Absolutely delightful book. This is how one should live – technology, science and human creativity will solve our problems. I am a convert, cynicism is the easy choice, to be a rational optimist is the inspiring way to live.
Category Archives: Blog
Fire and Ashes – Michael Ignatieff (2013)
One has to admire the man’s courage – not a lot of people dare to write about their failures. And that makes this book such a pleasure to read; his cunning account of his attempt to become leader of Canada’s liberal party and after that, premier. As we know he never made it to theContinueContinue reading “Fire and Ashes – Michael Ignatieff (2013)”
“Feit of fabel” – mijn fact check items op BNR Nieuwsradio
Een greep uit mijn uitzendingen “Feit of Fabel” op BNR Nieuwsradio – Over The Fact Club – 22 augustus 2013 – Over de thema’s in de campagne – 22 augustus 2013 – Over Nederland in Europees verband – 22 augustus 2013 – Over Jolande Sap en Mark Rutte – 6 september 2012 – Over bio-plasticsContinueContinue reading ““Feit of fabel” – mijn fact check items op BNR Nieuwsradio”
Matterhorn – Karl Marantes (2010)
Watching the series Tour of Duty as a kid gave me the feeling to ‘see and feel’ the Vietnam War. This novel does an even better job. The battle for Matterhorn, one of the many hills in the dense Vietnam forest, tells the whole story: the horror of war, the friendships that keep the youngContinueContinue reading “Matterhorn – Karl Marantes (2010)”
Remainder – Tom McCarthy (2005)
The book’s protagonist wants to recreate his memories, in the sense of actually rebuilding them, and spends all his money and time on it. As it gets more and more real, it also gets more violent. Highly original.
The Art of Possibility – Benjamin Zander (2006)
Wonderful little book that eclipses all management books in explaining that the power of imagination and inspiration can take us anywhere. Zander’s speeches are a delight, using his passion for music (he is a conductor) to convey his message.
Modern Verdun
April 25th, 2012, Originally published on thnk.org TAKE A STAND | I was hoping that Easter would bring us a small miracle. The miracle of a political breakthrough. Not in the last place because Easter is a historically good period for miracles. It didn’t happen. But then suddenly, last Saturday, after 7 weeks of completeContinueContinue reading “Modern Verdun”
Into Thin Air – Jon Krakauer (1997)
Probably the best book ever on the excitement and sheer craziness of extreme mountaineering.
Charlie Wilson’s War, The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History – George Crile (2007)
Hilarious account of Congressman Charlie Wilson, who together with CIA operative Gus Avraktos, creates an ever expanding program to support the Afghan Mujahideen – back in the days when the Soviets were fighting in Afghanistan. This story proves that reality is more surprising than our imagination.
The teeth may smile but the heart will not forget – Andrew Rice (2009)
Devastating account of the atrocities in Idi Amin’s Uganda – through the eyes of a man who loses everything. Beautiful and painful at the same time.
Boek: essays over de publieke zaak
Samen met Mickey Huibregtsen stelde ik deze essaybundel samen. In dit boek laten we verschillende mensen, uit diverse sectoren, aan het woord over hun visie op maatschappelijke verandering. Na de lancering volgde veel aandacht in de media. Zo waren er dagelijkse interviews met auteurs op BNR Nieuwsradio en publicaties in het Financieele Dagblad. Bestel hetContinueContinue reading “Boek: essays over de publieke zaak”
A Wilde Sheep Chase – Haruki Murakami (2000)
As millions of others, I call myself a Murakami fan. This books was my introduction to his world, one I will never forget.
Saturday – Ian McEwan (2005)
McEwan’s best.
1421 – Gavin Menzies (2003)
Old marine officer Menzies tells in this page-turner how the Chinese Empire collapsed in 1421 at its highpoint: at a time when it ruled the oceans, had established posts as far as on the shores of Patagonia and was cultural trendsetting. Until a perfect storm – internal unrest, imperial overstretch, superstition – made the emperorContinueContinue reading “1421 – Gavin Menzies (2003)”
Tirza – Arnon Grunberg (2006)
The best book I’ve read from one of the best Dutch contemporary authors.
Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee (2003)
In Coetzee’s post-Apartheid South-Africa violence is unleashed in new ways.
PEPIJN VAN DIJK 