You've just provided me a formidable reading list. I think I'll start with Guns, Germs and Steel as I've heard it referenced often. Thanks for this, it's actually a great post for the non-scientist as it gives us some great starting points to delve in to big topics.
After writing this I realized that it could serve that function. I may edit it to add a few more suggested readings from the people I had to leave off.
Wish you would have posted this a week ago. I have a flight tomorrow morning and could use a new book. Just ordered Guns, Germs and Steel. I look forward to it. I recall b_b mentioning liking it in a comment once.... I think.?
It is definitely a classic. There are a few books that completely change the way you think about life and humanity. For me Guns, Germs and Steel is one of them. And it has definitely stood the test of time. Even though it was first published in 1997, I consider it a 20th century classic.
Agree with this. It is not perfect, but it is a very good "how we got here" exposition. It is bound to give you some new ideas, and that is always good.