Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, known for his groundbreaking work in the field of science and atheism, has shared his top picks for the 15 best nonfiction books of all time.
These books span a wide range of topics, from science and reason to politics, culture, and personal stories.
Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the world, this list has something for everyone.
Let's dive into Dawkins' curated selection of thought-provoking and enlightening reads.
“By all means let's be open-minded, but not so open-minded that our brains drop out.”― Richard Dawkins
In "Freedom from Speech," Greg Lukianoff dives deep into the critical topic of free speech in our modern society. He explores how the cherished value of free expression is under threat in an era marked by increasing polarization and cancel culture. Lukianoff's book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and complexities surrounding one of the fundamental pillars of democracy.
“This is precisely what you would expect when you train a generation to believe that they have a right not to be offended. Eventually, they stop demanding freedom of speech and start demanding freedom from speech.”― Greg Lukianoff, Freedom from Speech
Buy "Freedom from Speech" by Greg Lukianoff On Amazon
Neil deGrasse Tyson's "Starry Messenger" is a captivating journey through the cosmos and its profound impact on our understanding of civilization. With insightful prose, Tyson offers fresh perspectives on pressing global issues, such as war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race, all viewed through the lens of the cosmos. This book invites readers to contemplate the unity of humanity and the role of science in bridging divides.
“Objective truths of science are not founded in belief systems. They are not established by the authority of leaders or the power of persuasion. Nor are they learned from repetition or gleaned from magical thinking. To deny objective truths is to be scientifically illiterate, not to be ideologically principled.”― Neil deGrasse Tyson, Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization
Professor Brian Cox takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey in "Human Universe." Celebrating the remarkable transformation of humankind from early apemen to modern spacemen, Cox explores the profound influence of science on our culture and society. This book serves as a captivating ode to humanity's exponential growth in knowledge and the wonders of the universe.
“United States spends more on pet grooming than it does on fusion research.”― Brian Cox, Human Universe
Buy "Human Universe" by Professor Brian Cox On Amazon
Athena Aktipis delves into the intricate relationship between evolution and cancer in "The Cheating Cell." She reveals that cancer is a natural consequence of the processes that gave rise to life. By understanding the evolutionary origins of cancer, Aktipis argues that we can develop smarter and more humane treatments. This book unifies research from various scientific fields and challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of cancer and its connection to our evolutionary past.
“What cancer cells are ultimately doing is cheating on the pact that cells form when cooperating to form a multicellular organism”― Athena Aktipis, The Cheating Cell
Buy "The Cheating Cell: How Evolution Helps Us Understand and Treat Cancer" by Athena Aktipis On Amazon
In "Speech! How Language Made Us Human," Simon Prentis embarks on a captivating exploration of the evolution of human language. From the earliest grunts and gestures to the complex linguistic systems we use today, Prentis uncovers the transformative power of language in shaping our species and the societies we've built. This book delves into the origins of communication and the profound ways in which it has defined our existence.
“Why are humans so different to all other animals? Like the language we use to frame it, that can seem too obvious to ask – but the answer is rooted in words, and turns out to have been hiding in plain sight.”― Simon Prentis, Speech! How Language Made Us Human
Buy "Speech! How Language Made Us Human" by Simon Prentis On Amazon
6. "Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win" by Luke Harding
Luke Harding's "Collusion" offers a compelling and comprehensive investigation into the intricate web of connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. Drawing on extensive research and reporting, Harding uncovers the secretive meetings, financial dealings, and political maneuvers that raise significant questions about Russia's role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This book provides a thorough and eye-opening examination of a critical moment in contemporary politics.
“During the Cold War, Czech spies were known for their professionalism. Czech and Hungarian officers were typically used in espionage actions abroad, especially in the United States and Latin America. They were less obvious than Soviet operatives sent by Moscow.”― Luke Harding, Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win
Buy "Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win" by Luke Harding On Amazon
Douglas Murray challenges prevailing narratives about Western cultures in "The War on the West." He explores the complex interactions between cultures and histories, dissecting the inconsistencies in anti-Western rhetoric. Murray raises thought-provoking questions about the selective scrutiny of Western societies and their contributions to human progress. "The War on the West" serves as a compelling call for a more balanced and honest examination of global history and contemporary challenges.
“If you do not respect my past, then why should I respect yours? If you do not respect my culture, then why should I respect yours? If you do not respect my forebears, then why should I respect yours? And if you do not like what my society has produced, then why should I agree to your having a place in it?”― Douglas Murray, The War on the West
Buy "The War on the West" by Douglas Murray On Amazon
In their collaborative work, Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt delve into the challenges facing today's young adults in "The Coddling of the American Mind." The authors explore how well-intentioned efforts to protect and nurture young minds have unintended consequences, impacting mental and emotional well-being. Drawing on extensive research, Lukianoff and Haidt provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education and the pressing issues affecting the younger generation.
