Technology & Science
The Miraculous from the Material
Alan Lightman
In this captivating exploration, physicist and writer Alan Lightman delves into the profound wonder of the natural world, from the intricate dance of atoms to the majestic rings of Saturn. He argues for a 'spiritual materialism,' demonstrating how a deep understanding of scientific laws and material reality can amplify, rather than diminish, our sense of awe and connection to the cosmos. Through accessible explanations of phenomena like DNA, galaxies, and bioluminescence, Lightman invites readers to discover the miraculous inherent in the material, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the universe and our place within it.
Tech Agnostic
Greg M. Epstein
In 'Tech Agnostic,' Greg M. Epstein provocatively argues that technology has evolved beyond a mere industry to become the dominant religion of our time, shaping our beliefs, practices, and values with an almost divine influence. Drawing parallels between the narratives of tech giants and ancient religious doctrines, Epstein explores how technology offers promises of salvation, community, and even immortality, while also presenting its own forms of hierarchy, ritual, and apocalypse. This book is a compelling call for a 'reformation' of our relationship with technology, urging readers to critically examine its pervasive power and redirect its astonishing capabilities towards more humane and ethical ends.
Handprints on Hubble
Kathryn D. Sullivan
In this captivating memoir, Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space, shares her firsthand account of the groundbreaking work behind the Hubble Space Telescope. From her early days as a 'Sputnik Baby' and her journey to becoming an astronaut, Sullivan chronicles the challenges and triumphs of launching, rescuing, repairing, and maintaining Hubble. She reveals the untold story of the engineers and astronauts who invented the tools and processes that made on-orbit maintenance possible, transforming Hubble into the most productive observatory ever built and revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
An Introduction to System Safety Engineering
Nancy G. Leveson
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of system safety engineering. It delves into the methodologies for designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems to prevent accidents and ensure safety, covering topics from hazard identification to risk mitigation strategies. Essential reading for anyone involved in the development and operation of critical systems.
The Mountain in the Sea
Ray Nayler
Rumors of a dangerous species of hyperintelligent octopus, possibly possessing its own language and culture, draw marine biologist Dr. Ha Nguyen to a remote, sealed-off archipelago. Partnering with a battle-scarred security agent and the world's first android, she races against time to communicate with this groundbreaking species. As powerful transnational corporations and other forces converge to exploit the octopuses' advancements, Dr. Nguyen must uncover what these creatures truly think, and what they might do, in this dazzling near-future thriller that delves into the profound nature of consciousness and extrahuman intelligence.
Theodore Savage
Cicely Hamilton
Set in a world ravaged by scientific warfare, Cicely Hamilton's prescient 1922 novel, reissued in the Radium Age series, plunges readers into a chilling post-apocalyptic landscape. It follows Theodore Savage, a former civil servant, as he navigates a regressed society where knowledge is feared as 'devil's knowledge' and humanity struggles to survive in tribal communities. This 'feminist dystopia' offers a profound critique of unchecked technological progress and the fragility of civilization, exploring themes of human nature, gender roles, and the desperate search for meaning amidst utter devastation.
The Brain That Changes Itself
Norman Doidge
Explore the revolutionary discovery that the human brain can change itself through the stories of scientists, doctors, and patients who have experienced astonishing transformations. Without operations or medications, they have tapped into the brain's ability to reorganize and heal, challenging the long-held belief that brain anatomy is fixed.
Dune
Frank Herbert
In the far future, on the desert planet Arrakis, a young man named Paul Atreides is caught up in a complex web of political intrigue and ecological disaster as his family takes control of the planet's valuable spice melange. This is only the beginning of his journey.