Philosophy gifts

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a profound exploration of life’s universal lessons, delicately illustrated and rich with narrative depth. This heartfelt story introduces readers to four unlikely friends: a curious boy, a tiny yet thoughtful mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse. Together, they find themselves traversing challenging and sometimes treacherous...

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offers an enriching journey through the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, distilled into a format meant for modern readers' daily use. This compelling book is structured as a day-by-day guide, bringing wisdom, insight, and guidance from esteemed Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius directly to your life. Each day unveils...

The paperback edition of the liberating Sunday Times bestseller is set to enhance readers' lives even further with extra content on how we can all spend our four thousand weeks. The average human lifespan is absurdly, outrageously, insultingly brief—if you live to 80, you have about four thousand weeks on earth. How should we use them best? Of course, nobody...

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a profound philosophical work that transcends time and remains incredibly relevant today. Comprising the innermost thoughts and reflections of Aurelius, who was Emperor of Rome from AD 161 to 180, this book provides timeless wisdom and guidance. Rather than a narrative-driven plot, it consists of personal notes kept by Aurelius, intended as a source of...

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a profound journey into the mind of one of the most revered Roman Emperors. This introspective collection, written in Greek, was never intended for publication and serves as a private journal where Aurelius explores the depths of his philosophical reflections. As a ruler of a vast empire, he faced immense challenges and responsibilities, and these...

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER A Guardian, Daily Telegraph, New Statesman and Daily Express Book of the Year ‘Hugely, highly and happily recommended’ Stephen Fry ‘You should read Humankind. You’ll learn a lot (I did) and you’ll have good reason to feel better about the human race’ Tim Harford 'Made me see humanity from a fresh perspective' Yuval Noah Harari Humankind by...

In The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus delves deeply into the human condition, orienting his philosophical exploration around the timeless myth of Sisyphus, a man condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a mountain only to watch it roll back down, endlessly repeating this futile task. Through this allegory, Camus examines the absurd nature of human existence, highlighting...

Discourses and Selected Writings by Epictetus offers a profound exploration into the principles of Stoic philosophy through the lively and engaging conversations of its author. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher and former slave, established a renowned school of philosophy in Nicopolis in the early second century AD. His charismatic teachings and astute observations were preserved in writing by his pupil...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Our life is what our thoughts make it. The extraordinary writings of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180), the only Roman emperor to have also been a stoic philosopher, have for centuries been praised for their wisdom, insight, and guidance by leaders and great thinkers alike. Never intended for publication,...

From New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson comes a deeply moving, wise guide to finding joy and meaning in a world that seems to be falling apart. It’s hard to escape the feeling that something is deeply wrong . . . that life has become precariously off-balance. We are hit hourly with headlines about catastrophic wildfires, unprecedented flooding, record heat waves,...

Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche is a profound exploration of morality, truth, and the essence of human existence. Departing radically from traditional Western philosophy, Nietzsche embarks on a daring critique of centuries-old beliefs. He challenges the moral foundations and metaphysical assumptions that have shaped Western thought. In this pivotal work, Nietzsche dismantles the dichotomous concepts of "good" and...

As a diplomat in the turbulent landscape of fifteenth-century Florence, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was acutely aware of how rapidly political fortunes could shift. Leveraging this deep understanding, The Prince serves as a pragmatic and tough-minded handbook on the mechanisms of power. This seminal work explores the complexities of leadership and political manoeuvring, grappling with essential questions: How does a leader...

Letters from a Stoic by Lucius Annaeus Seneca offers readers an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of Rome's eminent philosophers. The book comprises a series of letters that Seneca, an advisor to Emperor Nero, wrote to his friend Lucilius. These letters explore themes central to Stoic thought, such as the pursuit of wisdom, coping with adversity, and the...

To master anything, we must first master ourselves: our emotions, thoughts and actions. This ancient virtue of self-control is more essential than ever. In this bestselling book, Ryan Holiday makes the case for this essential virtue, and shows how to cultivate willpower, self-respect and focus. From Marcus Aurelius to Toni Morrison, Queen Elizabeth II to Martin Luther King Jr, history's...

