Nick Szabo
Cryptographer and computer scientist known for foundational work in blockchain and smart contracts.
23 books recommended
The Rational Optimist
Matt Ridley
A compelling argument for the benefits of progress and human ingenuity, showing why the future is bright.
The Selfish Gene
Richard Dawkins
Explores the concept of the gene as the central unit of selection in evolution, introducing the idea of the "selfish gene."
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith
A seminal work in economics that lays out the principles of free markets, division of labor, and the 'invisible hand' guiding economic activity.
Genome
Matt Ridley
Explores each human chromosome to discuss genes and their roles in human history, biology, and evolution.
The Red Queen
Matt Ridley
Discusses the evolutionary arms race, focusing on how competition shapes biological traits and social behaviors.
The Origins of Virtue
Matt Ridley
Explores the biological roots of human cooperation, arguing that evolutionary factors influence moral behavior and social cohesion.
The Fatal Conceit
F. A. Hayek
Critiques socialism and central planning, discussing the dangers of disregarding cultural and economic evolution.
Metaphors We Live By
George Lakoff
Examines how metaphors shape our thinking and language, showing their influence on perception and behavior.
The Most Powerful Idea in the World
William Rosen
Chronicles the history of the steam engine and its role in driving the Industrial Revolution.
To Rule the Waves
Arthur Herman
A history of the British navy, exploring its influence on global trade, empire, and warfare.
Glass
Alan Macfarlane
Chronicles the history and cultural significance of glass, from its ancient origins to its modern applications.
The Columbian Exchange
Alfred Crosby
Examines the exchange of crops, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds, highlighting its global impact.
The 10,000 Year Explosion
Gregory Cochran
Proposes that human evolution has accelerated in recent history, influenced by environmental and cultural factors.
The Measure of Reality
Alfred Crosby
Explores the quantification of reality in the Middle Ages and its impact on modern science and technology.
The Black Book of Communism
Mark Kramer
Documents the history and human cost of communist regimes worldwide, presenting case studies and analysis.
Money Changes Everything
William N. Goetzmann
Explores the history of finance and its influence on human history.
Masters of the Word
William J. Bernstein
Examines how communication advancements have shaped history and power.
A Splendid Exchange
William J. Bernstein
Chronicles the history of global trade and its impact on civilizations.
Getting To Maybe
Richard Michael Fischl
A guide to legal thinking and exam success for law students.
The Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe
Elizabeth L. Eisenstein
Analyzes the impact of the printing press on society and culture in early Europe.
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