The Non/Fiction intellectual literature fair will take place in Moscow from December 5 to 8. The event will feature new publications reflecting significant contemporary trends.
One of the main premieres is "Everything is Decided" by Robert Sapolsky, a prominent neuroscientist. The book explores free will and responsibility through a biological lens, examining how hormones, neurotransmitters, past experiences, and genetics influence decision-making. Sapolsky contrasts the brain processes of a gambler who manages to stop after losses with those who continue to play, and discusses the effects of alcohol on free will.
Research indicates that children require more effort from their prefrontal cortex than adults to suppress unwanted actions. Biological factors, such as gut microbiome and birth month, can also affect behavior and cognitive development. For instance, slightly older kindergarteners tend to have better cognitive abilities, which leads to more praise in class, further enhancing their development.
Additionally, traits like persistence and willpower are linked to the prefrontal cortex, which is influenced by various biological factors, including blood glucose levels. Sapolsky aims to dismantle stereotypes surrounding human behavior and the concept of free will.
Another highlighted book is "Hello, Alice! The Adventures of Ksyusha, Seryozha, and Lyapsus in the World of High Technologies" by Alexander Mozgin and Sofia Remez. This children's book features the smart speaker Alice as a portal to a digital reality, where siblings solve puzzles with her assistance, introducing young readers to programming and digital technologies.
Megan O'Giblin's "God, Human, Animal, Machine" examines the author's relationship with her AI dog Aibo, reflecting on how digitalization alters perceptions of consciousness. She critiques the pervasive metaphor of the brain as a computer, suggesting it limits our understanding of the mind.
"Visible-Invisible: How to Make Friends with the Blind" by Dmitry and Tatiana Komissarov tells the story of a blind boy, Fyodor, emphasizing his everyday life and challenges while maintaining a neutral tone. The book aims to foster understanding and interaction between sighted and blind individuals.
David Graeber and David Wengrow's "The Dawn of Everything" challenges conventional views on human society by integrating archaeological and anthropological research from the past 30,000 years, presenting a multifaceted perspective on social development.
Werner Herzog's "The Future of Truth" addresses the rise of digital misinformation and its implications for authenticity in a world where AI-generated content can be indistinguishable from reality.
Fabienne Delfour's "With Dolphins: Towards Amazing Beings" explores dolphin intelligence and social behavior, advocating for responsible human-dolphin interactions and critiquing their use in therapy.
Siddhartha Mukherjee's "The Song of the Cell" traces the history of cellular biology, highlighting its impact on medicine and society.
Kandi Vince's "Immunity to Burnout" discusses emotional intelligence's role in preventing burnout, offering practical strategies for managing stress.
Lastly, "The Present Time" by Nyuta Federmesser reflects on 30 years of palliative care in Russia, emphasizing compassionate support for patients nearing the end of life.