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How the World Thinks
by Julian Baggini • 2018
The West asks what is true. India asks what liberates. A map of philosophy beyond Europe.
3.67
3k+
How the World Thinks Summary
How the World Thinks 94%
The West asks what is true. India asks what liberates. A map of philosophy beyond Europe.
by Julian Baggini 2018
3.67
3k+ ratings
Philosophy As a Way of Life
by Pierre Hadot • 1981
Ancient philosophy trained the self like a muscle. Modernity forgot the exercises.
4.31
2k+
Philosophy As a Way of Life Summary
Philosophy As a Way of Life 94%
Ancient philosophy trained the self like a muscle. Modernity forgot the exercises.
by Pierre Hadot 1981
4.31
2k+ ratings
The Meaning of Happiness
by Alan W. Watts • 1940
Happiness is not a prize to be won but what remains when you stop fleeing yourself.
4.05
925
The Meaning of Happiness Summary
The Meaning of Happiness 94%
Happiness is not a prize to be won but what remains when you stop fleeing yourself.
by Alan W. Watts 1940
4.05
925 ratings
After Buddhism
by Stephen Batchelor • 2015
Before Buddhism became a religion, it was a practical philosophy for flourishing in this life.
4.20
918
After Buddhism Summary
After Buddhism 94%
Before Buddhism became a religion, it was a practical philosophy for flourishing in this life.
by Stephen Batchelor 2015
4.20
918 ratings
Mindfulness
by Sarah Shaw • 2020
Before it became a productivity hack, mindfulness was a path to liberating the mind.
3.92
39
Mindfulness Summary
Mindfulness 94%
Before it became a productivity hack, mindfulness was a path to liberating the mind.
by Sarah Shaw 2020
3.92
39 ratings
Become What You Are
by Alan W. Watts • 1955
The self you're trying to improve is exactly what's in the way.
4.07
6k+
Become What You Are Summary
Become What You Are 94%
The self you're trying to improve is exactly what's in the way.
by Alan W. Watts 1955
4.07
6k+ ratings
The Art of Living
by John Sellars • 2003
Before philosophy became a classroom subject, it was a set of exercises for curing the soul.
4.09
75
The Art of Living Summary
The Art of Living 94%
Before philosophy became a classroom subject, it was a set of exercises for curing the soul.
by John Sellars 2003
4.09
75 ratings
No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners
by Noah Rasheta • 2018
Most of your suffering is optional, and the Buddha laid out exactly how to opt out.
4.45
6k+
No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners Summary
No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners 94%
Most of your suffering is optional, and the Buddha laid out exactly how to opt out.
by Noah Rasheta 2018
4.45
6k+ ratings
Buddhism
by Damien Keown • 1996
Buddhism has no god, no bible, no pope. What holds its many traditions together?
3.74
3k+
Buddhism Summary
Buddhism 94%
Buddhism has no god, no bible, no pope. What holds its many traditions together?
by Damien Keown 1996
3.74
3k+ ratings
The Socrates Express
by Eric Weiner • 2020
A ticket, a train, and the dead philosophers who can still teach you how to live.
4.14
4k+
The Socrates Express Summary
The Socrates Express 93%
A ticket, a train, and the dead philosophers who can still teach you how to live.
by Eric Weiner 2020
4.14
4k+ ratings
Seeing That Frees
by Rob Burbea • 2014
Perception is mind-made. A meditation manual for dismantling the illusion and finding freedom.
4.63
487
Seeing That Frees Summary
Seeing That Frees 93%
Perception is mind-made. A meditation manual for dismantling the illusion and finding freedom.
by Rob Burbea 2014
4.63
487 ratings
Stoicism
by John Sellars • 2006
Stoicism began as a unified system of logic, physics, and ethics, not coping advice.
4.12
457
Stoicism Summary
Stoicism 93%
Stoicism began as a unified system of logic, physics, and ethics, not coping advice.
by John Sellars 2006
4.12
457 ratings
Petit traité de vie intérieure
by Frédéric Lenoir • 2010
What Buddha, Socrates, and the Stoics agreed on: twelve lessons for inner peace without dogma.
3.84
915
Petit traité de vie intérieure Summary
Petit traité de vie intérieure 93%
What Buddha, Socrates, and the Stoics agreed on: twelve lessons for inner peace without dogma.
by Frédéric Lenoir 2010
3.84
915 ratings
Buddhism For Dummies 2e
by Jonathan Landaw • 2002
A plain-English path through Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ethics, no blind faith required.
