If you are wondering where to get started, these “best selling” philosophy books are well worth reading. From the personal philosophy of one of the worlds greatest entrepreneurs, Elon Musk, to Zen philosophy, we guarantee if you take the time to read you will benefit by learning something about the world or yourself. (Reviews below the list)
1. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future – Ashlee Vance
2. Gratitude – Oliver Sacks
3. Zen: Zen for Beginners: A step-by-step Guide to achieving a stress-free life & finding happiness with Zen Buddhism – Reiju Gensho
4. The Road to Character – David Brooks
5. Happiness and Success: The Zen Transformation: How to Find Success and Happiness – Jason Delilah and George Cross
WhyToRead reviews Top 5 Best Selling Philosophy Books you should read in 2016
1. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future – Ashlee Vance
Perhaps not a typical ‘philosophy books’ offering. Yet what is more fascinating than a success story is the glimpse into the thought process of a visionary. Vance’s book on Elon Musk is more than a biography. It offers plenty of insight into the inventor himself – his grand visions, work ethic, professional network, and how he overcomes setbacks, not just at work but also in his personal life. The book paints an excellent portrait of one of the most intriguing people of our time and clearly details his vision for the future of humanity.
2. Gratitude – Oliver Sacks
Neurologist Oliver Sacks passed away in August 2015, leaving behind the last piece of his literary legacy in the form of a short collection of essays. Written in the last two years of his life, these profound personal essays explore the subject of aging and dying. An excellent book for light philosophical reading, Sacks’ perspective will stir a sense of gratitude for all things in your own life.
3. Zen: Zen for Beginners: A step-by-step Guide to achieving a stress-free life & finding happiness with Zen Buddhism – Reiju Gensho
In our increasingly fast-paced world, incorporating a little Zen into your daily life will work wonders in finding inner peace amidst daily chaos. Zen for Beginners is a short and practical guide for living the Zen lifestyle. The chapters are clear and concise. Each one will guide you to make positive changes based on Buddhist principles that will improve your life. A classic philosophy text.
4. The Road to Character – David Brooks
How can one build a strong inner character? Brooks explores the subject of character building by looking to some of the most inspiring thinkers and leaders throughout history as example. There is also an extensive look at the changes in general societal values. How things have changed after WWII and the impact technological advances have on the way people think. Overall, The Road to Character is an interesting examination of many complex factors that contributes to building a strong individual character.
5. Happiness and Success: The Zen Transformation: How to Find Success and Happiness – Jason Delilah and George Cross
There are plenty of success self-help guides out there, but very few of them give much attention to the elusive aspect that people often assume comes with being successful – happiness. This book will introduce you to the fundamental concepts to attain the necessary balance of happiness and success. You will learn practical approaches to cultivate more self-awareness, patience and inner calm, which are important factors to being happy. In turn these will help you achieve even more success. A unique philosophy book on happiness.
For more philosophy books, see our other lists such as modern philosophy.