12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson is a compelling guide that transcends the traditional boundaries of self-help literature. Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, distills years of extensive research and clinical practice into twelve core principles that aim to navigate the complexities of human existence. With a blend of ancient wisdom, scientific findings, and personal...

Walden by Henry David Thoreau is a profound reflection on simple living in natural surroundings. Written in the mid-19th century, the book chronicles Thoreau's experiment in self-sufficiency and his quest to live "deliberately," amidst the serene backdrop of Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts. Over the course of two years, two months, and two days, Thoreau immerses himself in nature, constructing...

Written by the legendary master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, The Book of Five Rings is an enduring piece of literature that delves deeply into the complex art of strategy and confrontation. At its core, the book outlines Musashi's timeless theories on the intricacies of warfare, personal development, and the pursuit of mastery. Composed during his later...

In Letters from a Stoic, Lucius Annaeus Seneca imparts timeless wisdom through a series of epistles addressed to his friend Lucilius. The letters encompass a myriad of topics centred around the moral and ethical underpinnings of Stoic philosophy. Each letter is a profound reflection on life, offering practical advice on how to live virtuously, manage one's emotions, and achieve peace...

From the best-selling author of How to Change Your Mind, a pioneering search for consciousness in the brain and beyond. When it comes to consciousness, there is one point scientists, philosophers, and artists all agree on: it feels like something to be ourselves. And yet, the fact that each and every one of us has a subjective experience of the...

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig is a profound and captivating journey that deftly weaves together a father-son road trip with a deep philosophical exploration. The narrative follows the author and his young son, Chris, as they embark on an unforgettable summer motorcycle trip across America's Pacific Northwest. As they traverse the open roads, the story...

'An urgent call to arms for each and all of us.' - Matthew McConaughey 'A clear and inspiring guide for how to develop this highest of human virtues.' - Robert Greene Fortune favours the bold. All great leaders of history have known this, and were successful because of the risks they dared to take. But today so many of us...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Meditations is centred around the idea that "our life is what our thoughts make it." The extraordinary writings of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180), the only Roman emperor to have also been a stoic philosopher, have for centuries been praised for their wisdom, insight, and guidance by leaders and...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Plato's Republic has influenced Western philosophers for centuries, with its main focus on what makes a well-balanced society and individual.

From the author of the global bestseller Four Thousand Weeks, a liberating four-week journey towards a saner, freer, more meaningful, more enchantment-filled life. Stop trying to sort your life out. Start living. Our lives can feel defined by the struggle with overwhelm, endless decisions and striving to be productive. Wouldn't it be good to stop doing all that? What if...

The internationally bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power brings you 365 more insights. Over the last 25 years, Robert Greene has provided insights into every aspect of being human: whether that be getting what you want, understanding others' motivations, mastering your impulses, or recognising strengths and weaknesses. The Daily Laws distils that wisdom into easy-to-digest daily entries whose...

The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle is one of the most significant works in the history of Western philosophy. In this seminal text, Aristotle embarks on a detailed and nuanced exploration of human morality, virtue, and happiness. The work explores the nature of ethical thought, delving into the question of how men can achieve a good and fulfilling life. Aristotle's treatise...

The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck is a profound and thought-provoking journey into the realm of personal development and spiritual growth. As you immerse yourself in this timeless classic, you will find that it transcends the typical self-help genre, drawing you into a rich exploration of the fundamental truths of human existence. With compelling narrative and deep insight,...

Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life is a classical masterpiece that delves into the age-old human concern of time and mortality. Written as letters and discourses to his friend Paulinus, Seneca reflects on how people squander their time in the pursuits of ambition, trivial pleasures, and material gains. Through eloquent and impassioned prose, Seneca urges us to embrace a more...

