How Innovation Works
Matt Ridley
A sweeping exploration of evolution in the universe, morality, life, genes, culture, economy, technology, mind, personality, education, population, leadership, government, religion, money, and the internet, arguing that evolution is a pervasive force shaping the human world and that change is incremental, inevitable, and driven by natural selection among competing ideas.
On Liberty
John Stuart Mill
A foundational text in classical liberalism, John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty' explores the nature and limits of the power that can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual. Mill champions individual rights and freedom of thought and expression as essential for societal progress, sparking debate and inspiring generations.
Our Malady
Timothy Snyder
In "Our Malady," Timothy Snyder reflects on the meaning of freedom, drawing lessons from history and his personal experiences, including insights gained from a hospital diary. He explores the essence of liberty in the face of tyranny and offers a profound meditation on what it truly means to be free.
The Anthropocene Reviewed
John Green
A collection of insightful and often humorous essays that review different facets of the human-influenced planet on a five-star scale, from Canada geese to Diet Dr Pepper, exploring the contradictions of human existence and our impact on the world.
The Black Swan
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
A groundbreaking exploration of the unpredictable events that shape our world. Nassim Nicholas Taleb reveals how we are blinded by randomness and how we can learn to thrive in the face of uncertainty. Elegant, startling, and universal in its applications, The Black Swan will change the way you look at the world.
When Breath Becomes Air
Paul Kalanithi
A deeply moving and unforgettable memoir by a young neurosurgeon facing a terminal diagnosis, exploring questions of life, death, and what it means to live a meaningful life in the face of mortality.
When Einstein Walked with Gödel
Jim Holt
This book is a captivating collection of essays that delves into some of the most profound ideas in science and mathematics, from Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics to Gödel's incompleteness theorems and the nature of infinity. Jim Holt masterfully intertwines these complex concepts with the dramatic and often tragic lives of the brilliant minds who conceived them, such as Albert Einstein, Kurt Gödel, and Alan Turing. Beyond the scientific explanations, the essays explore the deep philosophical implications of these breakthroughs, touching upon metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, all presented in an engaging and accessible style that aims to enlighten both newcomers and experts.
Klara and the Sun
Kazuo Ishiguro
Narrated by Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) with remarkable observational abilities, this novel explores a near-future world where advanced AI companions are commonplace. Chosen by a sickly teenage girl named Josie, Klara dedicates herself to understanding human emotions and the complexities of love and loneliness. As Josie's health deteriorates, Klara embarks on a poignant mission, believing in the Sun's power to heal, and in doing so, uncovers profound truths about human nature, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for connection.