1. THE SWERVE – How the World Became Modern
by Stephen Greenblatt
A wonderful book. See my review at . Please take a few minutes to read through the bulletted list in the middle of my review. It summarizes the philosophy of Epicurus, and I think you will appreciate it.
If the last 2000 years had been dominated by Epicurus instead of Aristotle, we would be much better off.
2. The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself
by Sean M. Carroll
See NY Times review at https://nyti.ms/2AlTQ6L
Carroll calls his world view Poetic Naturalism. It’s the same as Epicurus’, but enhanced by the great advances of modern science.
Together, these two books present a broad and beautiful world view unencumbered by superstition and dogma. My impression is that this is what this group is about.
3. HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND
What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
by Michael Pollan
On Amazon: https://amzn.to/2R2dpXh
If you’re not interested in psychedelis, read this anyway! Pollan brings a skeptic’s mind to the topic and explores the fascinating interface between the mind and the real world.