Best Philosophy Books
Book Recommendations / Best Philosophy Books
Best Philosophy Books You Should Read
"Radical Honesty" by Brad Blanton
We’re all pretty fake a lot of the time in Western society. Let’s be honest, how often are we actually just really, really honest with expressing ourselves? We just constantly default to overly polite behaviour, white lies, all just to avoid uncomfortable situations. And a lot of the time it leads to negative outcomes.
It leads to us being stifled, being very inauthentic and not expressing ourselves, our needs and our wants and not respecting our boundaries. And that leads to a myriad of issues.
So this book, Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton, is a very extreme but a practical remedy to a lot of those issues. Now this guy promotes being 100% honest in every situation with everyone, but particularly with people in your personal life that you care about. And I would say it goes beyond being practical, but the notion itself is a very interesting idea nonetheless.
You’ll take a lot from the book and particularly think about how your life would look if you were just a lot more honest about who you are and what you want and what you need. A polarising philosophy book for sure.
"The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell
One of the best philosophy books on mythology
You might have heard of something called the hero’s journey from mythology, which was come up with by a guy called Joseph Campbell. And in this book, “The Power of Myth,” he talks about this concept, the hero’s journey, and how it’s basically a thing which is cross-cultural and it can be a way to be able to decipher the importance and significance of human culture, values, and ultimately The Human Experience itself.
So a hero’s journey is a person embarking on an adventure, enduring a bunch of challenging obstacles which they eventually overcome, which they then grow as a person and then finally come back with that wisdom for themselves and to share with others.
This is one of the many concepts he talks about in this book about the significance of the hero’s journey and mythology because many cultures across the world share these same mythological themes.
And I’ve found just from my personal life this concept of the hero’s journey can be a great way to reframe your life, but more importantly the negative and challenging experiences, and the tough things that you go through. It could be a very handy idea to help reframe those experiences and think, okay, this is just the challenges and the obstacles I’m going through right now, and ultimately ideally I’ll grow as a person and be able to have that wisdom going forward and help other people as well by sharing that that knowledge. Definitely one of the best philosophy books.
"My Big TOE" by Thomas Campbell
This one’s a dense read and I still don’t fully understand a lot of the concepts, but I remember when I read it a few years ago that some of the things in there really blew my mind. The book is called “My Big Toe” by Thomas Campbell, this guy is a physicist and he talks a lot about the concepts of the nature of the universe, its existence, and how that kind of overlaps with the mystery and the mysticism of human consciousness.
One of the things he talked about was a lot of physicists and scientists, basically quite materialist people, where the substance and matter that makes up the universe is just “stuff” and everything just operates within that paradigm, including something like the Big Bang where there was “nothing” and then all of a sudden there was “something”.
To him, Thomas talks about that inherently being a contradictory theory where before the universe there was nothing, and then all of a sudden there’s something. That process is inherently mystical in itself, its very existence. It contradicts its very causality.
When I first read that, it was pretty mind-blowing. As I said, it’s a complicated, dense read. I still can’t really wrap my head around a lot of the theories, but it’s a fun read nonetheless. And the book just further highlights our understanding of human consciousness in the universe in an even more awe inspiring and fascinating way. This is truly one of the best philosophy books for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life’s big questions.
"Becoming Nobody" by Ram Dass
My best philosophy book recommendation on Buddhism
First and foremost, what’s interesting about Ram Dass is that he started out as an American social psychologist. He was a clinician seeing clients in his practice. However, he eventually reached a point where everything felt material and superficial, leaving him unfulfilled when it came to understanding the individual self. This prompted him to venture eastward, seeking wisdom from Eastern philosophy, particularly from places like India. From this exploration, he developed a concept he refers to as the “somebody suit.”
The “somebody suit,” as Ram Dass explains, refers to how we define ourselves based on societal roles, status, or occupations—what we do rather than who we are in essence as human beings. For instance, you might identify as a doctor, lawyer, nurse, artist, or any other role, but these are things you do, not who you truly are. Ram Dass shared that, as a psychologist, he began to elevate in society. His “somebody suit” was that of a psychologist, and as his career progressed, it became a “nicer” suit as he gained recognition. People admired him for his elevated status, but despite the external validation, it all started to feel shallow and unfulfilling. This realization led him to question what it truly meant to be a human being.
This concept fascinated me because it raises an essential question: If you define yourself by what you do, what happens when that role is no longer there? For example, if you’re a corporate worker or general manager, who are you when you retire? Are you still defined by that role? Many people struggle with this loss of identity when they let go of roles they once used to define themselves.
