15 of the Best Philosophy Books for Beginners

While a great deal of sci-fi involves gloom, doom, and cynicism about humanity’s fate, there are bright spots of optimism. Meet solarpunk.

Why the pandemic convinced this Rioter to start keeping a reading journal after a lifetime of avoiding journalling.

«The fact that I felt compelled enough to start remembering every book I read by challenging myself to find at least one quote or passage I liked, even if I didn’t particularly love the book itself, was a great gift I was able to give myself. One that said, “Life is not perfect.»

The most influential sci-fi books of all time examine humanity's longest-held hopes and deepest, most visceral fears.

«What do we talk about when we talk about science fiction? Is it our hope for the future, or our fear of creating the very thing that will destroy us? If the most influential sci-fi books of all time are any indication, the answer is both.»

They're not bad books and there's no shame in liking them, but these books as a favorite in a dating profile might send up some big red flags.

The best science fiction books of all time push the envelope, show what could be, and make you question what's possible.

The best philosophy books of 2021, as picked by Five Books philosophy editor, podcaster and broadcaster Nigel Warburton

«2021 is the number of excellent works of public philosophy—by which I mean, accessible books that are outward facing, that deal with real life problems, and connect with a wider readership.»

Simple advice to help you get more out of the books you read, from author Ryan Holiday.

«Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy reading. My rule is 100 pages minus your age — so if you’re 30 years old and a book hasn’t captivated you by page 70, stop reading it.»

A study by Yale researchers finds that reading books in particular returns cognitive gains that increase longevity.

«extended lifespan applied to all reading participants, regardless of “gender, wealth, education or health” factors, the study explains. That’s a 20% reduction in mortality created by a sedentary activity.»

Why talking with people whose views you hate can help you (and, maybe, them)

«omber. He had done a fair bit of research and made some initial contacts with the men who could arrange his travel and equipment. He was deciding between his options: sneak over th»