My favorite books that try to explain basics in human behavior and decision making in a scientific manner

Based on scientific arguments, this book shows how strongly incorrect drives are stuck in our brains, causing us to think that we are making a logical decision, while this is not the case.

The best example I tell everybody: Look at your attic that you want to clean out. You empty your cupboards, and almost always, a large part goes back into the cupboard because it is a waste. But if you are offered the same stuff for free, you usually don't want it.

The message of this example: Your brain finds it difficult to get rid of something you have, and it is a non-rational reaction that occurs in our fixed brain.

It's amazing how our thinking is influenced by a biased statement. This book shows that there is still hope when you look at the real facts.

The author asks a number of questions that require basic knowledge of everyday data that we read a lot about in the press. Questions such as: "How many people in the world are illiterate?" or "How many women are not educated?" are answered incorrectly by politicians, bankers, and scientists, those who determine our policy.

It is confronting to realize that more questions could have been answered correctly by simply guessing.

A book that clearly depicts why it is so important to include diverse minds with diverse ideas. If you have a tough challenge, the best solutions will arise when you discuss these with those who might disagree.

The best example that the author provides is the CIA before 9/11. The intelligence service was mainly acquiring males with a Caucasian background who were not able to correctly interpret the danger signals from terrorists with an Islamic background.

If there is a crisis to solve, do not just select the top 5 experts in the world to solve the problem since they will likely originate from the same school or University. After #1 and #2, the others (3,4, and 5) will have little to add if they have the same background. Including someone in the team with a different background and opinion is better. 

Greek mythology that reads like a storybook.

I never thought I would enjoy reading Greek mythology. But how Fry wrote it is really amazing. Now, when I go to a museum and see an ancient painting depicting Greek Mythology, I am often able to explain what is visualised in the artwork.

In the book, Zeus and the other Gods get a true character and the fights they have are depicted in a way that you still want to read it till the end, even if you know what the end will look like. 

This is a fantastic book about the history of the development of contemporary genetics. The book is easy to read for a wide audience and is not only suitable for experts in the field.

It shows how misconceptions and unethical use of knowledge about inheritance have occurred over the last 100 years, not only in Nazi Germany but also in other countries, including the US. The book also describes how the fear of the unknown has led to the slowing down of developments in molecular genetics. Experiments with genetic modifications of small organisms were often seen as a danger to humanity due to a lack of knowledge.

A nice book for all who have an interest in, or want to understand what is happening in the field of genetics.