When I read, I am looking for works of biological potency.

These are the books I have found to meet the case.

1. The Beginning of Infinity, by David Deutsch

In the fullness of time I suspect that this book will be considered more important than 'On the Origin of Species' and 'Wealth of Nations'.

It's a quietly earthshaking exploration of the uses of knowledge and the significance of humans, from the unassuming founder of quantum computation.

2. All 3 books by Kapil Gupta

Finding truth is so tricky because the part of a person that (claims it) wants to find it may be the part that's in the way.

Direct Truth, Atmamun and A Master's Secret Whispers are together a clear-sighted, fleet-footed journey through the dark forest of the mind.

3. Impro, by Keith Johnstone

Interacting with other people, you may have noticed strange and strong sensations that you could not explain. These are the effects of status transactions, the customs and patterns of implied dominance and subordination that govern social life.

The guru of improvisational acting Keith Johnstone will guide you in navigating status transactions so you can feel free to be spontaneous. Then he'll teach you how to improvise a story.

4. The Fabric of Reality

I kept this separate from The Beginning of Infinity, though they're both by David Deutsch. That's because I wanted to let TBOI stand on its own.

The Fabric of Reality is almost as good - you'll learn why Life is a form of virtual reality, and why Reality itself is that which "kicks back" when you provoke it.

5. The Unbearable Lightness of Being, by Milan Kundera

A novel about infidelity, the silly games of powerful political figures, and the question of how much value it makes sense to place on one's own body.

The opening passage, a discussion of Nietzsche's idea of eternal return, gives me chills whenever I think about it.