The bestselling author of 12 Rules for Life takes us on a deeply enlightening journey through the foundational narratives of our culture. What is the true story of our lives — and what should it be? In his newest revolutionary offering, world-renowned clinical psychologist and bestselling author Jordan Peterson guides us through the ancient accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering, and...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. The discourses of the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus are regarded as some of the most influential teachings of the ancient world. Born into slavery and sent into exile before setting up a school of philosophy, Epictetus delivered a series of lectures where he argued that true happiness comes...

‘This book really, really will stay with me forever. It’s not only laced with the most incredible wisdom, but it’s also gentle and beautiful and eloquent. It brought me so much joy and so much comfort’ - FEARNE COTTON ‘Life-changing. This book is sensational. If you’re struggling, feeling a little lost, anxious or in need of a mental lift, please...

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene by Jean-Yves Leloup provides an inspiring and revolutionary exploration of one of Christianity’s most overlooked figures. This exceptional work brings to light the profound spiritual contributions of Mary Magdalene, also known as Miriam of Magdala. Recognised by the apostle John as the foundational witness to the Resurrection, she plays a crucial role in the early...

Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday is a transformative guide that explores the profound power of stillness in achieving a balanced, focused, and fulfilling life. As we navigate the relentless chaos and noise of the modern world, this book offers tactics and wisdom to cultivate inner peace and self-mastery. The narrative weaves through history, philosophy, and personal anecdotes, presenting...

Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a groundbreaking exploration of systems that actually thrive and grow stronger in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and disorder. Unlike conventional systems that seek to resist shocks and remain stable, antifragile systems embrace chaos and unpredictability, using these disruptions as catalysts for growth and innovation. This revolutionary concept is a powerful toolkit for living...

In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius - the Roman emperor renowned for his intellect and stoic philosophy - shares his profound inner thoughts, reflections, and wisdom. This collection of personal writings provides readers with a rare glimpse into the mind of a ruler whose musings on life, duty, and virtue were not originally intended for public consumption. Instead, these writings served as...

A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic encompasses the profound wisdom and introspection of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, famously known as “The Philosopher.” Meditations is a timeless collection of personal reflections penned by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 169 AD to 180 AD. Renowned as one of the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” Marcus Aurelius was...

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu is the source of Zen Buddhism, and is probably the most broadly influential spiritual text in human history. Complete & Unabridged. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning, cloth-bound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover....

The Trouble With Being Born by E. M. Cioran is a deeply introspective and profoundly philosophical exploration of the human condition. The book navigates the bleak and often darkly comic territories of existence, examining fundamental questions such as birth, death, the concept of God, the relentless passage of time, the complexity of human relationships, and the daily struggle to find...

In The Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the profound effects of random, unexpected events that shape our world. These events, which he dubs "Black Swans," lie beyond the realm of regular expectations and have massive impacts on the course of history and in our daily lives. Taleb introduces readers to a world where the improbable is more influential than...

From the author of the global bestseller Four Thousand Weeks, a liberating four-week journey towards a saner, freer, more meaningful, more enchantment-filled life. Meditations for Mortals takes us on a liberating journey towards a more meaningful life - one that begins not with fantasies of the ideal existence, but with the reality in which we actually find ourselves. Addressing the...

Wisdom depends on curiosity. It demands humility. It requires a willingness to learn from the past in order to overcome the obstacles of the present - and we need it more than ever. In this fourth and final instalment of his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday reveals a method of self-education that can be honed throughout our lives. Drawing...

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180 CE) was the sixteenth emperor of Rome and the most powerful man in the world. Yet he was also an intensely private person, with a rich interior life and one of the wisest minds of his generation. He collected his thoughts in notebooks that have come to be called his Meditations. Never intended for publication, the...

City of God by Saint Augustine of Hippo is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on the history of Western thought. This monumental text, crafted by one of the most influential Church Fathers, stands as a significant synthesis of Christian theology and Platonic philosophy, as interpreted by the philosopher Plotinus. Written in the aftermath of the sack...

