Summer of Reading: Things I Learnt Between Watching The Cricket.

This summer, I indulged in a rich tapestry of ideas, theories, and strategies, diving into four incredible books: Simplify by Richard Koch, Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David, The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe, and The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway. Each of these texts provided unique perspectives, but the overlap between them was undeniable, a Venn diagram where the themes of luck, external forces, and active engagement in life converged.

Success: Out of Our Control?

Across these readings, a humbling truth emerged: much of success is beyond our control. In The Algebra of Wealth, Scott Galloway writes, “Ultimately, it worked. Or did I just get lucky? The answer is yes.” His candid admission underscores how external circumstances, luck, timing, and societal systems, often play pivotal roles in success, no matter how calculated our efforts.

Similarly, The Fourth Turning paints a vivid picture of historical cycles where societal moods and generational behaviours shape opportunities and crises. Strauss and Howe argue, “Events will begin to take choices out of our hands… It must come in its turn”. The inevitability of these forces reminded me of how often we must adapt to the tides rather than attempt to control them.

The Case for Being Busy

While luck and timing are crucial, being active and busy emerged as a powerful theme. In Simplify, Richard Koch emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with timeless principles, which “save us enormous effort and stop us going down dead ends”. Koch’s approach to leveraging simplification reflects how consistent activity creates openings for luck and opportunity to intersect.

Patrick Bet-David takes this a step further in Your Next Five Moves, likening effective strategy to a chess game where you must plan multiple moves ahead while remaining flexible enough to adjust to changing circumstances. His philosophy of anticipation and decisive action shows how staying engaged often positions you to benefit from serendipitous opportunities.

Finding Order in Chaos

Perhaps the most fascinating takeaway was how each book harmonised the tension between chaos and agency. While The Fourth Turning explores the cyclical nature of societal crises, it also offers hope that individuals can prepare for and navigate these upheavals by understanding the broader rhythms of history. Galloway’s pragmatic advice to “cultivate allies and fans early” builds on this notion by highlighting the importance of relationships and networks in weathering uncertainty.

In Simplify, Koch’s focus on reducing complexity to create value aligns with this broader theme of finding simplicity and purpose in an unpredictable world. When you combine simplicity with action, you maximise your chances of riding the wave of good fortune.

A Personal Philosophy

What ties these books together for me is the idea that while much of success is external, dictated by timing, history, and chance, those who remain active and engaged create opportunities to align with these forces. It’s not about controlling every variable but about showing up, doing the work, and positioning yourself for the moment when luck knocks on your door.

This summer of reading has refined my methodologies and reminded me of one enduring truth: life’s complexity demands not just effort but thoughtful, consistent effort. The overlap in these works inspired me to lean further into my strategies for entrepreneurship, eCommerce, and branding, ensuring I remain ready for the opportunities (and challenges) the world throws my way.

Here are links to the books: