Stuff Matters
In 'Stuff Matters', Mark Miodownik explores the hidden stories behind the everyday materials that shape our world, from the steel in skyscrapers to the chocolate we crave. With a captivating blend of science, history, and personal anecdotes, he reveals how the properties of these materials influence our lives in unexpected ways. Miodownik takes readers on a fascinating journey, demonstrating that the objects we often take for granted are imbued with history and significance. The book challenges us to rethink our relationship with the physical world, urging us to see the beauty and complexity in the materials around us. Prepare to be intrigued by the science behind the stuff that matters!
By Mark Miodownik
Published: 2015
Start Listening
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
You might also like →
The Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking
Simon Singh
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate
Peter Wohlleben
Cosmos
Carl Sagan
A Brief History of Time
Stephen Hawking
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Information
James Gleick
Dancing Wu Li Masters
Gary Zukav
The Idea Factory
Jon Gertner
There Is No Good Card for This
Dr. Kelsey Crowe, Emily McDowell
The Jazz of Physics
Stephon Alexander
36 Lectures in Biology
Salvador Edward Luria
A History of Economic Theory
Jürg Niehans
Best Evidence
David S. Lifton
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Bill Bryson
The Blind Watchmaker
Richard Dawkins
The Hot Zone
Richard Preston
Infinite Powers
Steven Strogatz
Art of Doing Science and Engineering
Richard R. Hamming
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
Richard P. Feynman
Midnight's Children
Salman Rushdie
Powers of Ten
Philip Morrison, Phylis Morrison
The Elements
Theodore W. Gray
An Appetite for Wonder
Richard Dawkins
Am I Being Too Subtle?
Sam Zell
A Life Decoded
J. Craig Venter
Asimov's New Guide to Science
Isaac Asimov
The Big Switch
Nicholas Carr
The Language Instinct
Steven Pinker
The Great Illusion a Study of the Relation of Military Power to National Advantage
Norman Angell
This Too Shall Pass
Milena Busquets
Book Collections you might like →
Scott Young's Book Recommendations
Scott Young is an entrepreneur, author, and learning expert, best known for his work in accelerated learning and self-education. Young gained recognition for completing MIT’s computer science curriculum in one year through self-study, an experiment he documented in his book Ultralearning. He advocates for a systematic, focused approach to learning new skills, and his work has inspired people to take on ambitious projects in fields like coding, languages, and creative arts. Young writes extensively on productivity, cognitive science, and learning techniques, sharing strategies for mastering complex subjects quickly. His approach to education has made him a prominent figure in the world of self-improvement and personal development.
View Collection
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Book Recommendations
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, best known for his work in popularizing science through various media. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, he has played a pivotal role in bringing astronomical discoveries to the public. Tyson has authored several bestselling books, including "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" and "The Pluto Files," which have made complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. He is also the host of the popular science TV show "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," a continuation of Carl Sagan's groundbreaking series. Tyson's contributions have significantly enhanced public understanding and appreciation of the universe.
View Collection
Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations
Chris Dixon is a notable venture capitalist and technology entrepreneur, best known for his influential role as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Before joining the firm, Dixon co-founded two startups: SiteAdvisor, a web security company acquired by McAfee, and Hunch, a recommendation engine acquired by eBay. In addition to his investment career, Dixon is a prolific writer and thought leader on technology and innovation, contributing insightful essays and articles to various platforms such as his personal blog and Medium. His writings often explore the future of technology, the internet, and the impact of blockchain, making significant contributions to contemporary tech literature. Dixon's work has earned him recognition as a visionary in both the tech and literary worlds.
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations
Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.
View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations
Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View Collection
Patrick Collison's Book Recommendations
Patrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and co-founder of Stripe, a global technology company that enables businesses to accept online payments. Along with his brother John, Patrick has transformed Stripe into one of the most valuable private tech companies in the world. Stripe’s innovative approach to online payments has made it a key player in the financial technology space. Collison is known for his deep interest in science, technology, and policy, often engaging in conversations about innovation, progress, and how to improve societal outcomes. He is an advocate for scientific advancement and the intersection of technology and public policy.
View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations
Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.
View Collection
James Franco's Book Recommendations
James Franco is an American actor, filmmaker, and writer known for his versatile talents across multiple artistic disciplines. He has authored several books, including the short story collection "Palo Alto," which draws on his own experiences growing up in California. Franco's foray into literature has been well-received, showcasing his ability to capture complex characters and narratives. In addition to his literary work, he has pursued advanced degrees in creative writing, earning an MFA from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in English from Yale University. Franco’s contributions to literature are marked by his commitment to exploring diverse forms of storytelling and his dedication to the craft of writing.
View Collection
Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations
Sophie Bakalar is a distinguished author and venture capitalist known for her adept storytelling and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Her debut novel received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal dynamics. In addition to her literary achievements, Bakalar is a co-founder of a successful venture firm, where she leverages her keen understanding of market trends and innovation. Her essays and articles, often featured in prominent publications, reflect her deep engagement with cultural and technological shifts. Bakalar's multifaceted career bridges the worlds of literature and entrepreneurship, making her a unique voice in both fields.
View Collection
Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations
Cleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.
View Collection
Martin Shkreli's Book Recommendations
Martin Shkreli is an American businessman and former hedge fund manager best known for his role in the pharmaceutical industry. He gained notoriety as the CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, where he infamously raised the price of the life-saving drug Daraprim by over 5,000%. Despite his controversial business practices, Shkreli has contributed thought-provoking writings on the ethics of pharmaceutical pricing and the healthcare industry. His articles and essays have sparked widespread debate and discussion in both academic and public spheres. Shkreli's complex legacy continues to influence conversations about drug pricing and corporate responsibility.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations
James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.
View Collection
Brian Cox's Book Recommendations
Brian Cox is a Scottish actor and director, best known for his roles in films like Braveheart and Adaptation, as well as for his portrayal of media mogul Logan Roy in the hit HBO series Succession. Cox is renowned for his commanding screen presence and his ability to convey complex, often morally ambiguous characters. He has had a distinguished career in both film and theater, earning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for his performance in Succession. In addition to his acting work, Cox is a vocal advocate for arts education and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. His longevity and versatility have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
View Collection
Larry Page's Book Recommendations
Larry Page is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Google, one of the world's leading technology companies, which revolutionized internet search and advertising. Born on March 26, 1973, Page's innovative work in developing the PageRank algorithm was a cornerstone in Google's ability to deliver relevant search results. He served as CEO of Google from its founding in 1998 until 2001, and again from 2011 to 2015, before transitioning to CEO of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company. While not traditionally known for contributions to literature, Page's work has been extensively documented in numerous books and academic papers on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. His visionary approach has significantly influenced the digital age, making him a key figure in modern computing history.
View Collection
Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations
Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.
View Collection
Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations
Keith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.
View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations
Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.
View Collection
Mark Zuckerberg's Book Recommendations
Mark Zuckerberg is an American technology entrepreneur best known for co-founding Facebook, the world's largest social media platform, which transformed global communication. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, he launched Facebook in 2004 while attending Harvard University. Under his leadership, Facebook expanded rapidly, influencing the social media landscape and digital advertising. Zuckerberg has also authored numerous articles and essays on technology, innovation, and the future of the internet. His work has had a profound impact on how people connect and share information in the digital age.
View CollectionFrequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.