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli is a captivating exploration of one of the most enigmatic concepts in the universe: time itself. Rovelli, a renowned physicist often likened to Stephen Hawking for his ability to make complex scientific ideas accessible, takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the nature of time. With a distinguished blend of poetry, philosophy, and...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. No man can live a happy life, or even a supportable life, without the study of wisdom. Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BC-AD 65) is one of the most famous Roman philosophers. Instrumental in guiding the Roman Empire under Emperor Nero, Seneca influenced him from a young age with...

Ethics, published shortly after the death of the Dutch philosopher Benedict Spinoza, stands as his greatest and most impactful work. The book meticulously constructs a holistic philosophical system that delves into the essence of existence and the ethical life. Spinoza employs a rigorous, geometric method, presenting propositions and axioms in a logical progression. This structured approach allows him to systematically...

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt delves into the intricate web of human morality, dissecting why seemingly rational people can hold profoundly different beliefs about what is right and wrong. Through an engaging narrative and extensive research, Haidt explores the psychological foundations of our moral differences and offers insight into how these differences shape political, religious, and cultural divides. Why...

'What is so appealing about the ideas in this book is that we could pivot coffee from being the driving force behind excessive hours and a poor work-life balance into being a drink that lets us contemplate meaning and purpose in a different way.' James Hoffmann, author of the Sunday Times bestseller, How to Make the Best Coffee at Home....

The international bestselling broadside that has taken the world by storm. The God Delusion caused a sensation when it was published in 2006. Within weeks, it became the most hotly debated topic, with Dawkins himself branded as either saint or sinner for presenting his hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types. His argument could hardly be more topical. While...

One of the most influential philosophical classics of all time, The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle remains a cornerstone of Western ethical thought. Composed as a series of lectures given by Aristotle in ancient Greece, this seminal work delves deep into the nature of human goodness, exploring what it means to lead a virtuous life. The discourse ranges widely over core...

In Skin in the Game, Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the principle that what one risks is a true measure of what one stands to gain. From the dynamics of global economies to the intricacies of personal relationships, Taleb reveals that real understanding and progress come from those who have something vital at stake. Through gripping anecdotes and profound insights,...

A portable edition of the famous The Red Book text and essay. The Red Book, published to wide acclaim in 2009, contains the nucleus of C. G. Jung's later works. It was here that he developed his principal theories of the archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the process of individuation that would transform psychotherapy from treatment of the sick into...

A brilliant and original book... Everybody should read it - Guardian Acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters, this modern epic became an instant bestseller upon publication in 1974, transforming a generation and continuing to inspire millions. A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, the book...

Do you find yourself craving deeper meaning in today's fast-paced world? Are you overwhelmed by information but starved for true insight? Do you long to reconnect with the timeless wisdom that's guided thinkers for millennia? If you answered yes to any of these, you must keep reading... Rediscover the Path to Lasting Clarity and Purpose Every day we're bombarded with...

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics. The wise are free from perplexities; the virtuous from anxiety; and the bold from fear. Born Kong Qiu (孔丘) in what is now eastern China, Confucius began teaching a harmonious way of life based on humility, respect and the careful study of the ancients in the late sixth century...

Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a compelling exploration of martial arts philosophy written by the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. This seminal work, composed in 1645, delves into the intricacies of strategy, discipline, and the warrior's path. The book is divided into five chapters, known as "rings," each focusing on a different aspect of combat and tactics: Earth, Water,...

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus explores one of the most profound philosophical questions: Is life worth living? Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Second World War, Camus delves into the existential crisis faced by humanity, particularly the struggle to find meaning in a world devoid of higher purpose. Through a captivating blend of philosophical discourse and literary...

The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton is a profound exploration that seeks to bring the wisdom of ancient philosophical traditions into the modern world. Using an accessible and engaging style, de Botton delves into the teachings of six great philosophers - Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. Each philosopher's life and work is presented as a source...

In Life 3.0, Max Tegmark explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on our future, delving into its potential to reshape every facet of our existence. The book illustrates a near-future where AI has transcended its current limitations, influencing and transforming everything from warfare and criminal justice to employment and societal structures. At its core, it challenges us to...

