Books matching: moral evolution
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- #1
Save:'The Moral Arc' by Michael Shermer delves into the evolution of human morality over history, exploring the influences of science, reason, and secular forces in shaping societal values. Shermer argues that the progress towards truth, justice, and freedom has been driven by movements towards more secular forms of governance and ethical analysis. The writing style is informative, making solid points with historical references, but some readers find it challenging to read due to the author's premises and arguments.
2014•546 pages - #2
Save:A fast-moving, entertaining heroic fantasy with memorable characters and plenty of action - maybe not Gemmell’s deepest, but still a fun ride for adventure lovers.
'Morningstar' by David Gemmell is a heroic fantasy tale following the main character Jarek Mace, also known as Morningstar, as he navigates a world of bravery, cowardice, loyalty, and betrayal. Set in a world of good versus evil, the story delves into the complexities of human emotions and decisions, showcasing characters like the bard and magicker Owen Odell. The narrative weaves together ferocious battles, magic, and supernatural elements, focusing on the protagonist's journey to protect the Highlanders from a cruel king and his followers.
The book stands out for its storytelling quality, well-rounded characters, and the unique perspective provided by being narrated in the first person by Owen Odell. Despite some criticism for a rushed ending and stereotypical characters, 'Morningstar' is praised for its ability to captivate readers with its fast-paced adventure, vivid descriptions, and intricate world-building.
IT IS ALL ruins now but back then, under a younger sun, the city walls were strong and high. There were three sets of walls on different levels, for Ziraccu was an ancient settlement, the first of its...1992•312 pages - #3
Save:A clever, breathless, and original blend of techie heists and fairy mayhem, Artemis Fowl is a must-try for anyone who thinks fantasy should be smart, funny, and full of mischief. Artemis may not be lovable at first - but you’ll want to follow his every move!
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is a captivating fantasy book that follows the story of a twelve-year-old criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl. After his family falls into financial ruin, he devises a plan to kidnap a fairy in order to restore his family's wealth. The plot is quick-paced and filled with clever twists, as Artemis navigates the technologically advanced world of fairies and their underground society. Throughout the series, readers witness Artemis's moral evolution from a self-serving villain to a more complex anti-hero, reflecting themes of friendship and empathy.
The writing style of Colfer is engaging and witty, often peppered with humor that appeals to both children and adults. The narrative features well-developed characters and a rich world of magical creatures, blending elements of classic fairy tales with modern technology. Colfer respects his readers' intelligence, using an advanced vocabulary that challenges young readers while keeping the story accessible. The combination of action, humor, and a touch of darkness creates a gripping reading experience.
1999•303 pages - #4
Save:In "Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals" by Robert M. Pirsig, the story follows Phaedrus on a philosophical journey aboard a sailing boat with a troubled young woman named Lila. The plot is described as a clash of opposites between Phaedrus and Lila, prompting a crisis that forces Phaedrus to ponder fundamental questions about human values and morality. The book delves into conflicts of values, explores the concept of Quality, and introduces a system of understanding and evaluating actions based on four evolutionary realms - natural, biological, social, and intellectual. Pirsig's writing style is noted to be plain and dense, with short sentences that require careful reading to grasp the philosophical discussions interwoven with the storyline.
Lila didn’t know he was here. She was sound asleep, apparently in some fearful dream. In the darkness he heard a grating sound of her teeth and felt her body suddenly turn as she struggled against som... - #5
Save:A first contact sci-fi novel where aliens communicate through a polite AI named Adam, who abducts an unlikely human to be their intermediary to humanity. The plot explores themes of post-scarcity, post-violence paradigm, and the impact on humanity's identity and coercive power structures. The book delves into deep internal monologues, tackles capitalism and consumerism, and raises questions about compassion, guilt, and redemption.
October 2018•446 pages - #6
Save:A fun, imaginative start to a LitRPG series with strong main characters and an enjoyable pace - perfect if you want a light, adventurous read, but may feel rough around the edges if you crave deep character work or realism.
'Collecting the Goddess' in the series 'Chronicles Of KieraFreya' by author Michael Anderle follows the journey of Chloe, a wastrel from a high society family who gets the chance to invest in an advanced online game development and participate in a fully immersive test. Throughout the story, Chloe undergoes significant character growth and transformation, facing challenges and developing leadership skills as she navigates the game world with her companions. The plot is filled with intricate quests, challenging scenarios, and unexpected twists, drawing readers into a world where Chloe evolves both physically and morally, all while interacting with characters inside and outside the game.
