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Ryan Shea

Recommended Books

Ryan Shea is a co-founder of Blockstack, a new internet for decentralized apps where users own their data. Shea studied engineering at Princeton, went through Y Combinator, and has been inducted into the Forbes 30 Under 30. He has authored several popular open source libraries on cryptography and blockchains.
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The Myth of the Rational Voter book cover
The Myth of the Rational Voter
Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies - New Edition
Bryan Caplan - 2007-05-06
Goodreads Rating
Discover the hidden biases that plague ordinary voters and prevent sound economic policies in this eye-opening book by economist Bryan Caplan. Through an analysis of voting behavior and economic opinions, Caplan argues that democracy fails because it does what voters want. Learn how voters underestimate the market mechanism, distrust foreigners, undervalue labor, and believe the economy is always getting worse. Caplan offers bold solutions to make democratic government work better, urging economic educators to focus on correcting misconceptions and recommending that markets take up the slack. With the presidential election approaching, this thought-provoking book is a must-read for understanding the flaws of our elective system.
Ryan Shea
2023-02-07T21:43:08.000Z
@punk6529 Great books on this concept: - The Myth of the Rational Voter - The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom      source
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions book cover
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
50th Anniversary Edition
Thomas S. Kuhn - 1996-01-01 (first published in 1962)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the groundbreaking ideas that forever changed the way we view scientific progress with this essential read. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions challenges the traditional linear approach to scientific advancement, arguing that breakthroughs happen outside of the norm, leading to new ideas and revolutionary change. While originally published in 1962, these concepts remain relevant today, and this edition includes an insightful introduction that clarifies terms and applies Kuhn's ideas to modern science. An expanded index and new design make this edition perfect for a new generation of readers seeking to understand the history of scientific thought.
Ryan Shea
2023-01-08T00:20:16.000Z
@DanielleMorrill Incredible book      source
The Beginning of Infinity book cover
The Beginning of Infinity
Explanations That Transform the World
David Deutsch - 2011-01-01
Goodreads Rating
This provocative and imaginative book dives into the fundamental role of explanations in the universe, arguing that improving them is the key to successful human endeavor. Award-winning physicist David Deutsch takes readers on a journey through science, civilization, art, moral values, and political theory to explore how we form new explanations and drop bad ones. With deep connections between the laws of nature, the human condition, knowledge, and the potential for progress, The Beginning of Infinity is a highly original and ambitious work.
Ryan Shea
2022-11-01T18:09:17.000Z
@chrismanfrank This aligns deeply w/ my views which are heavily informed by "The Beginning of Infinity" Could be a great book to build up to, which can serve as a powerful frame for: - theory of knowledge - a phil./code of problem-solving - perspective on world beauty      source
The Machiavellians book cover
The Machiavellians
Defenders of Freedom
James Burnham - 1987-01-01 (first published in 1943)
Goodreads Rating
Discover a classic work of political theory and practice, delving into the ideas of modern Machiavellians such as Mosca, Sorel, Michels, and Pareto. James Burnham's keen analysis highlights the truth about politics and the importance of preserving political liberty. Learn about Burnham, an American political theorist, and his path from radical activism to conservatism, as he became a leading voice in the conservative movement.
Ryan Shea
2022-09-11T20:44:36.000Z
A good book on this last point is “The Machiavellians: Defenders of Freedom.” (Thanks @drydenwtbrown for the recommendation)      source
The Imp of the Mind book cover
The Imp of the Mind
Exploring the Silent Epidemic of Obsessive Bad Thoughts
Lee Baer - 2002-02-26 (first published in 2001)
Goodreads Rating
This expertly written book explores the hidden epidemic of obsessive bad thoughts that afflict millions of Americans. Dr. Lee Baer combines the latest research with his own extensive experience to examine the root causes of bad thoughts, how to recognize the difference between harmless and dangerous ones, and provides concrete solutions to a debilitating disorder. The Imp of the Mind illuminates the types of thoughts that cause fear, guilt, and worry and includes special sections on effective prescription medications. It's a must-read for anyone looking to conquer the torment of OCD.
Ryan Shea
2022-06-06T21:29:28.000Z
@nickcammarata @nosilverv There’s an excellent book on this: The Imp of the Mind      source
QED book cover
QED
The Strange Theory of Light and Matter (Princeton Science Library)
Richard P. Feynman - 1988-10-01 (first published in 1985)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the universe of quantum electrodynamics with celebrated physicist Richard Feynman. In this classic introduction, Feynman breaks down complex concepts into everyday language using visualizations and his famous "Feynman diagrams." His humorous and engaging style makes QED accessible to the layperson, while A. Zee's introduction provides historical context. Don't miss this definitive guide to understanding the interactions of light with charged particles.
Ryan Shea
2019-12-27T07:13:44.000Z
@jaltma @AriannaSimpson Incredible book. Perhaps my favorite physics book.      source
Sapiens book cover
Sapiens
A Brief History of Humankind
Yuval Noah Harari - 2015-01-01 (first published in 2011)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the story of human history, from the first humans to walk the earth to today's modern society. Explore how we came to believe in gods, nations, and human rights, and how our societies were shaped by the Cognitive, Agricultural, and Scientific Revolutions. Sapiens covers it all, using insights from biology, anthropology, paleontology, and economics to challenge our beliefs about what it means to be human. Are we happier now than we were before? Can we change our behavior and influence the future? Dr. Yuval Noah Harari's provocative and wide-ranging book will challenge the way you think about our species and our place in the world.
Ryan Shea
One of the books I’ve given most as a gift.      source
The Alchemist book cover
The Alchemist
25th Anniversary Edition
Paulo Coelho - 2014-04-15 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a transformative journey with the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who sets out from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of buried treasure, only to discover the true wealth lies within. Paulo Coelho weaves a powerful and inspiring story full of wisdom and humanity, reminding readers of the importance of following our dreams and listening to our hearts.
Ryan Shea
One of the books I’ve given most as a gift.      source
The Sovereign Individual book cover
The Sovereign Individual
Mastering the Transition to the Information Age
James Dale Davidson - 1999-08-26 (first published in 1997)
Goodreads Rating
Learn how to adapt financially to the next phase of Western civilization with The Sovereign Individual. Renowned investment advisors James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg provide strategies for navigating the radical changes in human history as we move into the next century. The book explores the shift from an industrial to an information-based society and the potential for prosperity and renewal in the face of disaster. This insightful read replaces false hopes and fictions with new understanding and clarified values.
Ryan Shea
One of the books I’ve given most as a gift.      source