Person
Every book Steven Monachelli recommended on podcasts
Steven Monachelli appeared on Behind the Bastards to discuss various topics related to historical medical skepticism, pseudoscience, and the origins of eugenics. During the discussion on the podcast, Monachelli brought up several books to provide context for these subjects. He discussed Dr. Peter Hotez's 2013 book, Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism, noting that it directly targets Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s long-held beliefs concerning a link between vaccines and autism. Additionally, Monachelli referenced Charles Darwin's foundational 1859 work, On the Origin of Species, while examining the historical roots of evolutionary theory. He also mentioned Francis Galton's 1883 book, Inquiries Into Human Faculty and Its Development, explaining how Galton coined the term eugenics within its pages. Through these literary references, Monachelli helped trace the historical trajectories of scientific ideas, pseudoscientific claims, and ideological movements that continue to influence modern public health debates and cultural conversations.
Books recommended by Steven Monachelli
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Inquiries Into Human Faculty and Its Development
Inquiries Into Human Faculty and Its Development by Francis Galton is an 1883 scientific text that explores human heredity and introduced the foundational concepts of eugenics to the public.
Discussed“In 1883, Darwin's cousin, Francis Galton, coined the term eugenics in his book, Inquiries into Human Fertility and Its Developments.”
Where to get it
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On the Origin of Species
On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin is a foundational scientific text that outlines the theory of evolution by means of natural selection.
Discussed“There was Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection which was presented in Darwin's 1859 book on the origin of species.”
Where to get it
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Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism
Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism is a book by Peter J.
Discussed“Incidentally, one such parent of an autistic child is Dr. Hotes, whose 2013 book, Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel's Autism, directly targets RFK Jr.'s long-held belief about the link between autism and vaccines.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Vax America: The Complete Series | Behind the Bastards | 2025-06-21 | 3 |