2026-05-01
In normal circumstances, layoffs occur when finances deteriorate: demand slows, margins compress, costs become too heavy. For such a company, they generally constitute a last resort to get through a difficult period.
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2026-04-24
Should governments intervene or let things run their course?
I greatly enjoyed the book The Price of Peace, a biography of John Maynard Keynes by Zachary...
2026-04-17
AI Blew Hot and Cold Across the Markets
Over the 12 months ending April 13, the S&P 500 rose by 30.0%.
2026-04-10
Where is AI heading?
Reading allows us to understand the opinions of others, often experts or individuals with...
2026-04-02
Irreversible decisions
Some decisions are more important than others, because they commit us to a direction from...
My current recommendation
By Robert B. Cialdini, 592 pages, 2021, Harper Business
This book, recommended by Charlie Munger several years ago, is a classic in the art of persuasion. The author, a respected scientist, lays out the principles of convincing others — but also of resisting attempts at influence. I even drew from it a blog series focused on the principles of this information-rich book. What one learns from it can be applied in both professional and personal spheres, which makes it doubly interesting.
Publisher’s website
Recommended by Phillipe
By Robert B. Cialdini, 592 pages, 2021, Harper Business
This book, recommended by Charlie Munger several years ago, is a classic in the art of persuasion. The author, a respected scientist, lays out the principles of convincing others — but also of resisting attempts at influence. I even drew from it a blog series focused on the principles of this information-rich book. What one learns from it can be applied in both professional and personal spheres, which makes it doubly interesting.
Publisher’s website
Recommended by Phillipe
By Stefan Zweig, 258 pages, 2024, Plon
IN FRENCH ONLY
This book brings together texts written between 1909 and 1941. In today’s time, it feels especially important to revisit what unfolded in Europe during the 20th century—from the lead-up to the First World War to the events preceding the second. In these essays, Zweig passionately advocates for peace and a return to humanist values. A book our leaders should read.
Recommended by Phillipe
By Doris Kearns Goodwin, 944 pages, 2004, Simon & Schuster
Written by a renowned historian, this biography explores the life of Abraham Lincoln—president during the U.S. Civil War and the one who abolished slavery in the country. It captures the unfolding of his political genius and the impact of a presidency that undeniably shaped American and human history. One can’t help but wonder: is he the very opposite of a certain contemporary president?
Publisher’s website
Recommended by Phillipe
By Serge Bouchard, 232 pages, 2021, Bibliothèque québécoise
IN FRENCH ONLY
With lyrical and poetic writing, this anthropologist takes us on a journey through Borealia and across the Americas, offering a fresh perspective on history. Along the way, he helps us appreciate the beauty of Quebec and Canada, while highlighting the importance
Recommended by Phillipe
By Cal Newport, 304 pages, 2016, Grand Central Publishing
We now live in a world of constant demands on our attention, with endless distractions pulling us in all directions. This book offers practical insight into developing the discipline to fully focus on what truly matters—and to let go of what doesn’t. Since reading it, I’ve been trying to maximize my deep-focus hours at work—not always easy!
Publisher’s website
