Fascinating and funny too! Goes into epic detail about how the different parts of the brain affect human behavior, and how brain chemistry can help us understand why humans can be so aggressive/racist/warlike and also so nurturing/sensitive/empathetic.
Isaac Asimov’s Magical World of Fantasy, Volume 1: Wizards by various authors
Such a fun collection! My favorite is the story “Mazirian the Magician” by Jack Vance.
September – November 2020
The Expanse Series (Books 1-8) by James S.A. Corey
What can I even say about one of the greatest sci-fi series ever written by man? These stories are so innovative and far-reaching, truly mind-bending; meanwhile the characters are so lovable and relatable… I just love these books so much. And they got me interested all over again in learning much more about physics!
August 2020
The Poorer Nations: A Possible History of the Global South by Vijay Prashad
Though the writing style is a bit monotonous, this book is eye opening and heartbreaking. It rips the veil away and reveals the lies underpinning the “story of America’s economic greatness” that is taught in every classroom in this country. I left this book feeling fully disenchanted with economics, capitalism, billionaires, and the way America conducts itself in the world.
July 2020
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
This writer is a master at making connections, tying together different branches of science and sociology and archeology into a picture that explains who we are, how we got here, and what drives us. His writing style is forceful, even aggressive at times, but brilliant throughout; he paints such a convincing and captivating picture of the way he sees things, it’s tough to argue with his logic. His views can be controversial at times, and he presents his ideas with a lot of attitude, which make this book a real fun read. I’m not certain that Harari is spot-on with all his theories, but don’t let that stop you from allowing this book to change the way you see humanity.
Understanding Marxism by Richard Wolff
This is a very brief book, basically aimed at identifying the major problems with capitalism. While I sympathize with the arguments, the author did not go into any level of depth regarding solutions to these problems. He simply takes for granted that socialism is the solution, without bothering to prove it, or to dive into any of the sticky situations socialism can create. I need solutions, not just identification of problems. Here are some thoughts on the matter.
April – June 2020
Gandhi and India Trilogy by Ramachandra Guha
When the Covid-19 virus hit the US and we all had to lockdown, I decided to finally research a man I had long wanted to understand: Mohandas Gandhi. These books did much more than tell me about his life; they expanded my mind and invited me into a completely different way of seeing (and existing in) the world. Gandhi still has so so much to teach us all: about how to somehow feel so much love and passion and connection with all of humanity that you’d be willing to sacrifice your body to spread peace, while also embodying detachment and desirelessness, a man without anger or pride, a man at peace with himself and universe. Gandhi took these dual, perhaps opposing, outlooks to their extremes throughout his life. Was he successful at creating a more peaceful world? Well that’s a question worth discussing.
January 2020
How the Earth Works by Michael Wysession
This is probably my favorite Great Course I’ve ever listened to. This professor is so talented: with a calm a laid-back demeanor he dives into so many fascinating scientific topics, and his mastery is apparent in every lecture. Learn the inner workings of Earth, the formation of the solar system, the role that life plays in the geology of the planet, why earth is a giant magnet, and how each and every one of us are all part of a giant connected cycle that never ends. This lecture course made me feel so connected to my planet and the living things on it. It also made me question whether anything humans create can ever be called permanent or important. Eye opening and mind blowing all the way through.
