The Path to Greatness by Brian Shaw is an autobiography about his journey to becoming the 2011 World’s Strongest Man, the year he finally achieved his lifelong dream. This was the first autobiography I’ve read as part of my new reading habits, and I really enjoyed it. Shaw does a fantastic job showing the struggles […]
Author: Liam Patton
Book Review #7 – The Mind of the Strategist
Introduction The Mind of the Strategist – The Art of Japanese Business by Kenichi Ohmae is a classic business book from the 1980s that explores how Japanese companies approach strategy. While it’s dense and at times academic, it’s packed with timeless insights and practical examples. One that stands out to me is a simple yet […]
Book Review #6 – The Simple Path to Wealth
This book can really be boiled down into a handful of key ideas, so I’ll do just that. What I Agree With What I Disagree With Points to Add Conclusion As the title promises, this is a simple book with straightforward advice. Follow its core principles, adapt them realistically to your life, and you’ll set […]
Book Review #5 – The Let Them Theory
Her Theory The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins explores the power of two simple phrases: “Let Them” and “Let Me.” Aimed primarily at women—given the female-centered examples—Robbins shares key moments in her life where she applied this mindset. Her idea is straightforward: when someone does something that upsets you, remind yourself to “Let Them.” […]
Book Review #4 – How Democracies Die
American democracy has been called the “oldest continuous democracy in the world.” Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt’s How Democracies Die takes that idea head-on, warning that the system is under attack, fragile, and at risk of collapse. It’s a bold claim—and the book makes a compelling case. But here’s the problem: the more I read, […]
Book Review #3 – Convince Them in 90 Seconds by Nicholas Boothman
When Nicholas Boothman walks into a room, you notice three things in order: his shiny red shoes, his well-tailored suit, and finally, his warm smile. Instantly, your impression of him is positive—and his book teaches you how to create the same effect. There’s always that one person who can light up a room, make everyone […]
Post #8: Pre-College Curriculum
Pathways Available Students in the pre-college program are organized into classifications first, and then into pathways. This structure ensures that students in the same pathway remain together throughout high school while still engaging with peers across their classification and occasionally with the larger pre-college group. EngineeringStructural engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, […]
Post #6: Vocational School Curriculum
Pathways Available Vocational school is organized by classifications, which then break down into pathways. This way, students in the same pathway stay together throughout high school while still sharing classes with others in their classification and across vocational school. Example Pathways include: Admissions Requirements To enroll, students must pass at least one class in their […]
Post #5 – Rethinking High School: A General School Curriculum for Real-World Success
Introduction The purpose of our education system should be to prepare young people not only for higher education but also for the realities of everyday life. For too long, our schools have emphasized standardized testing and abstract academics while leaving critical skills—like personal finance, workforce readiness, and family life—largely untouched. General School is designed to […]
Post #4: Middle School Curriculum
Post #4: Middle School Curriculum — Building Pathways with Purpose Middle school students today spend most of their time in traditional academic subjects—math, science, English, and physical education. While this broad, liberal arts-style education aims to prepare them for the future, it often overlooks a critical reality: middle school is one of the most challenging […]