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by Robin Sharma
A Roadmap for the Questioner
Decoding the World by Po Bronson and Arvind Gupta is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity. It delves into the potential of machine learning and how it can transform our world, and raises important questions about the balance between progress and ethics.
It’s March 2020, and the first person has died from COVID-19 in the United States.
Po Bronson and Arvind Gupta have their work cut out for them.
In normal times, the companies they work with at IndieBio, a Silicon Valley–based biotechnology startup accelerator, would be tackling everything from curing cancer to creating the perfect blue. But suddenly, everyone has a common goal – and different ideas about how to achieve it.
Llama antibodies, anyone? What about niclosamide? It’s usually used for birth control but had some effect against SARS, so might be worth a shot. How about 3D-printing lymph nodes that can make antibodies?
At such a time of crisis, IndieBio’s unique style and out-of-the-box, big-picture thinking might be exactly what the world needs.
In that sense, it’s business as usual.
Here’s the key message: Since before the COVID-19 pandemic, IndieBio has been trying to save the world.
Amid a sea of funding applications from prospective companies, Arvind manages to take a step back. How did this all begin? Everyone’s saying the virus came from bats. Quite possible – bats are home to loads of viruses.
But here’s the thing. The bat genome protects bats against viruses extremely well, so most of the time they don’t get sick. And if they do happen to get sick, they don’t usually pass their viruses on to humans.
That only changes when bats are stressed or under threat. Like from loss of habitat. Deforestation, destruction of wetlands, things like that. In other words, when their existence is being jeopardized by human interference.
IndieBio starts rapidly approving all sorts of new ventures that stand a slim chance of helping the world through the pandemic. It’s the name of the game. After all, taking risks is IndieBio’s purpose.
Po read an impressive study a while back, from the University of Michigan. It didn’t use genetic engineering, machine learning, or any other methods favored by IndieBio – just an old fashioned questionnaire. But it proved, comprehensively, that people aged 50 and above were most likely to stay healthy if they had a sense of purpose. Simple as that.
Working from home, Arvind sighs. His sense of purpose is leading him away from IndieBio, the company he founded. He’s leaving it in the safe hands of Po, his good friend. He’ll miss it. But maybe he can do more good at a bigger venture capital firm – invest even more money into world-changing causes.
Now would be the time.
Decoding the World (2020) is a dive into the fascinating world of IndieBio, a biotechnology firm that’s determined to change the world for the better. The long-term health of both people and the planet are at stake – and not just because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Decoding the World provides a thought-provoking exploration of the future of data and how it can shape our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
IndieBio wasnt a Think Tank. It was a Do Tank.
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,000+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Decoding the World?
The main message of Decoding the World is to embrace the power of data and use it to better understand our world.
How long does it take to read Decoding the World?
The reading time for Decoding the World varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Decoding the World a good book? Is it worth reading?
Decoding the World is a insightful read that provides valuable insights into the role of data in our lives. It's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Decoding the World?
Decoding the World is written by Po Bronson and Arvind Gupta.