[This Week's Books] 'The Usefulness of Crisis' and 5 More Titles

◆The Usefulness of Crisis=The author generally states that people experience an average of 30 to 40 major and minor changes during adulthood. Among these, one-tenth become lifequakes?life-shaking events that can either cause someone to lose hope or transform into an incredible opportunity for change. The author is no different. One day, while thriving as a bestselling author and famous broadcaster, he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma. On top of that, he faced bankruptcy due to the aftermath of the financial crisis, and to make matters worse, his father, who was battling Parkinson's disease, attempted suicide... Thinking he was not the only one experiencing such a "lifequake," the author planned the "Life Story Project," traveling across the United States to collect and analyze the life stories of 225 people from diverse backgrounds. He classified all kinds of life crises into 52 categories and analyzed patterns that turned these moments into opportunities for life transitions. (Written by Bruce Feiler · East Asia)

◆John Doerr's OKR Revolution=Interest in "climate change" is heating up. The attention of the wealthiest and most powerful people worldwide, including in Korea, is focused on climate change. It is a matter directly related to survival, and even in the United States, considered the most prosperous country, an unprecedented deadly cold wave caused many casualties. Experts worry that the Earth is moving beyond the stage of climate change sickness to the threshold of intensive care. The author, a pioneer of the cleantech movement in Silicon Valley and an investor in zero-emission technologies since 2006, presents a solution using his signature success formula, "Objectives and Key Results (OKR)." He introduces action plans that individuals, companies, and countries must implement immediately, along with policies and technological measures to respond to climate change more "quickly!" and on a "larger scale!" (Written by John Doerr · Business Books)

◆The Mediator of the Era=A prodigy who entered Seoul National University twice, a journalist who became the editor-in-chief of a major daily newspaper at 38, and a senior lawmaker who served as the acting leader of the conservative ruling party... The author, with a diverse background, reflects on his journey through 20 years of political commentary and character analysis, having served as a columnist for the Chosun Ilbo, editor-in-chief of the Seoul Shinmun, a four-term National Assembly member representing Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and Minister of Labor under the Kim Young-sam administration. The book includes interesting anecdotes, such as how, as a ruling party lawmaker, he unusually showed interest in labor issues and was praised by then-colleague President Roh Moo-hyun as a "decent lawmaker." For example, after much deliberation, he coined the then-radical term "democratization movement" instead of the previous regime's terms like "riot" or "uprising." (Written by Nam Jae-hee · Minumsa)

◆2050 US-China Hegemony War and Global Economic Scenarios=Ten years ago, when the term "Chimerica" (the economic interdependence between the US and China) was popular, the author made a shocking prediction that the US hegemony war would shake the international community. What was the result? When the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis struck the world, the US and China indeed entered a desperate hegemony war for survival. President Trump and Chairman Xi Jinping engaged in an economic all-out war, and many predicted China's dominance. However, even then, the author predicted a US victory. What will the end look like? The author envisions the future of the hegemony war in 2050 and contemplates South Korea's response positioned between the US and China. (Written by Choi Yoon-sik · Gimmyoungsa)

◆South Korea, Conditions for an Advanced Nation=In 2021, it was announced that South Korea's per capita income (GNI) exceeded $35,000. It increased by 10.3% in one year, from $31,881 to $35,168. If this pace continues, it will reach $50,000 in five years. But can South Korea truly stand shoulder to shoulder with countries like the US and Germany and become one of the world's top five powers? The author, who has worked in the media industry, interviews experts from various fields, including the Bank of Korea governor, university professors, domestic research institutes, and government officials, to analytically examine South Korea's political, economic, and social situations. The book diagnoses what is necessary to enter the ranks of truly advanced nations, not just in terms of numbers. The author explores whether South Korea can surpass $50,000 and reach $100,000, how long it might take, and what preparations are needed. (Written by Kim Se-hyung · Sigongsa)

◆The Life Story of Baruch=This is the autobiography and memoir of Bernard Baruch, who entered Wall Street at 19, became a millionaire in his 30s, and from his 40s to 70s served as an advisor to seven US presidents in Washington, the center of American politics. It candidly recounts 40 years of investing on Wall Street with his own principles and 40 years of presidential advisory work. The book includes anecdotes about legendary figures of the era such as J. P. Morgan of Wall Street, James R. Keene known as the "Silver Fox," mining magnate and tycoon Mayer Guggenheim and the Guggenheim family, as well as his 40-year friendship with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt. It also explains in detail the background of the creation of the so-called "Baruch's Ten Commandments of Investing," established while solving challenges born from the American Civil War and two world wars. (Written by Bernard Baruch · Page2)