The Symposium
Plato
A profound exploration of love, desire, and the human condition, as told through a series of speeches at a lively Athenian banquet. Plato's "Symposium" delves into the nature of love in its many forms, from earthly to divine, offering timeless insights into the pursuit of beauty, truth, and the ultimate good.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
A personal and philosophical diary written in Greek by an intellectual Roman emperor without any thought or intention of publication - and remain of unique interest and relevance to the modern world. These writings reveal a mind of great humanity and natural humility, formed in the Stoic tradition, which has long been admired.
The Transcendent Brain
Alan Lightman
A renowned physicist and humanist explores the profound intersection of science and spirituality, arguing that transcendent experiences—from awe in nature to the creative impulse—can be understood through the lens of a material brain. Lightman delves into the history of materialism and nonmaterialism, examines the emergence of consciousness, and proposes that feelings of connection and meaning are natural by-products of evolution, offering a path to spiritual materialism in an age of science.
Open Socrates
Agnes Callard
In 'Open Socrates,' Agnes Callard challenges conventional understandings of Socratic thought, arguing for a distinct and demanding Socratic ethics that offers a radical approach to living a philosophical life. Contrasting Socrates' unwavering pursuit of inquiry with Tolstoy's despair over life's 'untimely questions,' Callard reintroduces Socrates not as a mere style of critical thinking, but as the architect of a substantive ethical system. This book invites readers to confront fundamental questions about politics, love, and death, urging them to embrace a life of continuous intellectual inquiry, even if it means turning their world 'upside down.'
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Richard P. Feynman
A collection of humorous and insightful anecdotes from the life of renowned physicist Richard Feynman. From his childhood experiments to his adventures at MIT and Princeton, and his work on the Manhattan Project, Feynman's curiosity, wit, and unconventional approach to life shine through in every story.
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
An in-depth biography of Steve Jobs, based on over forty personal interviews with Jobs himself and over a hundred interviews with family, friends, rivals, and colleagues. It explores the life and career of the iconic entrepreneur, his passion for perfection, and his role in revolutionizing multiple industries.
Billionaire Wilderness
Justin Farrell
Dive into the exclusive world of the ultra-wealthy in Teton County, Wyoming, where immense fortunes intersect with pristine wilderness. This groundbreaking sociological study explores how the super-rich navigate economic dilemmas, social stigmas, and personal guilt by leveraging nature and romanticized rural communities. Through extensive research and paired interviews with both billionaires and the working poor, the book uncovers the complex interplay of wealth, inequality, and environmentalism, revealing the profound impact of this powerful, yet rarely studied, social group on the American West and beyond.
A Course in Miracles
Helen Schucman
A Course in Miracles is a unique, self-study spiritual thought system that teaches the way to love and forgiveness. It consists of three books: the Text, which presents the theory of the Course; the Workbook for Students, which contains 365 lessons to train your mind; and the Manual for Teachers, which answers questions about the Course's concepts. This combined volume also includes supplements that extend the Course principles.