Science on paapereira.xyz

Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit by Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Craig Mundie (2024)

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit by Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Craig Mundie (2024)

Author: Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Craig Mundie
First Published: November 19, 2024
Score: 6/10

Goodreads

In his final book, the late Henry Kissinger joins forces with two leading technologists to mount “a profound exploration” (Walter Isaacson) of the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence: a breakthrough that dramatically empowers people in all walks of life while also raising urgent questions about the future of humanity.

Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari (2024)

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari (2024)

Author: Yuval Noah Harari
First Published: September 10, 2024
Score: 8/10

Goodreads

For the last 100,000 years, we Sapiens have accumulated enormous power. But despite allour discoveries, inventions, and conquests, we now find ourselves in an existential crisis. The world is on the verge of ecological collapse. Misinformation abounds. And we are rushing headlong into the age of AI—a new information network that threatens to annihilate us. For all that we have accomplished, why are we so self-destructive?

The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking (2001)

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking (2001)

Author: Stephen Hawking
First Published: October 6, 2001
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Seeking to uncover the holy grail of science, the elusive Theory of Everything that lies at the heart of the cosmos, Professor Stephen Hawking takes us to the cutting edge of theoretical physics. In a realm where truth is often stranger than fiction, he explains in layman’s terms the principles that control our universe.

Accessory to War by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang (2018)

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Accessory to War by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang (2018)

Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang
First Published: September 11, 2018
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

In this fascinating foray into the millennia-long relationship between science and military power, acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and writer Avis Lang examine how the methods and tools of astrophysics have been enlisted in the service of war. “The overlap is strong, and it’s a two- way street,” say the authors, because the astrophysicists and military planners care about many of the same things: multi- spectral detection, ranging, tracking, imaging, high ground, nuclear fusion, and access to space. Tyson and Lang call it a “curiously complicit” alliance.

Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku (2013)

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku (2013)

Author: Michio Kaku
First Published: June 18, 2013
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

In this thrilling journey into the mysteries of our cosmos, best-selling author Michio Kaku takes us on a dizzying ride to explore black holes and time machines, multidimensional space, and most tantalizing of all, the possibility that parallel universes may exist alongside our own.

Kaku skillfully guides us through the latest innovations in string theory and its latest iteration, M-theory, which posits that our universe may be just one in an endless multiverse, a singular bubble floating in a sea of infinite bubble universes. If M-theory is proven correct, we may perhaps finally find an answer to the question, “What happened before the big bang?”

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates (2021)

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 16:30:00 +0100

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates (2021)

Author: Bill Gates
First Published: February 16, 2021
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, shares what he has learnt in over a decade of studying climate change and investing in innovations to address climate problems. He explains how the world can work to build the tools it needs to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions - investing in research, inventing new technologies and deploying them quickly at a large scale. Gates is optimistic that the world can prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis. This is a visionary and inspiring book by one of the world’s most celebrated public figures.

Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan (1977)

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0100

Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan (1977)

Author: Carl Sagan
First Published: April 12, 1977
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Dr Carl Sagan takes us on a great reading adventure, offering his vivid & startling insights into the brains of humans & beasts, the origin of human intelligence, the function of our most haunting legends & their amazing links to recent discoveries.

Until the End of Time by Brian Greene (2020)

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 14:30:00 +0100

Until the End of Time by Brian Greene (2020)

Author: Brian Greene
First Published: February 18, 2020
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Brian Greene takes readers on a breathtaking journey from the big bang to the end of time and invites us to ponder meaning in the face of this unimaginable expanse. He shows us how, despite the universe’s tendency toward entropy, remarkable structures form: planets, stars, and galaxies provide islands in a sea of disorder; biochemical mechanisms animate life; neurons, information, and thought give rise to complex consciousness, which in turn creates cultures and their timeless myths and creativity. Through a series of nested stories Greene provides us with a clearer sense of how we came to be, a finer picture of where we are now, and a firmer understanding of where we are headed. Science has proven to be modern society’s greatest source for meaning, and Brian Greene takes us on a grand tour of the universe while always keeping his eye on one central question: What does it all mean?

The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver (2012)

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver (2012)

Author: Nate Silver
First Published: September 27, 2012
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Nate Silver built an innovative system for predicting baseball performance, predicted the 2008 election within a hair’s breadth. He solidified his standing as the nation’s foremost political forecaster with his near perfect prediction of the 2012 election. Silver is the founder and editor in chief of FiveThirtyEight.com.

