Books matching: historical and contemporary examples
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An engaging, smart dive into how little things can make a big difference. Read it if you want to understand the hidden forces behind social trends - but expect more entertaining stories than hard science.
'The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference' by Malcolm Gladwell delves into the concept of social epidemics and how small changes can lead to significant impacts. Through various examples and case studies, Gladwell explores the factors that contribute to tipping points in trends, behaviors, and social movements. The writing style is a mix of storytelling and analysis, with engaging anecdotes that illustrate the author's points about the dynamics of social change.
On December 22, 1984, the Saturday before Christmas, Bernhard Goetz left his apartment in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and walked to the IRT subway station at Fourteenth Street and Seventh Avenue. He...2000•300 pagesA thorough, accessible guide to how economies work - best for those seeking a straightforward, free-market perspective. Great for beginners, but not everyone will love the style or ideology.
"Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide to the Economy" by Thomas Sowell is a dense book that serves as an excellent primer for understanding economic principles. The author presents the fundamentals of economics in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible even for readers with no prior background in the subject. Sowell uses real-life examples to illustrate economic concepts, aiming to educate the general public on how economic systems work, including capitalism, socialism, and communism. Despite the lack of charts and graphs, readers find the book insightful and eye-opening, with many appreciating Sowell's ability to explain complex topics in a simple and engaging way.
The book delves into various economic topics, such as the functioning of free markets, the impact of different economic systems on society, and the role of government in the economy. Sowell's writing style is described as pithy, smart, and unbiased, providing a comprehensive overview of modern economics for the layperson. Readers commend the book for its ability to challenge preconceived notions and offer a different perspective on economic issues, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of how the economy operates.
Whether one is a conservative or a radical, a protectionist or a free trader, a cosmopolitan or a nationalist, a churchman or a heathen, it is useful to know the causes and consequences of economic ph...December 2000•596 pages- #3
Save:A smart, eye-opening guide to recognizing and resisting manipulation in daily life - but be ready for a time-capsule vibe and lots of U.S.-focused content.
'Age of Propaganda: The Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion' by Elliot Aronson and Anthony Pratkanis delves into the world of propaganda and persuasion tactics used in advertising and politics. The authors explore the topic in great depth, discussing research findings from experiments and providing insights on how individuals are influenced without their awareness. aims to educate readers on the methods used to persuade people and highlights the importance of being more aware of these tactics in our daily lives. Through a scientific approach, the authors analyze emotional factors and provide a comprehensive understanding of propaganda, shedding light on its impact on shaping perceptions and behaviors.
October 1991•424 pages A thought-provoking, approachable, and essential read that challenges how we think about disability and tech. Perfect for anyone open to new ideas about inclusion and ableism - even better if you want something that sparks reflection and conversation.
Against Technoableism by Ashley Shew is an insightful exploration of the concept of technoableism, which emphasizes how technology often aims to eliminate disability rather than understanding and embracing it. The book engages the reader by discussing various historical and contemporary examples that demonstrate the pitfalls of this mindset. While it presents complex ideas, its conversational tone and structure make it accessible, though some may find it overwhelming and worth revisiting multiple times to fully appreciate the nuances presented.
Shew's writing balances conceptual discussions with relatable anecdotes, making important topics digestible for readers, whether they have experience with disabilities or not. The book highlights the importance of listening to disabled people as the true experts in their own lives, advocating for a shift in perspective towards celebration and acceptance rather than the desire to fix. Overall, it serves as a crucial introduction to disability studies and the societal implications of our current technological approaches, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding diversity and inclusion.
LET’S START THE WAY YOU expect a good disabled memoir or crip story to start: either with my horrible birth or my grave-brave injury. It could be my monstrous birth—a real term in medical history, by...September 2023A useful and entertaining exploration of what helps (and hinders) our self-control - perfect for anyone curious about the quirks of human behavior, but not for those seeking a laser-focused scientific treatise or brand-new insights.
'Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength' by Roy F. Baumeister and John Tierney delves into the science of self-control and willpower. It combines psychology and self-help, offering practical tips and insights on how to strengthen willpower and recognize signs of willpower depletion. explores the impact of willpower on various aspects of life, drawing on research and real-life examples to illustrate the importance of self-control in achieving success and overcoming challenges.
Despite containing a good amount of interesting material on the subject of self-control, some readers felt that the book did not bring anything new to the table. While discussing the science behind self-control, the authors also provide practical strategies and techniques to boost willpower. emphasizes the link between high self-control and improved life outcomes, highlighting the importance of understanding and enhancing one's willpower for personal growth and success.
