Thomas Friedman - The World is Flat

Okay one of the most depressing books I've read in a long time....I mean it wasn't sad depressing but it was a real wake up to the world we live in.  I mean it is pure Darwin in how the world is working because if you don't keep up you'll secede your dominance to someone more hungry and willing to work hard.  Obviously the US is resting on its laurels and the sense of entitlement we think we deserve makes us ripe for the picking.  The second half of this book really hones in on this issue.  As with everything, especially with someone trying to sell something, there is a bit of sensationalism going on because for one he is trying to make a buck.  But there are some underlying truths which are also true.  Are we living in Pax American?  Can we dig out of our malaise and fear of terrorism and make things look as good for our kids as our parents did for us?  Only time will tell but I think this November is a really important one.  Some interesting points throughout the book especially some technological dates.  I mean when you are growing up you don't often see the technological marvels until you look back, such as:

- Windows 3.0 shipped on May 22, 1990 only six months after the wall (Berlin) went down

A "wow" factor:

- On any given day, according to UPS, 2% of the world's GDP can be found in UPS delivery trucks

A "hope" factor

- ...there is no limit to the number of idea-generated jobs in the world...

A couple of "good" quotes

"So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something" - Steve Jobs

"Out of clutter, find simplicity
From discord, find harmony
In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity" - Einstein

And finally something for all parents:

Today's kids sense of entitlement is eroding the future, there is too much instant gratification, hard work still pays!