Drawing on his own groundbreaking work, Silver examines the world of prediction, investigating how we can distinguish a true signal from a universe of noisy data. Most predictions fail, often at great cost to society, because most of us have a poor understanding of probability and uncertainty. Both experts and laypeople mistake more confident predictions for more accurate ones. But overconfidence is often the reason for failure. If our appreciation of uncertainty improves, our predictions can get better too. This is the “prediction paradox”: The more humility we have about our ability to make predictions, the more successful we can be in planning for the future.

Galileo and the Science Deniers by Mario Livio (2020)

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Galileo and the Science Deniers by Mario Livio (2020)

Author: Mario Livio
First Published: 2020
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

An insightful, accessible, and fresh interpretation of the life of Galileo Galilei, one of history’s greatest and most fascinating scientists, that sheds new light on his discoveries and how he was challenged by science deniers—a cautionary tale for our time.

Galileo’s story may be more relevant today than ever before. At present, we face enormous crises—such as the minimization of the dangers of climate change—because the science behind these threats is erroneously questioned or ignored. Galileo encountered this problem 400 years ago. His discoveries, based on careful observations and ingenious experiments, contradicted conventional wisdom and the teachings of the church at the time. Consequently, in a blatant assault on freedom of thought, his books were forbidden by church authorities.

Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith (2004)

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith (2004)

Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith
First Published: September 28th 2004
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Our true origins are not just human, or even terrestrial, but in fact cosmic. Drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs and the current cross-pollination among geology, biology, astrophysics, and cosmology, Origins explains the soul-stirring leaps in our understanding of the cosmos. From the first image of a galaxy birth to Spirit Rover’s exploration of Mars, to the discovery of water on one of Jupiter’s moons, coauthors Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith conduct a galvanizing tour of the cosmos with clarity and exuberance.

Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2006)

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2006)

Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
First Published: November 1st 2006
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Neil deGrasse Tyson has a talent for explaining the mysteries of outer space with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. This collection of his essays from Natural History magazine explores a myriad of cosmic topics, from astral life at the frontiers of astrobiology to the movie industry’s feeble efforts to get its images of night skies right.

Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet by Leonard David (2016)

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet by Leonard David (2016)

Author: Leonard David
First Published: October 15th 2016
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

An inspiring exploration of the establishment of humans on Mars tying into the National Geographic television documentary series Mars. The next frontier in space exploration is Mars, the Red Planet and human habitation of Mars isn’t much farther off. In October 2015, NASA declared Mars an achievable goal; that same season, Ridley Scott and Matt Damons The Martian drew crowds into theaters, grossing over $200 million. Now the National Geographic Channel fast forwards years ahead with Mars, a six-part series documenting and dramatizing the next twenty-five years as humans land on and learn to live on Mars. Following on the visionary success of Buzz Aldrins Mission to Mars and the visual glory of Marc Kaufmans Mars Up Close, this companion book to the Nat Geo series shows the science behind the mission and the challenges awaiting those brave individuals.The book combines science, technology, photography, art, and storytelling, offering what only National Geographic can create. Clear scientific explanations, gorgeous photography from outer space and the planet itself, and dramatic scenes from the television series featuring exquisitely constructed sets made to replicate Mars, make the Mars experience real and provide amazing visuals to savor and return to again and again.

Biography of Resistance: The Epic Battle Between People and Pathogens by Muhammad H. Zaman (2020)

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:00:00 +0100

Biography of Resistance: The Epic Battle Between People and Pathogens by Muhammad H. Zaman (2020)

Author: Muhammad H. Zaman
First Published: April 21st 2020
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Award-winning Boston University educator and researcher Muhammad H. Zaman provides a chilling look at the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, explaining how we got here and what we must do to address this growing global health crisis.

In September 2016, a woman in Nevada became the first known case in the U.S. of a person who died of an infection resistant to every antibiotic available. Her death is the worst nightmare of infectious disease doctors and public health professionals. While bacteria live within us and are essential for our health, some strains can kill us. As bacteria continue to mutate, becoming increasingly resistant to known antibiotics, we are likely to face a public health crisis of unimaginable proportions. “It will be like the great plague of the middle ages, the influenza pandemic of 1918, the AIDS crisis of the 1990s, and the Ebola epidemic of 2014 all combined into a single threat,” Muhammad H. Zaman warns.

Thicker Than Water by Tyler Shultz (2020)

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 21:00:00 +0100

Thicker Than Water by Tyler Shultz (2020)

Author: Tyler Shultz
First Published: August 4th 2020
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

From the hero whistleblower of the infamous Theranos scam, Thicker than Water is a look at never-before-revealed details behind closed doors at the company, revealing a cautionary tale of corporate bullying, gaslighting, ego, and wealth run amok in Silicon Valley.

