Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir by Mitch Albom that recounts the time he spent with his 78-year-old sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, during the final months of Morrie’s life. As Morrie succumbs to ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, Mitch visits him every Tuesday. These visits turn into one final ‘class’: lessons in how to live. The book covers various themes such as the meaning of life, death, love, work, family, aging, and forgiveness.
The Conquest of Happiness, published in 1930 by the British philosopher Bertrand Russell, is a seminal work that explores the causes of unhappiness and suggests ways for individuals to find greater fulfillment. Russell divides the book into two main parts: ‘Causes of Unhappiness’ and ‘Causes of Happiness’. He examines a range of factors that contribute to unhappiness, including competition, boredom, and fear, before suggesting more positive habits and mindsets, such as zest, affection, and a balanced outlook on life, as pathways to happiness. The book is as much a practical guide as it is a philosophical treatise, with Russell’s insights drawn from his own experiences and observations of human behavior.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra is a concise and practical guide that offers a spiritual approach to achieving success in life. Through seven key principles, Chopra integrates ancient Vedic wisdom with modern philosophy to guide readers towards a path of personal fulfillment, happiness, and understanding of their true nature. These laws, including the Law of Pure Potentiality and the Law of Dharma, emphasize the importance of harmony, a giving spirit, and the interconnectedness of all life. This book provides insights into how spiritual understanding can lead to prosperity and achievement in both personal and professional life.
Shop Class as Soulcraft’ is a philosophical exploration of the nature and ethics of manual work versus knowledge work in modern society. The author, Matthew B. Crawford, argues for the intrinsic value of hands-on work, drawing on his own experience as a motorcycle mechanic and electrician, as well as examples from various trades. Crawford discusses how manual work can provide a sense of agency and satisfaction that is often missing in more abstract, office-based professions. He delves into the history of skilled labor and its decline in the face of consumerism and a college-for-all mentality.
Philosophy for Life: And Other Dangerous Situations, by Jules Evans, explores the practical applications of ancient philosophy in modern life. The author connects the teachings of Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, and other philosophers with everyday challenges, demonstrating how their wisdom can help individuals lead more resilient, fulfilled, and meaningful lives. Through personal anecdotes and stories of people who apply philosophical principles, the book illustrates how ancient insights remain relevant and can be transformative in contemporary times.
On the Shortness of Life is a moral essay written by Seneca the Younger, a Roman Stoic philosopher, to his father-in-law Paulinus. The essay, composed around 49 AD, delves into the Stoic principles concerning the nature of time, the human perception of life’s brevity, and the importance of living a meaningful life. Seneca argues that life is long if lived wisely but that many people waste their time on frivolous activities, thereby perceiving life as short. He emphasizes the value of self-awareness, productivity, and philosophical study as means to achieve a fulfilling life.
‘On Having No Head’ is a philosophical treatise by D.E. Harding that explores the nature of consciousness and the illusion of the self. Harding shares his unexpected and profound realization that, when one looks for one’s own head, it seems to disappear from personal experience. He uses this insight as a starting point for a deeper inquiry into the true nature of the self, challenging the reader to re-evaluate the sense of personal identity and the way they perceive the world.
A Little History of Philosophy’ by Nigel Warburton is a concise and engaging overview of philosophy through the ages. It presents the ideas of some of the most influential philosophers in history in an accessible manner, covering figures such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, and contemporary thinkers. The book serves as an introductory guide, discussing the key questions and thoughts that have shaped human understanding and the world we live in.
A History of God’ by Karen Armstrong traces the development of the concept of God through the history of the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Starting from their common origins in the ancient Near East, Armstrong examines how the idea of God has evolved over the course of 4,000 years. She explores various theological shifts, including the move from polytheism to monotheism, the influence of philosophy on religious beliefs, and the different interpretations and schisms within each religion. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the theological concepts and the historical context that have shaped the current understanding of God.