If you have a casual acquaintance with Amanda Palmer’s music, if you know about her banned-in-Britain abortion song or the “Backstabber” video of her running down a hall naked holding an upraised knif...September 2011•301 pagesAn eye-opening and user-friendly guide to identifying fascist tactics in today’s world - short, sharp, and highly relevant for anyone concerned about democracy’s health.
How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them by Jason F. Stanley is a nonfiction book that delves into the strategies and tactics used by fascist regimes. Stanley identifies ten pillars of fascist politics, discussing them with contemporary examples from global leaders like Trump and Modi. The writing is accessible, making complex topics understandable to a wide readership.
The book captures the urgency of recognizing the signs of fascism in modern society, armoring readers with the tools to identify and resist it. Through a blend of historical and modern case studies, Stanley emphasizes the need for vigilance in preserving democracy against divisive tactics and propaganda. This book is deemed essential reading for anyone concerned about the current political climate and its implications for democracy.
May 2020•257 pages- #7
Save:A vibrant and approachable math adventure - skip the Kindle version and grab the paperback for the best experience!
'Here's Looking at Euclid: A Surprising Excursion Through the Astonishing World of Math' by Alex Bellos is a captivating exploration of the world of mathematics, blending history, pop culture, and storytelling to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging to readers. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the concept of zero and the invention of modern numerals to probability, non-Euclidean geometry, and the golden ratio, all presented through historical anecdotes and the author's excellent writing style. Bellos skillfully weaves together narratives about remarkable individuals and their contributions to mathematics, making the subject relatable and intriguing for readers of all backgrounds.
Base ten systems have been used in the West for thousands of years. Despite their harmoniousness with our bodies, however, many people have questioned whether they are the most sensible base for count...June 2010•337 pages Blunt, bold, and thought-provoking - 'Mediocre' shines a harsh light on the systems upholding white male supremacy, and why they harm us all. Not always an easy read, but absolutely a necessary one for understanding America today.
'Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America' by Ijeoma Oluo delves into the ways in which white male supremacy has negatively impacted American society. Oluo explores the historical and contemporary implications of upholding white male power, highlighting how it not only harms women and people of color but also white men themselves. Through engaging and accessible writing, the author connects various aspects of society, from politics to sports, to demonstrate how systems have been designed to maintain a racist and sexist status quo, ultimately calling for action and change.
We all have that one relative, the one whose name is never said without a sigh of frustration or a groan of dread. The one relative who is always quick to offer inappropriate commentary, in his outdoo...December 2020•338 pagesA bold, ambitious exposé that argues disaster is big business - and challenges how we think about shock, reform, and who really benefits. Essential reading for anyone looking to understand the hidden patterns behind world-shaking events.
Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of how global economics and geopolitics intersect to create environments of exploitation, ruthlessness, and cruelty. Klein argues that disasters, whether natural, political, or economic, are seized upon by global corporations to further their agenda, leading to the privatization of public services and the perpetuation of wealth inequality. Through a series of well-researched examples, Klein reveals the insidious nature of disaster capitalism and its impact on societies around the world. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the modern capitalist state and the influence of multinational corporations on government functions.
Klein's writing style is described as daring, passionate, and journalistic. She presents a collection of facts in a compelling and informative manner, drawing readers in with her thought-provoking analysis of historical events and economic ideologies. The book challenges readers to rethink their understanding of global capitalism and the forces at play in shaping modern society, offering a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and power dynamics.
I went to the slaughterhouse to observe this so-called "electric slaughtering," and I saw that the hogs were clamped at the temples with big metallic tongs which were hooked up to an electric current...2006•671 pagesA classic must-read for anyone serious about clear, effective data visualization - just don’t expect flashy graphics or modern software tutorials.
'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information' by Edward R. Tufte establishes him as an authority on the subject of graphs, charts, and tables, providing readers with the ability to navigate through statistical and graphical arguments effectively. Tufte simplifies complex data representations, such as box and whisker diagrams, making them easier to understand and more informative. emphasizes maximizing data ink and minimizing non-data ink, offering logical and intuitive guidelines to improve the presentation of quantitative data.
Tufte's book serves as a foundation for understanding graphical depictions of data and information, enabling readers to become critical users of visual information in various aspects of their lives, from newspapers to work presentations. challenges traditional methods of data presentation, encouraging readers to eschew outdated practices like using pie charts and grid lines, and instead opt for clearer and more effective ways of presenting data.
1983•199 pages
