Bottom Line Books LogoOverdue Books

Stewart Brand

Environmentalist and founder of the Whole Earth Catalog, promoting sustainability and futurism.

Whole Earth Catalog

78 books recommended

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

Explores the two systems of human thought—fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberate reasoning—analyzing how biases shape decisions and behavior.

Recommended by: 18 People
Learn More
Meditations

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

A series of personal writings by the Roman Emperor, reflecting on the practice of Stoic philosophy.

Recommended by: 18 People
Learn More
The Better Angels of Our Nature

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Steven Pinker

Argues that violence has declined over time and discusses the reasons behind the trend towards a more peaceful society.

Recommended by: 11 People
Learn More
Finite and Infinite Games

Finite and Infinite Games

James Carse

Discusses the distinction between finite games (with clear winners and losers) and infinite games (focused on ongoing play and evolution).

Recommended by: 9 People
Learn More
Tao Te Ching

Tao Te Ching

Lao Tzu

A foundational text of Taoist philosophy, offering profound insights on life, balance, and harmony.

Recommended by: 9 People
Learn More
Guns, Germs, and Steel

Guns, Germs, and Steel

Jared Diamond

Examines the factors that have shaped human history, including geography, biology, and culture.

Recommended by: 9 People
Learn More
Brave New World

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

A dystopian novel that explores the consequences of technology, consumerism, and state control on society.

Recommended by: 7 People
Learn More
The Singularity Is Near

The Singularity Is Near

Ray Kurzweil

Predicts the future of technology and humanity, focusing on the concept of technological singularity.

Recommended by: 6 People
Learn More
A Pattern Language

A Pattern Language

Christopher Alexander

A practical guide to designing spaces that foster human connection and well-being.

Recommended by: 6 People
Learn More
The Odyssey

The Odyssey

Homer

An ancient Greek epic poem detailing Odysseus’s journey home, exploring themes of perseverance, adventure, and heroism.

Recommended by: 5 People
Learn More
Scale

Scale

Geoffrey West

Examines the underlying mathematical principles governing growth and sustainability in organisms, cities, and companies.

Recommended by: 5 People
Learn More
The Prince

The Prince

Niccolò Machiavelli

A classic treatise on political power, exploring strategies for gaining and maintaining control.

Recommended by: 5 People
Learn More
The Oxford Shakespeare

The Oxford Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

A complete collection of Shakespeare’s plays, with analysis and commentary on language, themes, and cultural impact.

Recommended by: 4 People
Learn More
What Technology Wants

What Technology Wants

Kevin Kelly

Explores technology as a self-evolving force, discussing its development, impact, and future trajectories.

Recommended by: 3 People
Learn More
The Iliad

The Iliad

Homer

An ancient Greek epic poem about the Trojan War, exploring themes of honor, heroism, and fate.

Recommended by: 3 People
Learn More
A Short History of Nearly Everything

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

A humorous and accessible exploration of science, covering topics from cosmology to geology to genetics.

Recommended by: 3 People
Learn More
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

A comprehensive history of the Roman Empire's decline, examining the causes behind its fall and lasting influence.

Recommended by: 2 People
Learn More
The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Anonymous

An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem following the adventures of Gilgamesh, exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and heroism.

Recommended by: 2 People
Learn More
Triumph of the City

Triumph of the City

Edward Glaeser

Explores how cities drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural development, and argues for urban density.

Recommended by: 2 People
Learn More
The Gift

The Gift

Lewis Hyde

Examines the nature of creativity and art as a gift economy, exploring how creativity enriches culture.

Recommended by: 2 People
Learn More
Page 1 of 4

Inspired by Stewart Brand's recommendations?

Start your own reading journey and share your insights with the community!