I Am a Strange Loop

By Douglas R. Hofstadter,

Book cover of I Am a Strange Loop

Book description

Can thought arise out of matter? Can self, soul, consciousness, I" arise out of mere matter? If it cannot, then how can you or I be here? I Am a Strange Loop argues that the key to understanding selves and consciousness is the strange loop",a special kind of abstract feedback…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked I Am a Strange Loop as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I think glorious failures are far more interesting than modest successes, and let’s face it, any book that attempts to explain consciousness is bound to fail on so many levels. What I love about Hofstadter’s work is its boldness and reach. He’s as happy in the world of abstract metaphor as he is speaking of science or mathematics, and understands that we need new metaphors of consciousness just as badly as we need new scientific models. And even though he flounders at times, it kind of doesn’t matter, because of the sheer energy and verve of his quest: sort of…

From Bernard's list on get your head around consciousness.

Want books like I Am a Strange Loop?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like I Am a Strange Loop.

Browse books like I Am a Strange Loop

Book cover of Freedom Evolves
Book cover of The Tell-Tale Brain: A Neuroscientist's Quest for What Makes Us Human
Book cover of What Is This Thing Called Science?

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,514

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in intelligence, the soul, and consciousness?

Intelligence 22 books
The Soul 54 books
Consciousness 80 books