Expand Your Mind with These 9 Philosophical Literary Works
Book RaiderAre you in the mood to give those brain muscles a serious workout? Sure, we all love mindless entertainment sometimes, but genuinely thought-provoking books have a certain magic that just can't be beaten. They transform a quiet afternoon read into a deep investigation of ourselves and the universe. But remember, this isn’t your average gym session – philosophy literary works are the mental equivalent of a fun triathlon.
This blog post will introduce you to some timeless philosophical literary works that will expand your mind, challenge your perceptions, and just might change the way you look at the world (and your place within it). If you're curious about life's big questions or just looking for a good book that makes you consider the mysteries of existence, be ready to dive headfirst into the profound world of philosophical literature.
Philosopher of the Heart: The Restless Life of Søren Kierkegaard
by Clare Carlisle
Why Philosopher of the Heart: The Restless Life of Søren Kierkegaard is on this list: Because nothing screams 'expanding your mind' quite like diving head first into the tumultuous life of famed philosopher Kierkegaard. This literary gem will make you question your assumptions, challenge your beliefs, and possibly have you staring into the middle distance for hours.
This engaging biography of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is less interested in mundane dates and places, and more into the feelings and thoughts that drove the man himself. It paints a vivid picture of Kierkegaard's passionate, paradoxical, and often downright mysterious life. From his tumultuous love affair to his bitter feuds with the Danish church, Clare Carlisle serves us an interpretation of Kierkegaard's philosophy that's both rigorous and readable.
What readers like: Readers rave about Carlisle's ability to humanize Kierkegaard, painting him as more than just a thinker, but also a man of deep emotions and contradictions. They also appreciate how she makes his immensely complex philosophical concepts less intimidating. Plus, any book where the subjects are philosophers and they're not depicted as boring old dudes in togas is a win, right?
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The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us About the Good Life
by Michael Puett
Why The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us About the Good Life is on this list: The Path isn't just a book, it's a way to expand your horizons. With its illuminating insights drawn from ancient Chinese philosophy, it articulates a whole new perspective on the good life and helps us unravel the complexity of existence.
We all want to live the good life, but what does that even mean? Professor Michael Puett brings a fresh twist to this age-old query in The Path. Digging deep into the teachings of Chinese philosophers like Confucius and Mencius, Puett invites us to reassess our preconceived notions about happiness, success, and the meaning of life. Each chapter introduces a new philosopher and a crucial facet of their teachings, making Chinese philosophy accessible as never before.
What readers like: Readers appreciate The Path for its simple yet profound wisdom. They rave about Puett's effortless translation of complex Chinese philosophy into action steps for the modern life. Most importantly, beyond specific doctrines or belief systems, they love how this book asks the big questions. Offering not just answers, but a whole new way of asking the questions - without any sugar-coating. Definitely a feast for those hungry minds out there.
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Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature
by Richard Rorty
Why Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature is on this list: Sure, this book might sound like it's about someone's vanity problems with a horrifyingly philosophical mirror. But don’t be mistaken, my friends, 'Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature' is a beautiful mind-stretching journey that explores theories of knowledge and truth.
Richard Rorty, in this engaging book, puts centuries-old philosophical ideas under his magnifying glass. He reassess how language interacts with the world. He critiques the notion that our mentality mirrors the world's reality out there and argues instead that we independently construct our understanding of the world. Fair warning, prepare for a multi-layered world of ideas and thoughts, it’s philosophy kids, it’s not a walk in the park.
What readers like: It's perfect for readers who love to chomp on ideas, dissect theories, and challenge their brains with every page they flip. Readers appreciate the clarity in Rorty's writing - a quality that's more unicorn than regular horse in philosophy. The book provides enough food for thought to feed your mind for months, maybe even years. Join in if you fancy a deep intellectual dive!
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Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals
by John Gray
Why Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals is on this list: If you've ever suspected that we humans might be overestimating ourselves a little, this book is for you. A deep dive into our place in nature, this book turns a lot of common ideas on their heads.
It's not always easy to admit, but our species has a lot in common with the 'lesser' animals. Gray doesn't shy away from this. In fact, he revels in it. This philosophical work isn't just about animals though, it challenges many Western beliefs about progress, rationality, and humans' perceived superiority.
What readers like: Readers love how Gray dives into topics that many of us think about but rarely express out loud. They appreciate the book's honesty and thought-provoking themes. A lot of readers found it refreshing to read a book that doesn't sugarcoat our place in the world, but still manages to be enlightening and optimistic in its own unique way.
