Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Eight Must-Read Books for Every Informed Reader

In 2011, Neil deGrasse Tyson participated in a Reddit AMA, where he presented a compilation of eight books he thinks every enlightened individual ought to read. These selections were made for their influence on the actions of figures who shaped Western civilization. The compilation contains:

1. **The Bible** – To exemplify the effect of being instructed on what to believe instead of thinking autonomously.
2. **The System of the World** by Sir Isaac Newton – Illustrates the comprehensibility of the universe.
3. **The Origin of Species** by Charles Darwin – Highlights our relationship with all living beings on Earth.
4. **Gulliver’s Travels** by Jonathan Swift – Provides satirical perspectives on human character.
5. **The Age of Reason** by Thomas Paine – Exhibits logical reasoning as essential for liberty.
6. **The Wealth of Nations** by Adam Smith – Chronicles capitalism as an economy motivated by self-interest.
7. **The Art of War** by Sun Tzu – Emphasizes the tactical aspects of conflict.
8. **The Prince** by Niccolò Machiavelli – Analyzes the principles of gaining and maintaining power.

Tyson asserted that engaging with these works offers deep understandings of the history of the Western world. Additional recommendations from Reddit users included titles by Plato, Karl Marx, and Hermann Hesse. For more exploration, readers can check out Tyson’s AMA thread on Reddit.