Sam's Recommended Reading List

[stan2reason]

Because we all have soooo much time on our hands I thought I'd mention that Sam Harris has added a recommended reading list (http://www.samharris.org/site/book_reading_list/) to his site (http://www.samharris.org).

Enjoy!

[phrog]

I can see I need to start taking better care of myself if I hope to make the slightet dent in the list. I've read maybe 10 or so titles. Damn, where was The Cat in the Hat?

[stan2reason]

I know what you mean. I wanted to ask Sam, "can you recommend a book that has a LOT of pictures?"

[formerfundie]

I know what you mean. I wanted to ask Sam, "can you recommend a book that has a LOT of pictures?"

Anybody care to take a stab at paring the list down to maybe a top 10 or so? I don't have anything on my night stand right now, so... what book should i read next?

[stan2reason]

Yes it would be great to hear which of these books the members of this forum REALLY recommend. Other than Harris' books and a smattering of Dawkins and Hitchens I've not really read much from the list. Guns, Germs and Steel is, I think, a very important book and I'd highly recommend it. Diamond not only provides a fascinating history of modern man but helps to explain why some societies thrive and others are stable but tend not to become hegemonic.

[phrog]

Well I'm reading Daniel Dennet's Breaking The Spell now.The stack of books I've purchased with the intention of reading keeps getting larger. A good one to add to your stack would be:
Like Rolling Uphill

[formerfundie]

Well I'm reading Daniel Dennet's Breaking The Spell now.The stack of books I've purchased with the intention of reading keeps getting larger. A good one to add to your stack would be:
Like Rolling Uphill (http://www.amazon.com/Like-Rolling-Uphill-Realizing-Honesty/dp/1932560742/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0457587-2619309?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186706891&sr=1-1)

I've read Guns, Germs, and Steel, as well as Breaking the Spell. And agreed, those are both very worthwhile reads. I have not read Like Rolling Uphill. Heading over to amazon right now to check it out.

thanks!

[stan2reason]

I certainly wouldn't put this list up as the most important books on Sam's list but these are the ones along with the one's I mentioned earlier that I've read in part or in full and my thoughts.

Nuland's How We Die was an important book for me in my early training. Nuland talks about the importance of recognizing that a dying persons life has meaning because of what it will mean to those touched by him or her. It helped shape some of my own personal philosophy.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a very entertaining and enlightening read. Oliver Sachs writes so well and delves into the mind by examining how organic abnormalities and diseases alter things like belief.

Misquoting Jesus for the reasons discussed in another thread

I've read only parts of Infidel but the parts I read were terrifying

Why I am Not a Christian by Russell but I'm guessing many here have read this



Sadly, that's it. I have, however, read each and every Harry Potter book.