Deep Dive: Must-Read Philosophical Books

Philosophical Books

How Can Reading Philosophy Change Your Life And Your Perception Of Life?

There is a deeper meaning to life than just what we do every day. How can you make our lives serene, cam, and understand the connectivity with the Supreme in a better way? The answer lies in reading philosophical books. Such books open the doors to a greater depth of human thought that awakens us, inspires us, and can even change us forever.

Reasons For Reading Philosophical Books

Such books can have a profound impact on your heart and mind. Through various stories, truths, and case studies, they each learn how to perceive life, understand why certain things happen, and deal with difficult problems in life. They teach you how to live life ethically and how to improve your personality to its optimal level. Here are the top reasons to get into reading philosophical books:

• It helps develop critical thinking.
• Inculcates the habit of questioning assumptions
• Enhances mental capacity to understand complicated text
• Opens you to new thoughts and behaviours

A Look At Various Type Of Philosophical Books

Classic Philosophical Works

“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius is a book that discusses how people should live according to nature and that it is important to upkeep your rational mind and will. It talks about accepting other people’s sides and avoiding chasing fame and fortune.

“Critique of Pure Reason” is a book that examines the boundaries of existing human knowledge. It studies the relation between reason and truth and what role it plays in scientific inquiry. There is a limit to reasoning, and understating this concept brings about significant benefits.

“Thus Spoke Zarathusrtra” is a book based on the message given by the Persian prophet Zarathustra. It brings out the idea that all values that exist today were created by man and not God. Categorising actions into good and bad is done for certain strategic reasons. It is a creative philosophical masterpiece that was written in just ten days.

“The Philosophy of Freedom” by Rudolf Steiner deals with his view of how to attain freedom from earthly woes. It is only when an individual goes deep into their heart that he or she finds those qualities that are worth developing. His ideas are based on the study of subjects like mathematics, science, and philosophy.

Contemporary Philosophical Works

“Being and Time by Martin Heidegger” discusses what a human being is and what existence itself is. Whatever we do in our present-day lives is bound by a time limit, after which we cease to exist. Hence, whatever we do should be carried out based on an understanding of this concept, as only then will we lead authentic lives.

“Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard” gives detailed information on the signs and symbols that people use today. However, according to the author, the reality is that these signs and symbols replace the real reality of life and are hence just a simulation of reality. It is a take on life that is far different from what was propounded by Marxist or Freudian approaches.

Eastern Philosophical Treasures

“The Tao Te Ching by Laozi”is a book that lays down the foundation of Taoism. It is about living life with simplicity, compassion, and being patient to resolve issues. According to the author, simplicity helps you get closer to the Supreme Being.

“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu deals with war strategies and points out the idea that fighting all the time cannot make you win. However, knowing when to fight and when to avoid it will certainly make you a winner. Don’t look into when the enemy will attack, but always be in a spirit to receive the enemy when it happens.

“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig is based on a motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and son. During this trip, the father asks questions about how to live life successfully. In the many questions that he asks himself he reconciles with his past. He also delves into what quality is and how a person should look at technology and human experience.

Niche Philosophical Works

“The Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus brings out existential thought. It deals with how absurd life can become at times when you face one challenge after another and face the same challenges repeatedly over and over again.

“The Society of the Spectacle” by Guy Debord brings about how today’s society has churned out. People relations are replaced by relations with commodities. It is a satire on people interested in buying consumer goods and the fetish that is associated with commodity purchasing.

“Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid” by Douglas Hofstadter examines the ideas that arise from the heart or core of cognitive science. While it is indeed fascinating to find out that life emerges from the ordinary chemical substrate of a cell, it is mind-boggling when we realise that, over time, computers can achieve human intelligence.

Philosophy for Daily Life

“The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday” is a book that teaches how to live life as it occurs in modern times. It brings together for readers dally meditations from many stoic philosophers and, through them, teaches about resilience, perseverance, and equanimity.

“The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler makes use of various stories and conversations to give lessons on life and teaches what approach should be adopted to live a stress-free life and to resolve problems. It teaches how you can make sure to enjoy and experience long-lasting happiness.

Conclusion

Reading philosophy gives you a better understanding of yourself, helps you gain more perspectives, and helps you learn about various human experiences from which you can draw meaning and which can help change your life positively.