Andrew Newberg (neuroscientist on the brain and religion)

In this book, Sapolsky delves into the complex interplay of biological processes, including neuroscience, genetics, and hormones, to explain why humans behave in various ways. He examines behavior on multiple time scales, from the immediate neural responses to actions that occur over centuries and millennia. The book addresses topics such as tribalism, xenophobia, hierarchy, competition, morality, and free will, providing a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of human behavior. Sapolsky's approach integrates cutting-edge research across several disciplines to offer insights into the biological basis of human actions, both good and bad.

This book by Ron Chernow is a group portrait of the Warburg family, who were renowned for their brilliance, culture, and personal energy. The family, which included bankers, philanthropists, scholars, socialites, artists, and politicians, stood at the pinnacle of German (and later German-American) Jewry. They forged economic dynasties, built mansions and estates, assembled libraries, endowed charities, and advised a German kaiser and two American presidents. However, their success made them vulnerable to anti-Semitism, particularly in Nazi Germany. The book spans nearly two centuries, detailing the family's experiences through World War I and II, the Russian pogroms, the founding of the state of Israel, and the Great Depression. It also explores the tension between their German and Jewish identities and their significant contributions to banking, philanthropy, and culture[1][2][5].

The Molecule of More delves into the role of dopamine in human behavior, revealing how this neurotransmitter drives our desires, fuels creativity, and influences various aspects of life including love, business, addiction, and politics. The authors argue that dopamine is not just a 'pleasure molecule' but a chemical of anticipation and possibility, which explains why we often crave what we don’t have and why we are driven to pursue new and unexpected things. The book uses insights from psychology, neuroscience, and social studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of dopamine’s impact on the human condition.

In 'Dopamine Nation,' Dr. Anna Lembke delves into the scientific discoveries that explain why overindulgence in high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli leads to pain. The book combines personal narratives from her clinical practice with the latest psychology research to illustrate how to find contentment and connectedness by keeping dopamine in check. Lembke discusses the impact of modern addictions, such as those related to smartphones, food, and other behaviors, and provides strategies for managing consumption and transforming lives. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery[1][3][5].

This book delves into the contemporary psychology and neuroscience of spiritual experiences, building on the foundational work of William James. It explores various types of spiritual experiences, such as numinous, revelatory, mystical, and paranormal, using current research in neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, religious studies, and philosophy. The authors provide a deep exploration of how these experiences affect the brain and body, and their lasting impacts on individuals. The book is structured into three sections: the history and science of altered states, different varieties of spiritual experiences, and the applications and long-term effects of these experiences.