Universe has many ideas, thoughts, and nature. Explore the world of ideas and timeless wisdom with yourself.

Understand ancient wisdom, teachings, and sacred text that brings timeless knowledge and bring back many questions on human existence, nature, and inner-self.

Bring answers to your question with the help of philosophy. Read the best philosophical books that bring light to yourself.

We have listed the best books on different categories like happiness, biographies and memoirs, psychology, mental health, arts and creativity, and many more.

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita (also called “The Gita”) is a sacred text of Hinduism and one of the most important philosophical and spiritual classics in the world.

The Gita is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the God Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide.

The whole text is the conversation between them on duty, righteousness, and the path to spiritual realization.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The Gita emphasizes the importance of one’s duty and role in society without attachment to the results.
• Soul is immortal and unchanging while the body is temporary and perishable.
• The Gita discusses the concept of karma and the law of cause and effect.

Quotes from the Book:

• Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good.—Bhagavad Gita
• He who renounces his body remembering Me at the time of death reaches my abode. There is no doubt about it.—Bhagavad Gita
• Surrender yourself to God, that is the biggest support. Anyone who has come to recognize this support is free from fear, worry, and suffering.—Bhagavad Gita
• Just as the light of light shines in the darkness, so also the truth shines. Therefore one should always follow the path of truth.—Bhagavad Gita

Meditations By Marcus Aurelius

Meditation is a collection of personal writings of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The book becomes one of the most influential works of stoic philosophy.

In this book, Marcus Aurelius reflects on his life, the importance of virtue and wisdom, and other philosophies.

This book was never intended to publish but rather as a way to reflect on his stoic principles and values.

This book is divided into twelve books, each containing numerous short paragraph that explores different philosophical ideas.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Accept the present moment and embrace the life you have and accept both joy and challenges in your life.
• Focus on what you can control in your life and accept what you can’t.
• The world is unpredictable and impermanent, accept the nature of reality and be prepared to face challenges and setbacks in your life.
• Live a simple life and stay away from material wealth and luxury that can distract you from the true wisdom of life.

Quotes from the Book:

• You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.― Marcus Aurelius
• Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.― Marcus Aurelius
• The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.― Marcus Aurelius
• Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.― Marcus Aurelius

Beyond Good and Evil By Friedrich Nietzsche

Beyond Good and Evil a book by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, is a collection of essays that challenges moral and philosophical beliefs and talks about the nature of truth, morality, power, and human conditions.

This book is divided into nine chapters and each presents thoughts on various topics.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Nietzsche argues to question moral values and create their own values.
• The author talks about the concept of “Will to power” the driving force of human desire and self-improvement.
• The authors value art as a form of expression that expresses moral judgments. He sees art as a deeper truth and emotions that may be suppressed in ordinary life.

Quotes from the Book:

• He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.― Friedrich Nietzsche
• Blessed are the forgetful; for they get over their stupidities, too.― Friedrich Nietzsche
• The vanity of others runs counter to our taste only when it runs counter to our vanity.― Friedrich Nietzsche
• In music the passions enjoy themselves.― Friedrich Nietzsche

Tao Te Ching By Lao Tzu

Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese philosophical and spiritual text by Lao Tzu. It is one of the most important and influential works in Taoism, a Chinese philosophy.

This book is a collection of 81 short chapters and each explores the nature of Tao and its application to life.

The book encourages readers to let go of attachments and desires and embrace the life they have.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Know the importance of being fully present in the current moment.
• Be open to learning from other people and you will eventually grow with wisdom and understanding.
• Free yourself from being overly attached to a specific outcome.

Quotes from the Book:

• The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.—Lao Tzu
• A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.—Lao Tzu
• The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.—Lao Tzu
• If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it.—Lao Tzu

Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy By Jostein Gaarder

Sophie’s World is a book that talks about the history of Western philosophy through stories.

The book explains the world of philosophical ideas and thinkers with beautiful and engaging friction.

The book follows the story of a teenage girl named Sophie, who lives in Norway and is about to turn fifteen.