“A culture that allows the concept of “safety” to creep so far that it equates emotional discomfort with physical danger is a culture that encourages people to systematically protect one another from the very experiences embedded in daily life that they need in order to become strong and healthy.”― Greg Lukianoff, The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure
Steven Pinker's "Enlightenment Now" offers an optimistic and data-driven perspective on the state of humanity in the 21st century. Pinker argues passionately for the enduring importance of reason, science, and humanism in addressing global challenges. Through a compelling presentation of facts and figures, he illustrates the remarkable progress humanity has made in areas such as health, knowledge, safety, and happiness. "Enlightenment Now" is a call to action to defend the ideals that have propelled us forward.
“As we care about more of humanity, we’re apt to mistake the harms around us for signs of how low the world has sunk rather than how high our standards have risen.”― Steven Pinker, Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
Buy "Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress" by Steven Pinker On Amazon
Neil deGrasse Tyson's "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" distills complex cosmic concepts into bite-sized chapters, making astrophysics accessible to all. With humor and clarity, Tyson invites readers to explore the wonders of the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes. This book is a delightful and informative journey through the mysteries of space and time.
“We are stardust brought to life, then empowered by the universe to figure itself out—and we have only just begun.”― Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
In "Humanimal," Adam Rutherford embarks on a fascinating exploration of Homo sapiens' unique place in the natural world. Rutherford sheds light on the paradoxes that make humans exceptional, such as our intelligence, cooperation, and capacity for both kindness and cruelty. This book challenges conventional notions of human evolution and provides a fresh perspective on what it means to be human.
“Alas, we are no more or less evolved than any creature. Uniqueness is terribly overrated.”― Adam Rutherford
Buy "Humanimal: How Homo sapiens Became Nature’s Most Paradoxical Creature—A New Evolutionary History" by Adam Rutherford On Amazon
"The Little Book of Humanism" is a timeless anthology compiled by Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson, offering insights from history's greatest humanist thinkers. This book provides a collection of stories, quotes, and meditations on living an ethical and fulfilling life grounded in reason and humanity. It celebrates the humanist way of living well and encourages readers to embrace reason and empathy in their daily lives.
“We only live once This is not a drill. There is no second life to come. Even the future in this one life is unpredictable and there are no guarantees about what will happen next. So it makes sense to enjoy life now.”― Andrew Copson, The Little Book of Humanism: Universal lessons on finding purpose, meaning and joy
Andrew Doyle's "Free Speech: Why It Matters" is a passionate defense of one of the fundamental pillars of democracy—free speech. Doyle argues that surrendering our freedoms to those in power is far more dangerous than allowing controversial or offensive opinions. This book serves as a rallying cry for those concerned about the state of public discourse and the importance of preserving the right to free expression.
“There will always be those whose instinct inclines towards submission to authority, who are happy to shift beliefs in accordance with the fashion or decrees from above. Orwell called this the 'gramophone mind', content to play the record of the moment whether or not one is in agreement”― Andrew Doyle, Free Speech And Why It Matters
Buy "Free Speech: Why It Matters" by Andrew Doyle On Amazon
Jan Morris's groundbreaking memoir, "Conundrum," offers a deeply personal and courageous exploration of her own experience as a transgender woman. Morris, who was born James Morris, lived as a man for many years before undergoing hormone treatment and experimental surgery. Her honest and prurience-free account is one of the earliest books to delve into the topic of transsexuality, inspiring and eye-opening for readers.
“What was important was the liberty of us all to live as we wished to live, to love however we wanted to love, and to know ourselves, however peculiar, disconcerting or unclassifiable, at one with the gods and angels.”― Jan Morris, Conundrum
Buy "Conundrum" by Jan Morris On Amazon
In "The Good News Club," Katherine Stewart offers a thought-provoking investigation into an after-school program that masquerades as "Bible study" but seeks to convert young children to fundamentalist Christianity. Stewart exposes the legal loopholes that allow such programs in public schools and the broader implications for education. This book sheds light on the real impact of religious influence on America's public education system and raises important questions about the separation of church and state.
“We are so used to the idea that the First Amendment is for liberals, and that it is our bulwark against fascist movements, that we fail to notice when it has been turned around and used as a wedge instead.”― Katherine Stewart, The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children
Buy "The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children" by Katherine Stewart On Amazon
If you enjoyed these book recommendations, check out more similar list on my on my blog — https://www.honbasicbooks.com/nonfiction
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These 15 nonfiction books, handpicked by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, offer a rich tapestry of knowledge, insight, and thought-provoking ideas.
Whether you're interested in science, culture, or the human condition, this collection provides a diverse range of perspectives that will stimulate your intellect and deepen your understanding of the world.
So, embark on a literary journey through these captivating reads and broaden your horizons with the wisdom they offer.
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