Must-Read Philosophy Books That Will Expand Your Mind and Change Your Life
Are you tired of scrolling through endless memes and TikToks on the internet? Well, it’s time to get serious about expanding your mind and improving your life. In this blog, we’re going to dive into the ten philosophy books that everyone should read.
Don’t worry, we’ll make sure to keep it fun and engaging, so you won’t feel like you’re back in your boring high school philosophy class. Get ready to become the smartest person in your friend group (or at least sound like it)!
Enter the Republic: Plato’s Masterpiece on Justice and the Good Life
Alright, let’s start this bad boy off with a classic. The Republic is like the OG philosophy book — it’s been around for over 2,000 years and people are still reading it. Not too shabby, Plato.
So, what’s this book all about? Well, it’s basically a long conversation between Plato’s BFF, Socrates, and a bunch of his buddies about justice, morality, and what the heck makes a good society. It’s like one of those deep, 3 AM conversations you have with your friends, except these guys are way smarter than you and they’re doing it over 2,000 years ago.
But don’t worry, even if you’re not a big fan of politics or ethics, there’s plenty of juicy stuff in here for you. Plato covers everything from the nature of reality to the role of poetry in society. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good discussion about the meaning of life?
So, buckle up and get ready to dive into The Republic. It’s like the granddaddy of all philosophy books, and you’re about to join the cool kids club by reading it.
Get Philosophical with Marcus Aurelius: A Guide to Meditations
Alright, so we just tackled Plato and his gang, but now it’s time to switch things up and get some one-on-one time with the man himself, Marcus Aurelius. And let me tell you, this dude was a total badass.
Not only was he a Roman Emperor, but he was also a philosopher. Like, imagine being in charge of a whole empire and still having time to ponder the meaning of life. That’s some serious multitasking skills right there.
Anyway, Meditations is in a nutshell Marcus Aurelius’ diary. It’s a collection of his personal reflections and musings on things like death, relationships, and being a good person. It’s like he’s giving you a sneak peek into his brain, which is pretty cool if you ask me.
But the best part about Meditations? It’s actually pretty easy to read. Unlike some philosophy books that make you feel like you need a Ph.D. just to understand the first sentence, Marcus Aurelius writes in a way that’s straightforward and relatable. So, if you’re looking for a philosophy book that won’t make your brain hurt, Meditations is a solid choice.
Plus, you can impress all your friends by dropping quotes from a Roman Emperor. Talk about a power move.
Aristotle’s Ethics: The Ultimate Guide to Living a Good Life
Alright, now we’re talking about one of the other OG big thinkers — Aristotle. This guy was like the LeBron James of philosophy — he dominated the game and set the standard for everyone who came after him.
In Ethics, Aristotle breaks down what it means to live a good life. And let me tell you, he doesn’t hold back. He covers everything from friendship to happiness to courage. It’s like he’s giving you a blueprint for how to be a good person.
But what’s really cool about Aristotle is that he’s not just some ivory tower philosopher. He was a real dude who lived in ancient Greece and hung out with some of the coolest people of his time. So, when he talks about ethics, he’s not just spouting off some abstract theory — he’s speaking from experience.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, Ethics can be a little dense at times. Aristotle’s writing style isn’t exactly what you’d call “light and breezy.” But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll come away with some serious wisdom. And who knows, maybe you’ll become a better person in the process.
Unlocking the Tao: An Essential Guide to Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching
Let’s now discuss something a little different: Lao Tzu’s The Tao Te Ching. And no, I’m not sniffling — that is in fact the book’s title.
Around 2,000 years have passed since the publication of the little work of Chinese philosophy known as The Tao Te Ching. Yet despite its antiquity, it remains just as pertinent now as it was then. The author Lao Tzu advocates leading a straightforward, well-balanced life.
The book is made up of short, pithy sayings that are designed to get you thinking about the world around you. Some of my favorites include “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” and “The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.”
Now, I will admit, that some of the sayings can be a bit… cryptic. It’s like Lao Tzu is trying to be deep just for the sake of being deep. But if you can get past the sometimes vague language, there are some really profound ideas in there.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will help you slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, The Tao Te Ching is definitely worth a read. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly find yourself wanting to live in a hut in the woods and grow your own vegetables.
Wisdom from the East: Exploring the Analects of Confucius
Let’s discuss Confucius’s Analects now. And no, there was no error; the book’s actual name is The Analects.
Chinese philosopher Confucius lived around the year 500 BCE, thus he has been gone for a very long time. Yet, his viewpoints on governance, education, and morality are still heavily debated today.
Confucius’ sayings and dialogues with his disciples are collected in The Analects. And let me tell you, this man gave some very sage advice. My personal favorites are “Pick a career you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” and “It doesn’t matter how slowly you walk as long as you don’t stop.”
But, Confucius was also a big proponent of hierarchy and order. He thought that everyone had a role in society and that it was crucial to show respect to those in positions of authority. So, even while his views on morals are deserving of consideration, some of his ideas regarding politics and society may be a little… out of date.
