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tofugitive's reviews
239 reviews
In Defense of Public Lands: The Case Against Privatization and Transfer by Steven Davis
5.0
An important history and future of federal public land in the United States and the environmental and ecosystem impacts involved. Truly highlights the shortcomings of privatization and libertarianism when it comes to public goods.
The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory by Brian Greene
3.0
About 40% of the way through, it became too complicated to follow. Maybe I'm just too stupid. But the first 40% was entirely worth listening to.
How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
4.0
A great introductory book into the world of psychedelics. It covers a lot of the history in terms of clinical research conducted, experiments, counterculture, science, politics, Maria Sabina, and other spiritual/religious ceremonial uses. After that, the author delves more into his personal anecdotes (prefaced with all of his research into each psychedelic he took and the people that guided him). Lastly, the books covers psychotherapy with psychdelics.
The author is largely aware of and acknowledges his own biases and the biases of the people with whom he is speaking. The science presented are true and honest, but psychedelics lead to a conundrum of the intertwining of brain chemistry and mystical experience. This is why you should approach the book with an open mind to see if yours can be changed.
The author is largely aware of and acknowledges his own biases and the biases of the people with whom he is speaking. The science presented are true and honest, but psychedelics lead to a conundrum of the intertwining of brain chemistry and mystical experience. This is why you should approach the book with an open mind to see if yours can be changed.
Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution by Donald Goldsmith, Neil deGrasse Tyson
3.0
It would be better if Neil deGrasse Tyson didn't insert so much of his insufferable personality into the content.
Our Universe: An Astromer's Guide by Jo Dunkley
5.0
Perfect introductory book to an overview of the universe. Easy to understand, easy to follow, addictive to consume.
The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet by Robert M. Hazen
4.0
Pity the Billionaire: The Hard-Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right by Thomas Frank
5.0
The Math Myth: And Other STEM Delusions by Andrew Hacker
2.0
This was a frustrating book. Ultimately, I agree with the overall point the author is making. Hacker's assessment of mathematics requirements in high school, standardized testing, and higher education being an absurd and unnecessary and often permanent barrier to many careers. His critique of the education system as it is and its origins was very insightful, and the last chapter on his Numeracy 101 class was a fascinating concept.
Overall, however, a lot of the the critiques of mathematics itself often come off as whiny and juvenile. His self-conducted 'research' and the assumptions made with them are laughable. I almost quit reading the book halfway through because of just how ridiculous and whiny the early to middle parts of the book are. On the other hand, Hacker was up front about his biases and did provide a lot of context to his own education and experience.
It really does seem that Hacker has some sort of personal feud or hatred of a mathematics department or their faculty somewhere. It goes beyond any normal critique in my opinion. I said I find it frustrating because I do very much agree with the larger overall narrative and point of the book.
I should also admit to my own thoughts and experiences while reading the book. I'm not a mathematics major. In fact, I withdrew from Calculus my freshman year of college and never looked back. However, I also never really found it challenging throughout grade school. Hacker's explanation and deconstruction of the education system in regards to middle school athletics was eye opening because I did participate in advanced mathematics classes (whatever that means in 5th and 6th grade) outside of regular coursework. I've always had an appreciation for math. As a result, I found myself being defensive while reading the first half of the book. I had never analyzed my own experiences in mathematics education in the greater context of the education system and the socioeconomic and class factors that played into it.
Overall, I wish I could give this 2.5 stars instead of 2. I will probably have to re-read this in the future. I originally picked out this book after listening to an interview the author did. I will have to revisit that as well. I do recommend reading this book for a good critique of mathematics and how it plays into education and therefore careers, but I do advise you may have to power through some rough spots.
Overall, however, a lot of the the critiques of mathematics itself often come off as whiny and juvenile. His self-conducted 'research' and the assumptions made with them are laughable. I almost quit reading the book halfway through because of just how ridiculous and whiny the early to middle parts of the book are. On the other hand, Hacker was up front about his biases and did provide a lot of context to his own education and experience.
It really does seem that Hacker has some sort of personal feud or hatred of a mathematics department or their faculty somewhere. It goes beyond any normal critique in my opinion. I said I find it frustrating because I do very much agree with the larger overall narrative and point of the book.
I should also admit to my own thoughts and experiences while reading the book. I'm not a mathematics major. In fact, I withdrew from Calculus my freshman year of college and never looked back. However, I also never really found it challenging throughout grade school. Hacker's explanation and deconstruction of the education system in regards to middle school athletics was eye opening because I did participate in advanced mathematics classes (whatever that means in 5th and 6th grade) outside of regular coursework. I've always had an appreciation for math. As a result, I found myself being defensive while reading the first half of the book. I had never analyzed my own experiences in mathematics education in the greater context of the education system and the socioeconomic and class factors that played into it.
Overall, I wish I could give this 2.5 stars instead of 2. I will probably have to re-read this in the future. I originally picked out this book after listening to an interview the author did. I will have to revisit that as well. I do recommend reading this book for a good critique of mathematics and how it plays into education and therefore careers, but I do advise you may have to power through some rough spots.