3.95
2k+
Buddhism For Dummies 2e Summary
Buddhism For Dummies 2e 93%
A plain-English path through Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ethics, no blind faith required.
by Jonathan Landaw 2002
3.95
2k+ ratings
The Power of an Open Question
by Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel • 2010
Life is groundless. The Buddhist path isn't a belief; it's learning to rest in not knowing.
4.10
233
The Power of an Open Question Summary
The Power of an Open Question 93%
Life is groundless. The Buddhist path isn't a belief; it's learning to rest in not knowing.
by Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel 2010
4.10
233 ratings
The Noble Eightfold Path
by Bhikkhu Bodhi • 1994
The Buddha's eight steps to end suffering, walked one by one without shortcuts.
4.43
1k+
The Noble Eightfold Path Summary
The Noble Eightfold Path 93%
The Buddha's eight steps to end suffering, walked one by one without shortcuts.
by Bhikkhu Bodhi 1994
4.43
1k+ ratings
Buddhism Plain & Simple
by Steve Hagen • 1997
Buddhism without the robes: the self is a mirage, everything flows, and the problem is clinging.
4.03
10k+
Buddhism Plain & Simple Summary
Buddhism Plain & Simple 93%
Buddhism without the robes: the self is a mirage, everything flows, and the problem is clinging.
by Steve Hagen 1997
4.03
10k+ ratings
A Practical Guide to Happiness
by Will Buckingham • 2012
Chasing happiness makes it vanish. What the world's philosophies offer instead.
3.70
138
A Practical Guide to Happiness Summary
A Practical Guide to Happiness 93%
Chasing happiness makes it vanish. What the world's philosophies offer instead.
by Will Buckingham 2012
3.70
138 ratings
Open Socrates
by Agnes Callard • 2025
Socrates' brutal insight: your life is governed by two tyrants, and neither one is you.
3.88
843
Open Socrates Summary
Open Socrates 93%
Socrates' brutal insight: your life is governed by two tyrants, and neither one is you.
by Agnes Callard 2025
3.88
843 ratings
Jainism
by Jeffery D. Long • 2009
Karma, in Jainism, is a physical substance. The 2,500-year-old map for scraping the soul clean.
3.82
118
Jainism Summary
Jainism 93%
Karma, in Jainism, is a physical substance. The 2,500-year-old map for scraping the soul clean.
by Jeffery D. Long 2009
3.82
118 ratings
Aristotle
by John Sellars • 2023
An ancient toolkit for thought: why Aristotle's logic, ethics, and politics never went out of style.
3.95
232
Aristotle Summary
Aristotle 93%
An ancient toolkit for thought: why Aristotle's logic, ethics, and politics never went out of style.
by John Sellars 2023
3.95
232 ratings
Zen and the Art of Consciousness
by Susan Blackmore • 2009
The self is a trick of the brain and free will a mirage. A Zen psychologist's investigation.
3.57
277
Zen and the Art of Consciousness Summary
Zen and the Art of Consciousness 93%
The self is a trick of the brain and free will a mirage. A Zen psychologist's investigation.
by Susan Blackmore 2009
3.57
277 ratings
Ancient Philosophy
by Anthony Kenny • 2004
The questions the ancient Greeks asked still define philosophy, and still resist easy answers.
3.95
580
Ancient Philosophy Summary
Ancient Philosophy 93%
The questions the ancient Greeks asked still define philosophy, and still resist easy answers.
by Anthony Kenny 2004
3.95
580 ratings
Buddhism for Beginners
by Thubten Chodron • 2001
Ending suffering is a skill. Here is the training manual: no dogma, just method.
3.80
4k+
Buddhism for Beginners Summary
Buddhism for Beginners 93%
Ending suffering is a skill. Here is the training manual: no dogma, just method.
by Thubten Chodron 2001
3.80
4k+ ratings
The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom
by Dalai Lama XIV • 1995
Train your mind, not your circumstances. A pocket guide to lasting contentment from the Dalai Lama.
4.23
3k+
The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom Summary
The Dalai Lama's Book of Wisdom 93%
Train your mind, not your circumstances. A pocket guide to lasting contentment from the Dalai Lama.
by Dalai Lama XIV 1995
4.23
3k+ ratings
Plato's Podcasts
by Mark Vernon • 2009
The ancients never podcasted, yet their advice on desire and resilience still outperforms self-help.
