Reading

Books That Helped Shape The Questions I Ask

These are the books that pushed my curiosity into sharper focus and gave me new language for the questions I care about. I add to this list when a book changes the way I think or expresses something I couldn't quite articulate.

  • The Black Hole War
    Note: Got to learn about the boundaries of what I think is the most fascinating object in the universe.
  • The Cosmic Landscape
    Note: Interesting take on why humans exist in a universe that seems fine-tuned for life without invoking a creator.
  • The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
    Note: Science is non-linear. Gave me some intuitions about the nature of knowledge.
  • The Feynman Lectures on Physics
    Note: Helped build an intuitive understanding of some important concepts in physics.
  • Relativity: The Special and General Theory
    Note: Simplified for me the great work of someone who thought differently and deeply. Thoroughly enjoyed his methodology of using thought experiments to create compelling arguments.
  • The Stranger
    Note: Was really confused about Meursault when I first read this, thinking he was supposed to be the ideal absurdist. I've come to the conclusion he's not. Made me reconsider my views on experiences and the varying amounts of significance they can have on our lives. Specifically, I think the significance of an experience comes from its potential to drive change in your identity and relationships, and while you're not obligated to attempt to engage the full potential of your experiences, doing so can lead to a much richer life than if you don't.
  • The Myth of Sisyphus
    Note: Elucidated a belief I already vaguely held about the nature of purpose. Moved me from existentialism to something closer to absurdism, although I don't fully agree with it after further reflection.
  • The Selfish Gene
    Note: Evolution has always been interesting to me. One of the more thought-provoking books on the subject and oftentimes a starting grounds for my understanding of aging and other aspects of the behavior of organisms with agency.

Books about Interesting People

Some people think that life lessons can only be learned through experience. I don't think that's true. If we read detailed records of people's lives, most of which are super fascinating, and are allowed to think for ourselves about their decisions and character, we can learn a lot about how to live a good life.

  • Steve Jobs
    Note: Importance of focus in an organization trying to accomplish something new. He had an extreme emphasis on simplicity even though he was one of the most complex people I've read about. Interesting anecdotes where divisions with conflicting incentives caused companies to fall behind. How to get people excited about products, both who consume and produce. Gave me some intuitions about why startups are sometimes able to disrupt. Importance of surrounding yourself with people who think for themselves and are willing to full-heartedly say what they believe and follow through on it, even through intense opposition. Have a philosophy and reinvent/iterate until you're right or you're guaranteed to be wrong.
  • The Infinity Machine
    Note: Interesting account of how Demis Hassabis came to start and how he runs DeepMind. If ideas are flowing freely, it's worth pursuing. Cool ideas in games and AI.