The writing style of the book is praised for its engaging storytelling, well-paced plot, and easy readability. Readers appreciate the humor, snarkiness, and relatable traits of the characters, particularly Chloe, who is depicted as a funny, snarky, and relatable protagonist. introduces a new pantheon of gods and goddesses, adding depth to the narrative and creating a unique gaming experience for the readers. Despite some criticisms regarding character development and plot execution, the book is commended for its originality in the LitRPG genre, the entertaining interactions between characters, and the promise of further exploration in future installments.
June 2019•517 pages - #7
Save:An idea-packed, science-forward sequel that expands the Ringworld universe - more for the explorative sci-fi geek than the casual reader, but a must if you love big concepts and classic hard SF.
'The Ringworld Engineers' by Larry Niven is a sequel to the classic Ringworld, set 23 years later, where protagonist Louis Wu, along with his comrade Speaker to Animals (now named Chmee), is kidnapped and taken back to the Ringworld by a Puppeteer. The story revolves around the Ringworld being in a state of instability and the characters' attempts to save it before it collides with its sun. Niven's writing style is characterized by plausible science, carefully crafted physics, and an imaginative world, although some readers found it challenging to follow the plot at times due to unclear explanations.
He was in full lotus position on the lush yellow indoor-grass carpet. His smile was blissful, dreamy. The apartment was small, just one big room. He could see both doors. But, lost in the joy that onl... - #8
Save:An ambitious, immersive saga that brings ancient and modern Israel to life - come for the history, stay for the big ideas, but pack your patience for the long haul.
"The Source" by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical novel that delves into the vast history of the land of Israel through the lens of an archaeological dig at Tell Makor. The book intertwines various historical eras and characters, exploring the evolution of religion in the region from ancient times to the modern day. Each layer of history is portrayed with rich storytelling, blending facts and archaeological evidence to paint a vivid picture of the cultures that inhabited the fictional coastal village.
The narrative structure of "The Source" is unique, with interconnected stories for each time period discovered during the archaeological dig, tracing the history of Judaism and the introduction of Christianity and Islam into the region. Through vignettes involving both real and fictional characters, the book explores cataclysmic events that shaped beliefs and ideologies, offering a comprehensive panorama of Jewish history filled with passion, pain, and strength.
On Tuesday the freighter steamed through the Straits of Gibraltar and for five days plowed eastward through the Mediterranean, past islands and peninsulas rich in history, so that on Saturday night th... - #9
Save:A lively, accessible journey through humanity's evolving ideas of God - thought-provoking for seekers and armchair historians alike, but less satisfying as objective scholarship or as a truly global history of religion.
'God: A Human History' by Reza Aslan delves into the evolution of human beliefs in gods and God from prehistory to present times. Aslan explores the transition from polytheism to monotheism, touching upon the origins of religion, the significance of events like the great flood, and the human tendency to anthropomorphize the divine. The author's writing style is described as engaging and approachable, making complex topics like the history of religion accessible to readers.
IN THE BEGINNING was the void. Darkness. Chaos. A vast sea of emptiness without shape or substance. No sky, no earth, no waters parted. No gods made manifest nor names pronounced. No fates decreed unt...November 2017•310 pages 'Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior' by Christopher Boehm delves into the evolution of human social structures, exploring the transition from alpha male dominated hierarchies to egalitarian societies. Boehm presents a detailed analysis of how cultural evolution has shaped human behavior, highlighting the importance of maintaining egalitarianism through social sanction tactics observed in hunter-gatherer societies. The author argues that humans have developed a unique reverse dominance hierarchy, enabling them to resist and overthrow oppressive leaders and establish a more egalitarian social order. Through a thorough examination of human, chimpanzee, bonobo, and gorilla behavior, Boehm illustrates the inherent dispositions to dominance and submission in these species, ultimately shedding light on the development of human moral communities and past hierarchies.
Boehm's writing style in 'Hierarchy in the Forest' is described as elegant and scientific, providing a well-researched and referenced exploration of human nature and societal structure. offers a balanced discussion of natural political behavior, drawing clear extrapolations to modern societies. Readers commend the author for his insightful theories on evolution and human behavior, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the origins of egalitarianism and moral communities.
December 1999•318 pages
