The best 100 Alternative Perspectives books

We face an overwhelming abundance of choices when it comes to what we eat. Should you opt for the local, grass-fed beef, or save time and money with cheap chicken nuggets? Organic asparagus shipped from Argentina, or kale picked from your neighbor’s garden? The Omnivore’s Dilemma examines how food in America is produced today and what alternatives to those production methods are available.

Manufacturing Consent (1988) takes a critical view of the mass media to ask why only a narrow range of opinions are favored whilst others are suppressed or ignored. 

It formulates a propaganda model which shows how alternative and independent information is filtered out by various financial and political factors allowing the news agenda to be dominated by those working on behalf of the wealthy and powerful. Far from being a free press, the media in fact maintain our unequal and unfair society.

A Long Way Gone (2007) is a story of how, as a young boy in Sierra Leone, the author found himself caught in a civil war and recruited as a child soldier. You’ll travel alongside during his harrowing journey, eventual rescue and recovery guided through the kindness and grace of loving people.

The Triumph of Seeds (2015) tells the amazing story of the influence of seeds. Find out how plants have managed to endure and evolve over the course of Earth’s long history and how they manipulated both man and animal into doing their bidding.

Playing The Whore (2014) busts the myths still surrounding the topic of sex work and explores how and why society continues to shame the chosen profession of the sexually liberated. Unfortunately, society’s attitudes and laws often endanger, rather than protect, those who work in the sex industry. Discover why that is and why it’s time to change our perspective on one of the oldest professions in the world.

Napoleon’s Buttons (2004) is all about the molecules that have guided the course of human history in the unlikeliest of ways. These blinks explore how major geopolitical and social changes can be traced back to the simple bonding of atoms in a molecule.

The Story of Sushi (2007) takes a closer look at the classic Japanese dish that has taken the Western world by storm. Discover the secrets behind both the traditional and more modern ingredients of sushi – and find out what kind of rituals and techniques are used to make the perfect nigiri.

The Rift (2015) is a revealing look at Africa’s emergence as a continent no longer defined by poverty, war, corruption and dependence on the West. Find out how modern farming methods, solar and mobile technologies and new leadership are creating a brighter future for Africa.

Narconomics (2016) gives us a tour of the business side of the $300-billion global narcotics industry. From human resources to PR to franchising and diversification, these blinks show how drug cartels run their operations not unlike highly successful businesses. By exploring the economic phenomena at work behind the world’s drug problem, the author presents new insights into how governments can defeat it.

Moody Bitches (2015) is your guide to the female body and brain. These blinks explain some of the reasons behind the emotions and fluctuating moods that women can experience and how they can better tune into themselves, embrace their feelings and their bodies.

Falling Upwards (2014) details the surprisingly rich history of hot-air balloons. It begins with the first successful human attempts to take to the air using balloons and goes on to chronicle their clandestine role in escape attempts and military ventures. From daring balloonists from the golden age of ballooning to the literature they inspired, it’s all covered here.

In We Are Displaced (2018), international activist Malala Yousafzai shares her story of becoming displaced from her homeland of Pakistan. She also shares the stories of some of the women and girls she has met while visiting refugee camps across the globe. With over 68.5 million people currently displaced from their homes worldwide, these stories are a vivid and important reminder of the individuality and humanity of each and every displaced person.

How to Change Your Mind (2018) is a fascinating account of one man’s exploration of the psychedelic drug world. Author Michael Pollan takes readers along for the ride as he learns first-hand about the positive aspects of psychedelic drugs, including the healing and restorative effects they can have on people suffering from depression and addiction. Readers will also hear from neuroscientists to learn exactly what is happening in the brain during a psychedelic trip.

At a time when many see specialization as the route to success, Range (2019) shows that having broad interests and taking your time to find your focus in life lead to excellence and innovation. Drawing on examples from business, sports, science and human psychology, Range urges us all to stay open-minded and curious.

Written in History (2018) takes a look at some of the world’s most important letters. From love letters revealing the intimate sides of Mozart and Stalin to political statements which altered the course of history, these blinks guide you through the personal thoughts of many renowned figures of the past. As you’ll see, letters give us insight into historical events as well as remind us what it means to be human.

Ping-Pong Diplomacy (2014) is the tale of how China and the United States ended two decades of diplomatic silence and antagonism. This breakthrough did not originate in embassies or politicians’ offices. Instead, it began at the ping-pong table. These blinks show how a sport shaped by a communist-leaning aristocrat changed politics forever. 

