In a world overflowing with information, finding the best nonfiction books can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, Dr. Bertalan Meskó has curated a list of the top 20 nonfiction books of all time.
These books offer profound insights into the human mind, the challenges we face in the age of technology, and the potential for a brighter future.
Whether you're a curious reader or a dedicated scholar, these books should be on your must-read list.
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In this captivating exploration of the human brain, Nobel laureate Eric R. Kandel delves into the mysteries of the mind. Through vivid storytelling and rigorous scientific analysis, Kandel reveals how unusual brains can offer profound insights into what makes us uniquely human. This book takes readers on a journey through the fascinating world of neuroscience, shedding light on the complexities of the human mind and the ways it can sometimes go awry.
“When memory is disrupted, these essential mental faculties suffer. Thus, memory is the glue that holds our mental life together. Without its unifying force, our consciousness would be broken into as many fragments as there are seconds in the day.”― Eric R. Kandel, The Disordered Mind: What Unusual Brains Tell Us About Ourselves
Tim Harford's book, first published in 2020, is a timely and indispensable guide to understanding the data-driven world we live in. With a blend of storytelling, real-world examples, and statistical insights, Harford teaches us how to navigate the sea of information and make sense of complex data. This book equips readers with the tools to discern truth from misinformation, a skill that is increasingly crucial in our data-driven society.
“Much of what we think of as cultural differences turn out to be differences in income.”― Tim Harford
Buy "How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers" by Tim Harford On Amazon
Toby Ord's "The Precipice" is an urgent and eye-opening examination of the existential risks that threaten the future of humanity. Ord argues that protecting humanity's future is the central challenge of our time. He explores the cutting-edge science behind these risks, putting them in the context of our collective human story. This book serves as a call to action, emphasizing the moral imperative of safeguarding our future in a world where catastrophic risks, from climate change to artificial intelligence, loom large.
“So if we drop the baton, succumbing to an existential catastrophe, we would fail our ancestors in a multitude of ways. We would fail to achieve the dreams they hoped for; we would betray the trust they placed in us, their heirs; and we would fail in any duty we had to pay forward the work they did for us. To neglect existential risk might thus be to wrong not only the people of the future, but the people of the past.”― Toby Ord, The Precipice: ‘A book that seems made for the present moment’ New Yorker
In "Perfectly Confident," Don A. Moore delves into the fascinating realm of decision-making and overconfidence. Drawing on insights from psychology and behavioral economics, Moore explores why humans often exhibit overconfidence in their judgments and how this can lead to costly mistakes. This book offers practical strategies for calibrating your decisions wisely and making better choices in both personal and professional life.
“Skills build confidence and not the other way around.”― Don A. Moore, Perfectly Confident: How to Calibrate Your Decisions Wisely
Rohit Bhargava's book provides readers with a unique perspective on trendspotting and future prediction. Drawing on his years of experience as a marketing strategist and futurist, Bhargava unveils the art and science of identifying "non-obvious" trends that can shape our future. This book equips readers with the tools to anticipate and adapt to emerging shifts in technology, society, and culture.
“Being elegant means developing your ability to describe a concept in a beautiful and simple way for easy understanding.”― Rohit Bhargava, Non-Obvious: How to Think Different, Curate Ideas & Predict The Future
Buy "Non Obvious Megatrends: How to See What Others Miss and Predict the Future" by Rohit Bhargava On Amazon
"Man vs. Machine" takes readers into the world of artificial intelligence and its historic challenge to human supremacy in the game of chess. Co-authored by chess grandmaster Karsten Müller and AI expert Jonathan Schaeffer, this book explores the fascinating story of how machines have evolved to challenge and sometimes surpass human chess players. It offers a deep dive into the AI advancements that have reshaped our understanding of human-machine competition.
