Summaries of books about Science & Math:
Fantastic Fungi
Expanding Consciousness, Alternative Healing, Environmental Impact // Official Book of Smash Hit Documentary
Paul Stamets
The book explores the ecological, medicinal, and transformative potential of mushrooms, delving into their role in environmental health, personal wellness, and consciousness expansion. It features insights from experts across various fields, complementing the themes presented in the accompanying documentary with scientific discussions, personal narratives, and stunning visual imagery.
See full summary
Never Cry Wolf
Farley Mowat
The narrative follows a biologist's journey to the Canadian tundra to study the behavior of Arctic wolves, challenging the prevailing negative perception of wolves as vicious predators. Through his observations, he discovers the complex social structure of wolf packs and their essential role in the ecosystem, debunking myths and advocating for their protection.
See full summary
Beyond Biocentrism
Rethinking Time, Space, Consciousness, and the Illusion of Death
Robert Lanza|Bob Berman
The book challenges traditional views of time, space, and consciousness, proposing that life and biology are central to understanding the universe and reality. It delves into the nature of perception, arguing that our consciousness plays a fundamental role in the creation of the world around us, and explores the implications of this perspective on the concept of death and our understanding of existence.
See full summary
The One-Straw Revolution
An Introduction to Natural Farming
Masanobu Fukoka
The book presents a philosophy and method of farming that rejects modern agricultural practices, advocating instead for a no-tillage, no-chemical approach to agriculture that works in harmony with nature. It details the author's experiences and reflections on cultivating crops with minimal intervention, emphasizing the importance of understanding the natural cycles and the interconnectedness of all living things.
See full summary
Last Chance to See
Douglas Adams|Mark Carwardine
The book chronicles the authors' journey around the world to encounter species on the brink of extinction, combining humor with poignant insights into the environmental challenges faced by these rare animals. It provides vivid descriptions of their adventures and the unique creatures they encounter, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
See full summary
Under a White Sky
The Nature of the Future
Elizabeth Kolbert
The book explores the impact of human intervention on the natural world, examining technologies and innovations designed to solve environmental problems created by previous human actions. It delves into the complexities and paradoxes of efforts to control nature, from geoengineering and gene editing to invasive species control and artificial reefs.
See full summary
In Plain Sight
A fascinating investigation into UFOs and alien encounters from an award-winning journalist, fully updated and revised new edition for 2023
Ross Coulthart
The book presents a comprehensive investigation into the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alleged alien encounters, combining eyewitness accounts, interviews with military and intelligence personnel, and declassified documents. It explores the historical context, government responses, and the ongoing debate surrounding the existence of extraterrestrial life and its implications for humanity.
See full summary
Musicophilia
Oliver Sacks
The book explores the complex relationship between music and the human brain, delving into a variety of neurological conditions that affect musical perception and creativity. It presents a series of case studies and anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of music on individuals' lives, including those with amusia, synesthesia, and memory disorders.
See full summary
The Singularity Is Near
When Humans Transcend Biology
Ray Kurzweil
The book presents the idea that technological advancements will lead to a future point known as the singularity, where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, resulting in transformative changes to human civilization. It explores the implications of merging technology with human biology, ultimately leading to an era where the boundaries between man and machine are blurred and capabilities are vastly enhanced.
See full summary
A Thousand Brains
A New Theory of Intelligence
Jeff Hawkins
The book presents a novel theory of how the brain works, proposing that it operates through a system of thousands of small cortical columns that work together to create our mental model of the world. It explores the implications of this theory for understanding intelligence, the future of artificial intelligence, and how we might address big questions in neuroscience.
See full summary