Made You Think Neil Soni, Nat Eliason, and Adil Majid

“The amount of human attention in the world is finite. We have 24 hours in the day, some of which we need to spend paying attention to eating, sleeping and meeting our other needs. The attention during the remaining hours of most people in the world is taken up by having to earn an income and by consuming goods and services, leaving relatively little time for attention to be freely allocated. A hard limit on available attention also exists for humanity as a whole—as I argued earlier, we are headed for peak population, at which point we will no longer be increasing the total amount of potentially available attention by adding more people.”
Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering The World After Capital by Albert Wenger. We'll explore the transition from the Industrial Age to the Knowledge Age, the new scarcity of attention, and the potential for widespread societal change. Join us in this futuristic discussion as we ponder how digital technologies are reshaping our world and the future of human civilization.
We cover a wide range of topics including:
The shift from capital to attention as a scarce resource How we're heading into a future that's non-linear Why "everyone needs to" is not a practical solution The role AI may play in replacing jobs and technological adaptation Do we agree with the author's proposed solutions? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.
Links from the Episode:
Mentioned in the Show:
Duolingo (4:47) The New York Times (5:25) Codementor (29:47) Cursor (29:55) Starlink (44:43) WWDC24 (45:06) Outside the System (53:15) Tucker Carlson and Bukele (53:25) Zeekr 001 (1:01:12) Outside the System: Crypto Confidential episode (1:05:56) DeepMind (1:08:25) Inflection AI (1:09:13) Books Mentioned:
The World After Capital (Adil's Book Notes) Homo Deus (0:14) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) (Adil's Book Notes) Novacene (0:21) (Book Episode) The Beginning of Infinity (0:29) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) The War on Normal People (0:35) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) Into the Amazon (7:52) (Book Episode) The Coming Wave (1:08:04) People Mentioned:
Albert Wenger Yuval Noah Harari (0:13) Andrew Yang (0:35) (Book Episode) George R. R. Martin (18:00) John Gray (44:25) Francisco Franco (58:21) Mustafa Suleyman(1:08:25) Show Topics:
(0:00) In today’s episode, we’re diving into The World After Capital by Albert Wenger. We kick off the episode by reflecting on previous episodes and reads we’ve had with books that debates what is coming after the current industrial era. What’s next for human civilization? 
(3:57) One of the book's strengths is its historical framing. While Wenger presents the situation well, his solutions and theories about the future were hard to fully agree with. 
(8:34) Nat, Neil, and Adil explain how Wenger sets up the big picture. He argues that we’re on the cusp of a major historical shift where we can no longer predict the next step due to fundamental changes. In each era, a scarcity drives human behavior. Today, Wenger contends that the finite resource is attention. 
(10:55) Have we shifted the problem from capital to attention by untethering currency from a hard asset? Leading companies like Microsoft and Google are powerful not because of their capital but because they control our attention. 
(14:57) Attention vs. time. Wenger refers to the "job loop" where time is exchanged for money. With the internet, you can create things with no marginal cost, selling without a major time investment.
(16:42) Aside from attention, what other contenders do we have as the next scarce resource?
(19:21) The book's purpose is not just to observe shifting scarcity but to highlight how each shift has led to widespread violence. Wenger aims to minimize or avoid this violence. Has the violence already started, and how might it diffe

“I could hardly form the words. My mouth wasn’t working. My heart hammered in my ears and pins and needles burned my hands and feet. I squeezed my fists as hard as I could to get them to stop hurting as I stumbled into my office and fumbled through my laptop password, pulling up the message that had thrown me out of bed: 
“Nat, someone found a way to hack us. It sounds bad. All of our funds might be at risk.”
This was the absolute worst-case scenario. The one I’d pushed to the back of my mind. The one I pretended was impossible so I could sleep at night. I’d always accepted the risk that I could lose all of my money. But if I lost a hundred million dollars of other people’s money…”
Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today’s episode is extra special as we talk all things Crypto Confidential, a brand-new book by our very own co-host, Nathaniel Eliason. Join us as Nat shares the behind-the-scenes journey of writing and launching his book. Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just curious, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of crypto through Nat’s insightful storytelling. 
