If you’re reading a Philosophy book on holiday you want it to be a page-turner, nothing too heavy, but still intellectually stimulating. Here are my top five suggestions. We have more summer reading lists here.
1
The story of a young academic who found an amazing library in New Hampshire that had belonged to a pragmatist philosopher. It is part memoir, part intellectual history. Highly recommended.
2
Sarah Bakewell weaves the biographies and ideas of a range of existentialist thinkers together in this brilliant book. If you've read this already, get her book on Montaigne.
3
A very short introduction to philosophy. Easy to read and stimulating. Easy to fit into a pocket or handbag.
4
Henry David Thoreau lived for two years in a small hut near Walden Pond outside Boston. His account of his time and why he did this is fascinating. He loves nature, and he is convincing on the dangers of busyness that causes so many people to miss out on life. A good contemplative read for when you are away from work and wondering what it is all about. This is a pocket sized edition.
5
A lot heavier to carry around, but if you have space in your bag, this excellent anthology of articles and short stories about the mind and consciousness contains many stimulating pieces with useful introductions from the editors.
1
The story of a young academic who found an amazing library in New Hampshire that had belonged to a pragmatist philosopher. It is part memoir, part intellectual history. Highly recommended.
2
Sarah Bakewell weaves the biographies and ideas of a range of existentialist thinkers together in this brilliant book. If you've read this already, get her book on Montaigne.
3
A very short introduction to philosophy. Easy to read and stimulating. Easy to fit into a pocket or handbag.
4
Henry David Thoreau lived for two years in a small hut near Walden Pond outside Boston. His account of his time and why he did this is fascinating. He loves nature, and he is convincing on the dangers of busyness that causes so many people to miss out on life. A good contemplative read for when you are away from work and wondering what it is all about. This is a pocket sized edition.
5
A lot heavier to carry around, but if you have space in your bag, this excellent anthology of articles and short stories about the mind and consciousness contains many stimulating pieces with useful introductions from the editors.
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