Category Archives: Science and technology

How the World Really Works

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Harry Katz

Global climate change is an unprecedented challenge for the world.  To meet the challenge, we need to make unprecedented changes in the ways we live, work, produce, and consume.   In a new book called How the World Really Works: … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Energy, Environment, Science and technology | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

When We Cease to Understand the World

Posted on March 20, 2022 by Harry Katz

When We Cease to Understand the World is a book about ideas that defy comprehension told in a way that defies categorization. It’s written by Benjamin Labatut, a Chilean writer born in Rotterdam in 1980. This is his third book, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Fabric of Civilization

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Harry Katz

What are you wearing right now right next to your skin? Do you prefer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or silk?  Maybe you don’t mind synthetics like polyester. If you’re about to start a workout, you might … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, History, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Nonfiction November Week 4: Stranger Than Fiction

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Harry Katz

Nonfiction November is zooming by. It’s now week 4, and this week we’re hosted by Christopher at Plucked from the Stacks: “This week we’re focusing on all the great nonfiction books that *almost* don’t seem real. A sports biography involving overcoming … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Rationality

Posted on October 30, 2021 by Harry Katz

I loved Steven Pinker’s previous book, Enlightenment Now, which I reviewed here. There were parts of it that made me want to jump up and cheer. So I was eager to read his latest, Rationality: What It Is, Why It … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Calling Bullshit

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Harry Katz

I knew I was going to like Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World right from the opening paragraph: “The world is awash in bullshit, and we’re drowning in it. Politicians are unconstrained by facts. Science is conducted … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Livewired

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Harry Katz

Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain left me feeling both awed and comforted by the astonishing capabilities of the human brain. Consider this: Your brain can listen to music, learn to play the violin, read sheet music, translate … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Zoologist’s Guide to the Galaxy

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Harry Katz

This is the first book in a long time that I DNF – did not finish. I was attracted to the book by its title: The Zoologist’s Guide to the Galaxy: What Animals on Earth Reveal About Aliens – and … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Code Breaker

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Harry Katz

If you think the digital revolution is having profound effects on human society, buckle up because the biotech revolution is just getting underway and it will redefine, even redesign, our species. Ever since the early 1950’s when James Watson and … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sapiens

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Harry Katz

Last year, I read 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari, which I reviewed here. Several friends recommended I read Harari’s earlier book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Now I know why. It’s an excellent book. As the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, History, Science and technology | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments