Why people recommend it
Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith is a profound and engaging exploration of the evolution of intelligent life, focusing specifically on the remarkable consciousness and biology of cephalopods like octopuses. On the podcast The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett, during an episode featuring guest Johann Hari released on May 31, 2021, Hari enthusiastically recommended the book while making a broader point about the immense value of learning from genuine, lifelong experts rather than opportunistic commentators. Hari praised the work as a fantastic read written by someone who spent decades deeply studying octopuses, arguing that he was more than happy to defer to an authority who genuinely understands the complexities of these creatures. Through this vivid endorsement, Hari emphasized the joy of encountering mind-expanding facts delivered by dedicated scientists. The recommendation served as a compelling argument for seeking out authentic knowledge and embracing the strange, wonderful realities of the natural world as documented by true specialists in their fields.
Who recommended it
- Johann Hari Recommended
Johann Hari — 1 mention
“so if you've been an expert for 30 years on uh just read a fantastic book about octopuses right if you guys spent 30 years studying octopuses he knows a [ __ ] ton of octopuses i'm very happy for him to stand above me and say let me tell you a little crazy [ __ ] about octopuses that”