One day she started to receive mysterious letters in her mailbox that contains thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality, existence, and other philosophical questions.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• This book introduces the histories of Western philosophies and makes complex ideas understandable.
• Always question the world around you and explore philosophical concepts to gain a deeper understanding of life and existence.
• Explore and search the meaning of life and existence

Quotes from the Book:

• Wisest is she who knows she does not know.― Jostein Gaarder
• It’s not a silly question if you can’t answer it.― Jostein Gaarder
• A state that does not educate and train women is like a man who only trains his right arm.― Jostein Gaarder
• The most subversive people are those who ask questions.― Jostein Gaarder

The Republic By Plato

The Republic is a philosophical book by Plato, that talks about the concept of justice, the structure of an ideal society, and the nature of humans.

It’s divided into ten books that discuss the concept of the philosopher king, a ruler who possesses wisdom and virtue and guides the state to its highest potential.

Plato presents multiple philosophical thoughts and ideas to build an ideal city where the state can be at its highest potential.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Plato emphasizes the importance of a well-structured educational system where someone can be nurtured and prepared for their role in society.
• The book explores the relationship between justice in the individual and state and how it’s interdependable.
• The book talks about the rule of a philosopher king who possesses both wisdom and virtues.

Quotes from the Book:

• The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.― Plato
• I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.― Plato
• If women are expected to do the same work as men, we must teach them the same things.― Plato
• The beginning is the most important part of the work.― Plato

Letters from a Stoic By Seneca

Letters from a Stoic is a collection of philosophical letters written by ancient Roman philosopher Seneca to his friend Lucilious.

These letters carry many pieces of wisdom around the aspect of life, virtue, resilience, and personal growth.

In these 124 letters, Seneca offers a guide on different topics to become virtuous.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The book talks about reducing material attachments to become happy with the inner self than external gains.
• Seneca talks about living in the present moment and making the most of the day.
• Seneca also talks about the importance of living virtuous life where reason guides one’s actions and ethical decisions with aligned moral principles.

Quotes from the Book:

• You should … live in such a way that there is nothing that you could not as easily tell your enemy as keep to yourself.—Seneca
• Nothing is burdensome if taken lightly, and nothing needs to arouse one’s irritation so long as one doesn’t make it bigger than it is by getting irritated.—Seneca
• To be everywhere is to be nowhere.—Seneca
• To win true freedom you must be a slave to philosophy.—Seneca

Siddhartha: A Novel By Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha is a philosophical Novel By Hermann Hesse that tells the story of a privileged young man from a Brahmin family who took a journey for seeking enlightenment and the meaning of life.

Throughout his life, he encounters many paths to enlightenment but ultimately finds his own way to understanding and inner peace.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The path to enlightenment is deeply personal and each person must discover their own truth.
• Find a balance between spiritual growth with the material world.
• Learn from your own direct experience rather than solely relying on teachings.

Quotes from the Book:

• It is not for me to judge another man’s life. I must judge, I must choose, I must spurn, purely for myself. For myself, alone.― Hermann Hesse
• I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.― Hermann Hesse
• We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.― Hermann Hesse

The Nicomachean Ethics By Aristotle

The Nicimanchean Ethics is a philosophical book by Artsitole, one of the most influential ancient Greek philosophers.

The book talks about the nature of ethics, human morality, virtue, and the pursuit of the good life.

The author talks about the nature of happiness in human life, the role of virtue to achieve a good life, and the importance of ethical habits.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The book talks about the ultimate goal of human life as happiness achieved through the development of virtue and the pursuit of good life.
• Aristotle also talks about the different types of friendship and relationships and how they contribute to happiness and personal growth.
• Virtue can be achieved through practice and habituation.

Quotes from the Book:

• One swallow does not make a summer, neither does one fine day; similarly, one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.― Aristotle
• For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.― Aristotle
• Philosophy can make people sick.― Aristotle
• Without friends, no one would want to live, even if he had all the other goods.― Aristotle

Man’s Search for Meaning By Viktor Frankl

The Man’s Search for Meaning is a book by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist, and a Holocaust survivor.

The book talks about his experience as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps and also talks about his philosophy on finding meaning and purpose in life even in the suffering.

The book tries to emphasize finding the meaning of life even in extreme suffering.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Suffering is the inherent part of human life but you can find the meaning of life with suffering.
• You must discover the meaning of your life with the help of personal exploration and engagement with the world.
• You should maintain hope even in the darkest time.

