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Tim Urban

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Immune book cover
Immune
A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive
Philipp Dettmer - 2021-11-02
Goodreads Rating
Take a deep dive into the fascinating world of your immune system, where an epic war is waged daily to keep you alive. This gorgeously illustrated book from the creator of the popular science YouTube channel Kurzgesagt—In a Nutshell brings readers on a journey through the fortress of the human body and its defenses. You'll learn about the constant battle of staggering scale raging within us, as well as defenses like antibodies and inflammation, and threats like bacteria, allergies, and cancer. With engaging graphics and immersive descriptions, Immune turns the complex and confusing world of immunology into a gripping adventure through an astonishing alien landscape. This crash course in the body's most important system is a vital and remarkably fun read for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of the human immune system.
Tim Urban
2021-03-24T21:17:28.000Z
I got to read an advanced copy of this and spoiler: it’s incredible. Super fun read and totally changed my understanding of the human body.      source
Death's End book cover
Death's End
Cixin Liu - 2016-09-20 (first published in 2010)
Goodreads Rating
In this thought-provoking sci-fi novel, the uneasy peace between Earth and the Trisolarans is threatened by the arrival of a woman from the past with potentially dangerous knowledge. Will humanity continue to thrive or face extinction?
Tim Urban
2020-02-24T01:15:47.000Z
Books that fit that description are a little less rare. The Three Body Problem trilogy rocked my existence for a few months last year. One-dimensional characters and fairly bland writing—but the plot is so mind-bending that the flaws are irrelevant.      source
The Dark Forest book cover
The Dark Forest
Cixin Liu - 2015-08-11 (first published in 2008)
Goodreads Rating
In this gripping sci-fi novel, Earth is under threat from a future alien invasion, and the only hope is the Wallfacer Project - a secret plan to deceive the enemy. Four men have unlimited power to come up with strategies, but only one of them, a Chinese astronomer and sociologist named Luo Ji, is targeted by the aliens. Written by Cixin Liu, the award-winning author from China, this is the second book in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy.
Tim Urban
2020-02-24T01:15:47.000Z
Books that fit that description are a little less rare. The Three Body Problem trilogy rocked my existence for a few months last year. One-dimensional characters and fairly bland writing—but the plot is so mind-bending that the flaws are irrelevant.      source
The Three-Body Problem book cover
The Three-Body Problem
Cixin Liu - 2014-11-11 (first published in 2006)
Goodreads Rating
Experience an award-winning Chinese science fiction masterpiece from the beloved author, Cixin Liu, in English for the first time. Against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. When an alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth, different camps form on Earth, leading to a battle against corruption or a welcome for superior beings. Delve into this epic story of invasion, alliances, and survival.
Tim Urban
2020-02-24T01:15:47.000Z
Books that fit that description are a little less rare. The Three Body Problem trilogy rocked my existence for a few months last year. One-dimensional characters and fairly bland writing—but the plot is so mind-bending that the flaws are irrelevant.      source
Atomic Habits book cover
Atomic Habits
An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear - 2018-10-16
Goodreads Rating
Discover a proven framework for improving every day with Atomic Habits. Written by one of the world’s foremost experts in habit formation, James Clear, this instant New York Times bestseller offers practical strategies on how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Drawing on biology, psychology, and neuroscience, Clear distills complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Whether you want to overcome a lack of motivation, design your environment for success, or simply achieve your goals, Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and give you the tools you need to transform your habits.
Tim Urban
2018-10-16T15:38:01.000Z
It's launch day for @JamesClear's opus, Atomic Habits: I'd attribute about 60% of my good habits to his blog and this book is rapidly filling in the other 40%. At least my bad habits are my own original creation.      source
Barking Up the Wrong Tree book cover
Barking Up the Wrong Tree
The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong
Eric Barker - 2017-05-16
Goodreads Rating
Discover the surprising science behind success in Barking Up the Wrong Tree. Learn why valedictorians don't often become millionaires, how your biggest weakness can be your greatest strength, and why lessons about cooperation come from unlikely sources like pirates and serial killers. Avoid guesswork and start living the life you want by understanding what truly determines success.
Tim Urban
2017-05-17T19:39:50.000Z
I got this book a few weeks ago and raced through it. A mountain of scientific research on success distilled into a quick, enjoyable read.      source
Hit Makers book cover
Hit Makers
How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction
Derek Thompson - 2017-02-07
Goodreads Rating
Discover the hidden secrets to blockbuster success in Hit Makers. Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson takes you on a magical mystery tour of pop culture blockbusters from the past century. Uncovering the psychology and economics of cultural markets, he debunks sentimental myths about hit-making and reveals enduring truths about what audiences and consumers want. With fascinating insights into everything from Disney's conquering of the world to the accidental launch of rock and roll history, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of attention and the secrets of cultural phenomena.
Tim Urban
2017-02-07T20:05:48.000Z
Every time I talk to @DKThomp, I can't stop taking my phone out to jot down insights that pop up in the convo. His book has the same effect.      source
Originals book cover
Originals
How Non-Conformists Move the World
Adam Grant - 2016-02-02
Goodreads Rating
Explore how to champion new ideas and fight groupthink in the #1 New York Times bestseller, from the author of Give and Take and co-author of Option B. With surprising studies and stories, discover how to speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, and manage fear and doubt. Learn from entrepreneurs, analysts, and even a TV executive who saved Seinfeld from being cut. Full of powerful ideas, this book might just change the way you live your life and inspire you to change your world.
Tim Urban
2016-02-02T01:45:39.000Z
Just finished @AdamMGrant's new book, Originals, and enjoyed the shit out of it. Highly recommend:      source
Elon Musk book cover
Elon Musk
Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Ashlee Vance - 2015-05-19
Goodreads Rating
This authorized biography explores the life and work of one of Silicon Valley's most exciting and ambitious entrepreneurs - a real-life Tony Stark. Through the lens of Elon Musk's technology and vision, author Ashlee Vance examines the renewal of American invention and its new "makers", while asking the pressing question of whether America can still compete in a world of global innovation. This fascinating and insightful book brings to life the dramatic arc of Musk's life, from his tumultuous upbringing to his technical innovations and accomplished career as the founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. A must-read for anyone interested in the technology industry and its powerful figures.
Tim Urban
A great biography on Musk.      source
A Little History of the World by E. H. Gombrich
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand