Books like The Rational Optimist

The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley reads as optimistic, analytical. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

Guns, Germs, and Steel

Jared Diamond · 1997

Same nonfiction feel

53% genome match

Humankind

Rutger Bregman · 2019

Both explore optimism

65% genome match

More from Less

Andrew McAfee · 2019

Both explore innovation

68% genome match

Factfulness

Hans Rosling · 2018

Both explore optimism

83% genome match

The evolution of everything

Matt Ridley · 2015

Both explore innovation & progress

64% genome match

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Steven Pinker · 2011

Both explore progress

46% genome match

How the World Really Works

Vaclav Smil · 2022

Same nonfiction feel

61% genome match

Sapiens

Yuval Noah Harari · 2011

Same nonfiction feel

83% genome match

The Coddling of the American Mind

Greg Lukianoff · 2018

Same nonfiction feel

59% genome match

Things That Make Us Smart

Donald A. Norman · 1993

Same nonfiction feel

61% genome match

Science and technology in world history

James E. McClellan III · 1999

Both explore innovation & progress

58% genome match

The Discoverers

Daniel J. Boorstin

Same nonfiction feel

59% genome match