Books Recommended by Sam Harris
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The Qur'an
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Source: "Read it in a weekend and you will be informed about the central doctrines of Islam in a way that you may not be and it’s good to be informed, given how much influence these ideas have currently in our world." - Sam Harris
4 recommenders
Mortal Questions
Thomas Nagel
Source: "There are some very good essays in there that were very influential in philosophy and should be more influential in the culture, generally." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
I Am That
Nisargadatta Maharaj
Source: "He said a few crazy things, as many gurus do. But if you stick to what he was claiming about the nature of experience, I think you’re on firm ground." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
In Cold Blood
Truman Capote
Source: "If you just want to forget about the future and lose yourself in the book that forever changed how narrative nonfiction is written, read [this book]." - Sam Harris
3 recommenders
Humiliation
William Ian Miller
Source: "Just on the phenomenon of being humiliated and differentiating it from embarrassment and other similar emotions." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
History of Western Philosophy
And Its Connection with Political and Social Circumstances from the Earliest Times to the Present Day
Bertrand Russell
Source: "Just a great example of how English should be written and just a great voice to have in your head as a result." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
Machete Season
The Killers in Rwanda Speak
Jean Hatzfeld
Source: "If you want to see what it’s like when things go about as wrong as they can go, read [this book]." - Sam Harris
2 recommenders
Behave
The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
Robert M. Sapolsky
Source: "I highly recommend. It really is the most accessible discussion of brain science you will find." - Sam Harris
The Beginning of Infinity
Explanations That Transform the World
David Deutsch
Source: "Greatly expanded my sense of the potential power of human knowledge." - Sam Harris
Hitch-22
A Memoir
Christopher Hitchens
Source: "You can get the benefit of both his voice and his writing if you listen to [this audiobook]." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
God Is Not Great
How Religion Poisons Everything
Christopher Hitchens
Source: "You can get the benefit of both his voice and his writing if you listen to [this audiobook]." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
Superintelligence
Paths, Dangers, Strategies
Nick Bostrom
Source: "Made me worry that machine knowledge could ruin everything." - Sam Harris
Reasons and Persons
Derek Parfit
Source: "Brilliant and written as though by an alien intelligence." - Sam Harris
3 recommenders
1 recommender
Enlightenment Now
The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
Steven Pinker
Source: Sam Harris picked this as the first book in his Book Club.
The Flight of the Garuda
The Dzogchen Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
Keith Dowman
Source: "Especially beautiful and wise." - Sam Harris
1 recommender
2 recommenders
One Blade of Grass
Finding the Old Road of the Heart, a Zen Memoir
Henry Shukman
Source: "Beautifully written." - Sam Harris
3 recommenders
FAQ
Did Sam Harris recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Sam Harris, it also includes a variety of titles that Sam Harris has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Sam Harris's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Sam Harris mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Sam Harris. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Sam Harris has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Sam Harris referred to the book.
Did Sam Harris actually create this list?
No, Sam Harris did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Sam Harris. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Sam Harris's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Sam Harris?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Sam Harris. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Sam Harris in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Sam Harris. Our team keeps a close eye on Sam Harris's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Sam Harris, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Sam Harris has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
How can I find books recommended by other individuals?
Our website features a wide range of reading lists curated based on the recommendations of various successful individuals. You can easily browse these lists through our navigation menu or use our search feature to find lists associated with specific individuals.
100 books
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