During moments of solitude and reflection, you might have pondered existence and the world around you. Times of introspection amid changes and uncertainties offer new perspectives. If you're keen to explore these thoughts, philosophy books can be your trusted companions.
Philosophy may seem daunting, but we have just what you need to start. In this article, we'll help you choose the best book for you. We've also compiled a top 10 list of recommended philosophy books, along with other suggestions for your reading list.
Quick List - Top Philosophy Books
Ryan Holiday
A Year-Long Guide to Resilience With Daily Wisdom from Ancient Stoicism
Milan Kundera
Search for the Meaning of Life in the Streets of Prague
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
It can be tough to finalize what to read, considering there are thousands of titles available. Let us help you with a guide that includes a rundown of what you should consider in selecting the best book.
Before you go through the difficult part of selecting a title, decide on how you prefer to read a book. You can choose from either an actual book or an e-book. This section provides a summary of the benefits and disadvantages of each to help with your decision.
If you’re a purist who wants the traditional reading experience, perusing through an actual book is for you. Enter into each book’s world when you get a whiff of that musky smell and the feel of each paper leaf as you go through pages in your paperback or hardbound.
The best part about having a physical copy is it allows personalization. You can easily bookmark pages and highlight passages that appealed to you. Have a stream of thoughts while reading? You can also write down your insights.
Despite giving you a rich reading experience, physical copies have disadvantages. It can be a hassle to bring them anywhere, especially hardbound copies since they are heavier. While the paperback, although lighter, can be easily damaged. Lastly, an actual book requires a space in your bookshelf.
An e-book provides its readers a reading experience that mimics reading a physical copy. But unlike paperback or hardbound, they are more accessible and convenient. In just a few clicks, you can read your favorite books anytime, anywhere.
You can easily access your books across devices when your purchase e-copies. They are ideal for those who want to save space. When you’re done, you can free up space by simply removing it. While audiobooks, another type of e-copy, allow their users to listen to each character’s emotions.
However, note that too much exposure to digital books can strain your eyes. It might disrupt your sleeping cycle because of the blue lights your gadgets emit. You might also need a stable power source and internet connection because you don’t want to be interrupted while you’re at the height of your reading experience.
To help narrow down your options, identify the subgenre that you want to explore. Listed below are the common options when it comes to Philosophical books.
Diving into a philosophical book and reading through the various aspects of life can be too much. When you’re not in the right mindset, the reading experience can be too draining. Philosophical Fiction books are the antidote to this. They are made-up stories that deal with different aspects of humanity more lightly.
Philosophical Fiction makes the majority of the popular Philosophical books. They are often required to read in school. You might be familiar with The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Candide by Voltaire, and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
Perhaps one of the powerful effects of Philosophy books is that while pondering on the meaning of life, it pushes you to examine yourself and the life that you’ve been living. This is exactly what Self-Improvement books are made for. As you go through chapters, you learn to adopt habits that will serve you and your purpose.
Among the well-known philosophical books that deal with self-improvement are Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Buber’s I and Thou, and Pascal’s Thoughts. Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power is a favorite among inmates and celebrities.
See through the lenses of the greatest thinkers of all time with their memoirs. In this subgenre, different philosophers share with their readers what they went through in life and the insights they learned from it.
The famous autobiographies you should look into are Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Bad Faith: A Philosophical Memoir by Joel Marks, and The Words by Jean-Paul Sartre.
The best thing to do to know if the book is right for you is to check the plot. Go through the book blurb. This is usually available on the back part of the book. Try to get a feel of the book with the summary; if the narrative appeals to you, then go for it!
You need not go through physical stores to check the book blurb; different sites offer a short synopsis on a book. Goodreads is an excellent example of this. Just make sure that the summary is spoiler-free. You don’t want to be robbed of the reading experience.
Gauging whether a book is worth your time can be done by checking the reviews. Just like book blurbs, this is visible on the front or back part of the book. Of course, you can also check sites such as Goodreads, What Should I Read Next, and LibraryThing for reviews.
You might want to read about the author, too. Since most of the authors of philosophy books are already established in their fields, you need not worry about their credibility. However, if you are only starting with your Philosophy venture, go for authors that write in a simple and easily understandable manner. You'll get an idea of the book's readability based on the readers' reviews.
You can also get book recommendations and reviews from your peers and family. Ask what their favorite titles are. Chances are, the book might speak to you the same as with them. And this is also a good avenue to bond while health protocols are still in effect.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subgenre | Available Format | Page Count | |||||
1 | Paulo Coelho The Alchemist | ![]() | Provides a Fresh Perspective on Life's Obstacles | Philosophical Fiction | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 208 | |
2 | Ryan Holiday The Daily Stoic|366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living | ![]() | A Year-Long Guide to Resilience With Daily Wisdom from Ancient Stoicism | Self-Improvement | Paperback, eBook | 416 | |
3 | Marcus Aurelius Meditations: A New Translation | ![]() | Timeless Guide on How to Achieve Inner Peace | Self-Improvement | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 256 | |
4 | Milan Kundera The Unbearable Lightness of Being | ![]() | Search for the Meaning of Life in the Streets of Prague | Philosophical Fiction | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 320 | |
5 | Viktor E. Frankl Man's Search for Meaning | ![]() | An Immersive and Enlightening Read About Life's Purpose | Memoir | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 328 | |
6 | Eckhart Tolle The Power of Now|A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment | ![]() | Your Guide on Becoming Conscious of the Present Moment | Self-Improvement | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 224 | |
7 | Mark Manson Everything is F*cked|A Book About Hope | ![]() | Navigating Modern Existence Through Exploration of Life's Struggles | Self-Improvement | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 288 | |
8 | Brianna Wiest 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think | ![]() | Enrich Your Mind and Soul With Thought-Provoking Essays | Self-Improvement | Paperback, Audiobook | 448 | |
9 | Jostein Gaardner Sophie's World|A Novel About the History of Philosophy | ![]() | Learn the Basics of Philosophy Through the Lenses of a 14-Year-Old | Philosophical Fiction | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 544 | |
10 | Bell Hooks All About Love: New Visions | ![]() | Makes You Re-Evaluate Notions of Love in Modern Society | Self-Improvement | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook | 272 |
If you want a break from typical motivational books, consider Paulo Coelho's work. This fantasy adventure blends a simple yet motivational narrative with inspiring quotes that can reshape your life perspective. The story follows a shepherd's journey, leaving his land to pursue destiny. Facing obstacles, each becomes a lesson for personal growth.
