What I have been up to lately? It’s a question many are asking, and here at WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide clarity. This article summarizes my recent endeavors, intellectual pursuits, and future outlook, offering a transparent view of my work and interests. Delve into my venture firm contributions, engagements with portfolio companies, commitment to continuous learning, and reflections on current events. This exploration covers venture capital, intellectual curiosity, and navigating modern society.
1. What Is My Role in Building Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)?
I contribute to Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a venture firm, where I’ve been working for the past 14 years; my contributions involve supporting partners, expanding investment scopes, and implementing new operating models. The success of a16z is primarily attributed to Ben and our partners, but I provide support where possible. The firm has grown to over 500 employees and continues to evolve.
1.1 How Do I Support a16z’s Portfolio Companies?
I work closely with a16z’s portfolio companies, both as a board member and in advisory roles, supporting founders’ creativity and courage. My involvement ranges from serving on the board to providing guidance during critical moments, whether successes or challenges. This hands-on approach allows me to witness and contribute to their journeys.
1.2 What Is My Involvement in New Investments at a16z?
I actively participate in evaluating and securing new investments for a16z, often partnering with colleagues to close deals and occasionally leading investments with founders I connect with. While I don’t lead most new investments, I collaborate to bring in promising ventures. I maintain board positions in 12 companies, balancing private and public entities, and remain open to new opportunities.
2. What Is My Approach to Continuous Learning and Understanding?
I prioritize continuous learning to deepen my understanding of various subjects, including political events and historical contexts, by engaging in extensive reading. After recognizing gaps in my political understanding from 2014-2016 events, I withdrew from political engagements to study history and diverse political viewpoints. This immersion involved reading extensively to gain a comprehensive perspective.
2.1 Which Books Have Significantly Influenced My Understanding?
Several books have significantly shaped my understanding of society, politics, and history, offering insights into diverse perspectives and critical events. These readings cover a wide range of topics, from the structure of society and political ideologies to historical events like the Spanish Civil War and the rise of different political movements.
2.2 Can You Elaborate on Books About the History of the American Right and Left?
I’ve studied the histories of both the American right and left through various books, providing insights into their origins, evolution, and key figures. These readings include biographies, historical analyses, and examinations of radical movements, offering a comprehensive view of the ideologies and events that have shaped these political landscapes.
3. What Are My Thoughts on Maintaining a Public Presence?
I reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining a daily social media presence and choose to engage through occasional writing and public conversations. I weigh the benefits and drawbacks of being active on social media, opting instead to share my thoughts through written pieces and discussions with interesting individuals.
3.1 Where Can People Find My Recent Public Engagements?
My recent public engagements can be found in various podcasts and interviews, where I discuss a range of topics with different people. These podcasts offer insights into my perspectives on technology, culture, and current events, providing a platform for sharing ideas and engaging with a broader audience.
3.2 How Has My Family’s Perspective on California Changed?
My family and I initially considered leaving California but ultimately decided to stay, viewing it as a place of immense culture and creativity despite its challenges. After contemplating moves to Las Vegas and Manhattan, we chose to remain in California, drawn by its vibrant culture and creativity, even amidst societal issues.
4. What Key Books Have Shaped My Worldview?
Several books have significantly influenced my perspective on history, politics, and society. These readings offer deep insights into the evolution of cultures, the dynamics of political movements, and the philosophical underpinnings of our time. They’ve helped me understand complex issues and form a more nuanced view of the world.
4.1 What Books Explain the Structure of Our Society and Politics?
The Machiavellians by James Burnham: Analyzes political power and leadership, exploring how politicians gain and maintain power, drawing on the ideas of Machiavelli.
The Managerial Revolution by James Burnham: Examines the shift of power from capitalists to managers in modern society, arguing that managers have become the dominant class.
These books provide a framework for understanding the power dynamics and structures that shape our society and political systems.
4.2 What Books Illuminate the History of the Spanish Civil War?
The Spanish Civil War by Hugh Thomas: A comprehensive history of the Spanish Civil War, detailing its causes, events, and consequences.
Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell: An autobiographical account of Orwell’s experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War, offering a personal perspective on the conflict.
Spain In Our Hearts by Adam Hochschild: Explores the motivations and experiences of Americans who volunteered to fight in the Spanish Civil War against fascism.
Mine Were Of Trouble by Peter Kemp: A memoir by a British volunteer who fought for the Nationalist side in the Spanish Civil War, providing a unique perspective.
These books collectively offer a detailed and multifaceted view of the Spanish Civil War, highlighting its significance as a precursor to later conflicts.
4.3 Which Books Cover the History of the American Right?
Lindbergh by Scott Berg: A biography of Charles Lindbergh, examining his life, career, and controversial political views.
The Ambassador: Joseph P. Kennedy at the Court of St. James’s by Susan Ronald: Explores Joseph Kennedy’s role as the US ambassador to the United Kingdom during the lead-up to World War II.
The Guarded Gate by Daniel Okrent: Discusses the history of American immigration policies and the role of eugenics in shaping those policies.
