Review: L'intelligenza artificiale per il futuro dell'Italia: Competenze, casi d'uso e valore nell'Europa che innova

L'intelligenza artificiale per il futuro dell'Italia: Competenze, casi d'uso e valore nell'Europa che innova by Giuseppe Di Franco
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Part of me wishes there were sources for all the data in this book, since I found myself wondering where many of the numbers came from. As far as I can tell, they all check out, but still.

This book is sort of a catch-all about technology and its potential in Italy in the near future. Obviously AI seems to permeate every crack and crevice, if not in fact then in terms of possibilities.

Of course, detailing all the possibilities without once mentioning how to mitigate the issues that we are seeing every day (Hallucinations, toxicity, IP issues, confidentiality, Agents going rogue, etc. etc.) seems a bit naive.

It is interesting to read about the possibilities, as well as what is being worked on. Also, despite coming out this year, it feels a bit out of date at points (it mentions Leonardo, but I thought there were better computers out now in Italy).

Anyway, I’m still waiting for a more practical, actionable book about AI possibilities in Italy. I guess we’ll see…


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Review: Why the Germans Do it Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country

Why the Germans Do it Better: Notes from a Grown-Up Country by John Kampfner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The main thought that kept coming to mind while reading this is that someone really needs to write the equivalent of this book but for Taiwan. A country boasting the best Healthcare system in world, despite not being allowed in the WHO, the highest GDP per capita in East Asia, the first country in Asia to allow gay marriage, and one of the strongest stock markets in the world, not to mention home of the modern computer chip, and all this with China breathing down its neck. That’s a pretty impressive (or grown-up) country.

In fact, it seems to have much in common with Germany. A lack of patriotism, in the classic sense, and a continuous sense of ‘duty’, for lack of a better word, to do better.

Regardless, those are just my two cents.


This book itself is unfortunately outdated at this point, but still very interesting. The progression since the war to the Germany of Merkel certainly is an interesting one. I was always enthralled by how Germany, despite having just had 2 devastating wars, seemed like the stable country in the EU when I was growing up. However, my impression is that, since Merkel, this hasn’t necessarily been true. The trains in Italy are now more reliable than Germany’s, and after Switzerland set up its cross-Gotthard train, it is one of the only countries in western Europe without High-speed rail.


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Review: Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is interesting to read this right after Nate Silver's "On the edge". My guess is we will start reading many more books dealing with AI and its changes to society, governments, business, and everyone's life.

This is written with the usual in-depth historical research typical of Harari, with some repetitions from his old books.

There are some fascinating points, such as how conservative political movements have become untenable with all this change, so they have morphed into radical movements touting revolutionary slogans.

Also some interesting analyses, such as how the Catholic church has been able to change with the times without ever admitting it was wrong (it cannot, since technically it follows God's word), but rather due to "bad actors". I don't know if this holds true, but it's an interesting perspective.


Either way, Harari remains a must-read.



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Review: The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior Is Almost Always Good Politics

The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior Is Almost Always Good Politics by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating journey. Basically a modern version of Macchiavelli's "The Prince" or Hobbes's "Leviathan", but of course, now we have so many more data points and so much more history to learn from. This book also applies to democracies, and how the rulers can gain more power in these settings as well.

Ultimately, the authors are optimistic about the US and other democracies. We'll see how that pans out...


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Review: How to Be a Leader: An Ancient Guide to Wise Leadership

How to Be a Leader: An Ancient Guide to Wise Leadership by Plutarch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Timeless advice, although it is impossible not to read this and see how current politicians compare, concluding that they fall far short. I’m guessing this is pretty much the point, but it is still depressing. 

Still, if I ever find myself in politics this will be worth a re-read in detail. 

Some quotes I noted down:

“Kings are afraid for their subjects, while tyrants are afraid of their subjects.”

''I hate that man and wish to do him harm, but I love my country more.''

“Just like a blemish is more notable if it is on one’s face rather than elsewhere, a fault is more noticeable with a leader than others” (Paraphrased, since I can’t find the quote anymore). 

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Review: Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty

Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoğlu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a second read for me. I like to read books like this when they are a bit out of date to see if they stand the test of time. This one seemed to, at least re: China. 

I agreed with his premise, but disagreed with some of their examples, at least toward the beginning.

It is true that some countries will not prosper because it isn't in their leaders' interest to allow a democratic government. The authors seem against the idea that these leaders just "need to be educated" as to the correct strategy, a la IMF and World bank, and I tend to agree. 

The poorest parts of South America are the parts that were most under control of the conquistadores (is this true?)

Section 256 of Alabama's constitution still has segregation. Segregation is still law in Alabama. (This is still true today. I looked it up).

I like the idea that (Schumpeter's) Creative Destruction is required for an economy to persevere in the long term, i.e. past the downturns. 

All in all this was a good second read. I'm curious to see how these theories have been updated by the authors.

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Review: The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State

The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State by Elizabeth C. Economy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm very glad this book was written. For the important person he is in this world, I'm amazed at how little there is written about Xi out there, and I'm often amazed at how little news agencies seem to know about China and Xi in general. I don't think there's anything earth shattering here, but it should probably be a go-to for anyone who needs a solid foundation for understanding more or less what's happening.



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