1. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnemann
Written by Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahnemann, Thinking Fast and Slow is far from just an economics book. It explores the ‘two-systems’ model of cognition, and the many ways our intuition and decision-making can go wrong. With an emphasis on human judgment and the shortcuts and heuristics that often undermine or assist our thinking, Thinking, Fast and Slow offers a comprehensive insight into the human mind.
2. Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
Letters from a Stoic is a collection of letters written by Stoic philosopher Seneca, which offers practical solutions to dealing with hardship, despair, and fear. While Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations is often recommended as an introduction to Stoic philosophy, Seneca’s letters, with their short and focused style, offer a refreshing take on Stoic thought.
3. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Near and dear to my heart, Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the finest works of fantasy literature in the world today. Foundational for many later fantasy texts, Tolkien’s masterpiece explores the nature of good and evil, and noble striving in the face of dark, brutal times.
4. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky, considered the great psychologist of the 19th century, wrote with dark insight into the human psyche. While The Brothers Karamazov is his true masterpiece, Crime and Punishment offers a shorter and equally intense introduction to his work, exploring the unraveling mind of its protagonist Raskolnikov as he faces the consequences of a brutal murder.
5. Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
Aristotle’s treatise on ethics is a cornerstone of Western philosophy and provides valuable insights into the search for well-being. While Aristotle’s writing style may be dry, it’s worth the effort for the knowledge and understanding it offers.
6. The Shallows by Nicholas Carr
In The Shallows, Nicholas Carr explores the profound impact of the internet on our thinking and serves as a reminder to be mindful of how we use our digital tools. The book delves into the many ways the internet distracts us, and changes the way we read and write to suit its own incentives.
7. 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
In 12 Rules for Life, psychologist Jordan Peterson explores principles he suggests should guide our behavior, covering a wide range of topics such as truth-telling, personal responsibility, and the value of religion and sacred things. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for guidance on matters of virtue and truth.
8. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
Man’s Search for Meaning was written by Victor Frankl, a survivor of the Auschwitz extermination camp. It provides insight into how humans can survive even the darkest adversity and highlights the importance of pursuing and fostering meaning, even in hopeless environments.
9. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is a disturbingly vivid depiction of a totalitarian society where propaganda, surveillance, and torture are used to suppress dissent. This book serves as a warning against the dangers of totalitarian power and is well worth a read.
10. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
Herman Hesse’s novel Siddhartha explores the life and spiritual journey of a man named Siddhartha in the time of the Buddha. It provides a fascinating insight into the Indian sacred teachings from the pen of a German who was, himself, trying to understand it. When contrasted to Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, this novel approaches the same themes of a man’s struggle with existential angst and meaning – and the many different approaches we might take in the face of them.
11. Walden by Henry Thoreau
Written by philosopher Henry David Thoreau, Walden is a memoir of his solitary experiment in simple living in a cabin near Walden pond. It offers a valuable perspective on the value of self-sufficiency and a close relationship with nature.
12. The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
The Selfish Gene is a fundamental piece in evolutionary biology. Dawkins masterfully set the tone for how we can view the world through an evolutionary lens, by discussing the concept of “Replicators” – a discussion of competition, game theory, genes, and their cultural equivalent, memes.
13. Dark Horse: Achieving Success Through Pursuit of Fulfillment by Todd Rose
In Dark Horse, Rose takes a unique approach to success and fulfillment, focusing on the “dark horses” who can achieve success through being unconventional. He offers advice on looking for “micro-motives” – the little things that truly motivate and drive us – making this book a valuable read for anyone looking to pursue their passions.
