newscientist.com — A great book has the power to move, inspire or even change lives. From adventure tales of the Arctic to the ultimate in quantum weirdness, here are the books that have left a lasting impression on some of the world?s top scientists, including Oliver Sacks, Michio Kaku, Jane Goodall, and more.
Apr 21, 2008 View in Crawl 4
sinaiApr 22, 2008
As much as I loved Atlas Shrugged, I'm glad it didn't change my life, because it's embarrassing at best to have your world views informed by Ayn Rand in sophisticated circles. It's like nihilism, unless you've passed through the nihilistic barrier and come to grips with the meaning of life, you're probably not worth talking to, but it's difficult not to condescend to an emo kid still struggling through the implications of such. That, and the writing can be atrocious at times.
triskeleApr 22, 2008
So I've only read one book from the list (Alice in Wonderland). Does that mean I'm slacking or the list isn't all that hot. Really surprised at no Dune either way.
thesonofdarwinApr 22, 2008
I'm interested in how you found Inferno (or The Divine Comedy in general) life changing? I'm not being a smartass, it's just that I've read the three a few times and did not come away changing my life in any way. So I'd like to know what you got from it and I'll take a closer look next time. Definitely a great read, but not so much aiming for change.
krpanoApr 22, 2008
ahahah.....good call.^
whitecrackerApr 22, 2008
I buried this as "Anger-Inducingly Misleading." Most of these aren't myths. To be a myth they must be "untrue." But most are, in fact, true. Take "Diets Cut Cholesterol." They say it's a myth because: "Doctors rarely suggest diet alone if your cholesterol really needs lowering." Does that make it a myth? NO. Doctors have exceptionally effective drugs at their disposal to combat cholesterol AND they know people suck at diets. A proper diet, however, will lower cholesterol, absolutely. Calling these "myths" is like saying "It's a myth that jumping out of a plane is dangerous!" What? That's crazy! "Well studies show that almost 100% of people who jump out of planes are wearing a parachute!" Okay that's a stretch but...you get it. I gotta go.
benrsApr 23, 2008
it's not a book, it's the cover of the magazine.........
Closed AccountApr 23, 2008
Why are you so hyperensitive? It sounds like YOU are the one who can't tolerate opposing viewpoints! All I did was point out that the Bible lacks any support in empirical fact and you blow a gasket. Sorry to piss in you corn flakes, but it's true: all signs point to it being a made up fairy tale.
noig3Apr 25, 2008
Where did I state evolution is fact? Where did I even begin to demonstrate any semblance of belief in the theory of evolution? I believe that the series of statements I made spoke more toward a profession of atheism rather than an explicit belief in the theory of evolution. Just because someone disagrees does not mean that they adhere to the beliefs of other dissenters. It just means that I disagree. If you take umbrage at my disagreement then take a hike, read a different article or build a complete thought based on the content of the discourse rather than your own assumptions.Oh and also, f**k you.
maver1cApr 25, 2008
What's wrong with philosophy? I agree that the book is basically a philosophy text that was half hazzardly turned into a fictional story, but it's still an interesting and influential book imo.
artliquideApr 26, 2008
Yes. Androids is so simple compared to some of Dick's others...not really all that life changing.
artliquideApr 26, 2008
Yes! That, and Man in the High Castle :) I started Valis at one point, but lost the motivation to continue :(