Just a huge thank you. This has literally made my day as I wander through the selections, adding some to my streaming service and thinking about Christmas list adjustments.
Thanks! For the first 17 years of my career I spent probably a third of my time writing about music, mostly jazz in those days. I still pay close attention to new releases every week. Every once in a while that energy escapes into my writing.
I'm not sure I have the fortitude to get through Rory's memoir.
In my career, people who were really into the work, and improving how it was done, were regarded with outright suspicion, and "handled". They were clearly hewers of wood, and drawers of water; servants, not executives.
It's a clear psychological return to feudalism, where it was a very negative knock on somebody, in the upper classes, to say that "they are in trade", i.e. may have money, but from working for it, not just owning things and ruling over people. (Which is how real "Executive Material" contribute.)
The change in my workplace (municipal gov't), from the best workers getting promoted, to "leadership" as a separate competence that can be moved anywhere... goes hand-in-hand with the growing income inequality that was also happening since my career story begins around 1980. Income inequality and social inequality, right there at the office. The new boss doesn't understand what you do; he just knows "how to boss". And will move to a new area in a few years.
Just a note to reinforce our scribe’s request on tickets. I had two but other things have come up. If you’re in the same boat, let the folks at the NAC know.
As for Rory Stewart, his podcast is well worth a regular spot in the rotation. The Rest is Politics with Rory and Alister Campbell.
I think so. The first obstacle to the success of the enterprise is getting Rory to answer his emails, but at some point with some book I think I'll do this sort of thing.
I’m afraid I’m late to the party, but I’ve recently come across Rory Stewart’s and Alastair Campbell’s podcasts (The Rest is Politics & Leading) and devoured the back catalogues. I’ve consequently ordered Stewart’s latest book.
Count me in for a book club if you do organise one.
Thanks for the great review of the Rory Stewart book; I’ve ordered it
[you are aware, I hope, that Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell co-host the wonderful UK politics podcast “The Rest is History”. Give it a listen if you’ve never..]
How Not to be a Politician is a fine book, and goes well with a submarine sandwich, but will anyone who should read it ever read it? Who’s gonna stuff that in Rachel Thomas MP’s stocking?
Book club on it for sure. I picked it up in Heathrow a couple of weeks ago (and when i saw your cover and the title, I wondered if he’d released another book this year!) and really enjoyed it. I shared the humble-brag feeling for awhile, but share your overall impression of its importance. Thanks for always making me think, laugh, and feel a little smarter at the end of each piece or podcast episode.
Paul, am I wrong, or could this bit have been written about Pierre P, aside from the first bit about having been promoted faster than anyone. Seems he's going to be our next PM no matter what, so if I am not wrong, I'm just sad.
I was told that she had been promoted faster than anyone because she was a ‘strong media performer.’ Intrigued by this, I had watched a number of her interview. In none of them had she reflected, apologised, explained, empathised, or attempted to persuade. Nor did she ever, except in the rarest cases, answer a question. Instead, she approached interviews as broadcasts: opportunities to repeat the party attack line, never giving ground, or varying her tone.
‘I want you to write a ten-point plan for the national parks.’
‘Yes, Secretary of State,’ I said… ‘I will get straight out to visit the parks, then we will get the heads of the national parks down. I will have a plan ready for you within four weeks.’
‘You have three days, Rory,’ she said with such exaggerated firmness that I wondered if she were joking. ‘We need to get it into the Telegraph on Friday.’
On the secrets of Truss’s success:
Governing might be about critical thinking; but the new style of politics, of which she was a leading exponent, was not. If critical thinking required humility, this politics demanded absolute confidence: in place of reality, it offered untethered hope; instead of accuracy, vagueness. While critical thinking required scepticism, open-mindedness and an instinct for complexity, the new politics demanded loyalty, partisanship and slogan: not truth and reason but power and manipulation.
what a relief when the best recommendations, had one book! Stewart's efforts to integrate policy, politics and on the ground operations to the implementors is i think unique in approach, along with his state of flux on conservative ideology vs. everyone else, which he gets playful in depicting. I'm glad you are giving us some time to actually read the book, and maybe a "book club" is bit much to take on, but some form of one or two off meetings virtually would work for exchange of ideas\? Paul, your mission including the idea of "community" is such a bold and interesting idea in all its challenges in pulling off, and another pithy topic. As a start, I wonder about applying the idea to talking about the book. I suggest while your websites are the hub, maybe what might work with Rory, is to bridge with his own and own activities and mix the two, somehow. I do think this fits into the idea of the www being about interconnectivity and learning. Stephen Downes, is a great way to learn about this kind of approach https://www.downes.ca/me/mybooks.htm cheers, all,
Paul,
Just a huge thank you. This has literally made my day as I wander through the selections, adding some to my streaming service and thinking about Christmas list adjustments.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Couldn't agree more with recommending Kevin Lau's album. My own appreciation after the Chamberfest concert last week: https://erwindreessen.substack.com/p/lau-and-ravel.
I was sorry to miss that concert. Thanks for this.
Since no one has said it: the music recommendations here are fantastic. Thank you!
