On this installment of "A Bit of Blue Sky," host Bill Burke describes five books he recommends that will help listeners be more optimistic (and hopefully, fulfill their New Year's resolution to do so)!

Blue Sky Bookshelf: Link

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to A Bit of Blue Sky Host Bill Burke introduces the podcast and its mission to inspire optimism through engaging discussions. He sets the stage for a conversation about books that can help listeners maintain their New Year's resolutions.

01:29 Factfulness: A New Perspective Bill discusses 'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling, a book that challenges common misconceptions about the world and highlights the progress we've made. He emphasizes the importance of understanding facts to foster a more optimistic outlook.

03:56 The Enlightenment and Its Impact Next, Bill explores 'Enlightenment Now' by Steven Pinker, which reflects on the values established during the European Enlightenment. He highlights how these values have contributed to a more peaceful and prosperous world.

05:31 Humankind: A Case for Optimism Bill introduces 'Humankind' by Rutger Bregman, a book that argues for the inherent goodness of humanity. Through compelling examples, Bregman refutes the notion that humans are naturally violent and emphasizes cooperation.

06:49 The Rational Optimist: A Thoughtful Approach In this chapter, Bill revisits 'The Rational Optimist' by Matt Ridley, discussing how free trade and cooperation have historically led to human progress. He advocates for a rational approach to optimism based on facts.

07:12 The Power of Kind Words Bill shares insights from 'The Power of A Few Kind Words' by Tracy Gates, a book inspired by the author's father that encourages expressing appreciation through handwritten letters. This practice aims to uplift both the sender and the recipient.