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If you loved
Books like Enlightenment now
A sweeping, data-driven antidote to cultural pessimism that argues the world is actually getting better. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Enlightenment now.
- hopeful
- intellectually stimulating
- grounded
- 01
Rationality
Steven Pinker
A clear-eyed, analytical journey into the mechanics of human thought and the power of critical reasoning.
- 02
Factfulness
Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling and others
A data-driven antidote to doomscrolling that replaces global anxiety with grounded, rational hope.
- 03
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari
A clarifying, panoramic sweep of the modern world's most urgent anxieties, offering a steadying hand in an age of information overload.
- 04
The better angels of our nature
Steven Pinker
A sweeping, data-driven journey through the darkest chapters of human history that ultimately builds a profound case for optimism.
- 05
The Rational Optimist
Matt Ridley
A sweeping, data-driven antidote to modern doom-mongering that makes you feel genuinely excited about the future of humanity.
- 06
Why Buddhism is True
Robert Wright
A contemplative and analytical journey into the scientific and philosophical foundations of meditation.
- 07
How the World Really Works
Vaclav Smil
A bracing, data-drenched cold plunge into the physical realities and hidden infrastructures that keep modern civilization running.
- 08
A short history of progress
Ronald Wright · 2004
A sobering, sweeping look at the ghosts of fallen empires that serves as a chilling mirror for our modern world.
- 09
Why We're Polarized
Ezra Klein
A clarifying, systemic lens that brings the chaotic and frustrating landscape of modern American politics into sharp, sobering focus.
- 10
The End of Faith
Sam Harris
An uncompromising, razor-sharp intellectual wake-up call that dismantles the societal taboo against criticizing religious dogma.
- 11
The Dawn of Everything
David Graeber and David Wengrow
A sweeping, paradigm-shattering intellectual adventure that rewrites the story of human potential.
- 12
Good Economics for Hard Times
Esther Duflo
A compassionate, myth-busting journey through modern policy that replaces partisan panic with evidence-based hope.
