The 10 Best Books for Altruism
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Here’s my curated list of the 10 best books for altruism, 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.
- Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl — A profound account of Frankl's experiences in Nazi concentration camps, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life.
- The Altruism Equation: Seven Scientists Search for the Truth about Kindness by Lee Alan Dugatkin — Investigates the biology and psychology behind altruistic behavior, blending science with philosophy.
- Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton — Explores the impact of altruistic actions and how small contributions can lead to significant changes globally.
- The Gift of Giving: A Journey from Self to Selflessness by Cecilia McCormick — A personal account that illustrates how acts of selflessness can transform lives and communities.
- The Compassionate Mind: A Psychobiological Approach to Human Experience by Paul Gilbert — Discusses the psychological and biological foundations of compassion, with applications for altruistic behavior.
- 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.
- The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements by Eric Hoffer — Analyzes the psychology behind mass movements and the sacrifices of individuals devoted to altruistic causes.
- Altruism: A Short History by Richard W. H. Adams — A concise exploration of altruism throughout history and its significance in human development and society.
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