Many of history’s famous thinkers have given us suggested reading lists, offering insight into the world of fiction, reality, and social connections.
Fortunately, we now have another list from one of today’s most famous scientists/cosmic enthusiasts/ existential philosophers.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was once asked the question: “Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on the planet?”
He kindly obliged, providing this list of eight essentials along with the reason why they each influenced the history of the western world. Without further ado, here they are:
8. “The Prince” by Machiavelli
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“To learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it.”
7. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
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“To learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art.”
6. “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith
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“To learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.”
5. “The Age of Reason” by Thomas Paine
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“To learn how the power of rational thought is the primary source of freedom in the world.”
4. “Gulliver’s Travels” by Johnathan Swift
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“To learn, among other satirical lessons, that most of the time humans are Yahoos.”
3. “On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin
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“To learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth.”
2. “A Treatise of the System of the World” by Sir Isaac Newton
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“To learn that the universe is a knowable place.”
1. The Bible
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“To learn that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe than it is to think for yourself.”
Got any books that you’d recommend that Neil didn’t cover?
Let us know in the comments!
