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Ask HN: Good books?

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Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#51

Post by Havoc »

rglullis wrote: post #33

Am I the only one who is very libertarian-inclined but hated Atlas Shrugged? Instead of creating characters that are human (with flaws, weaknesses, subject to emotional reactions) but that manage to "win" by sticking to some ideal, she creates characters that are the personification of that ideal, completely out of touch of reality. I mean, not even Greek gods were perfect if you know basic mythology. Yet, you want m…

Rand claims that the characters were intentionally portrayed that way:

"My characters are persons in whom certain human attributes are focused more sharply and consistently than in average human beings"

I agree with you on the Rearden vs Galt issue though...that doesn't make sense.

Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#52

Post by coderholic »

"Fooled By Randomness" by Taleb is one of my favourite books of all time! I found it really eye-opening.

I'm currently reading "Outliers" by Gladwell, and it's a great read! I'll probably try and pick up a copy of his "Tipping point" next.

Another good psychology/behaviour/economics book is "Freakonomics", and it's sequel "SuperFreakonomics". Both interesting reads. If you haven't read "Fooled by randomness" yet though I'd definitely recommend that first!

Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#53

Post by coderholic »

yewweitan wrote: post #35

If I were to name one, it would be "The Black Swan", by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. You hear all the time about how unlikely it is for someone to succeed as a startup. Or how the Democrats have a 65% chance of winning. Or even how statistically speaking, it's safer to fly than to drive. After going through that book, my perception on randomness was changed forever.

Have you read the Taleb's previous book, "Fooled by Randomness"? I was completely blown away by it. I didn't find "Black Swan" to be anywhere near as interesting, but that could just be because I read it second.

Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#54

Post by edo »

I read a lot of biographies. It's interesting how you start seeing the common denominators between great men when you do. Especially 'Alexander of Macedon' by Peter Green is a riveting read.

Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#57

Post by bobds »

andre3k1 wrote: post #14

If you're looking for something different then check out The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. It's is an eye-opening book in a very nontraditional sense. You may remember Pausch as the computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon who was told that he had but a few months left to live (cancer). This book doesn't stray from its topic: "What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance?" If you're…

I didn't know he wrote a book about it, thanks. I've watched the speech a few times and it is excellent.

Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#58

Post by bobds »

Check out: http://fivebooks.com/

"Every day an eminent writer, thinker, commentator, politician, academic chooses five books on their specialist subject. From Einstein to Keynes, Iraq to the Andes, Communism to Empire. Share in the knowledge and buy the books."

Re: Ask HN: Good books?

#59

Post by smazero »

peteforde wrote: post #48

Non-fiction: "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini Fiction: "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell I'm going to assume that you've read Crytonomicon and Snowcrash by Neal Stephenson, but if not... they are #1 on any list.

Snowcrash is fun but doesn't have anyhere near the depth of his later books. Cryptonomicon is fantastic, you shouldn't let the first one of the System of the World put you off, and I love Anathem. Unfortunately Neal Stephenson is terrible at ending books; but the journey is def. worth it.
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