2020, what a year. It will soon be over again, but the events of this year will remain with us for a long time. These books give you visions of the future, understanding of history and social criticism, which will help you better understand life in 2020.
For each book you will find the complete version and an abridged version, which summarizes the key messages of the book in a short time, for listening and reading. This means you can enrich your knowledge without spending a lot of time.
1. Basically Good: A New History of Humanity
Before we delve into all of this year's disasters, here's a reminder to humanity that we are essentially good. Because the motto is that no progress can be made with all the pessimistic non-fiction books. Because through this book new hope can be created. The author deals with the nature of human beings and describes this convincingly and stirringly.
You can find the complete version of the book here and the abridged version here .
2. What's so bad about capitalism?
This is the question that we as citizens of the Western world, as beneficiaries of the system, should ask ourselves more often. Because the massive inequality that is throwing masses of people into ruin and the destruction of the planet are all products of capitalism. The book is an eye-opener by describing how our modern capitalism came to be, the price we pay for it today and why we absolutely have to abolish it.
You can find the full book here and the abridged version here .
3. A n**** can't sit next to me
A must-read for all people who think racism in Germany is a problem of the past. The author writes from his own perspective about his experiences growing up as a black person in the Bavarian countryside. Based on this, he describes the reason for discrimination and why people are afraid of being different. Finally, he offers suggestions on how we can limit discrimination, prejudice and fear. You can find the original version here and the shortened version here .
4. The future after Corona: How a crisis changes society, our thinking and our actions
This crisis has brought about new ways of communication, ways of working and transport habits in a very short time. She also showed us how people really work, think and act and thus showed us who we are. Now the only question is how the virus will affect our lives in the future. In his book, the futurologist addresses the questions: How is society changing? How do individuals, states, families and companies react to the challenge? What role does fear of the future play? And how can we transform it into confidence? Will things continue like this after a few months? Or are we experiencing a cultural shift in which everything changes direction and a completely new future emerges? The answers to the questions are anything but predictable.
You can access the original version here and the shortened version here .
5. About life: Future question Species extinction: How we overcome the ecological crisis
In this book, the author explains the connection between ecosystem destruction and the rapid spread of pandemics. But also the further catastrophic consequences of species extinction and ecological crisis.
You can find the complete version here and the shortened version here .
6. The Agitated Society: How emotions shape our morals and increase polarization
We live in a highly divided society where even small issues, such as nutrition or gender, drive people to polarize. The philosopher describes in his book that the core of our morality is our emotions and how our political stance depends on our emotional disposition. Big controversial philosophical questions are addressed, such as whether one is allowed to trade off between two human lives and what one would be without one's character. A new view of society is revealed and enriched with unexpected results.
You can find the complete version here and the shortened version here .
7. Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Most Dangerous Man in the World
The psychologist and niece of the most powerful man in the world, Donald Trump, now gives readers an insight into his psyche and the darkest chapters of his family history. She describes his childhood and how it turned him into the unpredictable man he was, and how he now threatens the well-being and safety of the entire world.
You can find the original version here and the summary here .
8. Quantum economy: What comes after digitalization?
Last but not least, we have a very interesting book for you that deals with the future of digitalization. Because we humans are still the operators of technology and automation, but what will everything look like in 10 or 20 years. Also with regard to the eco-crisis, the author describes how people cannot make the dark, but realistic, visions of the future come true and work towards a humane society.
You can find the complete version of the book here and the summary here .