The book's main purpose is to motivate readers, encouraging them to reach goals and follow their hearts. "The Alchemist" offers wisdom, optimism, and philosophical insights, promising an intellectually stimulating experience. Coelho's light, engaging writing makes it an ideal starting point for those beginning their philosophical journey.
Subgenre | Philosophical Fiction |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 208 |
"The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday is a daily devotional and practical guide that draws wisdom from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and inner strength. Each day presents Stoic teaching with insightful commentary and exercises designed to help individuals navigate life's challenges.
In this book, Ryan Holiday provides timeless lessons on topics like virtue, adversity, and personal growth, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their emotional well-being and live a more meaningful life. "The Daily Stoic" is a companion for those aspiring to incorporate Stoic principles into their daily routines and achieve greater peace of mind.
Subgenre | Self-Improvement |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook |
Page Count | 416 |
Subgenre | Self-Improvement |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 256 |
Some may avoid books about existence due to their perceived weight, but Kundera's literary prowess demonstrates that a book about being can be both light and entertaining while providing insightful perspectives. He achieves this by narrating the lives of two couples during the Soviet occupation in Prague.
Kundera's unique voice shines through each character, guiding readers through profound philosophical reflections. However, his fragmented writing style may not appeal to those seeking a straightforward plot. If you're drawn to exploring life's mysteries through characters' journeys, this book might resonate with you.
Subgenre | Philosophical Fiction |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 320 |
To witness others enduring numerous hardships and emerging as improved versions of themselves is truly inspiring, much like Viktor Frankl's journey. This resilience is eloquently captured in his book, "Man's Search for Meaning." It recounts Frankl's experiences in the Nazi death camps and the profound lessons he gleaned from them.
'What's your purpose in life?' is a question that usually leaves many dumbfounded, searching for answers. And if you find that you're having a hard time finding your purpose and meaning in life, give this book a try. Let Frankl's unapologetic and insightful narrative enlighten you and help you move forward with a renewed purpose.
Subgenre | Memoir |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 328 |
This self-help book functions as a day-to-day manual, guiding readers on how to harness the transformative potential of living in the present moment. Through a blend of guided meditations, breathing exercises, and reflective prompts, the book empowers users to cultivate mindfulness and enhance their overall well-being.
One notable feature is the inclusion of markers that prompt readers to take breaks, encouraging them to reflect on the content. The book provides an avenue for introspection, promising to help readers become more conscious of their thoughts and emotions. As such, you can eliminate barriers to genuine peace and happiness.
Subgenre | Self-Improvement |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 224 |
If you want to read about a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the 21st century, this book is for you. Mark Manson talks about the inherent struggles of modern society in this book, examining topics such as hope, despair, and the quest for meaning. He challenges conventional self-help wisdom and offers a refreshing perspective on life's challenges.
The book combines philosophy, psychology, and social commentary to encourage readers to confront uncomfortable truths, question their beliefs, and find resilience in a world that often seems absurd and chaotic. Overall, "Everything Is F*cked" is a witty and insightful guide to navigating the complexities of our times and finding purpose in the face of existential uncertainties.
Subgenre | Self-Improvement |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 288 |
Subgenre | Self-Improvement |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, Audiobook |
Page Count | 448 |
"Sophie's World" tells the story of 14-year-old Sophie Amundsen. After school, she discovers notes in her mailbox asking, 'Who are you?' and 'Where does the world come from?' Intrigued, Sophie embarks on a quest for answers, immersing herself in the world of philosophy through correspondences with significant thinkers like Socrates and Plato.
Considered one of the lighter reads on the list, "Sophie's World" presents complex philosophical themes in a fun and straightforward manner. That's why it's perfect for those new to philosophy. Though designed as a children's book, adults will also appreciate the enjoyable storytelling.
Subgenre | Philosophical Fiction |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 544 |
Subgenre | Self-Improvement |
---|---|
Available Format | Paperback, eBook, Audiobook |
Page Count | 272 |
Looking for more reading recommendations? We've got you covered! Here are some books you might want to check out.
Author and Re-editor: J. Ausa
No. 1: Paulo Coelho|The Alchemist
No. 2: Ryan Holiday|The Daily Stoic|366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
No. 3: Marcus Aurelius|Meditations: A New Translation
No. 4: Milan Kundera|The Unbearable Lightness of Being
No. 5: Viktor E. Frankl|Man's Search for Meaning
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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