Another concept Ram Dass discusses is the idea of “pushing and pulling,” or “pushing and clinging,” which ties into the Buddhist principle of attachment. He explains that the root of all suffering is attachment—clinging to things or pushing them away. He emphasizes staying in the “sweet spot,” where you neither cling to positive emotions nor push away negative ones. For instance, clinging to happiness or joy can lead to suffering when those emotions inevitably fade. Similarly, resisting negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger only adds to the suffering. Instead, Ram Dass advises allowing those emotions to be, and accepting them until they pass.
He also explores the concept of letting go and forgiveness, posing the question: “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be free?” This struck a chord with me. Holding onto anger or resentment may feel justified, but it prevents freedom. Ram Dass shares his personal struggles with anger and resentment, recounting how, even when he felt righteous in his emotions, he was never truly free. He advocates for forgiveness, not for the benefit of others, but for your own liberation.
Another idea I found powerful is viewing people as “phenomena.” Ram Dass suggests seeing others, much like you would a tree or an animal, as simply existing—products of their genetics and environment, often unaware of their actions. When someone acts negatively toward you, rather than taking it personally, view their behaviour as “phenomena” beyond their control. This perspective fosters compassion and reduces personal suffering.
Finally, Ram Dass emphasizes the idea that we are all human souls, not defined by what we do. No one is inherently better or worse than another; we are all souls navigating our individual incarnations and “somebody suits.” He encourages seeing everyone you meet as a fellow human soul, just as trapped in their journey as you are in yours.
Becoming Nobody by the amazing Ram Dass is one of the most life-changing works I’ve ever encountered. It might be the same for you. No doubt my best philosophy book recommendation. Give it a read—or a listen—and start the journey of “becoming nobody”.
"Levels of Energy" by Frederick Dodson
My best new age philosophy book recommendation
I’ve never had a book where I went from wanting to abandon it within the first 20% to it becoming one of my favourite reads. That’s exactly what happened with Levels of Energy by Frederick Dodson. It’s a new-age spiritual book, but don’t let that label deter you. It’s not about the cliché topics like “manifesting”, “abundance” or other overly simplistic ideas. Instead, Dodson offers a unique way of viewing the world and your life.
The book discusses the different levels of energy and consciousness that people, places, and things inherently possess. Essentially, the higher the level of energy or consciousness, the better outcomes you’re likely to experience. Conversely, lower levels of energy often lead to less desirable outcomes or attract people who resonate with those levels.
For example, consider the type of people you choose to date. If you’re attracted to individuals with higher consciousness—those who value quality relationships, education, personal growth, and healthy habits—that reflects a higher energy level. On the other hand, being drawn to someone who is darker, nihilistic, disrespectful, abusive, or indulges in negative habits represents a lower energy level. This concept also applies to food: eating healthy, nourishing foods represents higher energy, whereas consuming fast food, alcohol, or other harmful substances aligns with lower energy.
The ideas in this book encourage you to reevaluate how you live your life. By understanding the energy levels of the things you interact with—whether they’re people, places, or habits—you gain the awareness to make more intentional choices. Once you grasp this concept, it’s up to you to decide what kind of life you want and what outcomes you hope to achieve.
Personally, I’ve resonated with lower energy levels in the past. Whether it was through the activities I participated in, the people I spent time with, the relationships I pursued, or even the environments I lived in, many of these choices were harmful and detrimental without me fully realising it. Levels of Energy helped me shift my focus toward higher energy levels. I began seeking out higher-energy people, activities, and environments and consistently indulging in these has led to better outcomes for me—happier, healthier, and more fulfilling experiences.
If you’re looking for a perspective that could reshape how you approach your life, I highly recommend Levels of Energy by Frederick Dodson. Check it out—it might just change your life too. Absolutely my best new age philosophy book recommendation. As one of the best philosophy books, it offers profound insights that remain relevant today.
"The Happiness Hypothesis" by Jonathan Haidt
A favourite and best philosophy book of mine
Do you ever go through those darker periods in life where you’re struggling to find meaning, and everything just feels like a grind? I’ve been there, and what helps me is drawing on ancient wisdom—timeless insights from people who lived thousands of years ago but discovered principles that still apply to our lives today. One book that dives into this beautifully is The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt.
Haidt, a psychologist and sociologist, explores ancient wisdom from different cultures and connects it to modern living. In the book, he highlights about ten key pillars of happiness and fulfilment. Here are a few that really stood out to me:
Haidt talks about the emotional and logical parts of the mind and how they interact. He uses metaphors like the horse and chariot rider (from Greek culture) or the elephant and elephant rider (from Hindu culture). The horse or elephant represents the emotional, animalistic side of our brain—chaotic and driven by impulse. The rider symbolizes the logical, rational part that guides us.