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Where Reasons End
by Yiyun Li
Why Where Reasons End is on this list: Published by an award-winning author, Where Reasons End is subtlety crafted to rev you into deep philosophical contemplation. It engages your mind and heart with its depth of thought, stimulating your intellect from start to finish.
The story revolves around an unnamed mother's imagined conversations with her late son who died by suicide. It is a deeply touching narrative full of wisdom that attempts to explore the unanswerable to find solace, challenging our understanding of existence, life, death, love, and the beyond. Fair warning, you might want to keep a box of tissue handy. Just remember, tears are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of having a big, caring heart and, let's admit, perhaps a tad bit of onion in the room.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the story's emotional depth and thought-provoking insights into life's whims and the human condition. Though it's a tough read - it's no Harry Potter - it has rich layers of fiction cleverly weaved around metaphysical speculation that makes it intriguing to philosophical minds. If you enjoy a good teary-eye while pondering life's heaviest questions, you and this book are a match made in heaven, or literary heaven at least.
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Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
by Annie Dillard
Why Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is on this list: If you are looking to sharpen your mind and expand your thoughts, you're in luck. Dillard’s writing is so full of philosophical wonder and musing, it’s like going on an intellectual hiking trip without leaving your comfy armchair.
This book is a meditative walk through the natural world, melding detailed descriptions of Tinker Creek in Virginia with truly mind-bending musings on the nature of life, reality, and the universe itself. A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is not just a nature journal, but an exploration of the author's own thoughts and perceptions, filled with deeply introspective passages.
What readers like: People can't seem to get enough of the mesmerizing beauty and rhythm of Dillard's prose. But the real showstopper is the author’s ability to pull out profound philosophical insights from ordinary observations. Seriously, you might start questioning the fabric of existence after seeing a frog through Annie’s eyes.
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Infinite Jest
by David Foster Wallace
Why Infinite Jest is on this list: Infinite Jest is not just a novel, it's a dive into the complexity of human thoughts, dependencies, and the struggle to maintain sanity in an increasingly absurd world. It brings in philosophy, but in a way that's more approachable and doesn't make you feel out of depth.
The book revolves around the Incandenza family, and tackles themes such as addiction, entertainment, and the nature of intelligence. All presented in a cosmically layered narrative packed with footnotes. Here, you'll find introspection dressed up as tennis games and recovering addicts. So, it's definitely not 'just about' anything. More like 'about everything'.
What readers like: Readers find a certain joy in trying to unravel the layers of this book. A ton of characters (each with unique personalities) to follow and an unconventional structure makes it a challenging read, but a rewarding one too. It's been praised for its deep character studies, its humor, and its panoramic view of contemporary life. If you're in for a thought-provoking challenge, this book's got a game set to your match.
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Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are
by John Kaag
Why Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are is on this list: Some might view philosophy as a dusty and dry discipline, but this book turns that notion on its tail. Hiking with Nietzsche is a profound journey that entwines philosophy, nature and personal discovery, making it an eye-opener of a read to expand your mental horizons.
Take an enlightening stroll through the Swiss Alps with 19th-century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and author John Kaag, as they wrestle with some of life's greatest questions. This part-memoir, part-biography, and part-philosophical discourse manages to make Nietzsche's ideas accessible, providing a real gateway into the world of philosophical thought.
What readers like: Readers have raved about this book's unique blending of philosophy and personal narrative. They appreciate the clear, simple language that makes complicated ideas feel approachable. If you're the kind of person who thinks deeply while on a walk in the woods, you'll feel right at home with this book.
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The Man Without Qualities
by Robert Musil
Why The Man Without Qualities is on this list: If you're wanting to take a deep dive into the world of philosophy, while also enjoying a gripping narrative, 'The Man Without Qualities' is the book for you. Musil serves up a healthy dose of character introspection and societal critique that's sure to get your brain gears whirring.
The book, situated just before World War I, is a satirical look at the then socio-political landscape of Europe. The hero, Ulrich, is a war veteran and a mathematician, and is often conflicted by his feelings, routinely switching between scientific objectivity and poetical subjectivity. The relentless introspection of the protagonist certainly sets the stage for a philosophical rumination.
What readers like: Readers are drawn to the existentialism and the circa 1910s Vienna setting. Musil's masterful writing takes you on a journey, not just of the character's minds, but also of the bustling city. While the heavy philosophical elements make the book a bit dense, it's worth the ride for a satisfying intellectual stimulation. So, if you enjoy getting lost in profound, reflective prose, 'The Man Without Qualities' is right up your alley.
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