Despite everything, The Analects is still an engaging book to read. Give it a try if you’re seeking some timeless advice from a man who lived almost 2,000 years ago. But don’t hold it against me if you find yourself suddenly wanting to form a commune.
Navigating the Political Landscape with Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan”
Now for something altogether different: Thomas Hobbes’ The Leviathan. And no, although it would be very fantastic, it’s not a novel about a gigantic sea monster.
The English philosopher Thomas Hobbes flourished in the 17th century. His most well-known piece, The Leviathan, is all about politics and society. In a word, Hobbes thought that since people are inherently violent and greedy, a strong government is necessary to keep us in line.
I can almost hear you saying, “Hey, that seems like a very entertaining read.” And The Leviathan can occasionally be a little dry. But it’s absolutely worth a look if political theory interests you.
One of the most famous quotes from The Leviathan is “Life in the state of nature is nasty, brutish, and short.” So, yeah, Hobbes wasn’t exactly an optimist. But his ideas about government and social contract theory are still widely discussed today.
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge and want to dive into some dense political theory, The Leviathan is definitely worth a read. Just be prepared for some pretty bleak ideas about human nature.
Get Your Kant On: A Beginner’s Guide to Critique of Pure Reason
Last but not least, we have Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant. And let me tell you, this is not a book for the faint of heart.
Kant was a German philosopher who lived in the 18th century, and his Critique of Pure Reason is considered one of the most important works of Western philosophy. It’s all about epistemology, which is just a fancy word for the study of knowledge.
Now, I’ll be honest with you: I tried reading this book once, and I’m pretty sure my brain melted. Kant’s writing is dense and incredibly complex, and he uses a lot of big words that I had to look up in a dictionary. But if you’re up for a challenge and want to stretch your brain muscles, Critique of Pure Reason is definitely worth a try.
Kant’s main idea is that there are limits to what we can know through reason alone and that there are some things that we just have to accept on faith. He also talks a lot about categories of understanding and the nature of reality, which can get pretty heady.
So, if you’re a glutton for punishment and want to tackle one of the most difficult works of Western philosophy, give Critique of Pure Reason a shot. Be warned though you may need a nap after your done!
Nietzsche’s Wild Ride: Exploring Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Thus Spoke Zarathustra is one of German philosopher Nietzsche’s most well-known writings. He was born in the 19th century. It is composed of a collection of lectures delivered by a figure called Zarathustra, who serves as Nietzsche’s spokesman.
To be very honest with you, not everyone will enjoy Nietzsche. Some people find his writing to be a little bit… heated. He is well known for his thoughts about the “death of God” and the significance of individuality.
Yet Thus Spoke Zarathustra is unquestionably worthwhile to read if you’re looking for a little bit of a brain teaser. In addition to touching on some truly intriguing issues concerning morality and the human condition, Nietzsche’s language is beautiful and thought-provoking.
Also, if you enjoy music, you may be familiar with the term “Zarathustra” thanks to Richard Strauss’ well-known song “Also sprach Zarathustra” (you may be familiar with it from 2001: A Space Odyssey’s introduction). Thus, at the very least, you’ll be able to dazzle your pals with that interesting fact.
The Communist Manifesto: A Revolutionary Guide to the Class Struggle
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is also a must for anyone interested in philosophy. I know what you’re thinking: “Communism? That’s so last century!” But hear me out.
Marx and Engels wrote The Communist Manifesto in 1848, and it’s still one of the most influential political texts in history. It lays out the basic tenets of communism, which is a political and economic system that aims to create a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively.
Now, I’m not saying you have to become a communist after reading this book (unless you want to, of course). But even if you don’t agree with Marx and Engels’ ideas, The Communist Manifesto is still worth a read.
It’s a fascinating look at a political movement that has shaped the course of history, and it’s full of interesting insights into the nature of capitalism and inequality.
Plus, you’ll finally be able to understand all those memes with Karl Marx’s face on them. So, if you’re feeling revolutionary (or just curious), give The Communist Manifesto a shot.
Wrapping It Up
Well, that’s our journey through the top 10 philosophy books. We’ve covered a lot of ground, from ancient Chinese philosophy to modern political theory, and hopefully, you’ve discovered some new books to add to your reading list.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Philosophy is so boring and serious.” But hopefully, we’ve shown you that philosophy can be fun and thought-provoking. Whether you’re into existentialism, communism, or just good old-fashioned self-improvement, there’s a philosophy book out there for everyone.
So, go forth and read, my friends. And remember, as the great philosopher Plato once said, “Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and life to everything.” Or, as I like to put it, “Reading is cool, y’all.”
If you liked what you read and want more make sure to check out the other articles from My Geekin’ Opinion. And if you want more content about all things geeky you can also follow me on Instagram. If you do follow please say Hi I love to have good geeky conversations…LOL.
