AMA | October 2022

In this book, Sean Carroll delves into the world of quantum mechanics, explaining how modern physics describes nature at its most profound level. Starting with the basics of quantum mechanics, Carroll discusses measurement, entanglement, and how the world is made of fields. He covers fundamental ideas such as spin, symmetry, Feynman diagrams, and the Higgs mechanism, providing a clear and accessible explanation of complex theories. The book is part of Carroll's series 'The Biggest Ideas in the Universe', aimed at making advanced physics concepts understandable for a broad audience.

In this book, Joseph Henrich explores how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations developed their unique psychological profiles. He argues that changes in family structures, marriage, and religion, particularly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, led to the emergence of WEIRD psychology. This psychology is characterized by individualism, self-obsession, control-orientation, nonconformity, and analytical thinking, which contrast with the more group-focused and shame-driven cultures of non-Western societies. Henrich uses research from anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology to explain how these psychological differences contributed to the industrial revolution and the global expansion of Europe.