and more morally complex, this is where Alex discovers the terrifying legacy of his father, the manipulative power of Scorpia, and the harsh truth that both MI6 and his enemies will use him as a pawn.In this review, I explore how Scorpia raises the stakes, the deeper philosophical undertones about identity and manipulation, and why this is the turning point that makes the Alex Rider series unputdownable.(00:00) – Welcome & Introduction(00:23) – Recap of Alex Rider so far(01:04) – Why Scorpia raises the stakes(01:28) – Alex’s family secrets and Scorpia’s manipulation(02:14) – The recurring theme: Alex always gets played(02:55) – Darker tone & injuries at the end(03:17) – Philosophical takeaway: truth isn’t always freedom(03:55) – Alex’s identity crisis: good or evil?(04:15) – The chilling moment: Alex nearly assassinates Mrs Jones(05:09) – Training with Scorpia & struggle to become a killer(05:29) – The danger of stories that manipulate(06:24) – Reflections on identity & making your own story(06:59) – Why Scorpia is so fun to read at any age(07:37) – The 2004 setting & outdated tech references(07:55) – Final thoughts: the darker turn of the seriesConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this review, we dive into Eagle Strike, the fourth Alex Rider book by Anthony Horowitz. Alex finds himself on his own against the billionaire villain Damian Cray, with MI6 refusing to back him. Packed with action, foreshadowing of Scorpia, and a surprising philosophical twist, this book marks the bridge between the light beginnings of the series and the darker arcs that follow.(00:00) - Welcome & Intro to the Review(00:55) - The Premise: Alex Rider in France & Damian Cray’s Rise(02:20) - Action Highlights: Bikes, Gadgets, Air Force One(02:43) - Why the Alex Rider Books are Accessible & Fun(04:11) - Outdated Tech: The “Game Slayer” Detail(05:20) - Nostalgia Factor vs. Modern Readers(07:31) - Life Application of the Book’s Theme(08:11) - Reflections on Villain & Alex’s Character(08:32) - The Series Grows Darker & More Complex(09:06) - Increasing Book Length & Depth Over Time(09:24) - Closing Thoughts & RecommendationsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

There will always be someone selling BS, but you can learn how to spot it.'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre is an expose of sorts showcasing instances of media (individuals & as a whole) distorting statistics & scientific data. He explains the various errors they commit while examining the various reasons as to why they occurred. There are 16 chapters focusing on topics like the placebo effect, the MMR Hoax, homeopathy & nutrition.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:39) Themes/Questions(00:25:18) Author & Extras(00:33:24) Summary(00:36:11) Value 4 Value(00:36:59) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

