Naturalist Reading List

[LGM]

So what are the books that other Naturalists are reading this year that relate to their godless philosophy, sinful lives, and fleshy desires?

[Arterial Spray]

Er, I think you mean 'fleshly desires', or at least I hope you do. 'Fleshy desires' (without the 'L') would include wanting a large, fat person (for what I know not, and do not want to know), or wanting a rich, chewy wine. Not that these things couldn't also be 'fleshly' desires (depending on what you are going to do with the large, fat person), but....and I've reached my pedantry quota for the day, so I'll stop.

Currently I am reading two books that relate to godlessness: Fundamentals of Federal Income Taxation (it proves that an all-merciful God does not exist), and Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate (which is very good btw).

[Minnesota]

Im' currently reading [attachment] So far god is a no-show.

[HRG_new]

So what are the books that other Naturalists are reading this year that relate to their godless philosophy, sinful lives, and fleshy desires?

Richard Dawkins' "Ancestor's Tale" - highly recommended - and Jared Diamond's "Collapse".

In addition, Steve Weinberg's "Fundamentals of Quantum Field Theory", but that's an acquired taste ....

[material_miser]

I bought "Religion Explained" by Pascal Boyer about 2 years ago now and basically quit less than halfway through. The book is as dry as the infernal shores of Hell, and nebulous, jumping from concept to analogy and back again, which proves tiresome to the eyes and mind. I gleaned some insight from it, but I picked it up again the other day and remembered why I had to put it down to begin with.

MM

[Jimmy Higgins]

I want to read Vonnegut's newest writings, but I'll need to get it from the library first. I've also just got a copy of the Dhammapada.

[bandecoot]

Jared Diamond's "Collapse".. "Blood and Roses" a novel of the War of the Roses, "Finches, Fuegans and Fossils"


thats apart from work stuff.

Plus the usual SF stuff, but that does not count.

[Seasanctuary]

I try to stick to Naturist books.

[C. D. Ward]

I'm reading Derek Parfit's Reasons and Persons right now, as well as re-reading Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy...

[rach12]

So what are the books that other Naturalists are reading this year that relate to their godless philosophy, sinful lives, and fleshy desires?

Ack!! Philosophy gives me a headache, so definitely nothing of the philosophical variety ever graces my eyes... if I can help it.

Right now I am reading the Hyperion series by Dan Simmons (on the second book) and I am also reading The Handmaid's Tale, several landscaping books from the 50s - 70s (I have BIG plansambitions for my yard this year), and I'm just about about finished with Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales (the evolutionary aspect of instinct, fear, and survival was fascinating). I'm going to re-read Gonzales' book soon and I recommend it to anyone who spends time in the wilderness.

[LGM]

Er, I think you mean 'fleshly desires', or at least I hope you do. 'Fleshy desires' (without the 'L') would include wanting a large, fat person (for what I know not, and do not want to know)

Fleshy does not imply fat flesh...Pam Anderson is not fat...but you could certainly satisfy certain fleshy desires with her...

Currently I am reading two books that relate to godlessness: Fundamentals of Federal Income Taxation (it proves that an all-merciful God does not exist), and Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate (which is very good btw).

Blank Slate is very good. Pinker is a gifted writer....Genetics really do drive our behaviors...

I'll pass on the other...

[LGM]

Jared Diamond's "Collapse".. "Blood and Roses" a novel of the War of the Roses, "Finches, Fuegans and Fossils"

How does Collapse compare to Guns Germs and Steel? What is it about? I kinda prefer Boorstin's style over Diamond's.

[LGM]

Ack!! Philosophy gives me a headache, so definitely nothing of the philosophical variety ever graces my eyes... if I can help it.

I didn't mean to imply "philosophy"...Are you reading anything that is science related?

Every year my wife buys me the current edition of "The Best American Science & Nature Writing" for Christmas (ironic...eh?)...they are excellent compilations...and highly recommended.

[bandecoot]

How does Collapse compare to Guns Germs and Steel? What is it about? I kinda prefer Boorstin's style over Diamond's.

Its a bit dry, but then again I could care less about Montana. I expect it will pick up in due Course. Diamond Likes to take his time making his points.

So when I get finished Ill let you know.

[rach12]

I didn't mean to imply "philosophy"...Are you reading anything that is science related?

Every year my wife buys me the current edition of "The Best American Science & Nature Writing" for Christmas (ironic...eh?)...they are excellent compilations...and highly recommended.

OH! Duh. I should slow down when reading OPs.

I read something science-related every day, so I tend to go for things that get my mind off science while at home.

The book you mentioned sounds interesting, though (is it a book?). I prefer science mags over books so I can read about a variety of scientific topics - your book(?) sounds perfect.