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📚Classic and Modern Philosophy Books

Dive into the world of philosophy with this curated list of classic and modern books. From the foundational works of ancient thinkers to contemporary texts that challenge current perspectives, these books offer profound insights into human nature, society, and the universe. Whether you’re a seasoned philosopher or a curious newcomer, this collection will guide you through the essential readings that have shaped and continue to influence philosophical thought. If your favorite philosophical work isn’t here, feel free to add it and share its wisdom with others.

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  1. 1
    Image for Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
    1.Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
    stoic philosophy book
    marcus aurelius book

    From wikipedia: Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Meditations are worth reading if only to get a glimpse at the thoughts of a man who lived a life in truly extraordinary circumstances of being a Roman Emperor. It's surprising how relevant the themes of his diaries are two thousand years later.

  2. 1
    Image for The Republic
    2.The Republic
    political theory book
    philosophy book

    The Republic is a Socratic dialogue, written by Plato around 380 BC, concerning the definition of justice, the order and character of the just city-state and the just man—for this reason, ancient readers used the name On Justice as an alternative title (not to be confused with the spurious dialogue also titled On Justice). The dramatic date of the dialogue has been much debated and though it might have taken place some time during the Peloponnesian War, "there would be jarring anachronisms if any of the candidate specific dates between 432 and 404 were assigned". It is Plato's best-known work and has proven to be one of the most intellectually and historically influential works of philosophy and political theory. In it, Socrates along with various Athenians and foreigners discuss the meaning of justice and examine whether or not the just man is happier than the unjust man by considering a series of different cities coming into existence "in speech", culminating in a city called Kallipolis, which is ruled by philosopher-kings; and by examining the nature of existing regimes. The participants also discuss the theory of forms, the immortality of the soul, and the roles of the philosopher and of poetry in society.

  3. 1
    Image for Nicomachean Ethics
    3.Nicomachean Ethics
    western philosophy
    philosophy book

    "Nicomachean Ethics," written by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, is a foundational text in Western philosophy. This work explores the nature of ethical virtue and the path to a good and fulfilling life. Aristotle delves into concepts such as happiness (eudaimonia), virtue (arete), and the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis). The text is a detailed examination of how individuals can achieve moral and intellectual virtues through habitual practice and rational deliberation.

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    Image for Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    1.Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
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    "Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a groundbreaking exploration of systems and entities that thrive and grow stronger in the face of stress, volatility, and chaos. Taleb introduces the concept of "antifragility," which goes beyond resilience or robustness. Through a mix of philosophy, practical wisdom, and real-world examples, Taleb illustrates how embracing uncertainty and leveraging disorder can lead to success and innovation. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, personal development, and understanding how to benefit from uncertainty and change.

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    2.The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
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    Skin in the Game may be nice but The Black Swan is the OG Nicholas Taleb. Read this book to learn how to think and avoid biases and reread at least once very couple of years.

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    Image for Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
    3.Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
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    Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life is a nonfiction book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, published in 2018. Taleb’s main point is pretty simple: people should share in the risks of the decisions they make. If you benefit from something, you should also face the downsides if things go wrong. He calls this having “skin in the game.” Without that, people can make reckless choices that hurt others while staying safe themselves. The book covers everything from politics and business to religion and everyday life. Taleb doesn’t hold back on criticism. He talks about how some policymakers and financial experts make decisions that affect millions but don’t suffer when those decisions backfire. He uses examples like bankers profiting during booms but getting bailed out during crashes. Taleb also goes after what he calls “Intellectual Yet Idiot” types—educated people who, in his view, complicate things and give advice without understanding real-world consequences. He argues that real knowledge comes from doing and risking something yourself, not just sitting in a classroom or writing articles. One part of the book dives into how stubborn minorities—like people who strictly follow certain dietary rules—can influence the majority’s choices without even trying. There’s even a section where he talks about religion, saying that the idea of God taking human form (in Christianity) is the ultimate example of having skin in the game. Taleb’s writing style is direct, sometimes blunt, and he isn’t shy about calling out what he sees as nonsense. The book is part of his Incerto series, which looks at uncertainty and risk in modern life. Some people love his no-nonsense approach; others find him a bit too combative. Either way, Skin in the Game is about accountability—if you play the game, you should be prepared to take a hit when things go south.

