Most people want to be deep thinkers and know a little about philosophy. But finding the starting line for all those philosophical ideals is challenging. Take a look at five books for the young philosopher to get started.
1. What Does It All Mean?: A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy by Thomas Nagel
Thomas Nagel is a current philosophy and law emeritus professor at New York University and has written several books. Nagel’s book is an ideal place to start when interested in philosophy. In 112 pages, Nagel introduces philosophy in layman’s terms and leaves a yearning for more. Nagel touches on nine relevant issues throughout the book. Such as the meaning of life, free will, right and wrong and death, to name a few. Nagel introduces the issues but leaves them as questions for the young philosopher to think on for his or herself. The chapters are easy to read and understand. “What Does It All Mean?: A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy” is a quick place to start a philosophical journey.
2. In Praise of Doubt: How to Have Convictions Without Becoming a Fanatic by Peter Berger and Anton Zijderveld
Peter Berger was a sociologist who worked mostly in religion and had many contributions to sociological theory. Anton Zijderveld teaches sociology at Erasmus University in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. He has written several books on sociological and philosophical ideals. “In Praise of Doubt” does not appear to be aimed directly at philosophy at first glance. However, Berger and Zijderveld dive into religion and politics and the problems each individual faces within them. “In Praise of Doubt” makes the reader question individuality and the choices everyone has. Each of the 208 pages is filled with insightful concepts that a young philosopher should be thinking about – on an individual level but also on a bigger scale. The chapters are a little more challenging to read but easy to understand. The reader begins to understand the correlation between sociology and philosophy. It is a book that will not be put down.
3. Nature and Selected Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a well-known writer who was best known for his interest in individualism. Emerson is among the most quoted authors in history. “Nature and Selected Essays” is a collection of writings that take a philosophical approach much like many of Emerson’s pieces. Many philosophy readings demand thought but Emerson’s essays spark action. Just like several of the other pieces of writing, Emerson reminds the young philosopher that he or she is responsible for his or her own fate and how to go about taking action in those areas. Through writing about nature, Emerson speaks on fulfilling potential and making ethical decisions. “Nature and Selected Essays” is 416 pages but is broken up into 14 of Emerson’s best pieces that are easy to follow and understand. Everyone needs to read at least one piece by Emerson and this is the perfect place to start – especially with an interest in philosophy. One will not be disappointed by the findings in Emerson.
4. It All Turns on Affection: The Jefferson Lecture & Other Essays by Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry is an avid novelist with special interests in environmental issues. Berry has dabbled in most areas of writing and has published novels, essays, poems and short stories. Berry was invited to deliver The 41st Jefferson Lecture in 2012, which was an incredible honor. He decided to address issues that he encountered throughout his career and created “It All Turns on Affection.” His Jefferson Lecture is the focal point. Berry offers an interesting perspective on philosophical issues in the world today and how to approach them. He suggests that one should look at defining specific terms for one’s self to understand the world. Berry explains that affection is the solution. In the short 160-page book, the reader can gain insight on current philosophical issues through six different essays. Berry’s writing is easy to understand and hard to put down. “It All Turns on Affection” is a quick and simple read but offers a great deal of philosophical insights and things to ponder.
5. Small Wonder: Essays by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Kingsolver is also a novelist who has published poems and essays as well. She writes mostly about feminism and social justice. “Small Wonder: Essays” is a different kind of approach to philosophy but offers valuable questions for a young philosopher. Kingsolver raises questions about love, motherhood, the magnitude of the Grand Canyon and genetic engineering. She expresses that the problems each and every person faces does not come from some higher power but from places one would not think and even one’s own backyard. Kingsolver suggests where to find answers to the biggest or smallest problems. With 23 different essays spread over 267 pages, “Small Wonder: Essays” is not one of the easiest reads. There are some writings that are difficult to get through but Kingsolver incorporates humor to lighten the not so easy parts. Each essay offers a different perspective on a different situation and Kingsolver is persuasive in getting the reader to think.
These five books offer beneficial understanding into the beginnings of philosophy. The list is not exhaustive, by any means. There are thousands of books on philosophy – these are good starting places for philosophy newbies. Each of these books offers simplistic terms and questions that just scratch the surface of philosophy.
Taking an interest in philosophy is no small feat. But learning about these terms, questions and abstract thoughts will no doubt help shape one’s future. Philosophy is a freshman requirement on most campuses for a reason. The goal is to encourage thinking outside of the norms of society.
Philosophy is all around everyone on a daily basis. Everyone is constantly pondering difficult questions and seeking answers. That’s what philosophy is all about. One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions for philosophy is, “a pursuit of wisdom.” By opening one of these books, one is starting a philosophical journey that will never end. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Have a happy philosophical pursuit.
