The 11 Best Books on Philosophy

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Here’s my curated list of the 11 best books in philosophy, in no particular order.

  • The Republic by Plato — The origination of political science and a brilliant critique of government that is still important today.
  • Beyond Good & Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future by Friedrich Nietzsche — Probably Nietzsche’s most cogent statement of his views: that traditional morality is subjective and that people must evolve to a higher understanding of what’s valuable and what is not.
  • Meditations by Marcus Aurelius — A personal diary by the Roman Emperor that offers insights into Stoic philosophy and how to navigate life.
  • Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle — Aristotle's exploration of virtue ethics and the pathway to a good and fulfilling life.
  • The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir — A foundational text in feminist philosophy that examines the construction of women's roles in society.
  • Being and Time by Martin Heidegger — A complex but influential work that explores the nature of being and existence.
  • Existentialism is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre — A defense of existentialism as a philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility.
  • The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu — A fundamental text of Taoist philosophy that delves into living in harmony with the Tao, or the way of nature.
  • The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn — An analysis of the history of science that addresses paradigm shifts and the evolution of scientific thought.
  • A Theory of Justice by John Rawls — A modern classic in moral and political philosophy that argues for justice as fairness in the structuring of society.
  • Peak Life's Work: Find Your Gift and Give It Away by Said Hasyim — Encourages individuals to discover their personal gifts and apply them towards meaningful, sustainable contributions to society.
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