How We Know What Isn’t So by Thomas Gilovich is a sharp and accessible examination of the cognitive biases and psychological tendencies that lead people to believe false or unsupported claims. Drawing on research from psychology and behavioral economics, Gilovich explores why we often misinterpret data, see patterns where none exist, and cling to comforting illusions—even in the face of contradictory evidence. With real-world examples ranging from superstition to sports and finance, the book reveals how our minds can mislead us, and encourages a more rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world.Human Stories, Machine Dreams is brought to you by Synthesise.org. Subscribe for more books to open your mind, expand your horizons - and maybe change your life.
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A Guide for the Perplexed - E. F. Schumacher
A Guide for the Perplexed by E. F. Schumacher is a philosophical exploration of how humans can find meaning and orientation in a complex, often disorienting world. In contrast to reductionist science and materialism, Schumacher proposes a multi-layered view of reality—ranging from the physical to the spiritual—and emphasizes the importance of wisdom, self-knowledge, and moral development. Drawing on insights from religion, philosophy, and psychology, the book serves as a modern manual for personal and ethical clarity, advocating for inner growth and a more holistic understanding of human purpose.Human Stories, Machine Dreams is brought to you by Synthesise.org. Subscribe for more books to open your mind, expand your horizons - and maybe change your life.
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Gravity's Rainbow - Thomas Pynchon
Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon is a dense, sprawling, and surreal masterpiece that explores the chaos of World War II and the psychological, political, and scientific aftermath it leaves behind. Centered around the mysterious V-2 rocket and a character who may be able to predict its strikes, the novel spirals through a web of paranoia, conspiracies, and shifting realities. With its nonlinear narrative, encyclopedic detail, and darkly comic tone, Pynchon’s magnum opus is both a critique of technological determinism and a kaleidoscopic journey through the absurdities of modern life. Widely considered one of the greatest postmodern novels, it defies easy summary and demands full immersion.Human Stories, Machine Dreams is brought to you by Synthesise.org. Subscribe for more books to open your mind, expand your horizons - and maybe change your life.
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Anarchy, State, and Utopia by Robert Nozick
Anarchy, State, and Utopia by Robert Nozick is a seminal work of political philosophy that presents a libertarian critique of state power and a defense of minimal government. Nozick argues against expansive state control, advocating for a "night-watchman state" limited to protecting individual rights, enforcing contracts, and ensuring security. He challenges theories of wealth redistribution, particularly those of John Rawls, asserting that a just society is one where individuals are free to acquire and transfer property as they choose. Thought-provoking and rigorous, Anarchy, State, and Utopia remains a cornerstone of libertarian thought and a major contribution to debates on justice and political philosophy.Human Stories, Machine Dreams is brought to you by Synthesise.org. Subscribe for more books to open your mind, expand your horizons - and maybe change your life.
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Foucault’s Pendulum - Umberto Eco
Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco is an intricate intellectual thriller that delves into conspiracy theories, secret societies, and the nature of human belief. The novel follows three Milanese publishers who, as a joke, invent a grand conspiracy known as "The Plan," connecting the Knights Templar, the Rosicrucians, and countless other esoteric traditions. However, when real secretive organizations begin taking their fiction seriously, the game turns deadly. Blending history, philosophy, and Eco’s signature erudition, Foucault’s Pendulum is a labyrinthine exploration of knowledge, paranoia, and the power of the stories we tell ourselves.Human Stories, Machine Dreams is brought to you by Synthesise.org. Subscribe for more books to open your mind, expand your horizons - and maybe change your life.
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