Nausea
Jean-Paul Sartre
Delve into the mind of Antoine Roquentin as he grapples with the absurdity of existence in this seminal work of existentialist literature. Experience the unsettling sensation of 'Nausea' as Roquentin confronts the raw, unfiltered reality of the world around him, challenging the very foundations of meaning and purpose.
Not Smart Enough
Alex Taylor
Is human intelligence really all it's cracked up to be? This thought-provoking exploration delves into the limitations and potential downsides of human cognition, comparing our thinking to that of other animals and questioning whether our 'why specialist' brains are truly an evolutionary advantage. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your perspective on intelligence turned upside down.
Notes from the Underground
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Dive into the mind of an unnamed narrator as he grapples with society, morality, and his own existence in 19th-century Russia. This groundbreaking work explores themes of alienation, free will, and the human condition, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.
Of Grammatology
Jacques Derrida
A foundational text in post-structuralist thought, "Of Grammatology" challenges traditional Western philosophy's privileging of speech over writing. Derrida deconstructs the concept of the 'transcendental signified' and explores the implications of 'différance' for language, meaning, and interpretation. A complex and influential work that has reshaped literary and cultural studies.
On Gaslighting
Kate Abramson
An exploration of gaslighting, a form of emotional manipulation, and its impact on individuals and society. The book delves into the methods, aims, and moral dimensions of gaslighting, distinguishing it from other forms of manipulation and examining its relationship to trust and social structures.
On the Art of Poetry
Aristotle
Aristotle's 'Poetics' is a foundational text in literary theory, exploring the principles of tragedy, epic poetry, and other forms of art. This edition, translated by Ingram Bywater, delves into Aristotle's analysis of plot, character, diction, and the elements that make a work of art successful. Discover the timeless wisdom of one of history's greatest thinkers as he examines the nature of imitation, the role of catharsis, and the essential components of compelling storytelling.
On the Genealogy of Morals & Ecce Homo
Friedrich Nietzsche
Explore Nietzsche's profound examination of morality, values, and self-creation in this volume containing 'On the Genealogy of Morals' and 'Ecce Homo'. Delve into the origins of good and evil, the ascetic ideal, and Nietzsche's own life and philosophy, challenging conventional thought and inviting a re-evaluation of existence.
Other Minds
Peter Godfrey-Smith
A captivating exploration into the minds of cephalopods, particularly octopuses, and their unique intelligence. This book delves into the evolutionary origins of consciousness, examining how these fascinating creatures offer a glimpse into the possibility of intelligence arising independently from our own lineage. It bridges philosophy, science, and personal experience to ponder the nature of mind and matter.