This week’s highlights: Betting on Philosophy, the Disease of More, Asset Price Bubbles, and the best way to get ketchup out of the bottle.

Food for Thought:

1. GatesNotes – Dear Warren, From Bill and Melinda.  Our 2017 annual letter is addressed to our dear friend Warren Buffett, who in 2006 donated the bulk of his fortune to our foundation to fight disease and reduce inequity.
2. FastCo – Two Simple Steps To Sell Anybody On Your Vision.  We aren’t all motivated by the same things. Here’s how to secure everybody’s buy-in, in this order.
3. WSJ – Philanthropist Nicolas Berggruen’s Big Bet on Philosophy – Credit DH – The financier discusses expanding his Berggruen Institute and why the world needs more big ideas.
4. MM – The Disease of More – Success is often the first step toward disaster. The idea of progress is often the enemy of actual progress.  In keeping with Manson’s general tone, a little PG-13 in spots.
5. HBR – Lifelong Learning Is Good for Your Health, Your Wallet, and Your Social Life – Credit SF

Business/Economics:

1. TIFG – Private Equity, Venture Capital, and the Future of Money Management, with Brent Beshore.  This is a longer podcast, but if you are serious about capital allocation in private markets, a must listen to.
2. SCM – Berkshire Hathaway is Safe and Cheap – Credit PK –
3. Economist – Bubbles are rarer than you think.  And very hard to recognise until it is too late
4. Bloomberg – The World According to a Free-Range Short Seller With Nothing to Lose.  Marc Cohodes, the scourge of Wall Street, is back. And he’s passing along his “dying art” to a new generation of troublemakers.
5. WSJ – How to Beat the High Cost of Learning.  Financial aid has caused tuitions to skyrocket. If we can’t abolish it, we can at least simplify it.

Culture/Tech/Science:

1. ESPN – LeBron: The Sequel. LeBron James’ first act, becoming one of the greatest basketball players in history, is all but settled as a success. His second act — to become a global entertainment icon — is just beginning.
2. LinkedIN – This Is How You Identify A-Players During An Interview
3. NYP – Scientist may have finally found the best way to pour ketchup from a bottle
4. WSJ – The Best Sleepover Strategy for Parents.  Let rules slide? Intervene in the group dynamics? Make snacks that require you to go in and replenish
5. BI – The future of the Hamptons is uncertain as prices plummet and luxury buyers head north