The future of Asia is interesting but even more so is the man who created it!'Lee Kuan Yew' by Allison & Blackwill is a compiled selection of speeches & quotes from Lee Kuan Yew bundled together to come across as a single interview. The focus is on his opinions over the years on what he imagines the future will look like. It's split into 10 chapters on topics like democracy, China/USA/India, geopolitics & Islamic Extremism.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:49) Themes/Questions(00:26:56) Author & Extras(00:33:57) Summary(00:37:18) Value 4 Value(00:39:10) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Tolkien doesn’t write chapters; he builds civilisations. The Fellowship of the Ring is a slow, deliberate march through languages, histories and the lived feel of time, a marathon of meaning more than a sprint of action. I respect the scope, loved the journey, but prefer punchier reads.(00:00) “You shall not pass.”(00:09) Welcome & why review Fellowship now(01:14) Trilogy intent & page heft (535pp!)(01:34) Comparing to The Hobbit — brisk romp vs dense saga(02:15) Tolkien the philologist: languages → world → story(03:46) Book vs films; songs, lore, and density(04:50) When detail drags — what I skimmed & why(06:25) Feeling the journey: Tolkien makes time pass on the page(07:52) “Feels familiar” because it birthed the genre(08:31) Fellowship in a nutshell (plot sketch)(09:44) What I loved vs what I didn’t (I like punch)(10:51) Verdict, who should read it, and why — 7/10(11:31) Sign-off & CTAsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence.'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies influenced by countries. It's split into 8 parts with 52 chapters in total.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:38) Themes/Questions(00:21:57) Author & Extras(00:26:10) Summary(00:28:18) Value 4 Value(00:29:28) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quiet resilience. This isn’t just about the plot, it’s about the philosophy hidden between the lines.(00:00) – Welcome & New Studio Setup(00:19) – Introducing Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz(00:42) – Why Revisit Alex Rider as an Adult(01:15) – Plot Setup: From Wimbledon to the World of Spies(02:09) – CIA Involvement & Dangerous Missions(02:28) – Enter the Villain: The General and His Henchman(03:16) – High-Stakes Action: Submarines & Survival(04:13) – The Real Focus: A Villain Worth Admiring(05:16) – Strength Without Noise: The General’s Philosophy(06:16) – Stoicism Before I Knew What It Was(07:22) – Composure in a World That Sees It as Weakness(08:35) – Final Thoughts & Recommendation(09:14) – Closing & Future Book ReviewsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Not only is history written by the victors, but it's altered by the academics!'The Lessons Of History' by Will & Ariel Durant is a small book that attempts to sum-up the history of humanity across several categories of human activity. They use examples from ancient civilisations but also add their own personal opinions into the mix. 13 chapters on Biology, Race, Character, Morals, Religion, Economics, Socialism, Government, War and a few others.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:47) Themes/Questions(00:08:39) Authors & Extras(00:12:43) Summary(00:15:06) Value 4 Value(00:16:40) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Move aside Sparta, there's a new power in town!'Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy' by John R. Hale is a historical book that recounts the period from 483-322 BC of Ancient Greece and in particular the navy armada of Athens. We witness the rise and fall of Athenian power via not only sea battles with other empires but the decisions made by it's democratic governments as well as influential politicians, generals, philosophers & artists. If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:48) Themes/Questions(00:19:29) Author & Extras(00:25:12) Summary(00:27:33) Value 4 Value(00:28:58) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?(00:00) - Intro & Series Overview(00:30) - What is Point Blank? A Quick Recap(01:10) - Crazy Plot Devices: Chimneys, Clones & Ironing Boards(02:40) - The Core Theme: Cloning and Control(04:00) - The Perfection Paradox in Parenting(06:00) - Modern Filters: From Fiction to Instagram(08:00) - Uniqueness vs Assimilation(09:30) - What Today’s Influencers Reveal About Us(10:45) - Are We Becoming Clones of Each Other?(12:00) - The Real Cost of Perfectionism(13:10) - Who Are You… Really?(14:00) - If Point Blanc Was Written Today…(14:45) - Final Thoughts on the Book & ConceptConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends!'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one of the robber barons of the Gilded Age. Plenty of stories showcasing his ruthless underhanded dealing in business yet a calm and generous personality outside of it.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:26) Themes/Questions(00:19:03) Author & Extras(00:22:34) Summary(00:25:18) Value 4 Value(00:26:55) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, this one is pure gold.(00:00) - Fog Over the Misty Mountains(00:09) - Welcome & Why The Hobbit Still Matters(00:43) - Historical Facts: 1937 Legacy & First Draft Trivia(01:50) - Written for His Kids: Origins of the Story(02:26) - How Short It Really Is & Reading Experience(02:51) - Influence on Modern Fantasy Fiction(03:35) - Plot Breakdown: Bilbo’s Unexpected Journey(04:23) - Themes: Hidden Leadership & Simplicity(05:08) - A Classic Hero's Journey(06:43) - Final Rating & Europe Reading Story(07:19) - The Structure & Flow of the Book(07:55) - Key Takeaway: Good Stories Come From Struggle(10:45) - Final Thoughts & A Call to Read It NowConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

The fun side of rather questionable behaviour.'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and ultimately market manipulation. Within you'll find amusing stories of trading hijinks, unbelievable trades, emotional discipline & bankruptcies galore.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:31) Themes/Questions(00:20:48) Author & Extras(00:29:08) Summary(00:32:18) Value 4 Value(00:33:38) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live with purpose and integrity, especially when no one is watching.00:00 – Intro: What This Episode Covers00:34 – Ryan’s Style: Stories Over Theory01:33 – Take Responsibility (and Ask Better Questions)03:18 – It's Your Turn to Make the Fire04:22 – Be an Open Book: Secrets, Shame, & Integrity05:23 – Treat People Right When It’s Hard06:26 – Realise Your Potential: Do Your Best, Become Who You Should Be07:48 – See Every Person as an Opportunity for Kindness08:16 – Power: What You Do When You Can Do Anything09:18 – Gandhi’s 7 Blunders of Humanity10:05 – Afterword Reflections: Wisdom Comes With Age11:12 – The Hidden Cost of Success12:10 – Final Reflections & Justice in the Real WorldConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it.In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. All 3 books question meaning and have a tendency towards indulging in nihilism.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:53) What Does It All Mean? - Thomas Nagel(00:07:52) What Is Man & Other Essays - Mark Twain(00:19:55) The Foundation Pit - Andrey Platonov(00:34:00) Value 4 Value(00:35:49) Coming Up Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of life.00:00 – Intro & Context on the Stoic Virtue Series  00:30 – Book Stats: Length, Release Date, Structure  01:13 – Theme of Justice & Ryan’s Intentions  02:00 – Why Justice Isn’t a Popular Topic  02:56 – How This Book Differs from Others in the Series  04:04 – Tone, Chapter Layout & Personal Reflections  04:39 – Breakdown of the 3 Sections: Me, We, All  05:18 – A Slower, More Reflective Reading Experience  06:24 – Ryan’s Personal Notes & Writing it for His Kids  07:12 – Why Justice Becomes More Important with Age  07:55 – Final Thoughts & Rating (7.5/10)  08:13 – Who This Book is For (and Not For)  09:01 – Recommendations & Legacy Focus  09:19 – Political Themes & Why Some Might Not Enjoy It  10:00 – Closing Comments & Call to Action  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast.My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz(00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die(00:47) – First Encounter at 14(02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism(03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action(05:41) – Philosophy: Adapt to Survive(07:18) – Final ReflectionsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast