What we’re about
Greetings!
The purpose of the Rationality Book Club is to strengthen our own rationality using books as inspiration.
Rationality here means (1) epistemic rationality (using evidence and logic to achieve true beliefs) and (2) instrumental rationality (choosing actions that help, vs. hinder, achieving goals).
Improving our own rationality in our meetings and between meetings involves evaluating specific beliefs for their validity and helpfulness. The desired outcome of strengthening our rationality is more truth, happiness, and effectiveness in our daily lives!
Our first book is The Scout Mindset by Julia Galef.
At the event, we will discuss the chapter of the week.
The bookclub culture is friendly, warm, understanding, and kind.
About me:
I've been strengthening my rationality primarily through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for greater happiness and productivity. I started the Rationality Bookclub to expand my rationality skills while having fun with like-minded people.
As a learning specialist, I've given lots of workshops. I use those skills to promote organized and respectful discussions at the meetings.
Upcoming events
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Rationality Book Club
Palo Alto Downtown Library, 270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, USWe are now reading "Think Again" by Adam Grant. On Jan. 17 we will discuss Chapters 10, 11 and Epilogue.
10. That's Not the Way We've Always Done It
11. Escaping Tunnel Vision
Epilogue
We will also decide on our next book to read. Bring any ideas you'd like to suggest. Suggestions that we have not yet read are listed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/168bcOBRHUr0UipJPpl1_a-AKRq5KnztRIfgoJH5gr1I/edit?gid=0#gid=0
The Palo Alto Downtown library has asked us to support them by answering this survey about your library usage. Please go to: tinyurl.com/mvjj7jmt before Jan. 20, 2026.
I look forward to seeing you!
Lisa
Previous books we've read - all highly recommended:
- The Scout Mindset, by Julia Galef
- Rationality, by Steven Pinker
- The Rational Optimist, by Matt Ridley
- The Righteous Mind, by Jonathan Haidt
- The Signal and the Noise, by Nate Silver
- Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
- Determined, by Robert Sapolsky
- Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me), by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
- How the World Really Works, by Vaclav Smil
- The Big Picture, by Sean Carroll
- 4000 Weeks, by Oliver Burkeman.
- The Best American Essays 2024, edited by Wesley Morris10 attendees
Past events
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