[This Week's Books] 'Yudae-in-ui Sangchul' and More

Jewish Business Acumen

This is a book by Fujita Den, who left the sixth largest inheritance in Japanese history. First published in 1972, it had a significant impact on the Japanese industrial sector and has been reissued after 50 years. The author had opportunities to interact with Jewish businessmen while working as an interpreter at the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers during his time at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Law. He learned business know-how from them and founded McDonald's Japan in 1971, sparking innovation in Japan's food service industry. SoftBank's Masayoshi Son and Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai have stated that they learned the essence of business through his book. (Written by Fujita Den | Genie’s Library)

The Last Demography

The author, a world-renowned demographer, points out the human issues that the era of population decline will bring. Some argue that population decline is not a big problem, claiming that increasing population only worsens environmental pollution and accelerates the depletion of Earth's resources. Some even say that encouraging childbirth imposes traditional gender roles on women and infringes on their freedom. The author analyzes these claims based on concrete data and insights, refuting them by arguing that increasing birth rates does not conflict with environmental concerns or women's rights. (Written by Paul Moreland | Mirae’s Window)

Good People Encyclopedia

This is an encyclopedia that discovers and collects 'good people' hidden in everyday life. It explores 100 good people who exist around us but whom we have not yet recognized. For example, it highlights people who, when asked to take a photo, say “Would you like me to take a vertical shot as well?” without being asked, or those who volunteer to do the dishes saying “I like doing dishes,” easing the burden on those around them. By capturing and introducing these warm-hearted good deeds that we might have overlooked, it conveys the realization to readers that “You are also a good person.” (Written by Myoen Suguru and two others | Seogyo Bookstore)

Neuroscience for When Sensitivity Is Hard

The author, an Italian medical entrepreneur, finds the cause of difficulties faced by sensitive people in the 'nervous system.' The nervous system is overloaded amid work, human relationships, and an overflow of information. The author presents the nervous system recovery process in five stages: recognition, regulation, recovery, relationship, and expansion. Using breathing and stretching, the book introduces a roadmap to face deep inner wounds and experiences, maintain appropriate distance from others, and develop stress coping abilities. It provides practical neuroscience-based guidance for people suffering from sensitivity. (Written by Linnea Pasaller | Hyundae Intelligence)

Re-reading the History of Capitalism through Geography

The author, a geographer, analyzes the history of capitalism from a geographical perspective. Examining the flow of wealth that headed to Spain during the Age of Discovery, then passed through the Netherlands, and eventually elevated Britain to the status of the “empire on which the sun never sets,” the book explores how and why the center of the world economy shifted. The author points out that without a geopolitical understanding of the current accelerated neoliberal globalization, fair distribution of wealth and moral justice remain empty ideals. (Written by Lee Dong-min | Galmaenamu)

What High Performers Always Do Behind the Scenes

The author, a former Deloitte branch manager currently consulting for over 100 companies, summarizes the characteristics of high performers into five key traits. He emphasizes that the true value of high performers is revealed behind the scenes. Visible skills are fragmentary; what truly matters are “execution,” “decisiveness,” “communication,” “insight,” and “leadership.” A crucial element is “frame design,” which encompasses working methods and judgment criteria. The book contains methods to develop these abilities. (Written by Adachi Yuya | Dongyang Books)