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    Image for The Black Swan
    4.The Black Swan
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    risk management book

    "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events, termed "Black Swans." Taleb argues that these events, which are often overlooked or underestimated, have massive consequences on our world. He highlights the limitations of traditional forecasting methods and emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Blending philosophy, economics, and personal anecdotes, Taleb provides a compelling critique of our understanding of risk and uncertainty. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, economics, and understanding the unpredictable nature of our world.

  5. 0
    Image for Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
    5.Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
    stoic philosophy book
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    From wikipedia: Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Meditations are worth reading if only to get a glimpse at the thoughts of a man who lived a life in truly extraordinary circumstances of being a Roman Emperor. It's surprising how relevant the themes of his diaries are two thousand years later.

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    1.The Design Of Everyday Things
    cognitive psychology book
    user experience book

    Even the smartest among us can feel inept as we fail to figure out which light switch or oven burner to turn on, or whether to push, pull, or slide a door. The fault, argues this ingenious -- even liberating -- book, lies not in ourselves, but in product design that ignores the needs of users and the principles of cognitive psychology. The problems range from ambiguous and hidden controls to arbitrary relationships between controls and functions, coupled with a lack of feedback or other assistance and unreasonable demands on memorization. The Design of Everyday Things shows that good, usable design is possible. The rules are simple: make things visible, exploit natural relationships that couple function and control, and make intelligent use of constraints. The goal: guide the user effortlessly to the right action on the right control at the right time. The Design of Everyday Things is a powerful primer on how -- and why -- some products satisfy customers while others only frustrate them.

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    Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone. Or does he? An irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian—while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.

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    Image for Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    3.Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    risk management book

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  5. 0
    Image for Why We Sleep
    5.Why We Sleep
    mathew walker book
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    By Mathew Walker - We sleep 1/3 of our life yet understand so little about it...

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  1. 0
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    In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

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    by George Orwell an expedition into who people are and what life is

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    Image for What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
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  3. 3
    Image for The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    3.The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    philosophy book

    Skin in the Game may be nice but The Black Swan is the OG Nicholas Taleb. Read this book to learn how to think and avoid biases and reread at least once very couple of years.

  4. 2
    Image for The Disaster Artist
    4.The Disaster Artist
    tommy wiseau book
    adaptation book

    The best book about the best director in the world. It was such a great book it was adapted into a movie. Bet the other books on this list can't say that!

  5. 1
    Image for The Creative Act
    5.The Creative Act
    creativity book
    rick rubin book

    “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin

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📚Best Classic Novels
  1. 0
    Image for East of Eden
    1.East of Eden
    john steinbeck book
    20th century book

    In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden “the first book,” and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

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  1. 0
    Image for Confessions of an Advertising Man
    1.Confessions of an Advertising Man
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📚Best Books by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
  1. 1
    Image for Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    1.Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    risk management book

    "Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a groundbreaking exploration of systems and entities that thrive and grow stronger in the face of stress, volatility, and chaos. Taleb introduces the concept of "antifragility," which goes beyond resilience or robustness. Through a mix of philosophy, practical wisdom, and real-world examples, Taleb illustrates how embracing uncertainty and leveraging disorder can lead to success and innovation. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, personal development, and understanding how to benefit from uncertainty and change.

