Book cover of World of Patterns: A Global History of Knowledge

Book description

A comprehensive account of the methods of knowledge production throughout human history and across the globe.

The idea that the world can be understood through patterns and the principles that govern them is one of the most important human insights-it may also be our greatest survival strategy. Our search for…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked World of Patterns as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is an anchor book for my course on the “Knowledge Society.” I jokingly refer to this book as “the history of everything,” as it covers everything from art to astronomy to linguistics to science and mathematics.

It is both dense as well as exhilarating to read, as you work through the essence of patterns and principles humans have mobilized to shape and store information and knowledge for thousands of years.

From Daniel's list on the history of information-knowledge.

If you love World of Patterns...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like World of Patterns?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like World of Patterns.

Browse books like World of Patterns

Book cover of Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
Book cover of The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America
Book cover of The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like World of Patterns, you might also like...

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Coyote Weather

Coyote Weather by Amanda Cockrell,

Coyote weather is the feral, hungry season, drought-stricken, and ready to catch fire. It’s 1967, and the American culture is violently remaking itself while the country is forcibly sending its young men to fight in a deeply unpopular war.

Jerry has stubbornly made no plans for the future because he…

5 book lists we think you will like!