The book this episode covers
Sid Meier's Memoir!
Sid Meier with Jennifer Lee Noonan · Reading rank 148 · in 3 other episodes
David calls the book, which came from a listener recommendation, an absolutely fantastic read.
Dedicated episode · Explicit praise · Founder theme
Books David recommends along the way
Becoming Trader Joe
Joe Coulombe with Patty Civalleri · Reading rank 91 · in 9 other episodes
Cross-episode reference
Masters of Doom
David Kushner · Reading rank 117 · in 4 other episodes
David calls Masters of Doom one of his favorite books read for the podcast, says he has taken many ideas from it, calls it fantastic, and directly recommends reading it and listening to Episode 21.
Cross-episode reference · Explicit praise · Founder theme
Wait But Why
Tim Urban · Reading rank 301 · in 11 other episodes
David connects Sid Meier's approach to Tim Urban's Grand Theft Life metaphor and calls the section worth reading and rereading.
Founder theme
Also mentioned
Made in Japan
Akio Morita with Edwin M. Reingold and Mitsuko Shimomura · Reading rank 21 · in 21 other episodes
David uses Morita's refusal to sell under a retailer's house brand to show why founders protect a special asset and its long-term identity over immediate revenue.
Founder theme
My Life in Advertising
Claude C. Hopkins · Reading rank 36 · in 13 other episodes
David applies “the more you tell, the more you sell” and “start with service.”
Cross-episode reference · Founder theme
Finding the Next Steve Jobs
Nolan Bushnell and Gene Stone · Reading rank 68 · in 11 other episodes
Cross-episode reference
Each note is a short paraphrase of why David brings the book up. Book pages show every piece of evidence and its review status. How ranking works