8 Philosophy Books for Beginners

Philosophy doesn't have to be intimidating. These 8 books are the ones I recommend to anyone looking for a philosophy of life — practical wisdom you can actually use, from ancient Stoicism to Eastern thought. No academic jargon required.

Meditations
01
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Philosophy

The philosopher king's own writings about his Stoicism.

Read if:
  • You are looking for a practical philosophy of life
  • You want to familiarize with stoicism
  • You want to read an accessible ancient classic
Buy on Amazon →
A Guide to the Good Life
02
A Guide to the Good Life
William B. Irvine
Philosophy

One of my favorite books of all time. A book that I've reread countless times. A great introduction to Stoic philosophy and a practical guide for how to implement stoic practices to a modern life — and gain peace of mind.

Read if:
  • You are looking for a philosophy of life
  • You want to learn about stoic philosophy
  • You want practical tips for how to improve your psychological well-being
Buy on Amazon →
On the Shortness of Life
03
On the Shortness of Life
Seneca
Essay

A short essay on the duration of life. Is life too short? Or has it been given in a sufficient amount? Seneca, the stoic, gives his take on these questions and how you can avoid wasting your life. A book that is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago.

Read if:
  • You want to get your priorities straight
  • You tend to let other people dictate how you spend your time
Buy on Amazon →
Siddhartha
04
Siddhartha
Hermann Hesse
Philosophical Novel

A spiritual journey of self-discovery in the time of the Buddha. A book that had a profound impact on me when I first encountered it.

Read if:
  • You are in a life crisis
  • You are interested in Buddhist thought
  • You want a great starting point for exploring Hermann Hesse's books
Buy on Amazon →
The Bhagavad Gita
05
The Bhagavad Gita
Ancient Text
Hindu Scripture

The wisdom this book holds is as ancient as it is timeless. Its instructions have guided generations for how to live, work, love and die.

Read if:
  • You want to explore eastern thought
  • You need to re-kindle your spiritual life
  • You want to familiarize with one of the most quoted books of all time
Buy on Amazon →
Man's Search for Meaning
06
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl
Nonfiction

Viktor Frankl's classic account of his experience in the Nazi death camps. A book that explains why meaning trumps pleasure as the primary human drive.

Read if:
  • You want a short and gripping book that will shake you to your core
  • You want to understand how you can stay human in inhuman conditions
Buy on Amazon →
12 Rules for Life
07
12 Rules for Life
Jordan Peterson
Personal Development

Life is suffering. How do we deal with that?! We face it, we bear it. What if we get our act together and instead are prepared to face suffering when it comes knocking? That's the better path.

Read if:
  • You are looking for techniques to maximize your potential
  • You want to learn more about Peterson's work
  • You want a book that inspires you to take on Jung, Nietzsche, and Dostoevsky
Buy on Amazon →
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
08
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
Bronnie Ware
Memoir

Bronnie Ware worked as a caretaker of the dying. Through her work she was able to identify the most common and deepest regrets people had during those final days.

Read if:
  • You want to find out about the common pitfalls in life, so that you can avoid them!
Buy on Amazon →