On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin
7 people recommended it in 5 threads, 2018–2023.
What people on Hacker News said
It's an idea, once you are exposed to it, is so immensely powerful and perhaps even to say in hindsight obvious - that the truth of it almost bowls you over.
One of the most staggering intellectual achievements of mankind. Philosophers since Ancient Greek times had been speculating on the causes of being (some even came close to guessing something like evolution) but they were just that, guesses. Then finally we get Darwin, and bam, no guesses, here is the answer
It's pretty dense, dry, and can require a bit of a commitment, but there's some pretty interesting bits and pieces in there aside from just proposing evolution.
Where it comes up
- St. John’s Reading List: A Great Books Curriculum 2023 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are the most eye-opening textbooks you have ever read? 2023 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books or essays written at least 100 years ago? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Spreadsheet of Steven Pinker’s book recommendations 2018 · 1 recommendation