Neil deGrasse Tyson at On Air Presents

In this book, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang explore the historical and ongoing alliance between astrophysics and the military. They discuss how the methods and tools of astrophysics have been used in warfare, from early celestial navigation to modern satellite-enabled warfare. The book spans thousands of years, including examples such as Christopher Columbus' use of lunar eclipses and the use of satellite intelligence during the Gulf War. It emphasizes the two-way street of collaboration between science and the military, influencing each other in significant ways.

string

In *Starry Messenger*, Neil deGrasse Tyson applies his cosmic perspective to the critical issues of our time, including war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race. He argues that by understanding our place in the universe and embracing the rationality of science, we can reset our priorities and foster a deeper sense of unity. The book offers insights on resolving global conflicts and reminds readers of the preciousness of life, all informed by scientific knowledge and a cosmic viewpoint.

In *Astrophysics for People in a Hurry*, Neil deGrasse Tyson provides a broad selection of topics in astrophysics, including the evolution of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the search for life beyond Earth. The book is based on essays Tyson wrote for his Universe column in *Natural History* magazine between 1995 and 2005. It offers entertaining insights into the challenges in science and the implications of understanding our universe, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for busy readers.

Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged gentleman who, influenced by his extensive reading of chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant. He renames himself Don Quixote and, with his squire Sancho Panza, embarks on a series of adventures. These adventures often involve Don Quixote's misinterpretation of reality, such as mistaking windmills for giants and inns for castles. The novel explores themes of reality vs. imagination, the decline of chivalry, and the human condition. Eventually, Don Quixote returns home, regains his sanity, and renounces his chivalric ambitions before his death.

In this book, Steven Pinker presents a detailed argument that violence has significantly decreased over the course of human history. He uses extensive data and statistical analysis to demonstrate this decline in various domains, including military conflict, homicide, genocide, torture, and the treatment of children, homosexuals, animals, and racial and ethnic minorities. Pinker identifies four key human motivations – empathy, self-control, the moral sense, and reason – as the 'better angels' that have oriented humans away from violence and towards cooperation and altruism. He also discusses historical forces such as the rise of the state (which he terms 'Leviathan'), the spread of commerce, the growth of feminist values, and the expansion of cosmopolitanism, which have contributed to this decline in violence.