The Light of Days (2021) tells the thrilling and harrowing story of the Jewish women in Nazi-occupied Poland who served as resistance fighters during World War II. These women took up arms in ghetto uprisings and served as important couriers on dangerous missions to transport guns and supplies across a hostile territory.

The Authoritarian Moment (2021) is a plea to preserve America’s foundational freedoms in an era of rising authoritarianism. Rejecting a culture of censorship and conformity, it urges readers to stand up against the intolerance endemic to many modern institutions.

Woke, Inc. (2021) explores how the ideology of wokeness has come to infect America’s corporate sphere. While paying lip service to various social-justice causes, major American companies are acting in ways that are anything but just –⁠ and generating major profit in the process. Aside from being a nefarious way for corporations to make money, this strategy is also doing lasting damage to American democracy in surprising ways, and it’s time to snuff it out.

The Extended Mind (2021) is an exploration of the power of thinking outside the confines of your brain. It shows that the path to greater intelligence is not locked within your skull. Rather, it's a path through your body, your environment and your relationships with others. 

On the Fringe (2021) delves into what defines a pseudoscience along historical and philosophical lines. With the rise of climate-change deniers and anti-vaxxers, understanding the demarcation between science and pseudoscience has a newfound urgency. By exploring pseudosciences such as astrology, the flat-Earth model, and ESP, we can learn about the nature of science in both the past and the present.

The Soul of a Woman (2021) is an honest and personal meditation on life, feminism, and what it means to be a woman. Drawing on experiences from the author’s life, it explores issues around women’s oppression, love, ambition, aging, and abuse. It is at once the story of one woman and the story of all women.

Wanting (2021) provides a riveting, philosophical answer to the question Why do we want the things we want? Drawing on theories originally developed by the celebrated polymath René Girard, it reveals an uncomfortable truth: that our desires are all ultimately a product of other people’s desires. The point isn’t to eliminate them,⁠ but rather to choose, carefully and consciously, which ones we should actually strive for. 

This Is Your Mind on Plants (2021) is a vivid, intricate probe into the history, chemistry, and effects of three plant-derived drugs: opium, caffeine, and mescaline. These substances – a sedative, a stimulant, and a hallucinogen – represent a large part of the human experience with drugs. It’s time to shed new light on how they’ve shaped our histories, cultures, and minds.

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine (2020) is a detailed and rigorous look at one of the most misunderstood regions of the world. This timely text chronicles Palestinian history from the perspective of Palestinians. 

Nice Racism (2021) challenges everything we think we know about racism. Most racists don’t belong to the far right, and they don’t consciously support white supremacy. Instead, they’re “nice” progressive white people who commit daily microaggressions because they’ve never properly confronted their own biases. By abandoning niceness and becoming accountable instead, white people can develop into better allies in the fight for racial justice.

How Proust Can Change Your Life (1997) melds literary biography with a self-help structure to argue that reading the work of twentieth-century French author Marcel Proust is not only culturally enriching, but potentially life-enhancing. Botton’s close reading of Proust’s masterpiece, In Search of Lost Time, offers up surprising and delightful insights into how to live better.

You Are Your Best Thing (2021) is an anthology of original essays that explore Black experiences of living, loving, and parenting in America today. It examines concepts like vulnerability and shame, and shows that the key to personal healing lies in confronting white supremacy and the racist systems that make Black people feel unsafe in their communities. 

Hunter Gatherers (2021) explores the mismatch between our evolutionary tendencies and our modern environments. It outlines how seemingly innocuous aspects of contemporary living are harming us, and stifling our true nature and potential.

How to be a Conservative (2014) presents the case for traditional conservatism in a world that seems inhospitable to its existence. In this short volume, English philosopher Sir Roger Scruton lays out the case for the nation-state, a free market, and a more sensible approach to multiculturalism and human rights.

A Room of One's Own (1929) is a perceptive rumination on gender and self-expression. This extended essay explores the social and structural barriers women face when creating art.

The Dawn of Everything (2021) is a reimagining of the history of humanity, based on new discoveries in the worlds of anthropology and archeology. According to the authors, new findings challenge what we thought we knew about hierarchies, inequality, property, and the state. 

Cinema Speculation (2022) is part personal history, part movie criticism, and part film reporting. It takes a look at several key 1970s movies from director Quentin Tarantino’s perspective. While he discusses each movie, he sometimes also indulges in a few what-ifs.

