Patterns of Form and Behavior Beyond Emergence by Michael Levin

In 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,' Bill Gates presents a detailed plan for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, drawing from over a decade of his research and investment in climate change solutions. The book is organized into five parts, starting with the necessity of achieving zero emissions rather than just reducing them. Gates discusses the challenges in achieving this goal, provides practical questions to evaluate climate change conversations, and analyzes current and future technologies that can help mitigate climate change. He advocates for increased innovation in clean energy, including nuclear power, and emphasizes the importance of reducing the 'green premium' – the additional cost of green energy. The book also outlines specific steps for governments, market participants, and individuals to take in order to collectively avoid a climate disaster.

Stephen Jay Gould's "The Structure of Evolutionary Theory" is a comprehensive work summarizing his life's work on evolutionary biology. It delves into various aspects of evolutionary theory, including punctuated equilibrium, the role of chance, and the importance of historical contingency. The book challenges traditional Darwinian views and offers a more nuanced understanding of evolutionary processes. Gould's writing style is known for its clarity and accessibility, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a wider audience. The book remains a significant contribution to evolutionary biology and continues to spark debate and discussion.

In 'Where Good Ideas Come From', Steven Johnson delves into the natural history of innovation by identifying seven key patterns: the adjacent possible, liquid networks, the slow hunch, serendipity, error, exaptation, and platforms. Johnson argues that innovative ideas often result from slow hunches that develop over time through interactions within 'liquid networks' of diverse minds. He also highlights the importance of environments that facilitate the mixing and mingling of ideas, such as big cities, which are more innovative due to their superlinear scaling of creativity. The book draws on historical examples and contemporary cases to illustrate how these patterns contribute to groundbreaking innovations.