Reading Suggestions for the New Year

Question

Something from more modern authors.

Thanks

Answer 1

Code of the Lifemaker--if you like science fiction.

The Tao of Physics misses a lot if you know much about Taoism or physics, but it is an interesting read if you are new to that.

Does anyone offer a more comprehensive treatment? - afowen, Dec 25, 2010

Does Capra pretend to Taoism? It was 10 years ago that I read it, my memory is just that tao was used as in camino. - afowen, Dec 25, 2010

I read it over 30 years ago. Capra was not a Taoist. I have studied both Taoism and physics extensively. . .I've spent most of my adult life studying math and physics, but I lost interest in most philosophy many years ago. - lorenzo9, Dec 25, 2010

However, I will admit that my personal beliefs on contentment and how to live your life are very similar to Taoism. - lorenzo9, Dec 25, 2010

I've not explored Taoism, maybe I shall... - afowen, Dec 25, 2010

Answer 2

The Meme Machine by Susan Blackmore.

If you're not familiar with the concept of memes then read here.

Meme theory explains much which has confounded gene theory.

Freakonomics and Super Freakonomics

Any (or better all) of Malcolm Gladwell's books

Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

All of the above shed great light as to the workings of the world around us.

Cheers, Alex

The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra unites Eastern and Western thought that followed distinct paths following the 'Enlightenment' when the west adopted a deterministic world view based on recent scientific discoveries. The discovery of quantum physics and chaos theory suggests that we do not live in a deterministic universe and allows for the uniting of once separate schools of thought. If that's your bag

If you are looking for unputdownalbe science fiction, try Iain M Banks.

Thanks. Read the first two. Will look for the rest. - Ann-Frances, Dec 25, 2010

Gladwells revelations are similar to those of the Freakonimics books. - afowen, Dec 25, 2010

Answer 3

Hunting Mister Heartbreak (A Discovery of America) by Jonathan Raban

Old Glory, by Jonathan Raban

Keith and Costa Rica, by Watt Stewart

Charlie Wilson's War, by George Crile