Dominion (2021) is a grandiose look at the impact Christianity has had on the development of the Western mind. From its roots in antiquity to the pop singles of the twentieth century, the story follows the dramatic development of Christian thought over three thousand years.

The Forgotten 500 (2007) tells the story of Allied airmen who were trapped behind enemy lines in World War II and the courageous citizens of Yugoslavia who risked everything to help them get home. For political reasons, the story remained classified for decades until the 1980s. But now, the events leading to the largest rescue operation of the war are available to us all.

Free Speech (2022) traces the history of this world-defining idea. It provides a soapbox for some of free speech’s greatest proponents and highlights key events that pushed the idea forward from ancient times to the present. Offering an evenhanded treatment of the costs and benefits of free speech throughout history, it’s a powerful retort to all those forces that threaten to erode free speech today.

Faith Still Moves Mountains (2022) is a collection of inspiring real-life stories that reveal God’s presence in our lives. Drawing on the testimonies of people who have triumphed against the odds, it shows that prayer is more than a ritual – it’s an essential spiritual strategy in a world filled with hardships.

The Myth of Normal (2022) unpacks why chronic disease and mental illness are on the rise. Western medicine focuses on individual pathologies, but what if the key actually lies in our culture? Things we consider normal – like stress, adversity, and trauma – are often toxic and breed disease. The pathway back to health rests in identifying and addressing these underlying conditions.

“You Just Need to Lose Weight” (2023) takes a deep dive into some of society’s most harmful myths about fat people. By revealing the facts behind these common misconceptions, Aubrey Gordon gives readers the tools to analyze their own internal biases, combat anti-fat discrimination, and support the goal of social acceptance for people of all sizes.

Little Women (1868-1869) tells the story of the four March sisters, and the struggles and day-to-day obstacles they faced while becoming young adults. While the story takes place in the American Northeast, it’s a universal coming-of-age story that has been appreciated around the world.

Real Self-Care (2023) exposes the dark side of the global self-care industry by connecting the systemic inequality faced by marginalized groups like women and people of color, and the stress, burnout and chronic illness faced by so many. It offers a science-based alternative and cognitive strategies for living with ease and purpose. 

Becoming Supernatural (2017) explores how everyday people can become supernatural. It references breakthrough studies, ongoing research, and incredible stories from regular people that show how anyone can create incredible mental and physical changes within themselves and others by connecting to the unseen energies of the world.

This Naked Mind (2015) challenges our culture's love affair with alcohol. It offers matter-of-fact, actionable insights that help free drinkers from its perceived hold.

The Ethical Slut (1997) has long been the trusted handbook for anyone exploring sex, romance, and intimacy outside the constraints of monogamy. An updated 2017 edition combines time-tested strategies for navigating polyamory with advice on how to embrace an even greater diversity of orientations and relationship configurations.

I Am the Storm (2023) is an inspiring dive into what it takes to stand as a David against a Goliath. From a single gymnast who took on a whole abusive system, to a grieving mother who chose to tackle the US opioid epidemic head on, it shows that anyone can make a stand for what they believe in, no matter how big their opponent may seem.

Guns, Germs, and Steel (1997) is a short history of humanity over the last 13,000 years. The question it poses is as simple to state as it is hard to answer: Why did some parts of the world develop advanced technologies while others didn’t? It rejects explanations that rely on assumptions about the relative intelligence of different peoples. Instead, it argues that the divergence of human societies is best explained by natural factors such as climate, biology, and geology. 

Saving Time (2023) takes a deep dive into the complicated concepts surrounding time and the multitude of ways it can be experienced. Combining historical research, philosophical ideas, and social commentary, it offers new approaches to perceiving time that can help us learn to truly live in the present while looking toward a more hopeful future.

The Harvard Psychedelic Club (2010) tells the remarkable story of four individuals, Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil. Each of these men crossed paths at Harvard University in the early 1960s, where experiments were ongoing involving the consciousness-expanding effects of psychedelic substances. Each went on to explore different paths during the counterculture movement that followed.

Myths of Strategy (2022) responds to the oversimplified generalizations of modern business gurus and consultants by debunking assertions about strategy. Using peer-reviewed research, the book holds advice on business strategy to the same stringent standards as other scientific and sociological fields of study.

The Comfort Zone (2023) busts the age-old myth that growth only happens outside the comfort zone, and offers an alternative vision for achieving goals with ease and flow instead of stress and burnout.