Tyler Shultz had been in the workforce for less than a year when he emailed Elizabeth Holmes, his employer and the CEO and founder of Theranos, with concerns that the company’s lab practices were faulty, ignored quality control, and were potentially dangerous to patients. The COO fired back with a dismissive and insulting email, to which Tyler replied: “Consider this my two weeks’ notice.”

The Space Race by Colin Brake, Patrick Chapman, Richard Hollingham, Richard Kurti, Sue Nelson, Helen Quigley and Andrew Mark Sewell (2019)

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:00:00 +0100

The Space Race by Colin Brake, Patrick Chapman, Richard Hollingham, Richard Kurti, Sue Nelson, Helen Quigley and Andrew Mark Sewell (2019)

Author: Colin Brake, Patrick Chapman, Richard Hollingham, Richard Kurti, Sue Nelson, Helen Quigley, Andrew Mark Sewell
First Published: July 12th 2019
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

The 1960s space race captured our imaginations and our dreams. Today’s efforts to revitalize and expand space travel is being driven not just by government agencies such as NASA, but also by visionaries such as Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic), Elon Musk (SpaceX), and Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin).

Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World by Michael Pollan (2020)

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 21:00:00 +0100

Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World by Michael Pollan (2020)

Author: Michael Pollan
First Published: January 30th 2020
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Pollan takes us on a journey through the history of the drug, which was first discovered in a small part of East Africa and within a century became an addiction affecting most of the human species. Caffeine, it turns out, has changed the course of human history - won and lost wars, changed politics, dominated economies. What’s more, the author shows that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without it. The science of how the drug has evolved to addict us is no less fascinating.

The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel by Erin Macdonald (2019)

Sat, 01 May 2021 21:00:00 +0100

The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel by Erin Macdonald (2019)

Author: Erin Macdonald
First Published: November 19th 2019
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Science fiction allows listeners to go places they can only dream of seeing—other worlds, distant stars, entirely different galaxies. While not every story is concerned with the hard science behind space travel and other futuristic ventures, fiction can give listeners an amazing insight into what people could be capable of and what people dream of doing.

Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz (2017)

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz (2017)

Author: Seth Stephens-Davidowitz
First Published: May 9th 2017
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Blending the informed analysis of The Signal and the Noise with the instructive iconoclasm of Think Like a Freak, a fascinating, illuminating, and witty look at what the vast amounts of information now instantly available to us reveals about ourselves and our world—provided we ask the right questions.

By the end of an average day in the early twenty-first century, human beings searching the internet will amass eight trillion gigabytes of data. This staggering amount of information—unprecedented in history—can tell us a great deal about who we are—the fears, desires, and behaviors that drive us, and the conscious and unconscious decisions we make. From the profound to the mundane, we can gain astonishing knowledge about the human psyche that less than twenty years ago, seemed unfathomable.

The Sentient Machine: The Coming Age of Artificial Intelligence by Amir Husain (2017)

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 21:59:00 +0100

The Sentient Machine: The Coming Age of Artificial Intelligence by Amir Husain (2017)

Author: Amir Husain
First Published: November 21st 2017
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

The future is now. Acclaimed technologist and inventor Amir Husain explains how we can live amidst the coming age of sentient machines and artificial intelligence—and not only survive, but thrive.

Artificial “machine” intelligence is playing an ever-greater role in our society. We are already using cruise control in our cars, automatic checkout at the drugstore, and are unable to live without our smartphones. The discussion around AI is polarized; people think either machines will solve all problems for everyone, or they will lead us down a dark, dystopian path into total human irrelevance. Regardless of what you believe, the idea that we might bring forth intelligent creation can be intrinsically frightening. But what if our greatest role as humans so far is that of creators?

How We'll Live on Mars by Stephen Petranek (2014)

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 21:47:00 +0100

How We’ll Live on Mars by Stephen Petranek (2014)

Author: Stephen Petranek
First Published: October 7th 2014
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Award-winning journalist Stephen Petranek says humans will live on Mars by 2027. Now he makes the case that living on Mars is not just plausible, but inevitable.

It sounds like science fiction, but Stephen Petranek considers it fact: Within twenty years, humans will live on Mars. We’ll need to. In this sweeping, provocative book that mixes business, science, and human reporting, Petranek makes the case that living on Mars is an essential back-up plan for humanity and explains in fascinating detail just how it will happen.