The culmination of 25 years of research, Alex Bennett's groundbreaking English translation of Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of the original work. This piece of writing by famed samurai Musashi (1584-1645) is the single-most influential work on samurai swordsmanship, offering insights into samurai history, the Zen Buddhist state of "no-mind" that enables warriors to...

First published in 1843 under a pseudonym, Fear and Trembling is written in a quasi-dialogue form in which different facets of Kierkegaard's thought are presented to the reader. Without disclosing his own beliefs, Kierkegaard confronts the reader with various ethical and religious attitudes, but leaves the responsibility of choice open. This new edition provides a chronology of the author's life...

Pedagogy of the Oppressed is a groundbreaking text of educational philosophy and social reform, now featured in Penguin Modern Classics. This seminal text argues that the perceived passivity of the poor is the direct result of economic, social, and political domination. The book suggests that in some countries, the oppressors employ the 'piggy bank' system, treating students as passive, empty...

Thus Spoke Zarathustra, penned by the enigmatic Friedrich Nietzsche, is a profound narrative that melds philosophy with literature, encapsulating the existential musings of a prophetic figure named Zarathustra. Emerging from a life of solitude and reflection in the mountains, Zarathustra descends to impart his philosophical revelations to humanity. He seeks to challenge the norms and offers transformative insights that explore...

The Last Days of Socrates by Plato is a profound and gripping account of the trial and eventual execution of one of the greatest philosophers in history. This new translation by Christopher Rowe offers a fresh perspective on the timeless dialogues that capture Socrates' unwavering commitment to his principles and his unique approach to life and death. Set in 399...

The Sickness Unto Death is famed for the depth and acuity of its modern psychological insights. Writing under the pseudonym Anti-Climacus, Kierkegaard explores the concept of 'despair', alerting readers to the diversity of ways in which they may be described as living in this state of bleak abandonment—including some that may seem just the opposite—and offering a much-discussed formula for...

The #1 New York Times Bestseller - How to Harness the Life-Changing Power of Integrity ‘A message all of us need to hear’ — Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘This book is a gift to humanity’ — Dr. Edith Eva Eger For the Stoics, justice was more than an idea. It was a way of life, a personal commitment to doing the right...

Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant is an intellectual tour de force that has shaped the course of modern philosophy. First published in 1781, this seminal work explores the limitations and scope of human cognition. Kant investigates the nature of human reason, the foundation of all metaphysical knowledge, and the argument that reason is the source of our understanding...

Friedrich Nietzsche’s The Joyous Science is an intellectual journey that invites readers to explore themes of life, art, ethics, and individuality. This philosophical masterwork is celebrated for its candid and fervent engagement with the essence of human existence. Nietzsche beckons readers into a world where traditional values and beliefs are dismantled, culminating in the radical declaration that ‘God is dead’....

Be Water, My Friend, written by Shannon Lee, is a profound and enlightening exploration of the life philosophies of the legendary martial artist and film icon Bruce Lee, as seen through the eyes of his daughter. In this compelling guide, Shannon Lee invites readers to delve deeper into Bruce Lee's wisdom, which extends far beyond his celebrated physical prowess. This...

Longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2025 ‘The best book I have read this year’ – David Nicholls ‘Beautiful’ – Douglas Stuart ‘Extraordinary’ – Sarah Moss ‘A formidable testament to a mother’s love’ – Sara Collins ‘There is no good way to say this,’ Yiyun Li writes at the beginning of this book. ‘There is no good way...

The complete surviving works of Epictetus, the most influential Stoic philosopher from antiquity. “Some things are up to us and some are not.” Epictetus was born into slavery around the year 50 CE, and, upon being granted his freedom, he set himself up as a philosophy teacher. After being expelled from Rome, he spent the rest of his life living...

A classic look at man's search for certainty from the acclaimed expert on Eastern philosophy. In this fascinating book, Alan Watts explores man's quest for psychological security, examining our efforts to find spiritual and intellectual certainty in the realms of religion and philosophy. The Wisdom of Insecurity underlines the importance of our search for stability in an age where human...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Plato's Republic has influenced Western philosophers for centuries, with its main focus on what makes a well-balanced society and individual.

