The Lucifer Principle
by Howard Bloom · first published 1995
75% recommend25% neutral
In the course of his inquiry, Howard Bloom became convinced that evolution could explain the fundamentals of human nature and the broad sweep of human history. He is not alone. It is no longer heretical to study our own species as one of evolution's creations, and many books are appearing on the subject. The Lucifer Principle, however, does not merely report on the rapid developments that are taking place within academia. Howard Bloom has his own vision of evolution and human nature that many scientific authorities would dispute. He is a heretic among former heretics. The bone of contention is
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Recommendations: - Collapse by Jared Diamond, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collapse_%28book%29 about how we over-exploit our planet. - The Lucifer Principle by Howard Bloom, psychological and cultural explanations of how humans react to "memes" amongst other gems of knowledge. - The Eschaton series by Charles Stross (sci-fi).
on “Ask HN: Great books you read in 2009?” ↗…felt like the product of years of careful thought. Homo Deus felt like it was rushed in comparison. Still a good read, don't get me wrong. For a similar type of book I would recommend Howard Bloom's Lucifer Principle and Global Brain. They both take a similarly broad scientific perspective on human history and behavior, and both are fun reads.
on “Ask HN: What are the best books you've read that few others have?” ↗…fantastic. Sapiens by Yuval Harari. Enough people are talking about this one that I don't have to say much, suffice it to say it's a fascinating look into human history a la Guns, Germs, and Steel. The Lucifer Principle by Howard Bloom. If you're a fan of Harari you'll love this one. It's an alternative scientific look at evil, and how evil appears to be encoded into our species. Hyperspace by Michio Kaku. Kaku is an…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2017?” ↗Lucifer Principle -- Howard Bloom.
on “Articles, Ideas, Books and/or Concepts that have changed your life” ↗…treats individual firms as the cells within it, individual humans as its DNA molecules, and it even has a form of tissue differentiation via industries This is not a new idea. Howard Bloom (author of The Lucifer Principle [0]) developed the idea that among intelligeng beings "memetic evolution" > "genetic evolution" i.e. the unit of selection is the "idea" as expressed in social/political groupings. In this view of the…
on “DARPA, U.S. Air Force fly AI-controlled F-16” ↗