Lifelong Learning
IEC was founded by a Professor of Economics and his appreciation for lifelong learning is a core cultural value of the firm. We believe that both continuous and diverse learning is the key to wisdom and ultimately success.
Below are a few books that have inspired us internally.
Venice
by Jan Morris
A lyrical and deeply personal portrait of one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Morris captures Venice’s history, architecture, and atmosphere with vivid prose, offering a meditation on beauty, decay, and the passage of time.
The Path between the Seas
by David McCullough
An epic account of the creation of the Panama Canal, spanning decades of political intrigue, engineering ambition, and human perseverance. A masterful narrative about one of the greatest feats of modern infrastructure.
Die Vermessung der Welt (Measuring the World)
by Daniel Kehlmann
A witty and imaginative novel reimagining the lives of mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Kehlmann blends humor and intellect to explore how two brilliant minds sought to understand the world through vastly different approaches.
Freakonomics
by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
A provocative exploration of hidden patterns in everyday life through the lens of economics. Levitt and co-author Stephen Dubner challenge conventional wisdom with engaging stories about incentives, information asymmetry, and the unexpected forces shaping human behavior.
Empire of AI
by Karen Hao
An investigative account of OpenAI’s rise under Sam Altman and the broader implications of the AI arms race. Hao draws on years of insider reporting to examine the power, secrecy, and global consequences of the companies building artificial intelligence at unprecedented scale.
The Island at the Center of the World
by Russell Shorto
A groundbreaking narrative of Dutch Manhattan and the forgotten colony of New Netherland that predated the thirteen original American colonies. Shorto reveals how the Dutch ideals of tolerance, free trade, and individual rights helped shape the foundations of American culture.
Runnin’ Down a Dream
by Bill Gurley
A practical and inspiring guide to building a fulfilling career, drawn from legendary venture capitalist Bill Gurley’s decades of experience. Through vivid profiles of industry titans, Gurley lays out six principles for turning curiosity into craft and passion into purpose.
The Fourth Turning Is Here
by Neil Howe
An updated and expanded analysis of the generational cycles that shape history, arguing that America is in the midst of a transformative crisis period. Howe provides a framework for understanding how recurring patterns of social upheaval drive political and cultural change.
The Ox-Bow Incident
by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
A powerful and unsettling Western novel about mob justice and moral cowardice in the American frontier. Clark’s spare prose delivers a timeless examination of group psychology, the fragility of due process, and the consequences of unchecked authority.
The Way of Kings
by Brandon Sanderson
The sweeping first installment of the Stormlight Archive, set in a world of ancient warfare, mystical storms, and legendary weapons. Sanderson crafts an immersive epic fantasy rich with complex characters, intricate world-building, and themes of honor, leadership, and redemption.
For Blood and Money
by Nathan Vardi
A gripping account of the high-stakes race to develop breakthrough cancer drugs and the fierce corporate battles that followed. Vardi chronicles the intersection of scientific innovation, Wall Street ambition, and the pharmaceutical industry’s relentless pursuit of blockbuster therapies.
The Coming Wave
by Mustafa Suleyman
A urgent examination of how artificial intelligence and synthetic biology are converging to create transformative—and potentially destabilizing—technological change. Suleyman, a co-founder of DeepMind, outlines the challenges of containing these powerful technologies while harnessing their benefits.
Permission to Screw Up
by Kristen Hadeed
A candid and often humorous account of how one entrepreneur learned to lead by embracing failure rather than fearing it. Hadeed’s story of building Student Maid offers practical lessons on accountability, trust, and creating a workplace culture where people thrive.
1929
by Andrew Ross Sorkin
A detailed exploration of the financial crash of 1929 and the events that precipitated the Great Depression. Sorkin brings his signature narrative depth to one of the most consequential economic collapses in modern history, offering lessons that resonate in today’s markets.
Fathers and Sons
by Ivan Turgenev
A classic of Russian literature exploring the ideological clash between generations in nineteenth-century Russia. Turgenev’s nuanced portrayal of nihilism, love, and family tension remains a profound meditation on the conflict between tradition and progress.
We Need to Hang Out: A Memoir of Making Friends
by Billy Baker
A funny and heartfelt exploration of adult friendship and the modern epidemic of social isolation. Baker’s personal journey to rebuild his social life offers a candid look at why maintaining meaningful connections becomes harder with age—and why it matters more than we think.
The Outsiders
by William Thorndike
A compelling study of eight unconventional CEOs who achieved extraordinary returns by thinking independently about capital allocation. Thorndike demonstrates how contrarian management approaches and disciplined decision-making can dramatically outperform conventional corporate strategies.
Kitchen Confidential
by Anthony Bourdain
A raw and irreverent behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry from one of its most iconic voices. Bourdain’s sharp wit and unflinching honesty reveal the chaos, camaraderie, and passion that define professional kitchens.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
by Robert B. Cialdini
A foundational work on the science of persuasion, identifying six key principles that drive human decision-making. Cialdini’s research-backed insights into reciprocity, commitment, social proof, and other psychological triggers remain essential reading for anyone in business or leadership.
The Kite Runner
by Khaled Hosseini
A deeply moving novel about friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history. Hosseini weaves an emotionally powerful story that illuminates the human cost of war and the enduring bonds of loyalty.
Am I Being Too Subtle?
by Sam Zell
Sam Zell’s memoir offers straight-talking lessons from one of real estate’s most successful entrepreneurs.
The Lessons of History
by Will and Ariel Durant
Concise masterwork distills 5,000 years of civilization into timeless insights on human nature, economics, and the cycles of power.