#1653 - Andy Norman

Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the idea that humans are inherently selfish by presenting evidence of our altruistic behavior throughout history. The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from history, economics, psychology, biology, anthropology, and archaeology to argue that humans are more peaceful and friendly than commonly believed. Bregman sides with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view of human nature in the state of nature debate, opposing Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic outlook. He also discusses the concept of 'domestication syndrome' and how humans may have self-domesticated, leading to a more cooperative and empathetic species.

In 'Best Evidence', David Lifton presents a meticulous and personal narrative of his 15-year search for the truth about the Kennedy assassination. The book argues that the conspirators who killed Kennedy altered his body and wounds to support a single-gunman theory. Lifton's research includes analysis of autopsy photographs and reports, highlighting contradictions between the Dallas and Bethesda evidence. The book is written in the first-person, detailing Lifton's journey of discovery and the challenges he faced in uncovering what he believes to be a 'medical forgery' of the President's body.

In this book, Mark Lane questions the Warren Commission's conclusions regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Lane examines the testimony of key witnesses, points out discrepancies between the reported testimony and the actual evidence, and challenges the Commission's handling of the investigation. The book was a number one best seller and spent 29 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. It also spawned a documentary film in 1967, narrated by Lane, which featured interviews with several assassination witnesses.

The book tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a well-educated young man from a middle-class family who, after graduating from college, gave away his savings, abandoned his car, and set out on a journey to live in the Alaskan wilderness. The narrative, written by Jon Krakauer, explores McCandless's adventures, his interactions with various people he met along the way, and the circumstances leading to his untimely death. Krakauer's investigation involves interviewing McCandless's family, friends, and people he encountered, as well as visiting the places McCandless had been. The book delves into themes of idealism, rebellion, and the allure of the wilderness, presenting a nuanced and gripping account of McCandless's life and death.