Understanding Complexity by Scott E. Page (2009)

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 21:53:00 +0100

Understanding Complexity by Scott E. Page (2009)

Author: Scott E. Page
First Published: 2009
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Recent years have seen the introduction of concepts from the new and exciting field of complexity science that have captivated the attention of economists, sociologists, engineers, businesspeople, and many others. These include tipping points, the sociological term used to describe moments when unique or rare phenomena become more commonplace; the wisdom of crowds, the argument that certain types of groups harness information and make decisions in more effective ways than individuals; six degrees of separation, the idea that it takes no more than six steps to find some form of connection between two random individuals; and emergence, the idea that new properties, processes, and structures can emerge unexpectedly from complex systems.

Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution by Richard Wolfson (2000)

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 22:57:00 +0100

Einstein’s Relativity and the Quantum Revolution by Richard Wolfson (2000)

Author: Richard Wolfson
First Published: 2000
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

“It doesn’t take an Einstein to understand modern physics,” says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these twenty-four lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or “classical” physics. After that, you’ll follow along as Professor Wolfson outlines the logic that led to Einstein’s profound theory of special relativity and the simple yet far-reaching insight on which it rests. With that insight in mind, you’ll move on to consider Einstein’s theory of general relativity and its interpretation of gravitation in terms of the curvature of space and time.

A Grown-Up Guide to Dinosaurs by Ben Garrod (2019)

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 23:18:00 +0100

A Grown-Up Guide to Dinosaurs by Ben Garrod (2019)

Author: Ben Garrod
First Published: July 4th 2019
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

Most children go through a dinosaur phase. Learning all the tongue-twisting names, picking favourites based on ferocity, armour, or sheer size. For many kids this love of ‘terrible lizards’ fizzles out at some point between starting and leaving primary school. All those fancy names slowly forgotten, no longer any need for a favourite.

Spaceman by Mike Massimino (2016)

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:43:00 +0100

Spaceman by Mike Massimino (2016)

Author: Mike Massimino
First Published: October 4th 2016
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself strapped to a giant rocket that’s about to go from zero to 17,500 miles per hour? Or to look back on Earth from outer space and see the surprisingly precise line between day and night? Or to stand in front of the Hubble Space Telescope, wondering if the emergency repair you’re about to make will inadvertently ruin humankind’s chance to unlock the universe’s secrets? Mike Massimino has been there, and in Spaceman he puts you inside the suit, with all the zip and buoyancy of life in microgravity.

Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark (2017)

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:25:00 +0000

Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark (2017)

Author: Max Tegmark
First Published: 2017
Score: 6/10

Goodreads

How will Artificial Intelligence affect crime, war, justice, jobs, society and our very sense of being human? The rise of AI has the potential to transform our future more than any other technology–and there’s nobody better qualified or situated to explore that future than Max Tegmark, an MIT professor who’s helped mainstream research on how to keep AI beneficial.

Origin Story by David Christian (2018)

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 21:50:00 +0100

Origin Story by David Christian (2018)

Author: David Christian
First Published: 2018
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

How did we get from the Big Bang to today’s staggering complexity, in which seven billion humans are connected into networks powerful enough to transform the planet? And why, in comparison, are our closest primate relatives reduced to near-extinction?

Big History creator David Christian gives the answers in a mind-expanding cosmological detective story told on the grandest possible scale. He traces how, during eight key thresholds, the right conditions have allowed new forms of complexity to arise, from stars to galaxies, Earth to homo sapiens, agriculture to fossil fuels. This last mega-innovation gave us an energy bonanza that brought huge benefits to mankind, yet also threatens to shake apart everything we have created.

The Future of Humanity by Michio Kaku (2018)

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 22:21:00 +0100

The Future of Humanity by Michio Kaku (2018)

Author: Michio Kaku
First Published: 2018
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Human civilization is on the verge of spreading beyond Earth. More than a possibility, it is becoming a necessity: whether our hand is forced by climate change and resource depletion or whether future catastrophes compel us to abandon Earth, one day we will make our homes among the stars.

World-renowned physicist and futurist Michio Kaku explores in rich, accessible detail how humanity might gradually develop a sustainable civilization in outer space. With his trademark storytelling verve, Kaku shows us how science fiction is becoming reality: mind-boggling developments in robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology could enable us to build habitable cities on Mars; nearby stars might be reached by microscopic spaceships sailing through space on laser beams; and technology might one day allow us to transcend our physical bodies entirely.

