What makes us human is one of life’s biggest questions. Is it our DNA? Is it our self-awareness, or our personalities? Check out one of these books the next time you’re at your local library if you wish to delve into the different aspects of human nature:
How to Code a Human by Kat Arney – Covering all aspects of modern genetics from the evolution of our species to inherited diseases, “junk” DNA, genetic engineering and the molecular processes inside our cells, this is a visual guide to the code of life.
The Personality Brokers by Merve Emre – Offers a history of the most popular personality test in the world, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and examines its role in attempts to define the self.
Human Errors by Nathan H. Lents – Examines the human body’s tendency to fall ill, break down, and generate superfluous parts, exploring human evolutionary history as a litany of errors and compromises that reveal how humans have adapted over time.
Awkward by Ty Tashiro – Discusses what it means to be socially awkward and how people’s unique personality traits and talents can be used to their advantage in achieving success in life.
I, Mammal by Liam Drew – Examines the biology, evolution, and traits of humans and explores the anatomical and physiological attributes that make us mammals and that ultimately separate us from other members of the same scientific class designation.
Insight by Tasha Eurich – Argues that people are essentially unaware of their own nature, and presents strategies for developing the tools for self-awareness in order to achieve success and happiness both personally and in the workplace.
NeuroLogic by Eliezer J. Sternberg – Investigates the brain’s hidden logic behind seemingly irrational behaviors to explain how conscious and unconscious systems interact in order to create experiences and preserve the sense of self.
Human by Michael S. Gazzaniga – Presents a discussion of the psychological brain, drawing on the last 50 years of findings in such areas as language, memory, and biology to offer insight into the unique qualities of the human mind and the relevance of language and art in defining the human condition.