The Second Coming of the KKK by Linda Gordon: Examines the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan in the early 20th century and its impact on American society.
War For Eternity by Benjamin Teitelbaum: Explores the connections between esoteric and occult ideas and far-right political movements.
The New Right by Michael Malice: An exploration of the modern conservative movement through interviews and analysis.
These books provide a comprehensive look at the historical roots and evolution of the American right wing.
4.4 What Books Explore the History of the American Left?
The God That Failed by Richard Crossman: A collection of essays by former communists who became disillusioned with the ideology.
The Romance of American Communism by Vivian Gornick: Explores the experiences and motivations of American communists during the 20th century.
Witness by Whittaker Chambers: An autobiographical account by Whittaker Chambers, a former communist who testified against Alger Hiss.
Joseph McCarthy by Arthur Herman: A biography of Senator Joseph McCarthy, examining his role in the anti-communist movement of the 1950s.
Days of Rage by Bryan Burrough: Chronicles the history of radical left-wing groups in the United States during the 1970s.
Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers by Tom Wolfe: A satirical look at the cultural and political trends of the 1970s, focusing on the interactions between wealthy elites and radical activists.
These readings offer insights into the history, ideologies, and key figures of the American left.
4.5 Which Books Offer Insight Into Key Figures of Totalitarian Regimes?
Hitler: A Global Biography by Brendan Simms: A comprehensive biography of Adolf Hitler, examining his life, ideology, and impact on world history.
Hitler: Ascent and Hitler: Downfall by Volker Ullrich: A two-part biography of Hitler, detailing his rise to power and his eventual defeat.
Lenin by Victor Sebestyen: A biography of Vladimir Lenin, exploring his life, revolutionary activities, and role in the Russian Revolution.
Lenin On The Train by Catherine Merridale: Recounts Lenin’s journey back to Russia in 1917 and its significance in the Russian Revolution.
These books provide detailed accounts of the lives and actions of key figures in totalitarian regimes, shedding light on their motivations and the impact of their rule.
4.6 What Books Examine the Nature of Mass Movements and Collective Psychology?
The True Believer by Eric Hoffer: Explores the psychological factors that drive mass movements and the characteristics of their followers.
The Captive Mind by Czeslaw Milosz: Examines the intellectual and psychological effects of totalitarianism on writers and intellectuals.
The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel: An essay by Vaclav Havel discussing the nature of dissent and resistance in totalitarian regimes.
These books delve into the psychological and social dynamics of mass movements, offering insights into how they form and influence individuals.
4.7 What Books Explore the Evolution of Modern Culture and Civic Religion?
No Offense: Civil Religion and Protestant Taste by John Murray Cuddihy: Explores the cultural and social impact of Protestantism on American society.
Ordeal of Civility: Freud, Marx, Levi-Strauss, and the Jewish Struggle With Modernity by John Murray Cuddihy: Examines the contributions and challenges faced by Jewish intellectuals in the context of modernity.
These books analyze the cultural and religious influences that have shaped modern societies.
4.8 Which Books Offer Insights Into Who We Are and How We Got Here?
The WEIRDest People In The World by Joseph Henrich: Explores how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies differ from other cultures and how these differences have shaped our psychology and institutions.
Who We Are And How We Got Here by David Reich: Discusses the history of human migration and genetic diversity, using ancient DNA to reveal new insights into our origins.
These books provide a deeper understanding of human evolution, cultural development, and the factors that have shaped our modern identities.
4.9 What Books Provide a Framework for Understanding Current Politics and Culture?
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles by Thomas Sowell: Examines the different underlying assumptions and worldviews that drive political debates.
The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy by Thomas Sowell: Critiques the role of intellectuals and elites in shaping social policy.
Public Choice Theory and the Illusion of Grand Strategy by Richard Hanania: Applies public choice theory to analyze the behavior of governments and policymakers.
History Has Begun: The Birth of a New America by Bruno Macaes: Argues that the United States is undergoing a fundamental transformation, evolving into a new and different kind of society.
These books offer critical perspectives on the forces shaping contemporary politics, culture, and society.
4.10 What Books Delve Into the Philosophical Underpinnings of Our Time?
The End of History and the Last Man by Francis Fukuyama: Argues that liberal democracy represents the end-point of ideological evolution.
Alexandre Kojève: Wisdom at the End of History by James Nichols: Explores the philosophy of Alexandre Kojève, a key interpreter of Hegel.
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche: A philosophical work by Friedrich Nietzsche that challenges traditional morality and values.
These books explore the philosophical ideas that underpin modern thought and culture.
4.11 What Books Examine the Role and Influence of Public Intellectuals?
Intellectuals by Paul Johnson: A critical examination of the lives and ideas of prominent intellectuals throughout history.
Intellectuals and Society by Thomas Sowell: Analyzes the role of intellectuals in shaping public opinion and policy.
These books offer insights into the influence and responsibilities of intellectuals in society.
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