Neil deGrasse Tyson, America’s favorite astrophysicist, is not only a great commentator on science, but he is also a very well-read man who has recently answered the question, “Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on the planet?” In answering this, he gives a list of 8 books that he thinks are crucial to help people understand human nature and their place in the world and explains why he feels they are so important. His comments for his own personal reasons for reading each book are not meant to be taken lightly but are meant to be pondered. I’ve read 6 out of these 8 books and have to agree with him.
Book number 1: The Bible. Neil says: “To learn that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe than it is to think or yourself.” Here Neil is not necessarily speaking against the Bible, but is letting people know what the Bible’s place in the world is and how it is has affected people and the world throughout the ages.
Book number 2: Isaac Newton – The System of the World. Neil says, “To learn that the universe is a knowable place.”
Book number 3: Charles Darwin – On the Origin of Species. Neil says, “To learn of our kinship with all other life in Earth.” It’s always been my opinion that this book should be taught in school at young ages and perhaps re-written for younger children.
Book number 4: Jonathan Swift – Gulliver’s Travels. Neil says, “To learn, among other satirical lessons, that most of the time humans are Yahoos.” Most of us wouldn’t technically have to read this book to understand the gist of what Neil is saying, but it’s still well worth the read.
Book number 5: Thomas Paine – The Age of Reason. Neil says, “To learn how the power of rational thought is the primary source of freedom in the world.” Again, another wonderful book that should be read while still young and long before students take Political Science.
Book number 6: Adam Smith – The Wealth of Nations. Neil says, “To learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.” Whatever the personal beliefs of people, this is a very important book.
Book number 7: Sun Tsu – The Art of War. Neil says, “To learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art.” Again, read between the lines in Neil’s comment.
Book number 8: Machiavelli – The Prince. Neil says, “To learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it.” This book is a firm favorite of my brother’s and I cannot believe I haven’t read it yet.
http://www.skepticmoney.com/8-book-everyone-should-read-by-neil-degrasse-tyson/
Neil deGrasse Tyson Lists 8 (Free) Books Every Intelligent Person Should Read
