If Anyone Builds, It Everyone Dies
If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies by Eliezer Yudkowsky explores the profound risks associated with advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. The essay argues that creating extremely powerful AI systems without adequate safety measures poses existential threats to humanity. Yudkowsky emphasizes that the drive to build increasingly capable technologies often outpaces the understanding and preparation needed to control them responsibly. The core message is a cautionary call for careful consideration, collaboration, and rigorous safeguards to prevent catastrophic outcomes, underscoring that unchecked innovation in critical fields can lead to disastrous consequences for everyone.
On Freedom by Timothy Snyder
On Freedom by Timothy Snyder argues that real freedom is not simply the absence of constraints, but the presence of political, social, and economic conditions that allow people to live meaningful lives and shape their own future. Snyder warns that when societies confuse freedom with entitlement or hyper-individualism, they become easy targets for authoritarian movements that promise protection while quietly eroding rights. True freedom, he writes, depends on shared responsibility, functioning institutions, and a commitment to truth. The book is ultimately a call to remember that freedom is not something we inherit and keep by default. It’s something we practice, defend, and renew together.
Baltic by Oliver Moody
Baltic by Oliver Moody is a compelling exploration of the Baltic Sea region, weaving together history, culture, and politics to reveal the complex identity of this often-overlooked part of Europe. Moody delves into the legacies of conflict and cooperation among the nations bordering the sea, highlighting their interconnectedness and the enduring influence of geography on their shared destinies. The book blends vivid travel narrative with insightful analysis, offering readers a nuanced portrait of a region shaped by both its turbulent past and its aspirations for a cohesive, peaceful future.
Awe by Dacher Keltner
Awe shows how feeling amazement at something bigger than everyday life can change how we see the world, help us feel more connected, and improve our happiness. Using ideas from psychology, brain science, and philosophy, the book explains that experiencing awe makes us more humble, broadens our thinking, and helps us find more purpose and belonging in a complicated world.