The idea is that if the emotional side is left unchecked, it can lead to overindulgence or harm. But when the logical side takes control, it can steer the emotional side toward balance and healthier choices. This concept really resonated with me as a reminder to discipline my emotions and let reason guide me.
Another point he makes is about the importance of deep, meaningful relationships. Across cultures and centuries, people who have thriving, genuine human connections are consistently happier. It’s a timeless truth that investing in strong relationships brings purpose and joy to our lives.
Haidt also highlights the value of engaging in work or projects that give us a sense of purpose. Ancient wisdom has long emphasised the idea of striving for something bigger than ourselves, and Haidt shows how that’s still relevant today. Whether it’s through creative endeavors, personal growth, or contributing to something meaningful, having a purpose makes life feel more fulfilling.
I found this book incredibly insightful, and it’s helped me reflect on what really matters. If you’re looking for timeless wisdom that’s still practical in today’s world, check out The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt. It’s an incredible read that blends ancient knowledge and philosophy with modern psychology and philosophy in a way that’s truly life-changing. One of the great and best philosophy books out there.
"Lying" by Sam Harris
One of the best modern philosophy books
This book had a massive impact on my life. It’s small, but it’s an intellectual and philosophical gem written by the intellectual gangster himself, Sam Harris. The book is called Lying. It’s a very short read, but it dives deep into the ethical and practical implications of lying and how it affects your life.
After I read this book, I made a vow to lie as little as possible—or at least significantly reduce it—because the arguments Harris makes against lying are incredible. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how, when you tell lies, even small ones, you have to keep track of all the intricacies and details of those lies. It becomes so easy to get caught out. That’s on the extreme end, but even telling simple white lies can have a profound impact on your reputation and relationships.
One example in the book really stuck with me. Harris describes a moment when a friend of his told a white lie to someone over the phone—something innocent to avoid meeting up. Even though Harris knew it was harmless, he found himself questioning his friend. If this person was comfortable lying to another good friend, Harris wondered, what’s stopping him from lying to me? How much of what he says can I trust? It made him self-reflect because he realised he also told little white lies from time to time. That realization hit me hard, too.
I wasn’t a pathological liar or anything, but like most people, I’d occasionally tell small lies to avoid awkwardness or spare someone’s feelings. After reading Lying, though, I committed to significantly cutting back on that. And honestly, it’s been transformative. Making that promise to yourself and to others—not to lie—has this profound, positive effect on your spirit. It’s hard to describe, but it’s real, and it’s stayed with me ever since I read the book about ten years ago.
I can’t recommend Lying enough. One of the best short books on philosophy. It might have the same positive impact on your life as it did on mine. At the very least, it’ll stop you from getting tangled up in webs of lies and looking like a clown. Definitely check it out, along with Sam Harris’s other work—it’s all brilliant. Some of his other philosophy books and writing are some of the best modern contributions.
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"Waking Up" by Sam Harris
Another one of the best modern philosophy books
Sam Harris, the intellectual gangster himself, makes another appearance in one of my top and best philosophy book recommendations. This time, it’s for his incredible work, Waking Up. It’s probably one of his best books—a guide to spirituality without religion.
What I love about this book is that Harris offers a spiritual framework that balances between two extremes. On one end, you have hardcore atheists who often come across as nihilistic and overly materialistic. On the other, there are many religious people who, in my opinion, tend to engage with their faith in a way that’s too superficial, missing the deeper spiritual and mythological insights their traditions are meant to convey.
Harris masterfully finds the sweet spot, one that resonates with many principles from Eastern philosophies like Buddhism. The book dives into topics like mindfulness, the mystery of consciousness, being aware of and transcending the ego, and the concept of the “lack of self”—a complex idea he explains much better than I ever could. He also explores meditation and how it can be integrated into your life to enrich your sense of awareness and presence.
What makes Waking Up so impactful is its ability to provide a framework for personal spirituality that avoids the pitfalls of dogmatic religion and the emptiness of pure atheism. It’s about finding a grounded yet profound way to approach life’s bigger questions without losing touch with reality.
This book is absolutely up there with Harris’s best work, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re curious about spirituality, mindfulness, or just want a new perspective on what it means to live a meaningful life, Waking Up is a must-read. An epic book on philosophy that is up there with the best.
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"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson
People often think it’s a bit of a corny book, but I don’t care—I think it’s a solid read. Mark Manson is a great writer, and he’s released a couple of really good books. One of them, Models, is a dating book, and the other is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, which, at its core, is a solid introduction to philosophy and existentialism. Manson’s writing has this raw, authentic vibe, and that’s what I appreciate about it.