We cover a wide range of topics including:
Nat's journey of writing Crypto Confidential Differences in promoting fiction vs. nonfiction How Nat learned from other successful book marketers Challenges of book promotion and strategy The creative process behind book cover design And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.
Links from the Episode:
Mentioned in the Show:
Crypto Confidential early release in Toronto (1:56)  Brandon Sanderson signing 5,000 copies in 3 hours (8:37) Brandon Sanderson advice and lectures (8:56) 10 Things I Learned Losing 10 Million Dollars (18:30) Olympus (50:55) Outside the System: Crypto Confidential with Nat Eliason (58:55) Books Mentioned:
Crypto Confidential The Founders (22:24) Zero to One (23:23) (Nat's Book Notes) Red Rising (25:08) Atomic Habits (26:49) (Nat's Book Notes) The Three-Body Problem (28:33) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) The 4-Hour Body (36:11) The 4-Hour Workweek (36:26) (Nat's Book Notes) Trust Me, I’m Lying (38:48) The Obstacle Is the Way (40:40) Ego is the Enemy (41:00) (Nat's Book Notes) Deep Work (41:40) (Nat's Book Notes) Elantris (42:32) Endurance (43:58) Empire of the Summer Moon (44:09) Kitchen Confidential (59:00) People Mentioned:
Brandon Sanderson (8:37) Jimmy Soni (22:21) Peter Thiel (23:43)  James Clear (26:50) Eric Jorgensen (32:04) Paul Millerd (32:17) Tim Ferriss (36:03) Ryan Holiday (38:32) Cal Newport (41:39) Cormac McCarthy (43:47) Show Topics:
(0:00) In today’s episode, we delve into Nat’s upcoming book, Crypto Confidential, set to release on July 9th. Get your copy here! Nat discusses the book, the preparations for its launch, and the surprise of finding an early-released copy in a Toronto bookstore.
(4:01) We explore the process of how bookstores order books, what it takes to keep them on the shelves, and the criteria for returning unsold copies.
(7:40) Signed copies of books, and how authors get creative in distributing their signature across a wide number of publishings. 
(12:52) Nat shares how he balanced promoting Crypto Confidential to his existing audience while also attracting new readers. He reveals his strategy of getting pre-ordered copies into readers’ hands early to generate online testimonials by the release date, despite disagreement from his publishers.
(19:38) We talk about how the promotion strategy may change after the book release. At what point do you take your foot off the gas?
(24:16) The effectiveness of word-of-mouth marketing and why it’s such a powerful strategy. We compare the promotion of fiction and nonfiction books, noting that fiction is often less promoted by authors and more by publishers. How does promotional work differ between these genres?
(27:

“If the war was to be over by Christmas, as many believed, or at the latest by Easter 1915, tens of thousands of soldiers might be killed or wounded before the guns fell silent. Every army believed that it could crush its opponents within a few months.”
Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Join us as we dive into The First World War by Martin Gilbert. We'll explore the intricate details of WW1, from the seemingly pointless triggers to the significant aftermath that reshaped the world. We'll also touch on intriguing historical anecdotes, like Germany's return in WW2, and the far-reaching consequences of redrawing borders. History lovers, buckle up for this one!
We cover a wide range of topics including:
Technological advancements from cavalry to tanks and planes How WW1 redrew the map and ended empires The concept of 'war guilt' and its impact America's pivotal role and the intercepted telegram The seemingly unnecessary triggers of the first World War And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.
