Critical Mass
How One Thing Leads to Another
by Philip Ball
Recommended by Mike Shellenberger
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Should I read this?
Recommended by 1 source and appears in Finance, Psychology, and Science.
Are there "natural laws" that govern the ways in which humans behave and organize themselves, just as there are physical laws that govern the motions of atoms and planets Unlikely as it may seem, such laws now seem to be emerging from attempts to bring the tools and concepts of physics into the social sciences. These new discoveries are part of an...
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Why recommended
Recommended by 1 source and appears in Finance, Psychology, and Science.
Recommended by notable people
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Recommendation Signals
Recommendation proof is sourced from public posts, interviews, reading lists, and cited references.
Mike Shellenberger
“@NitramNosirrag @Forbes Tell you what. Go read the best book on the subject, Critical Masses. Then come back and tell me if you think my characterization of the bestavailable history is wrong. Okay Otherwise, by not discussing the evidence, you are trolling”
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Not sure if this is the right fit?
Consider Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Recommended by 31 sources.
“Outliers reads like a series of captivating magazine profiles, each unpacking a hidden factor behind extraordinary success. Gladwell’s storytelling makes complex social science accessible, but the book relies on memorable anecdotes rather than offering systematic analysis. The book explores the idea that individual brilliance rarely stands alone; success often hinges on birth dates, cultural legacies, and the 10,000-hour rule. While the narratives are strong, the book overgeneralizes from handpicked examples, leaving skeptical readers questioning the conclusions. It’s most useful as a conversation starter about luck and timing—annoying if you want a rigorous academic treatise or a how-to guide for your own life.”
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Each recommendation is collected from a public source — interviews, articles, or curated lists — and linked to its original URL. Books with many verifiable recommendations from respected people rank higher.
Critical Mass
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