Quotes from the Book:

• Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.—Viktor Frankl
• When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.—Viktor Frankl
• In some ways, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.—Viktor Frankl
• What is to give light must endure burning.—Viktor Frankl

Meditations on First Philosophy by Rene Descartes

Meditation on First Philosophy is a book by Rene Descartes, a 17th-century French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist.

The book explores the topic of knowledge, reality, and the nature of the self.

This book is structured as a series of conversations between Descartes himself and an imaginary person, where the author has thoughts about various beliefs and ideas.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The author introduces methodical doubt as a way to question all beliefs and ideas. So that you can find indubitable foundations for knowledge.
• Descartes identifies clear and distinct ideas as criteria for truth.
• The author thinks the mind and body are different entities, so distinguishes the difference between them.

Quotes from the Book:

• For the very fact that my knowledge is increasing little by little is the most certain argument for its imperfection.― René Descartes
• The destruction of the foundations necessarily brings down the whole edifice.― René Descartes
• When I turn my mind’s eye upon myself, I understand that I am a thing which is incomplete and dependent on another and which aspires without limit to ever greater and better things…― René Descartes

Autobiography of a Yogi By Paramahansa Yogananda

The Autobiography of a Yogi is a spiritual autobiography of Paramahansa Yogananda.

The book talks about his own journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

The author also talks about yoga, meditation, and Eastern philosophy. Through his mystical experiences and philosophical teachings, the author encourages us to our own spiritual paths.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The author talks about the power of meditation and the practice of yoga and shares his own experiences and how they led him to spiritual realizations.
• Seek long-lasting fulfillment through inner awakening and the realization of their true nature.

Quotes from the Book:

• Darkness must always be combated positively.—Autobiography of a Yogi
• The poet is intimate with truth, while the scientist approaches awkwardly.—Autobiography of a Yogi
• The more deeply we perceive, the more striking becomes the evidence that a uniform plan links every form in manifold nature.—Autobiography of a Yogi

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Robert Pirsig

Zen and the Art of motorcycle maintenance is a philosophical novel by Robert Pirsig.

The author takes a motorcycle journey with his son and throughout the journey, they both discuss and reflect on the author’s past and philosophy of it.

The book talks about the concept of quality, the nature of reality, and the relationship between technology, art, and personal experiences.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The author discusses the concept of quality as a fundamental aspect of reality which has a deeper and objective reality underlying everything.
• The author also argues the importance of integrating the rational, analytical aspect of life with the emotional aspect of life.
• The book talks about being fully present in each moment and valuing personal experience and connections.

Quotes from the Book:

• The truth knocks on the door and you say,‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth,′ and so it goes away. Puzzling.—Robert Pirsig
• When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called a Religion.—Robert Pirsig
• The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.—Robert Pirsig

The Prophet By Kahlil Gibran

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is a collection of poetic essays that explore the aspect of life, love, work, freedom, and many more things.

Essays are presented as a dialogue between a prophet named Almustafa and the people of the fictional city of Orphalese in the book.

The book talks about the fundamental aspect of life and the human experience with various topics of work, freedom, joy, sorrow, love, marriage, and self-discovery.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Love should be unconditional and free from possessiveness.
• The book explains the idea of work as a form of self-expression and fulfillment.
• Joy and sorrow are interconnected.

Quotes from the Book:

• You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts.—Kahlil Gibran
• You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.—Kahlil Gibran
• The deeper sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.—Kahlil Gibran
• The lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house as a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a master.—Kahlil Gibran

The Courage to Be Disliked By Ichiro Kishimi

The Courage to be Disliked is a book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. The book talks about the teaching of Alfred Adler, also known as Adlerian philosophy.

The book follows a conversation between a philosopher and a young man and talks about finding happiness, overcoming social anxiety, and living a fulfilling life.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Live in the present moment free from past experiences or future outcomes.
• Build healthy relationships based on mutual trust and understanding.
• Accept yourself by seeking constant validation or approval from others.

Quotes from the Book:

• Do Not Live to Satisfy the Expectations of Others.― Ichiro Kishimi
• A healthy feeling of inferiority is not something that comes from comparing oneself to others; it comes from one’s comparison with one’s ideal self.― Ichiro Kishimi
• It’s that you are disliked by someone. It is proof that you are exercising your freedom and living in freedom, and a sign that you are living in accordance with your own principles.― Ichiro Kishimi

Tao Of Pooh By Benjamin Hoff

The Tao of Pooh is a book by Benjamin Hoff that talks about the wisdom of Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the flow of the universe.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Live a simple and naturalness in life.
• Be present and fully immersed in the present moment and experience life as it is.
• The book talks about the ability to change in different situations.