Links from the Episode:
Mentioned in the Show:
The Great War on Youtube (2:32) Schlieffen Plan (10:57) French Foreign legion (16:48) Empires before WW1 (34:42) Zimmerman Telegram (41:21) Marshall Plan (1:13:34) They Shall Not Grow Old (1:26:26) Books Mentioned:
The First World War The Second World War (3:13) Shadow Divers (43:46) The Power of Geography (1:24:57) Blueprint for Armageddon (1:38:21) The Brothers K (1:39:40) Musashi (1:39:47) People Mentioned:
Martin Gilbert Ho Chi Minh (3:59) David Lloyd George (24:47) John J. Pershing (41:03) Dan Carlin (1:37:32) Ernest Shackleton (1:38:47) Show Topics:
(0:00) Today, we’re covering The First World War by Martin Gilbert. While the book offers a detailed play-by-play of WW1, it wasn't the most enjoyable read. However, we gained significant insights into the war.
(4:53) The war’s triggers and conflicts felt somewhat pointless. Despite this, WW1 felt more significant than WW2 as it redrew maps and ended four empires. Unlike WW2's clear-cut good vs. evil narrative, WW1 began with cavalry and ended with advanced technology like planes, tanks, gas, and submarines.
(8:02) Numerous underlying tensions grew and eventually exploded in unpredictable ways. One of the triggers was Germany’s insecurity about its geographical position. We delve into the circumstances that led to the start of the war.
(11:10) A major theme was the widespread belief that the war would end quickly, without long-term consequences. We discuss what wars were like before WW1, typically regional with smaller armies and less impact on civilian populations.
(13:57) What was the aftermath of the war like? You might belong to a different town or region, but it may not have affected your daily life much.
(18:00) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk about the multiple empires that collapsed during this time. 
(20:10) War guilt was a new concept, unlike previous wars where the winning side simply negotiated their gains. The sheer number of deaths and the devastation of this war was shocking. 
(25:35) How did the Ottoman Empire get involved and what was their involvement in the war?
(27:05) The Germans came back much stronger in WWII, despite being devastated in WWI. They put up a bigger fight just 20 years later. It leads us to wonder, from where did they find the resources?
(31:38) How the war marked a complete era shift. Would communism have had as much impact in the 20th century without WWI? Would the Soviet Union have emerged?
(34:42) We take a look at a map of empires before WW1 and how the territories looked before then, which leads into our first tangent of this episode!
(37:52) Though Mexico wasn't involved in the war, Germany sent them a telegram promising several U.S. states in exchange for support. The British intercepted this message and informed the U.S.
(40:34) America's entry into the w

"The tragedy of this world is that no one is happy, whether stuck in a time of pain or of joy. The tragedy of this world is that everyone is alone. For a life in the past cannot be shared with the present. Each person who gets stuck in time gets stuck alone.”
Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we explore the concept of time through the lens of one of the most imaginative books of our time, Einstein's Dreams. The novel portrays Albert Einstein as a young scientist grappling with his dreams as he works on his theory of relativity. This episode promises to spark deep reflection, ignite your curiosity, and challenge your perception of time.
We cover a wide range of topics including:
The hidden costs of immortality Contemplating a world where every day is a fresh start Why it’s easy to forget to appreciate the things you have How death ultimately gives our life meaning Our most obnoxious literary opinions And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.
Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: Click (4:32) Books Mentioned: Einstein’s Dreams Tao Te Ching (1:33) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) The Sovereign Individual (12:59) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) The Fourth Turning (13:01) (Book Episode) Logicomix (22:41) (Book Episode) East of Eden (30:30) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes) The Unbearable Lightness of Being (32:11) The First World War (34:50) The Brothers K (34:51) Musashi (34:53) Infinite Jest (37:34) (Book Episode 1) (Book Episode 2) (Nat’s Book Notes) Atlas Shrugged (37:58) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) Gödel, Escher, Bach (43:45) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) People Mentioned: Alan Lightman John Steinbeck (18:31) Werner Heisenberg (23:29) Milan Kundera (32:23) David Perell (44:29) Show Topics: (0:00) In today’s episode, we're covering Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman. Adil shares his experience going through the book for the 3rd time, noting its unique approach devoid of traditional characters yet filled with intense emotional resonance across the theme of 'time'.
