Books Like...
'Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst' by Robert M. Sapolsky delves into the complexities of human behavior, exploring the biological, genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that influence our actions. Sapolsky's writing style is described as comprehensive, detailed, and richly complex, incorporating humor to make the intricate discussions more accessible to readers. The book covers topics ranging from neuroscience and genetics to societal issues like compassion, violence, and symbolic values, offering a deep exploration of what shapes human behavior and identity.
If you liked Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman is a comprehensive study on human thought processes, highlighting how individuals are prone to cognitive illusions and biases. The book delves into the concept of two systems of thinking - one fast and intuitive, the other slow and analytical - and explores how these systems impact decision-making in various aspects of life, including business and personal choices. Kahneman skillfully combines decades of research in psychology and economics to provide insights into human behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding our cognitive tendencies to make better decisions.
Your experience as you look at the woman’s face seamlessly combines what we normally call seeing and intuitive thinking. As surely and quickly as you saw that the young woman’s hair is dark, you knew ... 'The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion' by Jonathan Haidt delves into moral psychology from an evolutionary perspective, proposing a theory of Moral Foundations that underlie observable moral systems. Haidt's exploration of the drives behind people's feelings of right and wrong offers insight into actions driven by tribalism or politics. also provides copious data on experimental results, making it a thought-provoking read that sheds light on human behavior and the development of social manifestations of morality.
If you are like most of the well-educated people in my studies, you felt an initial flash of disgust, but you hesitated before saying the family had done anything morally wrong. After all, the dog was...'Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions' by Dan Ariely delves into the realm of behavioral economics, showcasing how human decision-making is often influenced by irrational tendencies rather than rational thinking. Through a series of experiments and studies, Ariely explores various aspects of human behavior, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of our choices. The writing style of the book combines humor with insightful observations, making complex psychological concepts easily understandable for readers.
Have you ever grabbed for a coupon offering a FREE! package of coffee beans—even though you don’t drink coffee and don’t even have a machine with which to brew it? What about all those FREE! extra hel...Oliver Sacks' book, 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales', delves into the fascinating world of neurology through a collection of twenty-four stories describing various patients with neurological disorders. The book covers a wide variety of maladies involving perception, such as individuals who cannot locate parts of their body, those who have lost their sense of balance, and patients with phantom limbs, Tourette's syndrome, and unique memory loss. Sacks narrates these clinical tales with a mix of compassion, humor, and intellect, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human brain and the lives of those affected by these conditions.
The writing style of the book varies from clinical and philosophical to compassionate and humorous, providing an engaging and thought-provoking read. Sacks skillfully combines psychological, philosophical, neurological, and psychiatric views in his narratives, offering a deep exploration of the inner workings of the human mind and the experiences of his patients. Despite some opinions criticizing the medical jargon and outdated language, the book is praised for its ability to blend science with storytelling, creating a captivating account of neurological case studies that leave a lasting impact on readers.
The last thing one settles in writing a book,' Pascal observes, 'is what one should put in first.' So, having written, collected and arranged these strange tales, having selected a title and two epigr...- #5
Save:'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins is a groundbreaking work that delves into the core principles of evolution through the lens of genes. Dawkins introduces the concept of the gene as the basic unit of evolution, shedding light on how natural selection functions and exploring the idea of genes as selfish entities striving for replication. The book also introduces thought-provoking concepts such as evolutionary stable sets, survival machines, and memes, offering a unique perspective on the evolutionary process. Despite some readers finding the writing style repetitive and the analogies clunky, Dawkins manages to present complex genetic theories in a clear and understandable manner.
Through 'The Selfish Gene', Dawkins challenges traditional views on evolution and behavior, emphasizing the role of genes in driving survival and shaping life. The book not only provides insight into evolutionary understanding but also acts as a historical account of significant scientific ideas. While some readers may find the content dense and tedious at times, others appreciate Dawkins' lucid arguments and thought-provoking ideas that have the potential to reshape moral concepts related to human nature. Overall, 'The Selfish Gene' remains a landmark science book that has influenced readers' perspectives on genetics, evolution, and the fundamental principles of life.
Intelligent life on a planet comes of age when it first works out the reason for its own existence. If superior creatures from space ever visit earth, the first question they will ask, in order to ass... 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari is a thought-provoking exploration of the history of humans, spanning from our early caveman days to modern times. The author delves into the three major revolutions of cognitive, agricultural, and scientific advancements, shedding light on human myths and societal constructs like capitalism and free market. Through insightful discussions, the book examines the evolution of mankind, from the domestication of fire to the mastery of our surroundings, while also speculating on the future impact of humans on life on earth.
About 300,000 years after their appearance, matter and energy started to coalesce into complex structures, called atoms, which then combined into molecules. The story of atoms, molecules and their int...'Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies' by Jared Diamond explores the impact of geography and environmental factors on the development of different human cultures throughout history. Diamond delves into topics such as the rise of civilizations, the spread of agriculture, technological advancements, and the interactions between different societies. The writing style of the book is described as informative and thought-provoking, although some readers find it lengthy and repetitive at times. Diamond presents a theory that emphasizes the role of luck and geographic circumstances rather than biological superiority in shaping the course of human history.
ASUITABLE STARTING POINT FROM WHICH TO COMPARE historical developments on the different continents is around 11,000 B.C.* This date corresponds approximately to the beginnings of village life in a few...- #8
Save:'Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers' by Robert M. Sapolsky explores the impact of stress on the human body, drawing parallels between how animals like zebras handle stress in short bursts compared to humans who often experience prolonged stress. The book delves into the physical and mental illnesses caused by prolonged stress, providing insights on coping mechanisms and the effects of stress on different personality types. Sapolsky's writing style is described as engaging, humorous, and informative, making complex scientific concepts accessible to readers.
Of course not. Our nights are not filled with worries about scarlet fever, malaria, or bubonic plague. Cholera doesn’t run rampant through our communities; river blindness, black water fever, and elep... - #9
Save:'The Laws of Human Nature' by Robert Greene is a captivating exploration of human behavior and psychology. Greene delves deep into the intricacies of why people act the way they do, offering a plethora of insights that are both enlightening and practical. He combines historical anecdotes, psychological research, and real-life examples to illustrate his points, making the book engaging and relatable. Greene's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, providing valuable advice on how to navigate the complexities of human relationships. acts as a codebook for deciphering people's behavior, with each chapter telling the story of iconic individuals who exemplify the law being covered, along with advice on how to operate successfully within these laws.
You like to imagine yourself in control of your fate, consciously planning the course of your life as best you can. But you are largely unaware of how deeply your emotions dominate you. They make you ... 'Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind' by V.S. Ramachandran is a captivating exploration of the complexities of the human brain. Ramachandran's writing style is conversational and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with his thoughts. The book delves into the mysteries of perception, hallucination, and self-deception, showcasing how the brain processes information and constructs our reality. Through a blend of humor and deeper philosophical views, Ramachandran navigates through a maze of information, pushing readers to ponder the questions he poses about the inner workings of the mind.
A man wearing an enormous bejeweled cross dangling on a gold chain sits in my office, telling me about his conversations with God, the "real meaning" of the cosmos and the deeper truth behind all surf...
