No. 353 | October 16, 2026
Welcome to Friday Five, a short collection of ideas to take into your weekend.
This week’s themes: think for yourself, develop good taste, and do the right thing.
If this resonates, forward it to a friend. Most readers discover Friday Five because someone they trust shared it with them.
Music of the Week
“I think it’s important for people to stay human and remember that genuine human connection is more fulfilling than anything that technology has to offer. We all have it within us, and music is something that can bring that out of us.” — Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is a musician, songwriter, producer, and bandleader who blends jazz, R&B, soul, pop, funk, and classical music into his own musical gumbo.
His music puts me at ease every time I hear it. Start with “Candy Necklace,” “Freedom,” and “It’s All Right” to get a feel for his sound.
Quotes of the Week
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things.” — Epictetus, Enchiridion, Chapter 13
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” — Steve Jobs
“You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing.” — Richard Feynman
“The big question about how people behave is whether they’ve got an Inner Scorecard or an Outer Scorecard. It helps if you can be satisfied with an Inner Scorecard.” — Warren Buffett
Article of the Week
“Mediocre people don’t like high achievers and high achievers don’t like mediocre people.” — Nick Saban
In August, we wrapped up our month-long trip to Europe. I listened to three audiobooks during the trip and finished a fourth book after we got home.
My August reading list covers leadership lessons from Nick Saban, entrepreneurial advice from Derek Sivers, resilience from Susie Wolff, and unconventional paths to success from Guy Raz.
Read more about these books:
📝 August Reading List: 4 Best Books I Read in August 2026
Podcast of the Week
“Make the hard decisoin, have the hard conversation.” — Greg Brockman
Greg Brockman joined The Knowledge Project to discuss OpenAI’s early days, its pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the challenges of funding that ambition.
He also discusses the AI race, the importance of computing power, and the role of AI agents.
Listen to the full conversation:
🎙️ AI Goes Parabolic | OpenAI Co-Founder Greg Brockman
Book of the Week
“You should invest in a business that even a fool can run, because someday a fool will.” — Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett’s wisdom is simple yet powerful. In The Tao of Warren Buffett, Mary Buffett and David Clark explore the principles and strategies behind his success.
His approach to investing and life emphasizes common sense, patience, and integrity.
A few of my favorite lessons:
- Good things come to those who wait.
- It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.
- Learn from the mistakes of others.
- Look for integrity, intelligence, and energy when hiring.
- Enjoy the process more than the proceeds.
- Sometimes what you don’t do is just as important as what you do.
For more of Buffett’s wisdom:
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