Kai Brach is the founder of Offscreen Magazine, an indie print mag that explores critical perspectives on technology through earnest conversations, and Dense Discovery, his weekly newsletter that helps people be more productive, inspired and think critically. He’s fascinated by how humans shape technology and how technology shapes us all.
Which three books would you recommend?
Utopia for RealistsRutger Bregman
An easy-to-read collection of ideas for making the world more equitable, just and sustainable. I like how Bregman includes plenty of historical examples for why we shouldn't treat these ideas – universal basic income and open borders among them – as wishful thinking. Like the book cover says: “Every progressive milestone of civilisation – from the end of slavery to the beginning of democracy – was once considered a utopian fantasy.”
The PhysicianNoah Gordon
This was my first, epic historical novel that I read after finishing high school and I remember enjoying every page of it. I recently re-read it and it still has the same magic about it. Set in the 11th century, The Physician is a beautifully told story of a poor English orphan travelling to Persia to become one of the first physicians to dissect the human body.
The Art of Frugal HedonismAnnie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb
A light-hearted guide on how to optimise your life for (quality) time rather than money. Not all the lessons introduced new ideas for me, but it's still a great overview of how to live more frugally and have fun doing it. The only thing I didn't enjoy was that the authors frequently reminded me that my life is only half as exciting as theirs. 😅