Learnings: The introduction, with its reference to Teresa Bücker, already caught my attention. Bianca Jankovska doesn't want to write a sober, objective non-fiction book, nor convince with columns of figures and studies - but rather add to the debate about work with a lively, unsparing book. This is fitting, because for many people, employment is just that - a highly emotional topic. And yet a lot of research work has gone into providing a scientifically sound basis for topics such as the 4-day work week, the Great Resignation, menstrual leave and inheritance. My (german) blog post about it: Befreiung durch das Anti-Work-Mindset: „Es gibt gute Arbeit, aber nur für verdammt wenige.“

Learnings: It is mentally totally healthy to question our existence and our absurd everyday lives - and yet we rarely do it, for example in a work context. Why are we actually on this planet? Christian Uhle is trying to get to the bottom of this with the help of philosophy and science. Where religions used to provide answers, there is now potential emptiness - which can be filled. But it's not about one question, there are multiple questions to answer. And: Purpose does not always correlate with happiness.

Learnings: In the event of a disaster, people help each other. Civil war does not break out immediately. A refutation of the facade theory as well as many famous psychological experiments that have shaped our image of the egotistical, violent human being - but which are no longer scientifically tenable. See my blog post as well.

Learnings: Having to watch the progressing, human-made global warming can evoke feelings such as fear, anger, frustration, hopelessness or sadness. Dealing with them is a mammoth task, both individually and as socities. A great introduction by the Psychologists for Future with recommendations such as “getting into action” or tips for dealing with fear. The book is also available as free audiobook on Spotify