What are "Quake books"?

"Quake books" are books that profoundly impact the reader, shaking their worldview or fundamentally changing their perspective. Tyler Cowen has discussed this concept on the The Knowledge Project, explaining that these books significantly shape one's thoughts and beliefs, especially when one's worldview is still being formed in youth. Examples include influential works like those of Friedrich A. Hayek, John Stuart Mill, or early science fiction, which can leave a lasting impression and influence how one sees the world 1 2.

As people age, the impact of such books may lessen due to a more formed and stable worldview. This results in a shift to reading more for information, specific facts, and cultural understanding rather than seeking transformative insights from every book 2.