Brave New World ~
Aldous Huxley

Set in the 26th century, after a global holocaust, Brave New World is a disturbingly prophetic account of a society in which mankind has been dehumanized by the unintended consequences of advanced technology, genetic engineering and pharmacology.

The novel, written in 1932, anticipates developments in eugenics, cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, virtual reality, recreational drug use, and the overprescription and overuse of anti-depressants and sleeping pills.

This book tapped into my interests in literature, medicine, and science, warned me to consider the full range of consequences associated with biomedical advances, and stimulated me to emphasize humanism in the teaching and practice of medicine and science.





Built to Last ~ James C. Collins / Jerry I. Porras

Built to Last, the prequel to Good to Great, discusses the results of research aimed at identifying the principles and practices that distinguish long-time, high performing companies from their competitors. The authors refute many of the stereotypical beliefs of how organizations sustain success and emphasize that truly great, visionary companies preserve their purpose and core values, such as innovation, integrity, initiative, personal growth, and quality, while still stimulating progress. In essence, these companies advance because of, rather than in spite of (as in Brave New World), their core values. I find this book to be particularly valuable in guiding my efforts to lead the College of Medicine to sustained excellence in all its missions.