(2:43) The stories challenge the way we think about time, with each chapter introducing a unique time variable that initially appears distinct on the surface. However, beneath the surface, these chapters resonate with aspects of our own reality. We list off a few chapters that were top of mind for us.
(6:10) Death is what gives life meaning. We explore this concept by diving into one of the short stories where nobody dies. If you know that time is infinite, how would you spend that time? 
(8:45) Which chapter(s) of Einstein's Dreams did we connect with the most? 
(11:16) We discuss the concept of sleep training, contemplating the ideal scenario where babies would sleep according to their natural rhythms. However, balancing the baby's freedom to sleep spontaneously with the demands of a structured work and life schedule can be a struggle.
(12:32) Nat, Neil, and Adil ponder the scenario if everyone were to just live one day. You wouldn't know seasons, and all you'll ever know is what the current day brings.
(16:08) Connections between Einstein’s Dreams and a previous read on the podcast, The Fourth Turning. 
(17:51) Despite not having main characters (aside from Einstein and Besso), this book still manages to drive a lot of emotions. We admire Lightman's ability to write in a soft, empathetic way, while painting the picture for readers very effectively. 
(19:59) Were these short stories from the book thoughts that Einstein may have had in real life as he worked towards his theories on time and relativity?
(23:45) We touch on a story from the book where every day is truly a fresh start, and there is no knowledge of the past or future. 
(26:45) Doing everything as if it’s for the first time will give you excitement, but it’s also meaningful to act as if you’re doing something

"But if science tells you that something’s impossible, and it happens anyway, it means one of two things. Either the science is wrong, or it’s a scam.”
Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today, we're exploring the 3 Body Problem TV series on Netflix, inspired by Cixin Liu's acclaimed novel. Listen in as we discuss Season 1's adaptation from book to screen, analyzing character shifts, narrative changes, and the portrayal of scientific concepts. If you enjoyed The Three-Body Problem book series or consider yourself a sci-fi fanatic, this one is for you!
We cover a wide range of topics including:
What narrative changes and expansions were made for the TV adaptation The show's production costs compared to Game of Thrones How the creators translated the scientific aspects from the book series Our main praises and critiques of the show Book or series - is there a clear winner? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.
Links from the Episode:
Mentioned in the Show:
3 Body Problem on Netflix (0:39) Costs of 3 Body Problem (1:08) Dune (14:28) Game of Thrones (15:50) Breaking Bad (40:35) Primer (41:15) Books Mentioned:
The Three-Body Problem (0:39) (Book Episode) (Nat’s Book Notes) Dune (14:28) The Road (28:40) Blood Meridian (28:46) No Country for Old Men (30:06) People Mentioned:
Cixin Liu John Bradley (26:09) Cormac McCarthy (28:35) Martin Gilbert (30:40) Shane Carruth (42:01) Show Topics:
(0:31) Welcome to our first TV show episode! Today, we’re covering the TV series based on one of our previous reads, The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu. Go check out the episode on the book if you haven't already! We dive into our overall thoughts on Season 1 and how it measured up to the book.
(4:09) *Spoiler alert!* If you haven’t watched the show or read the book series, we suggest you do that first before continuing this episode. We talk a bit about the depth, or lack of depth, of the characters in the book and TV series.
(6:55) Neil talks about the pivotal scene in Episode 5 that changed his mind about the show, and how the shows portrayal of something can be completely different than what you had pictured in your head.
(9:38) From character shifts to the order of events, how did the show differ from the book series? 
(13:48) How the creators of the show had a unique challenge of keeping the intriguing scientific elements from the book series in the show while maintaining a pace that keeps the viewers interested.
(15:43) The cost per episode in 3BP was higher than the final season of Game of Thrones. Which aspects of the show and scenes may have taken up the largest pieces of the budget?
(21:24) We talk about the relationships between the heroes of the books and how they're all close friends. It sets you up to think there might be a happy ending... but is there?
