The Strategy of Conflict

The Secret of Our Success on the co-evolution of humans and human culture. The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution on what are states, where do they come from, and how do they work? The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution, and the Origins of Complex Life is just what it says on the tin. The Strategy of Conflict is the original book on game theory which stands up pretty well. Consciousness and the Brain: Deciphering How the Brain Codes Our Thoughts on the modern science of what we know about what consciousness is.

Trying to confine myself to books I haven't seen others mention: "Guns, Votes, and Democracy" is a wonderful book about democracy in the third world and is both insightful and surprisingly readable. "The Retreat to Commitment" is the only philosophy book I'd actually recommend. "The Design of Everyday Things" is a book for anyone who makes or uses things. "The Transparent Society" is a thought provoking book on the future of privacy. "The Mystery of Capital" is a book on the importance of non-corrupt government in successful capitalism, a good point of view to have in addition to Rand. "The Strategy of Conflict" on how to use game theory in the real world, and negotiations especially.