Buy "Man vs. Machine: Challenging Human Supremacy at Chess" by Karsten Müller and Jonathan Schaeffer On Amazon
Ethan Kross's "Chatter" delves into the inner workings of our minds, specifically focusing on self-talk and its profound impact on our mental well-being. Drawing on the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, Kross explores how the conversations we have with ourselves can either empower us or undermine our success. This book provides practical strategies for managing our internal chatter effectively and achieving greater mental resilience.
“Studies show that when people are going through a difficult experience, asking them to imagine how they’ll feel about it ten years from now, rather than tomorrow, can be another remarkably effective way of putting their experience in perspective. Doing so leads people to understand that their experiences are temporary, which provides them with hope.”― Ethan Kross, Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It
Buy "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It" by Ethan Kross On Amazon
In "Think Again," organizational psychologist Adam Grant challenges the notion that being right is the path to success. Grant argues that the ability to rethink and adapt is a far more valuable skill in our rapidly changing world. Drawing on real-world examples and psychological research, he explores the power of intellectual humility and encourages readers to embrace the value of rethinking their beliefs and decisions.
“We listen to views that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard.”― Adam M. Grant, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Katy Milkman's "How to Change" delves into the science of behavior change and personal transformation. Drawing on insights from psychology and behavioral economics, Milkman offers evidence-based strategies for achieving personal and professional goals. This book equips readers with the tools to overcome obstacles, form better habits, and make lasting positive changes in their lives.
“making hard things seem fun is a much better strategy than making hard things seem important”― Katy Milkman, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Buy "How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be" by Katy Milkman On Amazon
In "Architects of Intelligence," Martin Ford interviews leading experts in the field of artificial intelligence, providing unique insights into the development and impact of AI on our society. Readers gain a deep understanding of the groundbreaking advancements in AI and the challenges and opportunities they present. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its potential to reshape our world.
“Different people have different levels of understanding of the many things around them, and science is about trying to deepen our understanding of those many things.”― Martin Ford, Architects of Intelligence: The truth about AI from the people building it
Buy "Architects of Intelligence: The Truth About AI from the People Building It" by Martin Ford On Amazon
Scott Smith's "How to Future" explores the complexities of leading and sense-making in an age characterized by rapid change and uncertainty. Drawing on his experience as a futurist and strategic thinker, Smith provides practical guidance on how to navigate the challenges of a constantly evolving world. This book empowers readers to lead effectively and make sense of the complexities of our modern age.
“Beliefs are hypotheses to be tested, not treasures to be protected.”― Scott Smith, How to Future: Leading and Sense-making in an Age of Hyperchange
"Let Patients Help!" Debronkart's book advocates for a patient-centered approach to healthcare. Based on his own experiences as a cancer survivor, Debronkart emphasizes the importance of patients taking an active role in their medical decisions and healthcare journey. This book offers valuable insights and strategies for improving the patient experience and promoting collaborative healthcare partnerships.
“Please, let patients help improve healthcare. Let patients help steer our decisions, strategic and practical. Let patients help define what value in medicine is.”― Dave Debronkart, Let Patients Help!
Buy "Let Patients Help!" by E-Patient Dave Debronkart On Amazon
Matthew McConaughey's memoir, "Greenlights," offers a candid and unconventional perspective on life, success, and self-discovery. Through a collection of stories, McConaughey shares his personal journey and the unconventional philosophy that has guided him. This book encourages readers to find their own "greenlights" in life—those moments of alignment and opportunity that lead to fulfillment and success.
“We all step in shit from time to time. We hit roadblocks, we fuck up, we get fucked, we get sick, we don’t get what we want, we cross thousands of “could have done better”s and “wish that wouldn’t have happened”s in life. Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck, or figure out how to do it less often.”― Matthew McConaughey, Greenlights
Buy "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey On Amazon
In "The Math of Life and Death," mathematician Kit Yates explores the role of mathematics in our daily lives. He illuminates how mathematical principles influence various aspects of our existence, from health and medicine to finance and social dynamics. This book offers readers a captivating and accessible glimpse into the power of mathematics to shape and explain the world around us.
