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Every book Arvind Narayanan recommended on podcasts

Guest on The Ezra Klein Show · 3 books · 1 episode across 1 podcast

Arvind Narayanan is a computer science professor and researcher known for his work on technology policy, artificial intelligence, and digital privacy. Appearing on The Ezra Klein Show, Narayanan offered several thoughtful book recommendations spanning climate optimism, societal structures, and systems thinking. First, he recommended Hannah Ritchie's 2024 book Not the End of the World, praising it as an optimistic and valuable take on climate and technology issues. Second, Narayanan recommended Dan Wang's book Breakneck, noting that it shares many echoes of abundance and offers deep insights into different types of societies and technological development. Finally, he recommended Donella Meadows' classic work Thinking in Systems, explaining that it serves as an essential exploration of systems thinking and helps illuminate patterns across various complex systems. Narayanan highlighted these selections for their ability to provide broad analytical frameworks and constructive perspectives on contemporary global challenges, technology, and policy.

Books recommended by Arvind Narayanan

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  1. Breakneck

    Dan Wang · Recommended · 1 episode

    Breakneck by Dan Wang is a comparative study of political economy that examines the contrasting trajectories of the United States and China, famously framing the difference through the lens of a lawyer-dominated society versus an engineer-driven state.

    Recommended
    “I liked Dan Wong's Breakneck a lot of echoes of abundance as well”
    The Ezra Klein Show Intelligence Isn't Power 2026-10-09
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

  2. Not the End of the World

    Hannah Ritchie · Recommended · 1 episode

    Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie is an evidence-based book that offers an optimistic, data-driven perspective on climate change and human survival.

    Recommended
    “so maybe in keeping with that I really like Hannah Ritchie's book Not the End of the World she has a newer book but this one's from 2024 and I still like it very much”
    The Ezra Klein Show Intelligence Isn't Power 2026-10-09
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

  3. Thinking in Systems

    Donella Meadows · Recommended · 1 episode

    Thinking in Systems is a foundational guide by Donella Meadows that introduces readers to the core concepts of systems thinking and how feedback loops, stocks, and flows govern the world.

    Recommended
    “and that led me to the book Systems Thinking by Donella Meadows from many many years ago”
    The Ezra Klein Show Intelligence Isn't Power 2026-10-09
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

Appearances

EpisodePodcastDateBooks
Intelligence Isn't PowerThe Ezra Klein Show2026-10-093