3.52
148
Plato's Podcasts Summary
Plato's Podcasts 93%
The ancients never podcasted, yet their advice on desire and resilience still outperforms self-help.
by Mark Vernon 2009
3.52
148 ratings
The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World
by Dalai Lama XIV • 2008
Personal happiness is not selfish, the Dalai Lama argues, but the foundation of a peaceful society.
3.71
2k+
The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World Summary
The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World 93%
Personal happiness is not selfish, the Dalai Lama argues, but the foundation of a peaceful society.
by Dalai Lama XIV 2008
3.71
2k+ ratings
The Philosophy Book for Beginners
by Sharon Kaye • 2021
Philosophy is a conversation 2,500 years old and still unfinished. Here's your seat at the table.
4.17
138
The Philosophy Book for Beginners Summary
The Philosophy Book for Beginners 93%
Philosophy is a conversation 2,500 years old and still unfinished. Here's your seat at the table.
by Sharon Kaye 2021
4.17
138 ratings
Essence of the Dhammapada
by Eknath Easwaran • 2013
Suffering has one cause, per the Dhammapada. Its exit plan is as precise as a diagnosis.
4.33
142
Essence of the Dhammapada Summary
Essence of the Dhammapada 93%
Suffering has one cause, per the Dhammapada. Its exit plan is as precise as a diagnosis.
by Eknath Easwaran 2013
4.33
142 ratings
Awakening From the Meaning Crisis
by John Vervaeke • 2024
The West's loss of meaning has a 40,000-year history. Tracing it reveals the exit.
4.70
69
Awakening From the Meaning Crisis Summary
Awakening From the Meaning Crisis 93%
The West's loss of meaning has a 40,000-year history. Tracing it reveals the exit.
by John Vervaeke 2024
4.70
69 ratings
In My Own Way
by Alan W. Watts • 1972
A sensualist and Zen scholar insists the self is a fiction, and savors the joke.
4.18
1k+
In My Own Way Summary
In My Own Way 93%
A sensualist and Zen scholar insists the self is a fiction, and savors the joke.
by Alan W. Watts 1972
4.18
1k+ ratings
The Art of Happiness
by Dalai Lama XIV • 1998
Compassion, perspective, and mental discipline: the Dalai Lama's training regimen for a happy life.
4.17
126k+
The Art of Happiness Summary
The Art of Happiness 93%
Compassion, perspective, and mental discipline: the Dalai Lama's training regimen for a happy life.
by Dalai Lama XIV 1998
4.17
126k+ ratings
Lessons in Stoicism
by John Sellars • 2019
The Stoics treated emotions as correctable judgments, centuries before modern therapy caught up.
4.19
7k+
Lessons in Stoicism Summary
Lessons in Stoicism 93%
The Stoics treated emotions as correctable judgments, centuries before modern therapy caught up.
by John Sellars 2019
4.19
7k+ ratings
On Desire
by William B. Irvine • 2005
Your desires are not your own; biology and society scripted them. Philosophy can rewrite the code.
3.91
702
On Desire Summary
On Desire 93%
Your desires are not your own; biology and society scripted them. Philosophy can rewrite the code.
by William B. Irvine 2005
3.91
702 ratings
On Relationship
by J. Krishnamurti • 1992
Your relationships reveal every hidden corner of your mind. The world changes when you look.
4.35
353
On Relationship Summary
On Relationship 93%
Your relationships reveal every hidden corner of your mind. The world changes when you look.
by J. Krishnamurti 1992
4.35
353 ratings
Zen beyond Mindfulness
by Jules Shuzen Harris • 2019
Some patterns survive any amount of sitting. This Zen teacher makes you write them down first.
3.95
75
Zen beyond Mindfulness Summary
Zen beyond Mindfulness 93%
Some patterns survive any amount of sitting. This Zen teacher makes you write them down first.
by Jules Shuzen Harris 2019
3.95
75 ratings
What Are You Doing With Your Life
by J. Krishnamurti • 1899
The search for meaning, love, and security is itself the obstacle.
3.93
2k+
What Are You Doing With Your Life Summary
What Are You Doing With Your Life 93%
The search for meaning, love, and security is itself the obstacle.
by J. Krishnamurti 1899
3.93
2k+ ratings
Buddhism without Beliefs
by Stephen Batchelor • 1997
The Buddha's path works without karma, rebirth, or any belief you can't verify for yourself.