  2. 1
    Image for Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
    2.Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    decision-making book

    Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life is a nonfiction book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, published in 2018. Taleb’s main point is pretty simple: people should share in the risks of the decisions they make. If you benefit from something, you should also face the downsides if things go wrong. He calls this having “skin in the game.” Without that, people can make reckless choices that hurt others while staying safe themselves. The book covers everything from politics and business to religion and everyday life. Taleb doesn’t hold back on criticism. He talks about how some policymakers and financial experts make decisions that affect millions but don’t suffer when those decisions backfire. He uses examples like bankers profiting during booms but getting bailed out during crashes. Taleb also goes after what he calls “Intellectual Yet Idiot” types—educated people who, in his view, complicate things and give advice without understanding real-world consequences. He argues that real knowledge comes from doing and risking something yourself, not just sitting in a classroom or writing articles. One part of the book dives into how stubborn minorities—like people who strictly follow certain dietary rules—can influence the majority’s choices without even trying. There’s even a section where he talks about religion, saying that the idea of God taking human form (in Christianity) is the ultimate example of having skin in the game. Taleb’s writing style is direct, sometimes blunt, and he isn’t shy about calling out what he sees as nonsense. The book is part of his Incerto series, which looks at uncertainty and risk in modern life. Some people love his no-nonsense approach; others find him a bit too combative. Either way, Skin in the Game is about accountability—if you play the game, you should be prepared to take a hit when things go south.

  3. 1
    Image for The Black Swan
    3.The Black Swan
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    risk management book

    "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events, termed "Black Swans." Taleb argues that these events, which are often overlooked or underestimated, have massive consequences on our world. He highlights the limitations of traditional forecasting methods and emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Blending philosophy, economics, and personal anecdotes, Taleb provides a compelling critique of our understanding of risk and uncertainty. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, economics, and understanding the unpredictable nature of our world.

  4. 0
    Image for The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms
    4.The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    aphorism collection

    "The Bed of Procrustes" is a collection of aphorisms by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that distills his philosophical insights into short, thought-provoking statements. The title refers to the Greek myth of Procrustes, symbolizing the tendency to force things into unnatural conformity. Through these aphorisms, Taleb critiques modern society's flaws, biases, and misconceptions, offering a sharp, often humorous, commentary on topics ranging from knowledge and science to wealth and human behavior. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy deep, philosophical musings and appreciate Taleb's sharp wit and unconventional perspectives.

  5. 0
    Image for Fooled by Randomness
    5.Fooled by Randomness
    nassim nicholas taleb book
    probability book

    "Fooled by Randomness" is a thought-provoking book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that delves into the role of chance in our lives and how we often mistake random events for meaningful patterns. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical insights, and statistical analysis, Taleb explores how randomness affects the world of finance, business, and daily life. The book challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of success, failure, and the forces that drive outcomes. This book is ideal for readers interested in finance, probability, and the philosophical implications of randomness.

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📚Best Non-Fiction Books
  1. 0
    Image for Why We Sleep
    1.Why We Sleep
    mathew walker book
    non-fiction book

    By Mathew Walker - We sleep 1/3 of our life yet understand so little about it...

  2. 0
    Image for Outlive By Peter Attia
    2.Outlive By Peter Attia
    preventative medicine book
    non-fiction book

    Modern healthcare is often reactive. This is part of the reason why preventative medicine is so key.

  3. 0
    Image for Elon Musk
    3.Elon Musk
    biography audiobook
    non-fiction book

    This is the only audiobook I've ever listened to lol. But it is a very interesting story about Elon, arguably the most interesting person alive.

  4. 0
    Image for Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
    4.Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
    yuval noah harari book
    21st century book

    The great thing about this book is that it takes a big-picture view of human history. It attempts to explain the main themes of human history without getting bogged down in the details. Sapiens also debunks many popular myths about human history, including the one that people today live happier lives and have better diets than our hunter-gatherer predecessors. It comes with an epilogue about the future of humankind in light of ever-accelerating technological progress. With the recent advances in AI it is more relevant than ever. If you're going to read one book on history this year, read this one.

  5. 0
    Image for Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
    5.Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
    south african history book
    nelson mandela book

    Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiography by South Africa's first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela, and it was first published in 1994 by Little Brown & Co. The book profiles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years spent in prison If you're new to South African history, as I was, this is a great starting point. Why not hear from the man who played a key part in it?

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