Books Like...
'The Lessons of History' by Will and Ariel Durant is a thought-provoking exploration of various aspects of history, including biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, and growth and decay. The authors distill insights gained from years of study into a collection of short essays that provide a broad overview of historical events and their implications for the present day. The writing style is concise, insightful, and at times almost poetic, offering readers a unique perspective on the forces that have shaped human civilization.
If you liked The Lessons of History, here are the top 77 books to read next:
- #1
'Our Oriental Heritage' is the first volume in the monumental series 'The Story of Civilization' by Will Durant, offering a comprehensive exploration of non-European and non-Western cultures. Despite being written in the early part of the 20th century, the book still serves as a valuable introduction to history, covering topics such as the early civilizations of the East with a writing style that is described as a delightful read. The book delves into the roots of human civilization, providing insights into the big patterns of human behavior and offering a fascinating and surprisingly breezy survey of history.
'How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking' by Jordan Ellenberg is a book that delves into the application of mathematics in everyday life situations, showing how mathematical thinking can guide decision-making and understanding of the world around us. The author uses examples ranging from probability theory to statistics to illustrate how mathematical principles can be used to analyze various scenarios, from drug effectiveness testing to lottery playing. The writing style is described as engaging and accessible, making complex mathematical concepts understandable for readers without a strong math background. The book also includes historical anecdotes and real-life examples to highlight the relevance of mathematics in different aspects of life.
The book covers a diverse range of topics related to applied mathematics and statistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding numbers and patterns to make informed decisions. Jordan Ellenberg's writing style is praised for being informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking, presenting mathematical concepts in a clear and engaging manner. The book aims to teach readers the significance of statistical analysis and probabilities in interpreting information, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the practical applications of mathematical thinking in various fields.
The difference between the two pictures is the difference between linearity and nonlinearity, one of the central distinctions in mathematics. The Cato curve is a line;* the non-Cato curve, the one wit...- #3
'From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life, 1500 to the Present' by Jacques Barzun is a comprehensive survey of Western cultural history over the past 500 years. Barzun takes the readers on a journey through time, touching on various aspects of history, arts, science, and people, weaving a captivating narrative. The book is praised for its impressive scope and depth, offering a thorough exploration of Western civilization since the time of Luther. Barzun's writing style is described as engaging and informative, making the complex subject matter easy to follow and understand.
IT TAKES ONLYa look at the numbers to see that the 20th century is coming to an end. A wider and deeper scrutiny is needed to see that in the West the culture of the last 500 years is ending at the sa... - #4
The 'Atlas of World History' by John Haywood is a comprehensive and detailed reference book that covers the history of the world from the beginning of time up until 1997. The book is filled with big, colorful maps that are heavy on historical details, including information on proto-humans, empires, historical boundaries, trade routes, migration routes, military movements, religion, culture, and more. Each map is accompanied by narration and a timeline, providing readers with a broad overview of historical events across the globe.
The writing style of the book is described as proficient and easy to read, making it accessible to readers of all ages. The author, John Haywood, provides a well-organized layout with detailed information that is both informative and engaging. The book is praised for its usefulness as a resource for students studying history, as well as for individuals interested in exploring the changing boundaries of countries over time.
'The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World' by Niall Ferguson is a detailed exploration of the history of finance, covering various financial events and crises throughout Western history. The book delves into the origins of financial institutions, the development of bonds, stocks, insurance, and modern investment methods, providing a valuable perspective on historical events. Ferguson's writing style aims to make complex financial concepts understandable for the general reader, although some readers found the book to be more focused on banking, events, and money transactions in the 1900s and early 2000s, particularly in the USA.
Ferguson's narrative weaves together the evolution of money and financial instruments from ancient times to the present day, highlighting the interconnectedness between financial decisions and major world events. The book touches on topics such as the role of imperialism in foreign investment, the benefits of well-operating financial markets, and the repetitive nature of financial mistakes throughout history. While some readers appreciated the historical insights and educational value of the book, others found it to be too focused on recent financial events and lacking a central thesis or comprehensive analysis.
Imagine a world with no money. For over a hundred years, Communists and anarchists - not to mention some extreme reactionaries, religious fundamentalists and hippies - have dreamt of just that. Accord...- #6
'The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous' by Joseph Henrich explores the economic development of Western societies and the impact of Western philosophy on the rest of the world. It questions the imposition of Western standards on other cultures and delves into the historical changes that shaped the unique psychological traits of Western populations. The author argues that the Church played a significant role in breaking traditional kinship structures and fostering individualism, leading to the development of WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) societies.
The Western conception of the person as a bounded, unique, more or less integrated motivational and cognitive universe; a dynamic center of awareness, emotion, judgment, and action organized into a di... 'The Silk Roads: A New History of the World' by Peter Frankopan is a comprehensive narrative of world history focusing on the regions from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, and across Central Asia to China. It presents a new perspective on historical events, emphasizing the connections and exchanges that took place along the Silk Roads over centuries. The author weaves a compelling account of the history of the Middle East and Central Asia, shedding light on trade, news, and religious views that traversed the vast tracts that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.
offers insights into the impact of historical events on current affairs and explores the shifting balance of power between Europe, Asia, and the United States. It delves into the complexities of interactions and influences across different regions, highlighting the significance of the Silk Roads in shaping civilizations and world politics. The narrative provides a unique perspective on world history, challenging the Euro-centric viewpoint and offering a broader understanding of global events.
From the beginning of time, the centre of Asia was where empires were made. The alluvial lowlands of Mesopotamia, fed by the Tigris and Euphrates, provided the basis for civilisation itself – for it w...- #8
Mary Beard's 'SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome' is a comprehensive exploration of Rome's history, from its founding myths to the extension of Roman citizenship by Caracalla in 212 AD. The book delves into the lives of both the powerful leaders and the ordinary citizens, providing insights into the politics, social structures, and daily life of ancient Rome. Beard's narrative style is engaging and thought-provoking, challenging traditional accounts of Roman history and offering a fresh perspective backed by evidence and research.
OUR HISTORY OF ancient Rome begins in the middle of the first century BCE, more than 600 years after the city was founded. It begins with promises of revolution, with a terrorist conspiracy to destroy... - #9
'The Bed of Procrustes' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a collection of aphorisms that offer practical wisdom and insights for living a fulfilling life. The book delves into various topics such as stoicism, uncertainty, and the dangers of seeking certainty in an uncertain world. Taleb's writing style is concise and thought-provoking, presenting complex ideas in a straightforward manner that encourages deep reflection and contemplation. The book is structured as a series of short, impactful statements that challenge the reader's perceptions and beliefs, making it a unique and engaging read.
- #10
'Principles: Life and Work' by Ray Dalio is a semi-autobiography self-help book where the author shares his personal principles of success. is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Dalio's personal life principles and the second part delving into work principles that have served him well over the years. The writing style is described as structured, with detailed insights into what works for the author, as well as practical advice for individuals and organizations on how to tackle problems and improve continuously.
I was born in 1949 and grew up in a middle-class Long Island neighborhood, the only son of a professional jazz musician and a stay-at-home mom. I was an ordinary kid in an ordinary house and a worse-t...