The Possibility of Life by Jaime Green

Why the question of existence of other life forms in the universe is important for us?

This book looks for the possibility of life in the universe from a scientific perspective, and it does include the idea of other life forms that we get from the science fictions.

It sounds a bit absurd that humans need some other entities to make them feel more human. It is very less likely that an extraterrestrial life will bring humans closer. If you look at the famous fictional extraterrestrial lives, it is largely portrayed as a threat with all the weird body forms. Of course it is fiction but we are primed to not trust any such lives even if there is possibility in the near future.

As of now the absence of any such knowledge which proves that we're the only one here doesn't bring us closer to each other is a proof that finding such is not going to change this.

So, we should better look at it as a scientific quest, which if proven with some results will be commercialised for good or bad.

Peace

I Feel Love by Rachel Nuwer

MDMA is famous. If you're out there, you might know it by different names, and understand the legal complications if you're found with this in any country.

This book goes into the history of psychedelic with focus on MDMA, and also builds a case for its use in medical practices, specially in case of psychology. The drug has a chemical history, and later how it was used for the mind altering effects that made it popular among the young generation, and the drug traffickers equally.

And this is where the lines got blurred when a potential drug which could have helped people with trauma and other psycological issues, ended up being used as a drug in black market which makes you happy. Charging the authorities for banning it is not very good argument when the usage was not what it was intended to be. Of course, the authorities took the easy way out of banning, and literally putting a blocker for better informed studies, it can't be called all wrong.

It may get approved for medicinal purposes but that doesn't ensure that the abuse of this drug will not follow. And to get this right, it is important to get it presented not as an entertainer/panacea but a controlled drug which can be administered by a trained therapist under controlled conditions.

Also, just stop saying that it makes you feel love. Anybody who need a drug to feel that is not looking for love.

Peace

Defiant Dreams by Sola Mahfouz

A bright auto biography of a girl from Afghanistan who faced the challenges in a war torn country where all the odds were stacked against her.

From self-teaching all the subjects to sneaking into neighbouring countries to write the exams, securing a scholarship, a visa, and eventually becoming a quantum-computing researcher.

This sounds like a movie with all twists and turns where the protagonist eventually wins with a price paid for this win. The story of Sola is definitely an inspiration for someone who feels that life is not easy for you.

But this whole narrative has a very hidden sub story as well which is of the people who could never got the opportunity. Of course Sola came from a conservative family but there was always someone in the family who was the role model or finance was never a challenge. A stable internet connection and a laptop to work on was the real asset that brought the world to a small room for her. But did anyone else around her got the same support.

It is important that we know and celebrate the story of Sola but this should not stop us from remembering all the other Solas who couldn't make it but deserved it as much as anyone else.

Peace

Economics in America by Angus Deaton

Of course this one was picked because it is written by a Nobel prize winner.

But this is less about the Economics and more about the Economist. The people who explore the ideas behind Economics. As usual there is no strong consensus among the specialists about the best economic policy which depends on various ideas and preferences. Surprising thing is to know that the Economists don't have a lot of influence on policy making because policy has become an agenda and not a tool to identify the best framework, and work on it for the maximum benefit to the general public.

This is an honest book from an insider which has some really funny anecdotes but on a serious note it shows the limitation and flaws of how the practical economics is not coming from the right person but from the ones who are answerable to a small and powerful lobby.

Worth a read even if you're not into economics.

Peace

Owning the Unknown A Science Fiction Writer Explores Atheism, Agnosticism, and the Idea of God by Robert Charles Wilson

The best part of the book is the two short SciFi stories.

It was a bit difficult to follow the idea behind a science fiction writer exploring the God because most of the narrative was based on the myths. Which led to obscure thoughts that came from the imagination.

However, this was a quick read which gives you the idea of a supreme power imagined in a science fiction. The fictions are good but unfortunately they create a breeding grounds for incorrect ideas, and try to simplify things to an absurd level.

When there is a dedicated line of thoughts for analysing the existence or non-existence of god with the options to accept or reject any hypothesis at different levels, the idea of God shouldn't come from fiction.

God needs to be individualised, and not commonized.

Peace