Neil deGrasse Tyson is that astrophysicist who makes the universe sound cooler than Netflix. He’s got a book recs that has philosophy, politics, war, religion, and yes, even satire.
Acc. to Open Culture, when asked which books he thinks everyone should read, Tyson handed over a list that doesn’t just explain the world—it practically make you reimagine everything.
Books Neil deGrasse Tyson Recommends Everyone
So here it is: the ultimate Neil-approved book blog reading list that will make you smarter, sassier, and slightly more aware of how ridiculous humans can be.
1. The Bible
“To learn that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe than it is to think for yourself.”
Before you panic—no, he’s not trying to convert you. He’s talking about the cultural side of The Bible, and how it’s been used to shape the world.
Read it to understand power, morality, and just how often humans outsource thinking.
If you want to understand Western history & beliefs, read the book that’s been behind almost every thing. (historical roots and civilization)
2. The System of the World by Isaac Newton
“To learn that the universe is a knowable place.”
Just imagine you invent calculus during a pandemic and then casually figure out gravity. That’s Newton.
This book is his magnum opus, and Tyson loves it because it screams, “Hey! The universe actually makes sense if you do the math!”
Reading it feels like watching the universe get organized by a very tidy British man. PS: 18th century lang. is hard.
Also Read: 10 Cool Gifts for Readers That Aren’t Books
3. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
“To learn, among other satirical lessons, that most of the time humans are Yahoos.”
This is not your whimsical childhood tale with tiny people and talking horses. It’s a savage & interesting show of human behavior that Tyson loves for its brutal honesty.
Read this when you’re feeling super egoistic, and Swift will kindly remind you: Actually, you’re the problem. If you don’t finish this book slightly ashamed of humanity (but also entertained), you’re doing it wrong.
4. The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
“To learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth.”
Darwin: the guy who looked at a finch and thought, “We’re probably cousins.”
Tyson recommends this masterpiece not just for the science, but for the existential humility. Spoiler: You’re an animal. A fabulous animal but evolving one.
This book connects the dots between humans and every other living thing. Yes, even your cat. Especially your cat!
5. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
“To learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.”
Yes, capitalism is the system where your loyalty card has more value than your college degree. Tyson’s takeaway? Smith doesn’t sugarcoat it.
The market runs on self-interest, and understanding that is half the battle.
Read this if you want to know why billionaires exist, why rent is increasing, or why Black Friday makes people fight and many more things which go unnoticed.
6. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
“To learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art.”
Sun Tzu basically said, “Look, if you’re going to fight, at least do it elegantly.”
Tyson appreciates how this book breaks down war like it’s a chess game—cool, methodical, strategic.
Also terrifying, because humans are really good at justifying violence.
If you want to dominate a battlefield—or just office politics—this one’s for you.
Similar Read: Top 10 Books for Women’s Book Club
7. The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine
“To learn how the power of rational thought is the primary source of freedom in the world.”
Thomas Paine was that person who always suggest others to use your brain. Tyson includes him on this list because Paine was all about how should you think for yourself instead of blindly following institutions. Especially the religious kind.
This is the intellectual equivalent of cleaning your glasses after decades of smudging them with superstition.
8. The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
“To learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it.”
— Neil deGrasse Tyson
Tyson recommends this so you’ll know when people in power play dirty—it’s been that way since the Renaissance.
Warning: You may finish this book and instantly become 12% more cynical.
You know how politicians say one thing and do another? Machiavelli wrote the manual.
“If you read all of the above works, you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the Western world.”
-Tyson
FAQs
What is Neil deGrasse Tyson’s favorite book?
He hasn’t declared a single favorite, but this list above have some of his favorite books in no particular order.
Has Neil deGrasse Tyson written any books himself?
Oh, absolutely. Here are some Tyson-authored books.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Death by Black Hole
Letters from an Astrophysicist
Are these books just for science nerds?
Nope. This list is for humans. If you’ve ever wondered why the world is the way it is, you’ll get something out of these.
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