Siddhartha (1922) is the beloved classic novel about a pampered prince who goes on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. Through the depths of asceticism to the heights of worldly success, the novel traces one seeker’s path to enlightenment taking the road less traveled.

Poverty, by America (2023) delves into the paradoxical issue of poverty in the abundant country of the United States. It explores potential solutions to this pervasive issue, based on extensive research.

The Subjection of Women (1869) explores the unequal relationships between men and women, challenging ingrained societal norms. It argues for equal rights and opportunities, leading the way for feminist movement ideas.

To the Lighthouse (1927) places you squarely in the heart of the Ramsay family’s summer home, providing intimate insights into their complex dynamics. It weaves an intricate web of familial relationships, artistic inspiration, and philosophical musings, while contemplating the concept of time and death.

The Black Cat (1843) explores the dark themes of guilt, perversity, and violence. It's a tale of a man driven to self-destruction by his own malevolent actions and the haunting presence of a vengeful black cat.

Gender Trouble (1990) is a touchstone work of theory in gender studies. Notably, it introduces the concept of gender performativity, which has had a profound impact on feminist and LGBTQ+ scholarship and activism, and shaped contemporary ideas around gender. 

The Idiot (1869) follows the naïvely optimistic prince Myshkin as he moves through Russia’s confusing and cynical society, offering a profound discussion on the struggle between idealism and worldly disillusionment.

On the Genealogy of Morals (1887) delves deeply into Nietzsche’s evolving moral philosophy, exploring the origins and meanings of traditional Western morality. It suggests a radical departure from it and posits the emergence of new moral constructs.

Snow Crash (1992) is a cyberpunk sci-fi novel starring katana-wielding, pizza-delivering hacker Hiro Protagonist and his partner, spunky teen skateboarder Y.T. It features a virus called Snow Crash which pervades both the physical world and the virtual world, also known as the Metaverse. But it soon becomes apparent that Snow Crash is more than just a virus –⁠ as Hiro delves deeper, he discovers a conspiracy that has its roots in ancient Sumerian legends and poses a dire threat to humanity.

Kybalion (1908) is an occult classic of the New Thought movement that claims that mind and thought are the ultimate powers of the universe, and human beings can harness those primal forces – like thought, rhythm, and polarities – for health, wealth, and influence. 

Quit Like a Woman (2019) encourages women to reconsider their relationship with alcohol, uncovering the misogynist underpinnings of how alcohol is packaged and marketed to women and proposing a new, feminist road map to sobriety. Through personal anecdotes, insights, and research, the narrative provides a road map for individuals seeking a path to sobriety that aligns more closely with their own experiences and identities.

The Unemployed Millionaire (2009) takes you on a transformative journey from financial despair to self-made prosperity. It provides actionable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of mindset, persistence, and smart decisions in achieving financial freedom. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, it offers a roadmap to success even in challenging circumstances.

More Than Two (2014) is a guide to ethical polyamory that delves into the complexities of building and maintaining relationships with multiple partners. Through a combination of real-life examples and thoughtful analysis, it explores some of the possibilities of polyamorous relationships, provides practical advice on navigating common challenges, and offers insights into fostering open and honest communication.

The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide (2011) is the definitive manual for psychedelic voyagers and those who guide them. Combining original research, personal reports, and shamanistic tradition, it teaches how to create safe and successful psychedelic experiences that facilitate healing, self-discovery, and creativity. 

Travel Light (2023) is a refreshing take on the practice and philosophy of minimalism. Rather than focusing on streamlining physical possessions, it suggests that true minimalism begins from within, with the streamlining of beliefs and desires. 

What They Teach You at Harvard Business School (2008) is a candid insider's view into one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, providing insights into its curriculum, culture, and impact on students' lives. Through case studies, math, and unsolicited advice, it follows one unlikely student’s memorable experience obtaining this coveted MBA, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of the HBS education along the way.

Doppelganger (2023) explores what happened after the author, Naomi Klein, spent years being mistaken for media personality Naomi Wolf, her ideological opposite, and how this bizarre situation provided insight into our polarized era. Blending memoir, analysis, and doppelganger mythology, Klein uses her uncanny experience to investigate the fragmented culture of social media avatars, conspiracy thinking, and political tribalism threatening modern democracies.