4.01
10k+
Buddhism without Beliefs Summary
Buddhism without Beliefs 93%
The Buddha's path works without karma, rebirth, or any belief you can't verify for yourself.
by Stephen Batchelor 1997
4.01
10k+ ratings
Buddhism
by Michael Williams • 2016
The Buddhist toolkit for ending stress and anxiety: no faith required, no cushion needed.
4.01
692
Buddhism Summary
Buddhism 93%
The Buddhist toolkit for ending stress and anxiety: no faith required, no cushion needed.
by Michael Williams 2016
4.01
692 ratings
The Book of Life
by J. Krishnamurti • 1995
Every authority, system, and memory is a prison. The key is a mind that merely observes.
4.32
2k+
The Book of Life Summary
The Book of Life 93%
Every authority, system, and memory is a prison. The key is a mind that merely observes.
by J. Krishnamurti 1995
4.32
2k+ ratings
Happiness
by Frédéric Lenoir • 2011
The modern duty to be happy is making you miserable. Philosophers knew why centuries ago.
3.93
2k+
Happiness Summary
Happiness 93%
The modern duty to be happy is making you miserable. Philosophers knew why centuries ago.
by Frédéric Lenoir 2011
3.93
2k+ ratings
A Little History of Philosophy
by Nigel Warburton • 2011
Forty thinkers, from Socrates to Singer, and the answers they gave to life's hardest questions.
4.12
16k+
A Little History of Philosophy Summary
A Little History of Philosophy 93%
Forty thinkers, from Socrates to Singer, and the answers they gave to life's hardest questions.
by Nigel Warburton 2011
4.12
16k+ ratings
A Short History of Chinese Philosophy
by Feng Youlan • 1948
The 2,500-year argument over how to live well that China conducted instead of religion.
4.33
687
A Short History of Chinese Philosophy Summary
A Short History of Chinese Philosophy 93%
The 2,500-year argument over how to live well that China conducted instead of religion.
by Feng Youlan 1948
4.33
687 ratings
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching
by Thich Nhat Hanh • 1998
Suffering has a structure, and structure means it can be dismantled. The original blueprint.
4.33
22k+
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching Summary
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching 93%
Suffering has a structure, and structure means it can be dismantled. The original blueprint.
by Thich Nhat Hanh 1998
4.33
22k+ ratings
What Is Zen?
by Alan W. Watts • 2000
The separate self is a convention. Zen is the immediate, wordless experience that dissolves it.
4.16
706
What Is Zen? Summary
What Is Zen? 93%
The separate self is a convention. Zen is the immediate, wordless experience that dissolves it.
by Alan W. Watts 2000
4.16
706 ratings
What the Buddha Taught
by Walpola Rahula • 1959
No faith, no dogma: the Buddha's original teachings as a practical psychology for ending suffering.
4.18
13k+
What the Buddha Taught Summary
What the Buddha Taught 93%
No faith, no dogma: the Buddha's original teachings as a practical psychology for ending suffering.
by Walpola Rahula 1959
4.18
13k+ ratings
As One Is
by J. Krishnamurti • 2007
Most of what you call thinking is society replaying itself. Freedom begins the moment you notice.
4.46
589
As One Is Summary
As One Is 93%
Most of what you call thinking is society replaying itself. Freedom begins the moment you notice.
by J. Krishnamurti 2007
4.46
589 ratings
The Universe in a Single Atom
by Dalai Lama XIV • 2005
Science measures the brain; Buddhism trains the mind. What each alone misses about consciousness.
4.03
10k+
The Universe in a Single Atom Summary
The Universe in a Single Atom 93%
Science measures the brain; Buddhism trains the mind. What each alone misses about consciousness.
by Dalai Lama XIV 2005
4.03
10k+ ratings
The Art of Solitude
by Stephen Batchelor • 2020
The deeper you go into solitude, the more you find everyone else waiting there.
3.61
1k+
The Art of Solitude Summary
The Art of Solitude 93%
The deeper you go into solitude, the more you find everyone else waiting there.
by Stephen Batchelor 2020
3.61
1k+ ratings
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
by Shunryu Suzuki • 1970
Mastery narrows your vision. The Zen practice of not-knowing is how you get it back.
4.21
50k+
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind Summary
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind 93%
Mastery narrows your vision. The Zen practice of not-knowing is how you get it back.
by Shunryu Suzuki 1970
4.21
50k+ ratings
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