Parable of the Talents
Octavia E. Butler
In a near-future California ravaged by social and environmental collapse, a young woman named Lauren Oya Olamina develops a new faith called Earthseed, which centers on the idea that "God is Change." As society crumbles around her, Lauren must navigate violence, chaos, and the rise of extremist ideologies while striving to build a community based on her beliefs and ultimately, seed humanity among the stars.
Phaedo
Plato
A philosophical exploration of the soul's immortality, set during Socrates' final hours. Delve into Plato's profound dialogue as Socrates contemplates life, death, and the pursuit of wisdom, offering solace and hope in the face of mortality.
Philosophical Investigations
Ludwig Wittgenstein
A groundbreaking work in 20th-century philosophy, Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations challenges traditional notions of language, meaning, and understanding. Through a series of numbered remarks, he explores the multifaceted nature of language and its role in shaping our thoughts and actions, inviting readers to reconsider the very foundations of knowledge and communication.
Practical Ethics
Peter Singer
Practical Ethics is a classic introduction to applied ethics, addressing a range of ethical challenges from daily life to global issues. This third edition includes updated chapters and a new chapter on climate change, encouraging readers to think critically about how they ought to live.
Private Government
Elizabeth Anderson
A radical rethinking of the relationship between private enterprise and the freedom and dignity of workers. It argues that modern industrial firms amount to a system of arbitrary and unaccountable “private government” and “dictatorship”.
Religion for Atheists
Alain de Botton
A thought-provoking exploration of the potential benefits that atheists can derive from religion. Alain de Botton suggests that even without believing in God, we can still find value in the rituals, traditions, and concepts that religions offer, particularly in addressing our needs for community, morality, and consolation in the face of suffering.
Sacred Time
Ann Druyan
A secular approach to celebrating life's milestones and the changing seasons with rituals inspired by science, nature, and human connection. It offers a framework for creating meaningful traditions for those who don't adhere to traditional religious beliefs, emphasizing wonder, community, and the beauty of the natural world.
Self-Reliance
Ralph Waldo Emerson
A timeless essay on the importance of individualism and nonconformity. Emerson urges readers to trust their intuition and embrace their unique selves, rather than blindly following societal norms. A call to action for those seeking authenticity and self-discovery.