The Motorcycle Diaries (1952) invites you on a pivotal journey across South America that transforms a youthful traveler into a revolutionary icon. As you delve into these vivid narratives, you'll experience an intimate glimpse of a continent’s rich cultures and the awakening of a profound social consciousness. This captivating odyssey is not just a travel tale, but also a profound coming-of-age story that challenges you to explore the depths of your own beliefs and ideals.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (1841) looks at how social manias and mass delusions sweep through societies, revealing the underlying patterns that drive everything from financial bubbles to witch hunts. Through vivid historical examples, it shows how normally sensible people can be swept up in collective madness, leading to devastating real-world consequences. 

The Portrait of a Lady (1881) represents a highpoint in the literary career of Henry James, one of the most accomplished novelists in the English language. It tells the story of Isabel Archer, a beautiful and spirited American brought to Europe by a wealthy aunt. Defying social expectations, she turns down two marriage proposals in order to pursue a journey of self-discovery. Her love of liberty, however, leads her into a trap of her own devising: a union with the outwardly charming yet manipulative Gilbert Osmond.

Midnight’s Children (1981) is the tale of Saleem Sinai, a child born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947 – the exact moment of India’s independence. This biographical and historical coincidence shapes his destiny, connecting him to a thousand other midnight’s children endowed with miraculous powers and intertwining his own fate with that of his nation. 

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Polyamory (2017) offers practical relationship advice for women seeking to break free from jealousy, possessiveness, and competition through discovering polyamory. Incorporating real-world experiences and practical exercises, it covers exploring your relationship style, conquering jealousy, and “coming out” as polyamorous – helping you craft unique connections tailored to your needs.

Strangers (1987) is the story of a lonely Japanese script writer who returns to his childhood home and, by chance, meets a couple who are uncannily like his parents, who died in a car crash when he was 12. As he becomes increasingly involved with them, the narrative explores the boundaries between the living and the dead, past and present, and the deep longing for familial bonds.

The Seven Circles (2022) draws on Indigenous ancestral wisdom for achieving spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. It proposes a holistic model called the Seven Circles – a template for modern living that’s intended to keep all aspects of life in balance including food, movement, sleep, ceremony, sacred space, land, and community.

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (2023) is an expansive and critical portrait of evangelical Christians in post-Trump America. Penned by the son of a pastor, it tells the story of a religious movement that has subordinated its faith to worldly politics – and lost its way.

Simulacra and Simulation (1981) explores the concepts of hyperreality and the blurring of boundaries between reality and representation in contemporary culture. Through a series of essays, it argues that in a world saturated with media and technology, reality itself has been replaced by simulations and copies without originals.

Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity (2021) is a thought-provoking exploration of the societal expectations and pressures surrounding masculinity. Through candid anecdotes and introspective reflections, the book challenges traditional notions of manhood, inviting readers to embrace vulnerability, sensitivity, and empathy as essential human qualities. It calls for men to break free from limiting gender roles and redefine masculinity on their own terms.

Third Millennium Thinking (2024) offers a roadmap for developing the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in the new digital age. Grounded in the latest scientific research, it offers practical strategies for fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and mental strength in children of all ages.

The Stranger (1942) is widely considered a classic in twentieth-century literature. It tells the tale of a murder in Algiers, and the unusual trial that follows. While there’s no mystery as to who did the killing, the story raises many questions about what makes a person guilty in the eyes of their community.

The Third Perspective (2024) offers an insightful journey into the challenges of self-expression in a world shaped by societal expectations and personal fears. Here, you'll uncover how to navigate the complexities of speaking your mind in a landscape often dominated by social media scrutiny and cultural conformity. This exploration equips you to cultivate a maverick mindset that transforms everyday courage into authentic life experiences, enhancing both personal integrity and communal dialogue.

May Contain Lies (2024) explores the intricate world of misinformation and its pervasive impact on society, media, and personal decision-making. It delves into the psychological underpinnings that make us susceptible to deception, and examines how falsehoods spread and the long-term consequences for public trust and individual behavior, then offers several strategies readers can adopt to improve critical thinking and discernment. 

What It Takes to Heal (2024) explores the interconnected nature of personal and collective healing, drawing on the author’s experiences as a therapist, facilitator, and social justice advocate. It offers insights into how trauma manifests in individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding your own healing journey in relation to broader societal issues. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and philosophical reflections, it provides a roadmap for cultivating resilience, compassion, and transformative change.

I Respectfully Disagree (2024) offers practical strategies for seeing beyond black-and-white thinking, embracing empathy, and fostering respectful dialogue. With engaging insights and real-life examples, it provides the tools you need to navigate conflicts with understanding and grace. 

