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books & reading list
read
The Beginning of Infinity
by David Deutsch
An exploration of the nature and progress of human knowledge, arguing that all progress comes from the quest for good explanations.
The Beginning of Infinity — Review
Deutsch's work is a mind-expanding journey through science, philosophy, and the nature of reality. His optimistic view of human progress and the power of knowledge is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Rationality: From AI to Zombies
by Eliezer Yudkowsky
A collection of essays on rationality, cognitive biases, and the art of human reasoning.
Rationality: From AI to Zombies — Review
Yudkowsky's sequences are a comprehensive guide to thinking clearly and overcoming cognitive biases. His unique blend of humor, insight, and rigorous analysis makes complex topics accessible and engaging.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
by Yuval Noah Harari
A sweeping narrative of human history, from the Stone Age to the twenty-first century.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind — Review
Harari's ability to synthesize vast amounts of information into a compelling narrative is remarkable. His fresh perspectives on human history challenge many of our preconceptions and offer new ways of understanding our past and present.
The Big Picture
by Sean Carroll
An exploration of the origins of life, meaning, and the universe itself.
The Big Picture — Review
Carroll's book is a masterful blend of physics, philosophy, and cosmology. His clear explanations of complex scientific concepts, coupled with thoughtful reflections on their implications, make for a truly enlightening read.
Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid
by Douglas Hofstadter
An exploration of common themes in the lives and works of logician Kurt Gödel, artist M. C. Escher, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid — Review
Hofstadter's magnum opus is a mind-bending journey through mathematics, art, and music. His playful approach to deep concepts in cognition and consciousness makes this challenging book a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth
by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou
A graphic novel that tells the story of the quest for the foundations of mathematics.
Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth — Review
Logicomix brilliantly combines storytelling with complex mathematical and philosophical concepts. The visual format makes abstract ideas tangible, while the human drama of the story keeps the reader engaged throughout.
A Cultural History of Physics
by Károly Simonyi
A comprehensive overview of the cultural and historical context of major developments in physics.
A Cultural History of Physics — Review
Simonyi's work is a treasure trove of scientific history, offering deep insights into how physics has shaped and been shaped by culture. It's an invaluable resource for understanding the broader context of scientific discoveries.
UNSONG
by Scott Alexander
A web serial novel that combines Jewish mysticism, puns, and a world where the laws of physics have been replaced by divine providence.
UNSONG — Review
Alexander's UNSONG is a wildly creative and intellectually stimulating work that blends humor, philosophy, and speculative fiction in a truly unique way. It's a testament to the power of imagination and the joy of wordplay.
Complete Writings of Scott Alexander
by Scott Alexander
A collection of essays, blog posts, and articles covering a wide range of topics including psychology, rationality, and social issues.
Complete Writings of Scott Alexander — Review
Scott Alexander's writings are a treasure trove of insightful analysis, thought-provoking ideas, and careful reasoning. His ability to tackle complex topics with clarity and nuance makes his work invaluable for anyone interested in understanding the world better.
Crafting Interpreters
by Robert Nystrom
A detailed guide to implementing a programming language, covering both theory and practice.
Crafting Interpreters — Review
Nystrom's book is an excellent resource for understanding the inner workings of programming languages. It strikes a perfect balance between theoretical concepts and practical implementation, making it an invaluable guide for both beginners and experienced programmers.
The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable
by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
An exploration of the impact of rare and unpredictable events, and how we tend to find simplistic explanations for these events retrospectively.
The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable — Review
Taleb's provocative ideas challenge conventional wisdom about risk and uncertainty. His concept of 'black swan' events has become increasingly relevant in our complex, interconnected world, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and navigating unpredictability.
Inadequate Equilibria: Where and How Civilizations Get Stuck
by Eliezer Yudkowsky
An examination of systemic failures in society and how to potentially overcome them.
Inadequate Equilibria: Where and How Civilizations Get Stuck — Review
Yudkowsky's analysis of societal inadequacies is both insightful and practical. He offers a framework for understanding why some systems fail to improve despite obvious flaws, and provides thought-provoking ideas on how individuals might navigate and potentially improve these systems.
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
by Julian Jaynes
A controversial theory about the emergence of human consciousness, suggesting it arose from the breakdown of a two-chambered cognitive structure.
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind — Review
Jaynes' theory is bold, provocative, and utterly fascinating. While controversial, his ideas about the historical development of human consciousness offer a unique perspective on the nature of mind and self-awareness. It's a challenging read that rewards careful consideration and sparks profound questions about human cognition and culture.
to read
There Is No Antimemetics Division
by qntm
A series of stories set in the SCP Foundation universe dealing with the antimemetics concept, where certain ideas cannot be remembered.
Against Method
by Paul Feyerabend
A philosophical treatise that argues against the existence of a universal scientific method and advocates for epistemological anarchism.
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