[Book of the Week] 'How to Change Their Minds' and 5 More Books

◆How to Change Their Minds = The common belief that "people do not change" often leads to giving up on persuasion, but situations where we attempt to persuade others are endless in life. It is difficult to simply give up by saying "people do not change" when loved ones, such as parents caught in fake news or friends drawn into extremism, are heading down the wrong path. The author, a journalist who has won the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Award twice, also breaks this conventional wisdom and argues that even the firm beliefs and convictions of others can be changed. He captures the moments when the values of seemingly unchangeable people?such as his own father, 9/11 conspiracy theorists, political extremists, and cult fanatics?were suddenly overturned, and dissects the principles behind these changes. (Written by David McRaney · Woongjin Knowledge House)

◆How the World Actually Works = How does the world operate? What sustains modern civilized society? This book begins with these questions. Based on objective statistics and mathematical data, it explores humanity’s past from food and environment to energy, viruses, and climate change, revealing misunderstandings and truths about modern civilization. It approaches the principles of how the world works through its own scientific lens and coldly diagnoses future limits and opportunities. The author points out that thanks to information overload, modern people think they know a lot, but in reality, they do not even properly understand how the food, raw materials, and goods that form the basis of life are produced and distributed, which is why they are easily misled by false information. Introducing himself not as a pessimist or optimist but as a "scientist," the author presents data he has researched for over 50 years. (Written by Vaclav Smil · Kim Young-sa)

◆World History Through the Power of Hyo-gisim: Europe Edition = This history book is written by a history YouTuber with 1.1 million subscribers, focusing on rulers. It selects and introduces figures from European history among the long-standing rulers who have existed alongside us, from kings and emperors to presidents and prime ministers. It especially focuses on how many people they incited under the pretext of serving their people. It sheds light on the papacy, which sold indulgences and branded dissenters as heretics to execute them, and the French Directory government that sent Napoleon away to a place beyond public interest fearing his coup d’?tat. It also covers stories of commoners who could be considered rulers in terms of majority power, such as those who demonized Jews with false conspiracy theories during the Black Death in Europe. (Written by Hyo-gisim · Dasan Chodang)

◆Status Games = The human desire for status dominates life. Do you find yourself obsessing over the number of "likes" on social media without realizing it? Do you feel your own inadequacy before fully celebrating someone else’s success? If so, you are no exception to the status desire the author talks about. The author claims that all humans have an inherent desire to pursue status and analyzes human contradictions and absurdities throughout history?from social media addiction and competitiveness to religious fanaticism, terrorism, revolutions, and wars?under the theme of "status desire." He presents interesting analyses such as the "success game," where status is gained by achieving concrete results beyond merely winning; the "moral game," awarded to those armed with a sense of duty; and the "dominance game," where status is seized through fear as a weapon. (Written by Will Storr · Heurum Publishing)

◆People Who Make Money Think Simply = This is an investment principles book introduced by an economic YouTuber who appears on various economic media and broadcasts to explain the basics of economics easily. The era when diligent saving was a virtue is over, and an era where (stock) investment is considered essential has arrived. However, most people inevitably experience various setbacks. The author introduces an investment method that may not greatly increase money but can at least prevent failure. He explains how to read the wrong flow of an account, investment methods that can be sustained for a long time, and the mindset to overcome failure. In the highly uncertain world of investment, investors have little room for control, but the author emphasizes a "simple and steady attitude" and introduces a "simplified" investment method that is sustainable over the long term. (Written by Han Ju-ju · Heritage Books)

◆Hydrogen Resource Revolution = Net zero, decarbonization, RE100, green taxonomy, carbon emissions trading... These were once unfamiliar terms, but now many people have at least heard of them. This reflects the severity of the climate crisis and the urgent need for new energy sources to prevent it. With solar, wind, nuclear, and various renewable energy technologies having reached a certain level, the author focuses on hydrogen energy. Why hydrogen is the answer for the future among clean energies and why the world is concentrating on hydrogen technology are explained through extensive data-based technological and geopolitical analysis. Based on Goldman Sachs’ analysis that "clean hydrogen is emerging as an important energy source in the decarbonization and net-zero process, accounting for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions," the author argues that the world’s wealth will be reshaped depending on who first commercializes clean hydrogen. (Written by Marco Albera · Miraeui Chang)