there are some books out there that try to do a good job of giving an over of everything. Bill Bryson’s SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING comes to mind. I’ve heard lots of people enjoy SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari too.
However, I’d be more inclined to go in a different direction and read essay collections by a few prominent writers. I’d start with Christopher Hitchen’s LOVE, POVERTY AND WAR. Which covers a wide range of topics from war and politics to social commentary and art. Whilst I don’t agree with all his opinions, he is a great writer and draws in allusions from a broad range of domains. if nothing else, it will at least spark curiosity and further research.
I’m also very fond of the VERY SHORT INTRODUCTIONS series from the OUP which mostly do a good job of providing a broad overview a wide range of topics. I often see some in second hand book stores: https://global.oup.com/academic/content/series/v/very-short-introductions-vsi/?type=listing&lang=en&cc=us
Feb 1, 2025
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The 90s and what if we’re wrong are like easy reads general knowledge learn a bit about everything
When we cease to understand the world touches on four major discoveries kind of you learn a lot about a couple of things
The next American essay is a good collection / anthology of mostly non fiction I believe but I’m not positive
Non fiction like essay memoir type stuff I like
NB (nightmare brunette) by charlotte shane
The Richard hell memoir
Jul 5, 2024
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I will read any book that presents either one specific story or consolidates a broad historical subject into roughly 300 pages and is presented in a paperback measuring like 8.25”x5.5”. Sometimes these become best sellers so you know the type: Devil in the White City. Killers of the Flower Moon. Things like that. But I’ve started branching out into even more culturally irrelevant subjects that I want to learn about and will probably never find occasion to discuss with anybody else. Two recent hits were Crusaders: The Epic History of the Wars for the Holy Lands (Dan Jones) and Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe (Laurence Bergeren). Please alert me to any recommendations as I am always on the lookout for more!
Apr 26, 2022
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You could probably do Selected Essays of Gore Vidal to start but United States: Essays 1952-1992, The Last Empire: Essays 1992-2000, Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace: How We Got to Be So Hated… all bangers. You will learn a lot and be delighted, stunned, and awed as you read
Nov 26, 2024
Top Recs from @marts
I’ve been thoroughly enchanted by the warmth and fullness of sound from these KLH Model 6 speakers from the early 60s and the 1970s Pioneer SX-780 receiver. Picked both up from Facebook marketplace and it’s been a total treat for the ears. Show me yours! I can’t enough of this stuff
( I also have a raspebrry pi with a DAC running moode audio so I can also send amy music to it from my phone via airplay or Spotify connect, also sounds fantastic)
Mar 2, 2025
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Any Bill Evans Trio album, particularly LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD.
Floating Points albums including his remarkable collaboration of Pharaoh Sanders.
Dawn of MIDI if you want something a little more angular and abstract.
Feb 1, 2025
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I think yes mossyelfie has it right - small deeds, connect with your local community and friends, reach out and connect with people when you can. We are all in this together, to varying extents.
That being said, it is really really bad. Unprecedented. If you’re in the US, I would also say that reaching out to your representatives and state AG is important. They are the ones we’ve elected to protect and defend the constitution on our behalf, and we have to support and empower them to do their jobs, but there is no question it’s going to be hard.
I also thoroughly recommend being intentional about drawing barriers. Set time aside to stop scrolling, read a book, go for a walk and remember the world is still beautiful. Nature continues on. The world keeps turning.
Feb 5, 2025