Akil Hamsath Ph.D.’s Post

#economy #personalfinance #financialplanning #financialliteracy

In our world, an Indian family loses their farm due to climate change and market pressures, while a Californian billionaire flits between cities on his private jet. This scene underlines a stark, painful wealth inequality, with the world’s richest consuming an overwhelming majority of resources and leaving little for those in low-income countries. Meanwhile, overpopulation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and a global economic structure that further burdens the already struggling nations stand as daunting challenges to our collective prosperity. This can be hard but it’s important to know. Check out the book “Earth for All” by Sandrine Dixson-Decleve, et al.

In the intricate tale of trees, they not only play a pivotal role in shaping our planet’s climate and soil, but also display surprising wit and unity in their existence. From their humble beginnings as decomposed matter that created soil to their ability to send underground messages to neighboring trees via fungal networks, trees are vital contributors to the Earth’s life cycle. Demonstrating quirky ‘personalities’, trees, guided by their experiences, decide when to shed leaves or direction of root growth. They use their ‘senses’ to create clever defenses against pests and also to share urgent alerts within their community. Essentially, trees are not mere spectators of seasons but active, intelligent participants in the ebb and flow of life. Check out the book “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben

Rain holds a potent dual role as a life-sustainer and destroyer throughout history. From ancient cultures conducting rituals for rain, through devastating famines due to torrential rainfall, to weather predictions and our clever inventions like waterproof fabrics and umbrellas for protection, our relationship with rain is enduring and multifaceted. Even the erratic rains of the late 1800s had desperate farmers placing faith in ‘rainmakers,’ and today, the symbolism of rain pervades arts and marketing alike, manifesting in literature, music, films, and various consumer products. Check out the book “Rain” by Cynthia Barnett

When engineers blend their profound knowledge with creativity, they can pioneer solutions to current issues, navigating through uncertainties and mishaps to shape ideal outcomes. However, these “perfect” solutions might not cater to all, as engineers’ choices are colored by their personal drives and cultural influences. Appreciating engineering as a creative science, we can understand how it evolves by crafting new guidelines and continuously pushing limits for human progress, possibly offering life-hacks for us along the way. Check out the book “The Things We Make” by Bill Hammack

Finding purpose in your work can inspire exceptional innovation and achievement, similar to how honeybees collectively face the unknown, working together to build anew. However, in a world riddled with stress, burnout, and uncertainty, humans often prioritize safety and familiarity over exploring new opportunities. Despite this, the shift from a safety-oriented to a growth-oriented mindset can be sparked when the work feels genuinely significant. Check out the book “The Song of Significance” by Seth Godin

In our daily dialogue, words can have far more power than we typically acknowledge. Encouraging a sense of identity through nouns rather than verbs can create a more permanent impression; for instance, labeling someone a ‘helper’ rather than asking them to ‘help’. The word ‘don’t’ can evoke a strong identity signal, thus boosting empowerment. Confidence in communication can be achieved by adopting definite expressions and minimizing filler words while speaking. Meanwhile, asking thoughtful questions, even those seeking advice, can result in positive impressions and foster deeper connections, acting as a strong social adhesive. Check out the book “Magic Words” by Jonah Berger