This book was initially published purely as e-book. After going somewhat viral within
certain circles, it is now aswell available as paperback. It is a very long story,
illustrated beautifully by carefully researched examples all along - the basic
proposition made within this book is fundamental to my conviction, that the ability to
deal with complex problems will be seminal to the success of people and
organizations within the 21st century.

Why would you praise people for what they have achieved? Why would you praise them even if they haven´t achieved what they were aiming for? Based on the research for her PHD Carol Dweck writes a story on the effects of subtle differences in communication that has changed how I converse (with family, friends and in the professional sphere). If I could only give a single book to people as gift for the remainder of my life: I´d pick this one for all of them.

On the question whether hyperspecialization is a reasonable strategy for coping with a complex world. It probably is within tame learning environments, and that is how
the 10´000 hour rule gained its internet-fame - it, probably, is not for those learning to dance with ambiguity.

Thiel as part of the "pay-pall mafia" reflects on the difference between autochthonous new value propositions and copy cats in all of their different forms of appearance.
I beg your pardon for the comparison, yet: Probably due to Thiel´s experience reading this book was to me as if one switched from a bird's eye view to ego-shooter mode in one of the good old computer games: You observe the same events, but the relevance for yourself becomes much more tangible. In this case, thankfully, what you observe is the creation of value and not the destruction thereof.

I love to recommend this book. Sadly there is no english translation available (yet), however his essays on the philosophy of Music are beautiful and the book "traces"
is one I like to read single sections of every now and then, and they may be an entrance to his thoughts for the English reader. Bloch's introduction to philosophy brings his version of concrete utopianism and his thoughts on hope into context with philosophies long tradition.

When the above books greatly argue on the meta level about how important it is to build systems you can rely on, this is the proven step-by-step guide to implementing it. The book I talkes about paper-based-filing-systems, but do not let this distract you, the system you need and want to build will be exactly the same if you use apps or slack-channels or whatever your preferred tool for getting things done may currently be.

A beautiful book, that is especially enjoyable to read, because the single lies it uncovers (9 of them, as you correctly guessed) are very well rounded stories and chapters of their own. It does go against the grain of common misconceptions - or at least points out the important exceptions to what appears to be rules according to common wisdom. Get ready for 9 powerful reframes, that will change how you think about work.

With increasing distractions being described precisely at book length - the power not to be distracted seems to become a superpower. After initially describing how digital products actually create their habit-forming-powers (see "Hooked" above) this book is the antidote: How to keep yourself focused on whatever you deem to be relevant and worth your time & effort.