



Read by Tim Ferriss, Barack Obama, Ray Dalio and 16 others
Navigate the forces shaping civilization with the books that inform policymakers, journalists, and engaged citizens.
Curated by the world’s most influential readers & thinkers.
32 books in Society & Politics
27 books in Society & Politics
24 books in Society & Politics
23 books in Society & Politics
21 books in Society & Politics
20 books in Society & Politics
19 books in Society & Politics
A survey of human history from the evolution of archaic human species in the Stone Age to the modern 21st century. It examines the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions and how they shaped the development of modern society, religion, and capitalism.




19 independent endorsements
A dystopian novel set in a totalitarian superstate where the Party exerts total control over its citizens through mass surveillance and the Thought Police. The story follows Winston Smith, a worker at the Ministry of Truth, as he attempts to maintain his individuality and search for truth amidst state-mandated propaganda. The work examines how the manipulation of language and historical records can be used as tools of political oppression.
Set in a dystopian United States, the story follows railroad executive Dagny Taggart as she navigates a crumbling economy where the nation's most productive citizens are mysteriously disappearing. The novel explores the philosophical conflict between rational self-interest and collectivism through the search for a legendary figure named John Galt.
A concise survey of human history that distills insights from the authors' multi-volume work, The Story of Civilization. It examines recurring patterns across 5,000 years through perspectives such as biology, religion, and economics.
“By turns practical and insightful, Fred's indefatigable spirit, sound judgement, and depth of experience shine through in Trade Is Not a Four-Letter Word. Throughout his unique upbringing and accomplished career, which spanned a period of profound political and economic change, Fred set a standard of leadership and level-headed collaboration while dealing with the complex issues around global trade and the many ways it impacts our day-to-day lives.”

“Ray does an astounding job of giving us an inspiring and thought-provoking experience by looking at the rises and declines of empires, showing how economics, culture, military prowess, innovation, inequality, and other elements interact. He leaves us with an improved perspective for thinking about very vexing issues such as the state of America versus China.”

“As Hanson and Simler point out in The Elephant In The Brain, if we try to model conversations as information exchange, then we would expect to see people guarding information closely and trying to play tit-for-tat games... In reality, however, people are generally eager to share information.”

“Setting aside the political football this book evokes, this book champions the entrepreneurial drive to invent products and run a great company. This includes rewarding employees who are responsible, who do not complain, who move to action and think for themselves as partners and equals.”

“It’s a fantastic book... It was so sad and so gripping and so riveting. We all know that a lot of horrific things happened in the time where the settlers started making their way across the plains and headed west, but God you just did such a fantastic job of sort of bringing it to life.”

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