Just Six Numbers by Martin J. Rees (1999)

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 22:37:00 +0100

Just Six Numbers by Martin J. Rees (1999)

Author: Martin J. Rees
First Published: 1999
Series: The Science Masters Series
Score: 5/10

Goodreads

How did a single genesis event create billions of galaxies, black holes, stars and planets? How did atoms assemble—here on earth, and perhaps on other worlds—into living beings intricate enough to ponder their origins? What fundamental laws govern our universe?

This book describes new discoveries and offers remarkable insights into these fundamental questions. There are deep connections between stars and atoms, between the cosmos and the microworld. Just six numbers, imprinted in the big bang, determine the essential features of our entire physical world. Moreover, cosmic evolution is astonishingly sensitive to the values of these numbers. If any one of them were untuned, there could be no stars and no life. This realization offers a radically new perspective on our universe, our place in it, and the nature of physical laws.

The Art of Invisibility by Kevin Mitnick (2017)

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:22:00 +0000

The Art of Invisibility by Kevin Mitnick (2017)

Author: Kevin Mitnick
First Published: February 14th 2017
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

The world’s most famous hacker reveals the secrets on how citizens and consumers can stay connected and on the grid safely and securely by using cloaking and counter-measures in today’s age of Big Brother and big data.

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom (2014)

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 22:04:00 +0000

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom (2014)

Author: Nick Bostrom
First Published: July 3rd 2014
Score: 6/10

Goodreads

Superintelligence asks the questions: What happens when machines surpass humans in general intelligence? Will artificial agents save or destroy us? Nick Bostrom lays the foundation for understanding the future of humanity and intelligent life. The human brain has some capabilities that the brains of other animals lack. It is to these distinctive capabilities that our species owes its dominant position. If machine brains surpassed human brains in general intelligence, then this new superintelligence could become extremely powerful - possibly beyond our control. As the fate of the gorillas now depends more on humans than on the species itself, so would the fate of humankind depend on the actions of the machine superintelligence.

Cosmos by Carl Sagan (1980)

Sat, 29 Sep 2018 21:50:00 +0100

Cosmos by Carl Sagan (1980)

Author: Carl Sagan
First Published: 1980
Score: 9/10

Goodreads

Cosmos is one of the bestselling science books of all time. In clear-eyed prose, Sagan reveals a jewel-like blue world inhabited by a life form that is just beginning to discover its own identity and to venture into the vast ocean of space. Featuring a new Introduction by Sagan’s collaborator, Ann Druyan, and a new Foreword by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos retraces the fourteen billion years of cosmic evolution that have transformed matter into consciousness, exploring such topics as the origin of life, the human brain, Egyptian hieroglyphics, spacecraft missions, the death of the Sun, the evolution of galaxies, and the forces and individuals who helped to shape modern science.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2017)

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 20:08:00 +0100

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson (2017)

Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
First Published: May 2nd 2017
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.

But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day. While waiting for your morning coffee to brew, or while waiting for the bus, the train, or the plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines: from the big bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe.

Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari (2016)

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 21:10:00 +0100

Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari (2016)

Author: Yuval Noah Harari
First Published: September 8th 2016
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

Yuval Noah Harari, author of the critically-acclaimed New York Times bestseller and international phenomenon Sapiens, returns with an equally original, compelling, and provocative book, turning his focus toward humanity’s future, and our quest to upgrade humans into gods.

Over the past century humankind has managed to do the impossible and rein in famine, plague, and war. This may seem hard to accept, but, as Harari explains in his trademark style—thorough, yet riveting—famine, plague and war have been transformed from incomprehensible and uncontrollable forces of nature into manageable challenges. For the first time ever, more people die from eating too much than from eating too little; more people die from old age than from infectious diseases; and more people commit suicide than are killed by soldiers, terrorists and criminals put together. The average American is a thousand times more likely to die from binging at McDonalds than from being blown up by Al Qaeda.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (2011)

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 23:17:00 +0000

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (2011)

Author: Yuval Noah Harari
First Published: January 1st 2011
Score: 9/10

Goodreads

How did our species succeed in the battle for dominance? Why did our foraging ancestors come together to create cities and kingdoms? How did we come to believe in gods, nations and human rights; to trust money, books and laws; and to be enslaved by bureaucracy, timetables and consumerism? And what will our world be like in the millennia to come?

Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance (2015)

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 23:03:00 +0000

Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance (2015)

Author: Ashlee Vance
First Published: March 3rd 2015
Score: 7/10

Goodreads

South African born Elon Musk is the renowned entrepreneur and innovator behind PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. Musk wants to save our planet; he wants to send citizens into space, to form a colony on Mars; he wants to make money while doing these things; and he wants us all to know about it. He is the real-life inspiration for the Iron Man series of films starring Robert Downey Junior.