Do you have good philosophy book recommendations that are easier reads for beginners? I can read classics without too many hurdles but a lot of philosophy books are kinda dry and my brain can't focus for too long.
One of my favorite “starter” books is The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant. It might look like a textbook to you but it’s Durant’s prose writing and wit that really brings a beautiful and digestible overview of western philosophy. Once that foundation is laid out it can make reading existentialism or Dostoevsky much easier.
I would ALSO throw in Jorge Luis Borges as a good place to start. His short stories are beautiful, poetic and philosophical. He is one of my very favorite authors.
thank you so much for this comprehensive list and for mostly, making a list that can be referred to- as a beginner, or someone who’s a regular. Deeply appreciate you!! xx
Thanks for the great recommendations. Since Babel is a favourite of yours I would recommend you check out Blood over bright haven. It has similar themes to Babel and I think you might enjoy it if you liked Babel
I loved seeing you all your philosophy books recommendations. Philosophy was my favourite subject in high school before I read art history at university. Interestingly, I’m familiar with most titles you referred as part of my French education as we studied them and personal interest but I’ve read only excerpts of these books. Seeing them again on your post made me want to read (most of them) in full.
That’s another thing that I had to learn the hard way. I did get my degree in English so I spent the majority of my years in college reading, but I’ve really tried to slow down my pace so that I could really enjoy and savor what it is that I’m actually reading.
Caitlyn, your journey from feeling ashamed of your passions to unapologetically embracing them is incredibly moving.
I imagine that kind of transformation requires courage that philosophy itself often demands of us. I felt a pang of recognition when you described grappling with family expectations. I once found myself justifying my fascinaton with Kierkegaard to someone who thought philosophy was impractical.
I love how you framed ambiguity as not just something to wrestle with but something to embrace. there’s a liberating truth in that. Pessoa's Book of Disquiet resonated with me deeply too; it’s like he bottled the quiet chaos of existence into haunting prose.
How do you think your relationship with ambiguity has shaped the way you approach both literature and life now? And which of these works has most surprised you by unlocking something unexpected within yourself?
Very wonderful. I'm proud you took English as your major. Say that you did more than I ever did. I'm honored. Thank you for sharing your ideas and thoughts. This gives me places to start. Again, thank you for your hard work. ☕
Thank you so much for this! It‘s so intersting, in my youth classics felt like something only posh people read and which are hard to understand and therefore not for me (as somebody from a nom-academic background). I still read books like Jane Eyre, but sometimes lacked the ability to engage with them. I am now rediscovering my interest in classics and philosophy :) Your list definitly helps!
I loved reading this article, and also recognising that the picture of the girl in the cafe is taken in the cafe where I did almost all of my undergraduate reading when I studied English!
Do you have good philosophy book recommendations that are easier reads for beginners? I can read classics without too many hurdles but a lot of philosophy books are kinda dry and my brain can't focus for too long.
Start with Sophie’s world!
It helps if you read it and listen / read a few literary critique videos / articles. It will help you digest the reading.
Read the complicated text a little- then listen to experts review/ analyze it.
I second this!
Thank you so much - this is a brilliant idea!
Yeah and have your phone nearby to look up words, concepts, and historical context for better understanding.
I like using AI chat boxes like Meta- free with FB- and also duck duck go just to make sure the AI chat box is accurate (they make mistakes sometimes)
One of my favorite “starter” books is The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant. It might look like a textbook to you but it’s Durant’s prose writing and wit that really brings a beautiful and digestible overview of western philosophy. Once that foundation is laid out it can make reading existentialism or Dostoevsky much easier.
I would ALSO throw in Jorge Luis Borges as a good place to start. His short stories are beautiful, poetic and philosophical. He is one of my very favorite authors.
thank you so much for this comprehensive list and for mostly, making a list that can be referred to- as a beginner, or someone who’s a regular. Deeply appreciate you!! xx
I’m glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for the great recommendations. Since Babel is a favourite of yours I would recommend you check out Blood over bright haven. It has similar themes to Babel and I think you might enjoy it if you liked Babel
Thanks for the recommendation!
You’re kind. Love The Myth of Sisyphus. Saved my little life. Also love The Rebel by Albert.
That’s a great one, too
The book of disquiet is one of my favorite books. I absolutely adore it. Fernando’s prose are so beautiful.
I agree. I’m currently reading his book of prose right now and it’s beautiful.
I loved seeing you all your philosophy books recommendations. Philosophy was my favourite subject in high school before I read art history at university. Interestingly, I’m familiar with most titles you referred as part of my French education as we studied them and personal interest but I’ve read only excerpts of these books. Seeing them again on your post made me want to read (most of them) in full.
I’m so happy to hear that! 🤎
I've always tried to read Sophie's World but never managed. I'm surprised the Symposium isn't on the list though ;)
It almost did <3
Wow how do you read all these books? I feel like I have a tendency to sacrifice comprehension for reading speed, and it ends up being overwhelming
That’s another thing that I had to learn the hard way. I did get my degree in English so I spent the majority of my years in college reading, but I’ve really tried to slow down my pace so that I could really enjoy and savor what it is that I’m actually reading.
Caitlyn, your journey from feeling ashamed of your passions to unapologetically embracing them is incredibly moving.
I imagine that kind of transformation requires courage that philosophy itself often demands of us. I felt a pang of recognition when you described grappling with family expectations. I once found myself justifying my fascinaton with Kierkegaard to someone who thought philosophy was impractical.
I love how you framed ambiguity as not just something to wrestle with but something to embrace. there’s a liberating truth in that. Pessoa's Book of Disquiet resonated with me deeply too; it’s like he bottled the quiet chaos of existence into haunting prose.
How do you think your relationship with ambiguity has shaped the way you approach both literature and life now? And which of these works has most surprised you by unlocking something unexpected within yourself?
Very wonderful. I'm proud you took English as your major. Say that you did more than I ever did. I'm honored. Thank you for sharing your ideas and thoughts. This gives me places to start. Again, thank you for your hard work. ☕
oh yeah mah boi Zizek (Z-Money) made the list
Thank you for this list
thank you!
Thank you so much for this! It‘s so intersting, in my youth classics felt like something only posh people read and which are hard to understand and therefore not for me (as somebody from a nom-academic background). I still read books like Jane Eyre, but sometimes lacked the ability to engage with them. I am now rediscovering my interest in classics and philosophy :) Your list definitly helps!
I loved reading this article, and also recognising that the picture of the girl in the cafe is taken in the cafe where I did almost all of my undergraduate reading when I studied English!
such a wonderful piece!! I love some of these books,, I'll definitely be reading the rest as well ! thanks for the list <3