Buy "The Math of Life and Death: 7 Mathematical Principles That Shape Our Lives" by Kit Yates On Amazon
Max Tegmark's "Life 3.0" delves into the profound implications of artificial intelligence on the future of humanity. Tegmark explores the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding AI and the potential for a future where humans coexist with intelligent machines. This thought-provoking book challenges readers to consider the ethical and societal dimensions of AI's evolution.
“… when people ask about the meaning of life as if it were the job of our cosmos to give meaning to our existence, they’re getting it backward: It’s not our Universe giving meaning to conscious beings, but conscious beings giving meaning to our Universe.”― Max Tegmark, Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Stuart Russell's book addresses one of the most critical issues in artificial intelligence: ensuring that AI systems align with human values and interests. Russell delves into the challenges of controlling AI systems and offers insights into designing AI that is compatible with human goals and aspirations. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of AI and its impact on society.
“Alas, the human race is not a single, rational entity. It is composed of nasty, envy-driven, irrational, inconsistent, unstable, computationally limited, complex, evolving, heterogeneous entities. Loads and loads of them. These issues are the staple diet—perhaps even raisons d'être—of the social sciences.”― Stuart Russell, Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control
Buy "Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control" by Stuart Russell On Amazon
Susan Cain's groundbreaking book, "Quiet," celebrates the strengths of introverts in a world that often values extroversion. Cain explores the power of introversion and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of personality traits. Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, she demonstrates the unique contributions introverts make to society and encourages introverts to embrace their true selves.
“Introverts, in contrast, may have strong social skills and enjoy parties and business meetings, but after a while wish they were home in their pajamas. They prefer to devote their social energies to close friends, colleagues, and family. They listen more than they talk, think before they speak, and often feel as if they express themselves better in writing than in conversation. They tend to dislike conflict. Many have a horror of small talk, but enjoy deep discussions.”― Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Samuel Arbesman's "The Half-Life of Facts" explores the fascinating concept that our knowledge has a half-life and is constantly evolving. Arbesman delves into the ways information changes and updates over time, challenging our assumptions about the permanence of knowledge. This book offers a fresh perspective on the dynamic nature of information in our ever-evolving world.
“many medical schools inform their students that within several years half of what they’ve been taught will be wrong, and the teachers just don’t know which half.”― Samuel Arbesman, The Half-life of Facts: Why Everything We Know Has an Expiration Date
Buy "The Half-Life of Facts: Why Everything We Know Has an Expiration Date" by Samuel Arbesman On Amazon
Matthew Sadler's "Game Changer" takes readers deep into the world of chess and artificial intelligence. The book explores the groundbreaking strategies employed by AlphaZero, an AI program that redefined the possibilities of chess gameplay. Through detailed analysis and insights, Sadler reveals how AI has transformed the game and offers lessons on innovation and learning from machines.
Buy "Game Changer: AlphaZero's Groundbreaking Chess Strategies and the Promise of AI" by Matthew Sadler On Amazon
In his own book, Dr. Bertalan Meskó, a leading expert in AI and human mind psychology, offers insights into the future of medicine. He emphasizes the importance of balancing cutting-edge technology with the human touch in healthcare. This book serves as a guide to understanding how technology can enhance patient care while maintaining the essential human elements of empathy and compassion.
“I think I might tell my children in 10 years that the early 2010s was a barbaric era”― Bertalan Mesko, The Guide to the Future of Medicine (2022 Edition): Technology AND The Human Touch
Buy "The Guide to the Future of Medicine: Technology AND The Human Touch" by Bertalan Meskó On Amazon
If you enjoyed these book recommendations, check out more similar list on my on my blog — https://www.honbasicbooks.com/nonfiction
These 20 nonfiction books, carefully selected by Dr. Bertalan Meskó, cover a wide range of topics, from neuroscience to AI and beyond.
They offer valuable insights into the human mind, the challenges of our rapidly changing world, and the potential for a brighter future.
Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a curious reader, these books are sure to expand your knowledge and perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
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