The main premise of the book is that you need to find balance in life between caring too much and not caring at all. It’s important to care about certain things, but it’s just as important to not get bogged down by everything. Manson emphasizes that you shouldn’t waste energy on the trivial things that get you worked up and stressed.
He draws a lot from Stoic principles and talks about the value of humility. He also touches on the idea of being okay with just being an ordinary, everyday person. In today’s world, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, it’s easy to feel like everyone’s life is better than yours. But the truth is, most of those people are just as ordinary as the rest of us, no matter how perfect their posts look.
Manson really emphasizes leaning into being an authentic, ordinary person. Striving for authenticity rather than constantly comparing yourself to others or chasing unrealistic expectations will likely bring more meaning and purpose into your life. It’s not the greatest and best philopsphy book but I’d definitely recommend it as a solid read regardless.
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"Status Anxiety" by Alain de Botton
one of the best books on modern philosophy
In Western culture, more and more people seem to be thirsting for a sense of relevance, status, or importance. Many believe that chasing status will bring them happiness, often underestimating how anxious and miserable this pursuit can make them feel.
Alan de Botton’s book Status Anxiety delves into the origins of social status and examines the pervasive belief that achieving higher status is the key to happiness and fulfillment. He challenges this notion, revealing that the relentless pursuit of wealth, fame, and status often leads to greater anxiety and suffering.
De Botton explains how this constant “status game” drives people to compare themselves endlessly with others—always looking up to someone more successful, richer, or more famous. This comparison trap keeps people from finding contentment or peace, no matter how much they achieve.
The book doesn’t just critique the obsession with status; it also offers practical strategies to shift your focus toward a life centered on purpose, meaning, and genuine fulfillment—away from the hollow chase for material wealth or fame.
Status Anxiety is a thought-provoking read that helps reframe your priorities and encourages a healthier, more grounded approach to happiness. A solid recommendation and one of the best modern philosophy books.
"Antifragile" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book Antifragile introduces this really interesting idea that some things—whether it’s organisms, systems, or even people—aren’t just strong or resilient. They can actually grow and benefit from chaos or stress.
The book covers a wide range of examples, from countries and political systems to the environment, animals, and even foods. But what really stuck with me was how this concept applies to us as individuals. It’s a different way to see yourself—as someone who’s inherently antifragile. When tough or chaotic things happen, you’re not just going to shatter like a glass cup. Humans are built to endure stress and chaos and even grow from it, as long as it’s not extreme or overwhelming. But even then that can be ok depending.
The key idea in Antifragile is that we don’t just tolerate challenges—we can actually thrive because of them. Take something like a sauna: if you stay in one for a week straight, you’d die. But short sessions—say 15 minutes a day—can have incredible health benefits. It’s fascinating how something harmful in large amounts can actually improve your life in smaller doses.
I found this concept really useful in my own life. It’s a reminder to see yourself as strong and antifragile. When something chaotic or stressful happens, it doesn’t have to break you. In fact, those experiences can build your character, strengthen you mentally and physically, and make you more prepared for the future.
Antifragile is a great read and a mindset worth adopting. It’s about more than just surviving life’s challenges—it’s about using them to grow and thrive. A great read and one of the best modern philosophy books.
"Skin in the Game" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Taleb has another fantastic book called Skin in the Game. The concept he dives into is simple but profound: when it comes to decision-making, research, or expertise, having “skin in the game” is essential. It’s about being personally involved—having something at stake—which, Taleb argues, leads to better knowledge and decision-making.
One example he uses is local government. The idea of skin in the game works better when politicians are from the area they govern. If they live there, the policies they create directly affect them, which makes them more likely to make decisions that actually benefit the community.
Taleb also critiques intellectuals who stay in their ivory towers. He thinks they’re too theoretical, buried in books, and disconnected from the real world. They lack hands-on experience, which means their knowledge isn’t grounded in reality.
I’ve noticed this myself during my travels. People often have opinions on geopolitics or culture, but I think you can only form a solid opinion about a country if you’ve actually been there—and even more so if you speak the language and understand the culture. Take Colombia, for example. Intellectuals might argue that Colombia’s high crime rate is purely due to economic factors, like poverty. But plenty of poor regions around the world have low crime rates. Colombia’s situation is different, and you only understand why if you’ve been there, learned the language, and experienced the culture. Colombia’s culture has deep-seated elements of violence that you won’t find just by analyzing data or reading about it.
That’s the essence of Skin in the Game: real-world experience is essential for real understanding. It’s an eye-opening book that challenges how we think about science, politics, and the way the world works. It’s also motivating—it pushes you to get your own skin in the game so that you actually know what you’re talking about. One of my faviourite and best philosophy reads.