Thanks! For the first 17 years of my career I spent probably a third of my time writing about music, mostly jazz in those days. I still pay close attention to new releases every week. Every once in a while that energy escapes into my writing.
I'm not sure I have the fortitude to get through Rory's memoir.
In my career, people who were really into the work, and improving how it was done, were regarded with outright suspicion, and "handled". They were clearly hewers of wood, and drawers of water; servants, not executives.
It's a clear psychological return to feudalism, where it was a very negative knock on somebody, in the upper classes, to say that "they are in trade", i.e. may have money, but from working for it, not just owning things and ruling over people. (Which is how real "Executive Material" contribute.)
The change in my workplace (municipal gov't), from the best workers getting promoted, to "leadership" as a separate competence that can be moved anywhere... goes hand-in-hand with the growing income inequality that was also happening since my career story begins around 1980. Income inequality and social inequality, right there at the office. The new boss doesn't understand what you do; he just knows "how to boss". And will move to a new area in a few years.
Appreciate this recommendation (and very into a book club on it)
Just a note to reinforce our scribe’s request on tickets. I had two but other things have come up. If you’re in the same boat, let the folks at the NAC know.
As for Rory Stewart, his podcast is well worth a regular spot in the rotation. The Rest is Politics with Rory and Alister Campbell.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rest-is-politics/id1611374685?i=1000637601871
Looking forward to the book.
A book club could be fun and interesting. How do you see it working, Paul? Meetings on Zoom?
I think so. The first obstacle to the success of the enterprise is getting Rory to answer his emails, but at some point with some book I think I'll do this sort of thing.
I look forward to that. Have a great holiday.
Thanks for the recommendation on the Rory Stewart book. A book club for this book is a great idea.
Hi Paul,
First, many thanks for your fine work!
I’m afraid I’m late to the party, but I’ve recently come across Rory Stewart’s and Alastair Campbell’s podcasts (The Rest is Politics & Leading) and devoured the back catalogues. I’ve consequently ordered Stewart’s latest book.
Count me in for a book club if you do organise one.
Best holiday wishes!
Thanks for the great review of the Rory Stewart book; I’ve ordered it
[you are aware, I hope, that Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell co-host the wonderful UK politics podcast “The Rest is History”. Give it a listen if you’ve never..]
How Not to be a Politician is a fine book, and goes well with a submarine sandwich, but will anyone who should read it ever read it? Who’s gonna stuff that in Rachel Thomas MP’s stocking?
Wow! just wow! and another book to come by Wells! Keep on keeping
on Paul!
Book club on it for sure. I picked it up in Heathrow a couple of weeks ago (and when i saw your cover and the title, I wondered if he’d released another book this year!) and really enjoyed it. I shared the humble-brag feeling for awhile, but share your overall impression of its importance. Thanks for always making me think, laugh, and feel a little smarter at the end of each piece or podcast episode.
My son and I are looking forward to meeting you on Monday night Paul. Thanks again for the invitation, and we will see you there!
Paul, am I wrong, or could this bit have been written about Pierre P, aside from the first bit about having been promoted faster than anyone. Seems he's going to be our next PM no matter what, so if I am not wrong, I'm just sad.
I was told that she had been promoted faster than anyone because she was a ‘strong media performer.’ Intrigued by this, I had watched a number of her interview. In none of them had she reflected, apologised, explained, empathised, or attempted to persuade. Nor did she ever, except in the rarest cases, answer a question. Instead, she approached interviews as broadcasts: opportunities to repeat the party attack line, never giving ground, or varying her tone.
‘I want you to write a ten-point plan for the national parks.’
‘Yes, Secretary of State,’ I said… ‘I will get straight out to visit the parks, then we will get the heads of the national parks down. I will have a plan ready for you within four weeks.’
‘You have three days, Rory,’ she said with such exaggerated firmness that I wondered if she were joking. ‘We need to get it into the Telegraph on Friday.’
On the secrets of Truss’s success:
Governing might be about critical thinking; but the new style of politics, of which she was a leading exponent, was not. If critical thinking required humility, this politics demanded absolute confidence: in place of reality, it offered untethered hope; instead of accuracy, vagueness. While critical thinking required scepticism, open-mindedness and an instinct for complexity, the new politics demanded loyalty, partisanship and slogan: not truth and reason but power and manipulation.
what a relief when the best recommendations, had one book! Stewart's efforts to integrate policy, politics and on the ground operations to the implementors is i think unique in approach, along with his state of flux on conservative ideology vs. everyone else, which he gets playful in depicting. I'm glad you are giving us some time to actually read the book, and maybe a "book club" is bit much to take on, but some form of one or two off meetings virtually would work for exchange of ideas\? Paul, your mission including the idea of "community" is such a bold and interesting idea in all its challenges in pulling off, and another pithy topic. As a start, I wonder about applying the idea to talking about the book. I suggest while your websites are the hub, maybe what might work with Rory, is to bridge with his own and own activities and mix the two, somehow. I do think this fits into the idea of the www being about interconnectivity and learning. Stephen Downes, is a great way to learn about this kind of approach https://www.downes.ca/me/mybooks.htm cheers, all,