The trial and condemnation of Socrates on charges of heresy and corrupting young minds is a defining moment in the history of Classical Athens. In tracing these events through four dialogues, Plato also developed his own philosophy, based on Socrates' manifesto for a life guided by self-responsibility. Euthyphro finds Socrates outside the court-house, debating the nature of piety, while The...

This deluxe hardback gift edition introduces The Book of Five Rings, a timeless Japanese text by undefeated swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, featuring full-colour illustrations and stencilled page edges. Musashi's principles, outlined in this classic, ensure victory in martial arts and beyond. Recently acclaimed in the business world for conflict resolution and success strategies, Musashi's teachings emphasise psychological strength, self-control, and practicality...

A deluxe, high-quality edition of Friedrich Nietzsche’s seminal work Beyond Good and Evil is one of the final books by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. This landmark work continues to be one of the most well-known and influential explorations of moral and ethical philosophy ever conceived. Expanding on the concepts from his previous work Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche adopts a polemic...

Letters from a Stoic by Donald Robertson and Seneca is an outstanding compilation offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy through a series of personal and poignant letters. Set in the Roman era, these letters serve as a medium through which Seneca, an esteemed stoic philosopher and statesman, communicates his wisdom to his friend and protégé, Lucilius Junior. Covering timeless topics...

In God is Not Great, Christopher Hitchens embarks on a powerful and provocative journey, meticulously dissecting the world's major religious texts and traditions. This thought-provoking work highlights his passionate argument against organised religion, providing compelling reasons why humanity might fare better without it. With incisive wit and unrelenting logic, Hitchens critiques the moral and philosophical doctrines of religion, offering a...

A lucid guide to humankind's greatest thinkers, from Aristotle to Peter Singer "A primer in human existence: philosophy has rarely seemed so lucid, so important, so worth doing and so easy to enter into. . . . A wonderful introduction for anyone who's ever felt curious about almost anything." —Sarah Bakewell, author of How To Live: A Life of Montaigne...

Beyond Good and Evil demonstrates that the world is steeped in false piety and infected with a 'slave morality'. With wit and subversive energy, Nietzsche demands that the individual impose their own 'will to power' upon the world. One of the most iconoclastic philosophers of all time, Nietzsche dramatically rejected notions of good and evil, truth and God. Beyond Good...

The Art of War & Other Classics of Eastern Philosophy offers an enchanting journey through the timeless wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophers. This anthology includes translations of Sun Tzu's Art of War, Lao-Tzu's Tao Te Ching, the teachings of Confucius, and the writings of Mencius. Each work delivers profound insights into the human condition, the art of leadership, social harmony,...

As a diplomat in turbulent fifteenth-century Florence, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was deeply familiar with the swift and often ruthless changes in political power. In The Prince, Machiavelli presents a pragmatic and unflinching analysis of the mechanics of power, leadership, and statecraft. Written in 1513, this seminal work remains a cornerstone of political theory and an essential read for anyone interested...

Imagine a world where what we perceive is not the ultimate truth, but rather a carefully crafted illusion designed to assist our survival. In The Case Against Reality, cognitive scientist Donald D. Hoffman embarks on an electrifying exploration of human perception, challenging the very foundation of how we experience and understand reality. Delving into deep questions, Hoffman reveals that our...

Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith delves deeply into the fascinating world of cephalopods, particularly the octopus, to explore what these enigmatic creatures can teach us about intelligence, consciousness, and our own place in the evolutionary tapestry. This extraordinary blend of philosophy, science, and personal adventure takes readers on a journey beneath the waves, where some of the most complex and...

Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen. How can we cope when life's events seem beyond our control? These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers—Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius—offer ancient wisdom on how to face life's adversities and live well in the world. GREAT...

The book Nietzsche called “the most personal of all my books.” It was here that he first proclaimed the death of God—to which a large part of the book is devoted—and his doctrine of the eternal recurrence. Walter Kaufmann's commentary, with its many quotations from previously untranslated letters, brings to life Nietzsche as a human being and illuminates his philosophy....

