1) The Ascent of Man, Jacob Bronowski.
Jacob Bronowski was an amazing man. Although initially trained as a mathematician, his talents and expertise extended into poetry, literature, intellectual history, and the philosophy of science. Bronowski was contracted by the British Broadcast Corporation (BBC) to script a series of educational programs on the development and history of science. He created a fabulous set of 13 television programs within three years, finishing up in December of 1972.
His words cut into my consciousness at a very impressionable time and made me realize the width and depth of what really sets humanity apart from other species. Each program in the series explores what Bronowski saw as fundamental achievements and defining moments in human history. What sets this book apart is that it presents those underlying changes, significant achievements, and development of our civilization over time at a very personal level and in an extremely engaging manner. I’ve never had another book “hit home” in such a profound and positive manner—there is a reason for the book’s title.
Be aware that when you start this book, you will not be able to put it down (or ever forget it when you’re done reading). If you ever have a chance to see the BBC series The Ascent of Man—do it. Bronowski was a gifted speaker and although he preferred the book version of the series to the television product, watching him present the chapter essays adds another dimension to the book.
2) In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson.
Want a plain, dry, travel book on Australia? This is NOT it! Although In a Sunburned Country documents Bryson’s travels in Australia, it only has a smattering of “touristy information”. On the other hand, if you don’t want to go to Australia after reading this book...then nothing can make you want to go!
Don’t read this book in an area with “Quiet Please!” signs posted. Laugh-out-loud is the phrase most associated with Bryson’s work—and this is one of his best efforts. This book should be distributed to stressed-out people instead of medications! You might as well get the hardback version, because you’ll want to read it again and again.
3)
The Notebooks of Lazarus Long, Robert Heinlein 1978
This is a collection of sayings from the oldest living human (fictional character created by Robert Heinlein and introduced to the science fiction community in Time Enough For Love, 1973). Heinlein’s gift as a writer comes through in these gems of wisdom (I quoted three from
the book). Wonderfully illustrated and wonderfully human, the quotes in this book just make me smile...and often think!
“Cheops' Law: Nothing ever gets built on schedule or within budget.”
“One man's theology is another man's belly laugh.”
“An elephant: A mouse built to government specifications.”
“Imagine a world in which there is no time. Only images.” Thus begins a chapter in Alan Lightman’s novel Einstein’s Dreams. In the book, Lightman conjures a series of alternate versions of reality that Albert Einstein might have imagined as he finished his special theory of relativity (in 1905). Some of the imagined worlds seem impractical and quirky; others are elegant and beautiful; all are fascinating. 