Cobalt Red (2023) exposes the dark underbelly of our digital age with a deep dive into the human and environmental toll of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The investigation lays bare the brutal realities faced by those who extract the essential component of our rechargeable batteries, challenging us to confront our unwitting complicity in a global humanitarian crisis.

Making Sense of Chaos (2024) offers a fresh take on our complex economic world through the lens of complexity economics. It explores new computational tools and models that address issues like inflation, inequality, and financial crises – and shows how we can make better predictions and craft smarter policies in an increasingly interconnected and turbulent global economy.

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark (2008) examines the economics and marketing strategies behind the contemporary art world, exploring how pieces like Damien Hirst’s shark sculpture and Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings command such astronomical prices. Covering auction houses, dealers, and collectors, it reveals the forces that drive art market valuations and the role of branding in an artist’s financial success.

Hope For Cynics (2024) explores the widespread cynicism in modern society and its detrimental effects. It argues that this pessimistic worldview is often misplaced, as people tend to underestimate the kindness and generosity of others. It proposes “hopeful skepticism” as an antidote to cynicism, encouraging you to think critically while recognizing human strengths.

The Parasitic Mind (2020) examines how certain ideologies have infiltrated modern society, threatening reason, freedom, and intellectual diversity. It explores how these “idea pathogens” spread from universities to politics, business, and culture, leading to emotional thinking and intellectual conformity. It argues for a return to critical thinking, science, and free speech to combat these harmful beliefs.

Who Rules the World (2016) is a powerful critique of the institutions that exercise global power. With a scope that takes in the war on terror, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and constitutional law, it shows how political and financial elites consistently act in their own interests and against the global good. 

The Sublime Object of Ideology (1989) explores how ideology shapes our perception of reality and influences our desires, even in a supposedly post-ideological world. The book examines the unconscious structures underlying our beliefs, the nature of social and political symptoms, and the paradoxical enjoyment we derive from ideological systems, offering a fresh perspective on how meaning is constructed in society. 

Reconnected (2024) explores the profound impact of disconnecting from technology in our hyper-connected world. It chronicles a personal journey of digital detox, offering insights on reclaiming focus, deepening relationships, and rediscovering life's simple joys. 

Living Resistance (2023) redefines resistance as a universal, everyday calling rooted in connection, belonging, and holistic flourishing. Inspired by the sacred practices of the Potawatomi Nation and other Indigenous traditions worldwide, it empowers readers to seek wholeness and liberation within their own spheres of influence, emphasizing that every act of resistance contributes to collective well-being.

Technofeudalism (2024) argues that capitalism is on its last legs. The twin pillars of that system, profit and markets, no longer govern our economies. Instead, we live in a brave new world dominated by Big Tech’s ability to monopolize attention, modify behavior, and extract rents from old-fashioned capitalists. 

I Never Thought of It That Way (2022) explores how curiosity can bridge deep political and ideological divides. It offers practical tools for engaging in meaningful conversations with people whose views differ from your own, promoting understanding and reducing polarization in a divided society. 

Stay at Risk and Live Forever (2024) presents insights from the decades-long investment career of a Wall Street legend. It blends personal stories with hard-earned lessons about markets, risk-taking, and continuous learning. 

The Power of Bridging (2024) presents “bridging” as an approach to overcoming social division. Drawing on research that shows an overwhelming public desire to reduce divisiveness, it offers practical strategies for building connections in all areas of life, from communities and workplaces to friendships and family relationships.

Ritual (2022) explores the profound role rituals play in human life, from everyday celebrations to dramatic rites of passage. Using insights from cutting-edge research, it uncovers how rituals shape behavior, foster connection, provide meaning, and define our common humanity.

How the World Eats (2024) examines how different societies approach food production and consumption, from traditional hunter-gatherers to industrial farming operations. It explores the complex global food web while investigating cutting-edge technologies, processed foods, and commodification. Through this worldwide culinary journey, it distills essential principles for a more sustainable, ethical, and equitable food future.

Prisoners of Geography (2015) explains how, all over the world, political decision making is greatly influenced by geography. Even choices that may appear arbitrary are in fact driven by the Earth’s mountains, valleys, rivers and seas. 

Shame on You (2025) investigates how patriarchal systems weaponize shame against women, making them feel fundamentally unworthy while paradoxically punishing them for internalizing this unworthiness. Through investigative reporting, scientific research, and personal stories, it exposes shame's toxic impact on women's relationships, careers, and self-perception, while also offering a blueprint for becoming shame-resilient.