As the year draws to a close, we've put together a carefully chosen selection of books that particularly impressed our researchers and staff. From views on the meaning of life and cultures revolving around food and nature to technological change and sociopolitical visions of the future, these titles offer profound insights into topics that will shape our future.
When platforms become useless
'Enshittification' by Cory Doctorow
Recommendation as part of the European Trend Day 2026 at the GDI
In sharp, critical style, Canadian author, tech activist and journalist Cory Doctorow describes how platform capitalism first lures in users, then exploits them and how we can fight back. A wake-up call for digital self-defence and a prelude of what awaits us in Doctorow's keynote presentation at the GDI Trend Day on 25 March 2026.
What matters in life – philosophy for the present day
'Sinnspuren – Dem Leben antworten' by Alfried Längle
Recommended by Tanja Ineichen, Head of Leadership & Transformation
Längle—a renowned psychotherapist—offers a poetic yet profound invitation to engage in self-placement. In short, precise contributions, he reflects on what really matters in life – which is extremely valuable in times of uncertainty. A book about slowing down the pace of life that resonates with readers.
For a new ecological mindset
'The Serviceberry' by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by Gianluca Scheidegger, Senior Researcher
Inspired by the consumption of delicious 'serviceberries' (amelanchier), botanist Kimmerer reflects on an alternative to capitalist market logic: an economy of giving. An inspiring, highly entertaining essay about solidarity, appreciation and a new definition of prosperity.
A sense of rootedness and alienation
'Ginseng Roots' by Craig Thompson
Recommended by Gianluca Scheidegger, Senior Researcher
In his autobiographical graphic novel, Thompson tells of family entanglements, American-Asian cultural history and the ambivalences of capitalism and global trade – with deeply personal, visually impressive and surprisingly insightful results.
Food culture as a diagnosis of the times
'Alltagsküche Schweiz' by Pia Fischer, David Jäggi and Anna Marchini Camia
Recommended by Christine Schäfer, Senior Researcher
From raclette pizza to fitness dishes: this delightfully designed book reveals that Switzerland's everyday food culture is much broader than clichés may suggest. It provides a realistic view of what people really cook and eat in this country and how Swiss cultural practices are reflected on the plate.
From microbes to macro change
'Organisch' by Giulia Enders
Recommended by Christine Schäfer, Senior Researcher
After her bestseller 'Darm mit Charme', which sold millions of copies, Enders once again provides fascinating answers from the innermost parts of our body. Her new book combines the science of the microbiome with social issues. Her call for a holistic view of the body, health and the environment provides fresh impetus in the debate on nutrition, ecology and technology.
Historical knowledge for the future
'History for Tomorrow' by Roman Krznaric
Recommended by Jakub Samochowiec, Senior Researcher
Krznaric uses specific examples—from combating social inequality and curbing genetic engineering risks to improving the faith in democracy and protecting the environment—to demonstrate that history is much more than simply looking back at what has happened in the past. It opens up ways for us to ensure a brighter future.
Innovation requires freedom
'The Republic of Innovation' by Andrea Lorenzo Capussela
Recommended by Joschka J. Proksik, Senior Researcher
Capussela challenges our current understanding of freedom and argues in favour of a new political economy of freedom that empowers genuine creative development. He illustrates how the liberal ideal of freedom structurally allows one-sided dominance. This is an important book for anyone looking for new political and economic approaches to overcoming the current crisis in Western democracies.
AI as a power issue
'The Means of Prediction – How AI Really Works (and Who Benefits)' by Maximilian Kasy
Recommended by Joschka J. Proksik, Senior Researcher
In his book, Kasy lifts the shroud of mystery surrounding artificial intelligence. It is not technology, but power structures that determine who benefits from it and who does not. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the political dimension of algorithms.
We wish you plenty of inspirational reading, a wonderful holiday and a great start to 2026!