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The author claims they normally dislike must-read lists. I call their bluff: they seem a bit preoccupied with finding virtue, given their blog history. I doubt they will find it if they're surrendering judgment to the IQ club. Maybe its better than "10 hot summer reads", but its still an exercise regimen. Christopher Nguyen's "Value Capture" is a good rebuttal to this way of thinking.

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I can see how my exploration of the Mensa list might come across differently than intended. My aim wasn't necessarily to endorse this specific list or the 'IQ club,' but rather to explore the experience, the friction and challenge, that comes from engaging with demanding texts, wherever they are found. For me, it was less about surrendering judgment and more about using the list as a specific, challenging prompt to sharpen critical thinking against difficult material. Perhaps 'exercise regimen' isn't far off, but ideally one that builds perspective rather than just ticking boxes.

Thanks for the recommendation on Christopher Nguyen's "Value Capture".

Fair enough! Ain't nothing wrong with a regimen - I just think reflecting and choosing is part of the challenge.

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