A (Very) Personal List of Philosophy Books I Recommend to You In 2022

Authors that have influenced humanity — and who you should finally read this year.

Levi Borba
5 min readMar 23, 2022

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Philosophers in Ancient Times
Imagem by janeb13 for Pixabay

Why should we read books on philosophy?

Because philosophical thinking has impacted the world for thousands of years and continues to do so. It influenced our languages, sciences, morality, and culture. Philosophy helps us comprehend how language shapes our world and why we think the way we do.

This list includes writers and works for diverse reasons. From two of the best-selling philosophy books of all time to recommendations from modern writers.

The names came from titles I’ve read as well as listings like the one from Gregory Sadler, editor of Stoicism Today magazine.

Best-selling Philosophy Books That I Would Recommend

According to the ranking of the North American bookstore chain Barnes & Noble, these 2titles are best sellers. It is interesting to note that they are authors from different periods: one from antiquity, while the other is contemporary.

Meditations

by Marco Aurelius

Although Meditations was written almost 2000 years ago, Marcus Aurelius’ stoic philosophy is surprisingly modern. The Emperor’s insights and observations of the human condition are as powerful today as they were in the 2nd century.

Whether you are interested in Western thought or just curious as to why millions of people are still reading this book 2,000 years later, you will find that Meditations provides an invaluable resource for anyone looking for strength and guidance.

I read this work in the form of an audiobook and the only regret is that it was not possible to mark on the pages the various points of brilliance from the author.

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

Yes, another book of Stoic philosophy. I make a Mea Culpa for this article is not the most impartial, but in today’s world, I believe that this philosophical school is paramount.

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