Books That Will Expand Your Mind and Spark Your Curiosity

Dear readers,

The Books That Will Change How You Think About Work, Fatigue, and the Human Body

The retail price of a book should ideally reflect the number of high-quality ideas it contains. By that logic, two books stand out as treasures that would be worth far more than their cover price. These books not only challenge our assumptions but also offer profound insights into the human condition. Let’s dive into them and see why they are worth your time.

The first book, “The Human Motor” by Anson Rabinbach, is a dazzling study that explores how 19th-century scientific discoveries about energy transformed our understanding of labor and the human body. Rabinbach, who sadly passed away at the age of 79, delves into how the first two laws of thermodynamics reshaped the way people viewed work. These laws, which describe how energy is converted and conserved, metaphorically redefined workers as machines designed to convert energy into output. But unlike machines, the human body isn’t built for endless labor.

This idea of the body as a flawed machine led to a new obsession with fatigue, which became the enemy of productivity. While idleness was once seen as the great foe, fatigue took its place, and today, distraction has joined the ranks as another formidable adversary. Rabinbach’s work doesn’t just stop at theory; it also delves into fascinating historical attempts to combat fatigue, such as the story of Wilhelm Weichardt, a German chemist who tried to invent a vaccine for fatigue in the early 20th century. Though his experiments were unsuccessful, the story highlights humanity’s relentless quest to overcome the limits of our bodies.

A Travel Memoir That Celebrates Crankiness and the Joy of Stasis

The second book, “On Trying To Keep Still” by Jenny Diski, is a travel memoir that defies the typical expectations of the genre. Diski, who passed away in 2016, is a writer who thrives on crankiness, but not in the sense of rudeness. Instead, her crankiness is a result of maintaining high standards, being unapologetically expressive, and refusing to pander to others. This book is a testament to the idea that crankiness and lovability can coexist, a quality that feels increasingly rare in a world that often devalues dissent and individuality.

Diski’s travels are not about seeking adventure or exotic experiences. Instead, she seeks places where she can sit still, be left alone, and enjoy her own company. From New Zealand to Lapland and the English countryside, she finds solace in solitude and comfort in her own company. Her writing is infused with humor, self-insight, and a deep understanding of the human condition. If you’re someone who appreciates crankiness, loves books about writing, or enjoys the works of Montaigne, this book will resonate with you.

Why These Books Matter

Both “The Human Motor” and “On Trying To Keep Still” are books that will make you think differently about the world. Rabinbach’s book challenges you to reflect on how we view work, energy, and the limits of the human body, while Diski’s memoir reminds us of the value of crankiness and the importance of staying true to ourselves. These books are not just intellectual exercises; they are deeply human stories that resonate long after you finish reading them.

The Power of Libraries and Accessible Reading

Before I wrap up, I want to remind you of the power of libraries and the importance of making books accessible to everyone. Many libraries allow you to reserve copies of books like these online, and they are often free or low-cost. If you’re enjoying what you’re reading, please consider sharing it with others. Whether it’s through a book club, a recommendation to a friend, or a social media post, your enthusiasm can help others discover these treasures.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often values conformity over individuality, books like these remind us of the power of ideas and the importance of staying curious. So, take some time to explore these recommendations, and remember that reading is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about expanding your mind and connecting with the world around you.

P.S.

If you enjoyed this, check out more book recommendations from The New York Times or explore the world of reading through their subscriber-only newsletters. And as always, don’t forget to support your local library—it’s a treasure trove of knowledge just waiting to be discovered!