Dick Morris
Dick Morris, a columnist for the New York Post and author of Behind the Oval Office (Renaissance Books, $16.95), lists seven of his favorite books on politics, power, and the human condition.
The Phenomenon of Man by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (HarperTrade, $13). The most important book I’ve ever read. It describes human evolution as an ongoing process in which learning and acquisition of knowledge play the role that involuntary mutation once did in evolving the species. It shows how man is moving toward a point of perfection: “The Omega Point.” The author says that eventually we will all subordinate self-interest to common interest because of the need to survive on this self-contained planet. How have we avoided nuclear war and how we have to deal with climate change are cases in point. Written in the ’30s, it was suppressed by the Vatican (he was a Jesuit) until after his death, and published in the ’50s.
Nonzero by Robert Wright (Vintage Books, $13.50). This takes off where Teilhard de Chardin left off. It explains how evolution is tending toward the perfection of the species. He says that all human history is an evolution from a zero-sum (I win, you lose) view of the world to a nonzero-sum view (we both win or we both lose).
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Paul Kennedy (Vintage Books, $15). The best overview of the history of the world, tracking the rise of global powers as they work hard and live right, and their fall when they overreach and try to bully the rest of the world.
Presidential Character by James David Barber (Prentice Hall, $16). Written in the ’70s, it divides presidents up by their character and decides that the two qualities that determining if a president is good are his optimism and his enjoyment of the job.
The Power Game by Hedrick Smith (Random House, $14.40). Written 20 years ago, this book is still the best guide to the power politics of Washington DC.
Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger (Simon & Schuster, $18). Explains the two forces that compete to shape American foreign policy: morality and values vs. imperialism and national interest
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Understanding Media by Marshall McLuhan (MIT Press, $17.95,). Still the best book for understanding modern advertising, polling, and politics.
-
An ingredient in Coca-Cola may be funding Sudan's war
Under the Radar Global trade in gum arabic centres on the African nation – and proceeds bankroll conflict between the army and paramilitary rebels
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Homes for multi-generational families
Feature Featuring a 1900 Jacobean-style mansion in Massachusetts and a 22.5-acre compound in California
By The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Foot PSA
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Elliot Ackerman’s 6 favorite books on war and duty
Feature The Marine veteran recommends works by Robert A. Heinlein, John le Carré, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Xochitl Gonzalez’s 6 favorite books that shaped her storytelling
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Stephen King, Julian Barnes, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Jason Isaacs's 6 favorite books that changed his perception on life
Feature The British actor recommends works by George Orwell, C.S. Lewis, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Tessa Bailey's 6 favorite books for hopeless romantics
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Lyla Sage, Sally Thorne, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Pagan Kennedy's 6 favorite books that inspire resistance
Feature The author recommends works by Patrick Radden Keefe, Margaret Atwood, and more
By The Week US Published
-
John Sayles' 6 favorite works that left a lasting impression
Feature The Oscar-nominated screenwriter recommends works by William Faulkner, Carson McCullers, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Jojo Moyes' 6 favorite books with strong female characters
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Lisa Taddeo, Claire Keegan, and more
By The Week US Last updated
-
Stacy Horn's 6 favorite works that explore the spectrum of evil
Feature The author recommends works by Kazuo Ishiguro, Anthony Doerr, and more
By The Week US Published