Consolations by David Whyte delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of human emotions and experiences, offering profound reflections on the aspects of life that often evoke discomfort and unease. Whyte courageously addresses themes such as loss, heartbreak, vulnerability, and fear, providing a fresh and insightful perspective that encourages readers to embrace these challenges rather than avoid them. Each chapter...

We're all searching for answers to the biggest questions: How can we be good? Find calm? Properly grieve? Beat FOMO? Work out what truly matters? Well, the good news is that the wisest minds in history asked the exact same questions - and they found answers. The ancient philosophy of Stoicism shows us that we are already in possession of...

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a seminal work that delves into the fundamental principles of political right and social organization. This thought-provoking book starts with the powerful declaration, "Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains," setting the stage for an exploration of the tension between individual liberty and societal obligations. In an era marked by...

Immerse yourself in a delightful journey of contemplation and wit with Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change It by Daniel Klein. This captivating book takes readers on a humorous and philosophical adventure as Klein revisits and re-evaluates the wisdom treasures he cherished in his youth. Set against the backdrop of his eighth decade, Klein shares his...

The Theory of Everything Else by Dan Schreiber is a fascinating exploration of the most peculiar and bizarre theories that you never knew existed. This intellectually stimulating and often humorous book invites readers to delve into the mysteries of our universe from an entirely new perspective. Schreiber takes you on an unforgettable journey through human curiosity, offering unconventional explanations for...

We are all going to die, so how do we live? A traumatised journalist is given a dream assignment - track down the mayor of a remote and mysterious town whose citizens are reported to be the happiest people on earth. Journeying into a harsh and inhospitable landscape, she overcomes many obstacles before arriving in Silver Springs, the place whose...

If we do what is right, everything else will follow: happiness, success, meaning, reputation, love. This is central to Stoic wisdom. The path isn't always easy, but it is essential, and the alternative — taking the easy route — leads only to cowardice and folly. In the third book in his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday explores the crucial...

By walking, you escape from the very idea of identity, the temptation to be someone, to have a name and a history ... The freedom in walking lies in not being anyone; for the walking body has no history, it is just an eddy in the stream of immemorial life. In A Philosophy of Walking, a bestseller in France, leading...

One of the great masterpieces of 17th-century English prose, Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes is a profound and influential work that delves into the nature of human society and the necessity of a strong central authority. Hobbes presents a compelling social contract theory, wherein individuals collectively agree to surrender some freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for security and order....

The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley is a profoundly wise and humane account of the author's famous experimentation with mescalin that has influenced writers and artists for decades. This groundbreaking work takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the depths of the human mind and the nature of perception. In 1953, under the supervision of an investigator, Aldous Huxley...

Discover the transformative power of Zen with Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno, an acclaimed Zen Buddhist priest. This internationally bestselling guide offers a fresh perspective on an ancient philosophy, presenting timeless wisdom in a way that is perfectly attuned to the demands of our modern world. Shunmyo Masuno distills the essence of Zen into 100 clear...

Featuring the Chinese text on the left and the English translation on the right, this beautifully bound edition of Sun Tzu's classic text makes a unique gift or collector's item. Written in the sixth century BCE, Sun Tzu's The Art of War is still widely read and consulted today for its timeless, piercing insights into strategy and tactics. Napoleon, Mao...

David Whyte's Consolations use everyday words to present us with a prism through which to better understand ourselves and the lives we walk through. At the request of readers globally, Whyte returns with fifty-two short, elegant meditations on a single word, ranging from 'Anxiety' to 'Body', 'Freedom', 'Shame', and 'Moon'. He embraces their nuances, amplitudes, and depths and, in doing...

This remarkable book is about everything from echidnas to evolution, cosmology to cooking, sex and science and spirits to Schrödinger’s cat. Tyson Yunkaporta looks at global systems from an Indigenous perspective. He asks how contemporary life diverges from the pattern of creation. How does this affect us? How can we do things differently? Sand Talk provides a template for living....