Popularization of science, most likely, arose simultaneously with scientific knowledge. Many authoritative researchers of science consider the first book of a similar kind a treatise by Lucretius “On the Nature of Things”. Anyway, humanity sooner or later realized the need for propaganda of scientific knowledge among those who did not have a direct attachment to science. This was seen as a profound meaning connected not only with the enlightenment of people, but also with the high mission of science itself – to be useful to mankind.
Maybe you did not notice, but this year there were many books about science that deserve attention. Perhaps, we no longer have to complain about the lack of good popular science literature, as it could have been done just a few years ago. The problem is more often to choose from all this diversity not just good, but really the best books. We did it for you, so you just have to read and multiply your knowledge!
The Antikythera Mechanism – A Most Amazing Device from Antiquity
This is the first of our best intelligence books list. This unique device turned our ideas about the ancient world. However, the history of the Antikythera mechanism, named after the Greek island of Antikythera, whose shores were raised from the seabed of the sea, is full of dark spots. For many decades it was kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, without attracting much attention. In the scientific world, they knew about its existence, but even scientists could not believe that this was not a mystification, and the amazing mechanism used to calculate the motion of celestial bodies really came down to us from the depths of centuries. Only thanks to the enthusiasm of a few scientists who could not pass by this riddle, it was possible to date the mechanism and make its reconstruction.
More than a century has passed since the day of this amazing discovery, but only now it can be said that its secret is finally revealed. Nevertheless, the work on the study of the Antikythera mechanism continues and is far from complete. The book of Joe Merchant tells about how the “first computer” was found, about the people who devoted themselves to its study, and about the most amazing mechanisms in the history of mankind.
What to Think About Machines That Think: Today’s Leading Thinkers on the Age of Machine Intelligence
This is one of the best intelligence books I have ever read. “What do you think about machines that think?” This question and other questions arising from it are answered by scientists and popularizers of science, engineers and philosophers, science fiction writers and other art people-nearly two hundred intellectuals who will try to answer this interesting question.
Their views on the subject are at times radically different, some consider artificial intelligence a boon, someone is evil, someone is our inevitable future, someone is nonsense, and someone is already an existing reality. Such a diversity of opinions will help the reader to compile a holistic and comprehensive view of the problem.
The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
If you want to give your friend one of the best books to read for intelligence, you need this brilliant. written by Gavin de Becker. The new nurse causes anxiety in the mother. In a deserted parking lot, a suspicious stranger imposes uninvited help. Often threats are not the fruit of our imagination, they really lie in wait for us. In this book, Gavin de Becker, the world’s leading expert on violent behavior, shows how to recognize the signals of the external environment and unerringly respond to them. Refuting the view that the most terrible acts of aggression are usually unpredictable, Becker offers life-tested ways to protect yourself and those you love. What to do when someone chases you? How to find out the source of anonymous phone calls? What error can become fatal in case you are threatened? Answering these questions, the author relies on a vast experience of studying the psychology of criminals, gives examples of many real situations with victims of street and family violence and the actions of psychopaths, maniacs and killers of politicians and stars.
SAPIENS: A Brief History of Mankind
An international bestseller written by an Israeli medieval historian, a professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The book came out in 2011 and quickly conquered the bookstores of many countries around the world. By 2016 it has already been translated into 30 languages. best books to read for intelligence. In 2017 it is still on my personal list of best books to read for intelligence.
The Origin of Everything: From the Big Bang to Human Civilization
David Bercovici wrote knows alot about best books to read. “Wow! – you thought after reading the title of this book. “Could this arrogant author be able to explain to us, where did all the things come from in this world?” But that’s the way it is. David Berkovici talks about the evolution of our world clearly, professionally and with a touch of humor, which indicates a deep knowledge of the subject and a great lecture skills.
Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life
In his most topical book, Edward Wilson states that in order to prevent a mass extinction of species, including our own, we must take urgent measures to conserve the biodiversity of our planet. Speaking with the visionary project to save the planet, the author of this book says that the severity of the situation does not allow for compromises, and offers a solution that corresponds to the scale of the problem: to give nature half of the Earth’s surface.
The End of Byzantium
Do you think that best fiction books are better than best non-fiction ones? Then read this pearl written by Jonathan Harris. Originating on the wreckage of the great Roman Empire, Byzantium throughout its more than a thousand-year history was the arena of constant incursions, sieges and wars. The border of the West and the East, the symbol of the Christian world – Constantinople – attracted invaders, striking with its wealth and splendor. How did the Byzantine Empire, which once belonged to half the world, existed in astonishingly long time despite all the upheavals and why did it disappear almost completely without a trace, as if it had disappeared?
Our Robots, Ourselves: Robotics and the Myths of Autonomy
Man and the robot – where lies the boundary between them, and what dangers are our proximity? Based on personal experience, numerous interviews and recent research data, the most authoritative scientist in this field, David Mindell, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the most innovative fields of robotics applications.
Skeptic: Viewing the World with a Rational Eye
With Michael Shermer, an amazing transformation took place: he studied theology for many years and even was a Christian fundamentalist, but then suddenly became disillusioned with religion and changed the career of a preacher to a popularizer of science. Shermer founded the Society of Skeptics, became the editor of Skeptic magazine, popularizer of science and author of cognitive articles in the prestigious popular scientific journal Scientific American.
Religion Explained: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Thought
Anthropologist Pascal Boyer describes the propensity to believe from the standpoint of evolutionary psychology. He bases beliefs and religious rituals on the principles of the work of the human psyche: religious thinking is the most convenient, natural form of thinking for a person, the consequence of the adaptation of our psyche to the environment. Thanks to our friends from YesDates for providing this article.