10 Gift Books for the Smarty-Pants in Your Life
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10 Gift Books for the Smarty-Pants in Your Life

Psychology Science Technology
10 Gift Books for the Smarty-Pants in Your Life

This person goes by many names: the know-it-all, the wise guy, the smarty-pants. Sure, we might tease them from time to time, but beneath the humor is a genuine appreciation for their intellect.

And chances are, they like reading books. So if you’re still looking for the perfect holiday gift for the big thinker in your life, we recommend checking out the ten excellent reads below.

Or invite them to join us in the Next Big Idea Club! Get 10% off your gift purchase today when you enter promo code HOLIDAY10 at checkout.

The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit―Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness By Craig Wright

The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit―Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness

By Craig Wright

Looking at the 14 key traits of genius, from curiosity to creative maladjustment to obsession, the creator of Yale University’s popular “Genius Course” explores what we can learn from brilliant minds that have changed the world. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Craig Wright, in the Next Big Idea App

Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain By Lisa Feldman Barrett

Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain

By Lisa Feldman Barrett

A renowned neuroscientist reveals where brains came from, how they’re structured, and how yours works in tandem with other brains to create everything you experience. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Lisa Feldman Barrett, in the Next Big Idea App

Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality By Frank Wilczek

Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality

By Frank Wilczek

A Nobel laureate shares a simple yet profound exploration of reality. With an infectious sense of joy, he investigates the ideas that form our understanding of the universe, such as time, space, matter, energy, complexity, and complementarity. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Frank Wilczek, in the Next Big Idea App

The Great Guide: What David Hume Can Teach Us About Being Human and Living Well By Julian Baggini

The Great Guide: What David Hume Can Teach Us About Being Human and Living Well

By Julian Baggini

An acclaimed philosopher gives us a complete vision of David Hume’s guide to life, including topics ranging from the meaning of success and the value of travel to friendship, facing death, identity, and the importance of leisure. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Julian Baggini, in the Next Big Idea App

The Extended Mind Annie Murphy Paul

The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

By Annie Murphy Paul

A bold new book reveals how we can tap the intelligence that exists beyond our brains—in our bodies, our surroundings, and our relationships. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Annie Murphy Paul, in the Next Big Idea App

Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good By Dilip Jeste, with Scott LaFee

Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good

By Dilip Jeste, with Scott LaFee

From the field’s pioneer, an exploration of the neurobiology and psychology of wisdom: what science says it is, and how to nurture it within yourself―at any stage of life. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Dilip Jeste, in the Next Big Idea App

AI 2041

AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future

By Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan

In this provocative, utterly original work, a former president of Google China and bestselling author of AI Superpowers teams up with celebrated novelist Chen Qiufan to imagine our world in 2041 and how it will be shaped by AI. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by co-author Kai-Fu Lee, in the Next Big Idea App

The Socrates Express: Searching for Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers By Eric Weiner

The Socrates Express: Searching for Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers

By Eric Weiner

The bestselling author of The Geography of Bliss embarks on a rollicking intellectual journey, following in the footsteps of history’s greatest thinkers and showing us how each—from Epicurus to Gandhi, Thoreau to Beauvoir—offers practical and spiritual lessons for today’s unsettled times. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Eric Weiner, in the Next Big Idea App

Einstein's Fridge: How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe By Paul Sen

Einstein’s Fridge: How the Difference Between Hot and Cold Explains the Universe

By Paul Sen

An entertaining, eye-opening account of the extraordinary team of innovators who discovered the laws of thermodynamics essential to understanding the world today—from refrigeration and jet engines to calorie counting and global warming. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Paul Sen, in the Next Big Idea App

The Code Breaker

The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

By Walter Isaacson

A gripping account of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a revolution that will allow us to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and have healthier babies. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Walter Isaacson, in the Next Big Idea App

 

This year, let us choose the perfect books. Give the gift of the Next Big Idea Club and get 10% off your gift purchase today when you enter promo code HOLIDAY10 at checkout.

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