(25:36) Nat, Neil, and Adil share their thoughts on a character addition that wasn't in the books. 
(28:45) From Blood Meridian to The First World War, many books have some grotesque elements to it. It's interesting to see how authors capture the emotions and events from something that actually happened and put them into a book. 
(32:55) Our thoughts on the scene where the universe blinks, and how it was shown in the movie vs. in the book. 
(34:50) We list off one major criticism of the show, as well as many things that we felt the producers did a great job on.
(39:03) How effective was the show in portraying scientific aspects from the book? We share our final thoughts 3BP Season 1.
(42:10) That concludes this episode! Make sure to check out our episode on The Three-Body Problem and check out the Netflix series if you haven’t already. We highly recommend it! Next up is Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman. Pick up a copy of the book and read along with us!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes

"We’ve never had a generation more focused on its feelings and, frankly, not one more tyrannized by their feelings.”
Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today, we're delving into Abigail Shrier's Bad Therapy, a thought-provoking book which highlights the impact of therapy on individuals, especially younger generations. Join us as we explore the nuances of therapy, its incentives, and its effects.
We cover a wide range of topics including:
Challenges of parenting in a therapy-centric culture Unintended consequences of therapeutic incentives The fine line between taking thoughts too seriously vs. dismissing them Why boundary-setting is crucial as a parent Implications of having an external locus of control And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.
Links from the Episode:
Mentioned in the Show:
Arnold (15:37) Spiritual bypassing (23:21) Washington Post on birth control (46:55) How We Feel (54:01) Coach Carter (57:47) How to Understand the Well-Being Gap between Liberals and Conservatives (1:25:31)  Books Mentioned:
Bad Therapy The Body Keeps the Score (07:09) (Book Episode)  Irreversible Damage (40:44) The Fourth Turning (1:08:32) (Book Episode)  People Mentioned:
Abigail Shrier Show Topics:
(0:00) In today’s episode, we’re covering Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier, who discusses the impact of therapy on individuals, particularly younger generations, and questions the efficacy and motives behind widespread therapeutic practices. 
(1:57) We provide an overview of the book, examining the sense of loneliness and sadness prevalent in today's youth. It poses the question of whether therapy-related interventions are actually a part of the problem rather than the solution. 
(5:32) How incentives in therapy can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Shrier highlights that therapists often prefer patients with milder mental health issues, as these sessions can be more relaxed. This raises questions about the subjective nature of screening and diagnostic tools in mental health care.
(10:15) The distinction between chronic and acute treatment, noting how the medical industry often favors chronic cases for their profitability. We touch on various types of therapy, noting that the results of physical therapy, for example, are much more tangible than talk therapy.
(12:42) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk a bit about their personal experiences with therapy.
(15:55) Why going to the gym and being physically active can improve well-being, and how it offers a sense of control and measurable progress in various aspects of life.
(21:12) Shrier emphasizes the lack of agency children have in deciding to continue or end therapy. We also discuss how dwelling on problems, or forced rumination, can exacerbate issues, especially in the context of depression and anxiety.
(25:19) We discuss how therapy can often lead us to give undue weight to passing thoughts, turning them into more significant concerns than they should have been.
(29:33) It can be a challenge for parents to know when to seek therapy for children or teens. The author suggests exploring all alternatives before turning to therapy. We also dive into the theme of internal vs. external locus of control, where the fear of making mistakes can lead to seeking external validation.
(34:25) Are doctors too quick to prescribe medications in non-serious cases?
(39:51) Where is the balance between taking every thought and emotion seriously vs. dismissing them? We discuss generational differences, stoic parenting, the importance of discussing feelings with a trusted friend or partner, and the impact on children who feel unheard.
(45:30) Similar to therapy and mental health, public sentiments on various topics can evolve over time. Nat, Neil, and Adil draw parallels with the changing views on vaccines, from widespread acceptance to increased skepticism post-Covid