#1 Aurum Finds

School, Aerospace, Warren Buffet, Christianity, Amazon

Hey Finders, in this issue we have articles speaking about the Limitations of Modern Education, The Aerospace Industry, Warren Buffet’s Youth, Christianity, and Amazon.

Enjoy!

School is not enough

In a world where everything is changing at a lightning pace, this piece dives into an important aspect of today's rapidly changing world: education. Specifically, Simon Sarris does a great job of diving into the critical importance of real-world experiences and agency for young individuals, the inherent limitations of the contemporary school system, and the enormous potential of the internet as a tool for skill acquisition and mastery outside formal education structures.

Like Sarris, I find myself drawn to write about education again and again. It’s important that we educate ourselves about education!  This is incredibly relevant vis a vis today's landscape because our world is shifting at an unprecedented pace. The growing complexity and ambiguity of the 21st-century job market call for a reevaluation of how we prepare our children for the future. The concept of 'education' is no longer restricted to the four walls of a classroom; it has transcended these traditional boundaries, necessitating a balance of theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Sarris's emphasis on fostering a sense of agency resonates deeply in this context, as it equips young minds with the adaptability and resilience they'll need in this fast-evolving world.

Link to Article

Golden Age of Aerospace

Get out of my head, Brian Balkus! After getting home from my last vacation, which included me getting to see the SR-71 that broke the speed record in person, I get treated to this comprehensive dive into the history and evolution of aerospace engineering, skillfully interweaving the narrative of iconic aircraft development, such as the SR-71 Blackbird, with the broader technological, industrial, and political contexts of the time. It's not just a historical account, but an examination of the complexities of the industry, from its astounding achievements to the contemporary challenges it faces.

The article's strength lies in its rigorous analysis, which teases out the factors that have contributed to both the aerospace industry's impressive past feats and its current struggles. It vividly illustrates the interplay between engineering innovation, project management, supply chain logistics, and the socio-political landscape. The piece also makes a persuasive case for the ongoing importance of preserving hands-on manufacturing expertise within the aerospace industry.

Balkus peppers in some compelling anecdotes, like the challenges faced in developing the SR-71 Blackbird I got to see, and thoughtful commentary on the state of the industry. This article provides valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the past, present, and potential future of aerospace technology.

Link to Article

The Hustler: Lessons from a Young Warren Buffett

I’ve been a student of Buffett for a decade now. Someone suggested that I read all of his letters to shareholders in order to understand business management and ownership at a deeper level, so I did… and I fell in love with a singular mind.

Here, Neckar Substack absolutely kills it. I’ve read and listened to dozens of biographies about Buffett (that is no exaggeration), and these folks know what they’re writing about. If you’re looking for a great, comprehensive history of Buffett’s life, and a peek at some of his wisdom, but you would prefer something shorter than a book, this is as good as it gets. 

Link to Article

Why you're a Christian

David Perrell weaves a complex tapestry of religious and philosophical beliefs in the modern world. Are there lessons from religious teachings that are useful without believing everything? Is it possible to draw from the teachings of Jesus without believing he was divine? 

This piece is all about the paradox of modern Western beliefs, drawing upon the teachings of Christianity as a cornerstone of moral philosophy, even in a secular context. Through engaging discussion of intellectual honesty, Perrell critically analyzes how selective appropriation of religious elements can lead to ideological inconsistencies. This article will captivate anyone interested in the interplay of faith, philosophy, and morality in our society, revealing the subtle yet profound footprint of religion on contemporary thoughts and values. It's an insightful read, inviting both the religious and the non-religious to examine their beliefs critically.

Link to Article

What is Amazon

After devouring biographies of both Sam Walton and Jeff Bezos, and after reading several histories of both companies, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a piece this comprehensive. If you have plans to be a global citizen in the 21st century, it’s in your best interest to understand how Amazon’s business model works. Amazon is, after all, bigger than many countries, and it affects daily life for people everywhere around the world, in various different ways. 

But how did Amazon go so far, so fast? What specific innovations did they introduce? How does AWS fit into the big picture? Zack Kanter has you covered here. 

Link to Article

If you’re new, Welcome!!!

Welcome to Aurum Finds, your exclusive gateway to the enriching world of interesting articles on every topic; from Christianity to Rocketry, curated by Edem Gold and commented on by Andrew Smith. Like seekers of the ancient 'aurum', we set out on the quest to mine golden nuggets of information from the limitless expanses of the Internet. Aurum is Latin for Gold, and this is a collaborative effort born out of the complementary skills and interests of Edem and Andrew.

Edem Gold, a voracious reader and seeker of knowledge, constantly scours the web for articles that inform, provoke, inspire, and challenge. He is the compass that navigates the vast seas of information and zeroes in on pieces worth your time and attention.

Andrew’s role, on the other hand, is to provide commentary, adding another layer of perspective and understanding to the articles Edem identifies. It was an invitation from Edem that led Andrew to join this venture, contributing his thoughts and reflections on these nuggets of information.

Our hope is to bring to you, through Aurum Finds, a curated and thoughtful selection of articles across a broad spectrum of subjects, complemented by commentary that deepens your understanding and incites conversation. We invite you to join us on this enriching journey of discovery, as we delve into the corners of the Internet and mine the 'aurum' hidden within. Welcome, and happy reading!