Quotes from the Book:

• The main problem with this great obsession for saving time is very simple: you can’t save time. You can only spend it. But you can spend it wisely or foolishly.—Benjamin Hoff
• The surest way to become Tense, Awkward, and Confused is to develop a mind that tries too hard – one that thinks too much.—Benjamin Hoff
• A clever mind is not a heart. Knowledge doesn’t really care, wisdom does.—Benjamin Hoff

The Daily Stoic By Ryan Holiday

The daily stoic is a book By Ryan Holiday that offers a daily dose of philosophy and wisdom from ancient Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.

The book provides a short paragraph for each of the years with different principles of ancient stoic philosophy with commentary of Ryan Holiday explaining the passage.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Accept what you cannot control and focus on what you can control.
• Live in the present moment and make the most out of it. By focusing on the present moment you can reduce unnecessary anxieties.
• Face the challenges you get in life to grow with resilience.

Quotes from the Book:

• Where the head goes, the body follows. Perception precedes action. Right action follows the right perspective.—Ryan Holiday
• No one is asking you to look at the world through rose-colored glasses.—Ryan Holiday
• If you want momentum, you’ll have to create it yourself, right now, by getting up and getting started.—Ryan Holiday

Finite & Infinite Games By James Carse

Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse is a philosophical book that talks about a perspective on life and human activities through the concept of finite and infinite games.

The book explores the nature of competition, creativity, and existence by examining the different types of games.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• The book presents the difference between someone approaching life with a finite mindset and an infinite mindset.
• The author talks about how finite games are constrained by rules and boundaries while infinite games are continuous explorations of new possibilities.
• Life is full of uncertainty and one should be open to adapt to different situations and challenges.

Quotes from the Book:

• A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, and an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.― James P. Carse
• To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for a surprise is to be educated.― James P. Carse
• If we cannot tell a story about what happened to us, nothing has happened to us― James P. Carse

The Story of Philosophy By Will Durant

The Story of Philosophy By Will Durant is a book about the history of Western philosophy.

The book talks about the evolution of Western philosophy and the lives, ideas, and contributions of various philosophers.

The author also discusses the theories and historical contexts of different ideas that they emerged.

Quotes from the Book:

• Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.― Will Durant
• We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.― Will Durant
• To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves. . . let us be above such transparent egotism.― Will Durant
• We are what we repeatedly do. Greatness then, is not an act, but a habit.― Will Durant

Walden By Henry David Thoreau

Walden by Henry David Thoreau is a classical book that documents Thoreau’s experiments in simple living and self-sufficiency.

Walden is based on the two years, two months, and two days that author spend in a small cabin with simple and minimalist life with nature.

This book is about the author’s experiences and philosophical explorations of the nature of life, society, and human existence.

Lessons From the Book:

Here are some lessons from the book.

• Live a simple life and reduce materialist needs in life.
• The author suggests living mindfully by questioning societal norms and conventional wisdom.
• Individuals should prioritize their own inner growth without worrying about values over societal pressures.

Quotes from the Book:

• I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.― Henry David Thoreau
• Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.― Henry David Thoreau
• Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.― Henry David Thoreau

The Brothers Karamazov By Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Brothers Karamazov By Fyodor Dostoevsky is a complex novel that explores the lives, beliefs, and struggles of Karamazov’s family members.

This book is considered one of Dostoevsky’s masterpieces in world literature. The book is based on the conflict between three brothers as their father got murdered.

Through the character, the author discusses philosophical and moral dilemmas with debates, commentaries, and psychological insights.

Quotes from the Book:

• The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.― Fyodor Dostoevsky
• I can see the sun, but even if I cannot see the sun, I know that it exists. And to know that the sun is there – that is living.― Fyodor Dostoevsky
• The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there and the battlefield is the heart of man.― Fyodor Dostoevsky

Conclusion

Read the books, think a lot, and get answers to your question on everything. Let these books be your guide for your exploration, and enrich your perspective on life’s fundamental questions.

And also we have listed the best books in different categories like happiness, biographies and memoirs, psychology, mental health, arts and creativity, and many more.