It's not often that I get to read autobiographies and call them "Professional reading". As always, the exception is the stellar, 4-digit-IQ human marvel that is Lee Quan Yew. This book was on my platter for a long time and I'd finally come around to digging in, and was I ever in for a treat.
Lee explains how he never had plans to write a memoir, as it's a thing "Easterners don't feel the need to do - good work is life's work". We'd be poorer for it if Mr. Yew had lived in accordance with his values. Furthermore, this is some of the finest writing I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Mr. Yew's story is one of determination. Not since Caesar and Napoleon was there, in my mind, a man that so profoundly took the world by the reins and performed at the very height of his ability for most of his natural-born life. His studies in the UK grounded him in economic theory and statesmanship, and the man assumed high office in the fledgling city-state of Singapore: only 4 years my senior at the time.
Throughout his life, his steely will and massive intellect pushed him through, and Singapore with him. The man lived and breathed the city he helped build. Seriously, this guy was ridiculously smart and his character is exemplary for future generations. The book offers little practical know-how in the professional space, but gives a rudimentary economic history of Singapore and inspires one like few other books I've read.
8/10