Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, cultural critic, and professor of psychology, widely known for his influence on modern discussions of psychology, philosophy, and society. He gained prominence through his now-famous YouTube channel, which features his university lectures, interviews, and a variety of personal and professional advice sessions. Peterson's bestselling book, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," synthesizes his personal, clinical, and scholarly insights into practical advice, drawing on a range of influences from ancient texts to modern literature.
❝The purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it.❞ — Jordan Peterson
Peterson is an avid reader and often emphasizes the importance of literature and writing in understanding human psychology and societal structures. His lectures and writings are steeped in references to classic literature, religious texts, and philosophical works, demonstrating his deep engagement with various sources of wisdom throughout his career. This breadth of reading underpins his controversial but often insightful commentary on life, responsibility, and personal development.
Jordan Peterson's Favorite Books
Last Updated: June 2024
Man's Search for Meaning
Author: Viktor E. Frankl
Publisher: Beacon Press
Date: Jun 1st, 2006
Frankl's memoir and psychological exploration discusses his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and introduces logotherapy, a therapeutic approach centered on finding purpose in life.
The Hobbit
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: Clarion Books
Date: Sep 18th, 2012
This beloved fantasy novel follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on an epic quest with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug, discovering courage and friendship along the way.
The Big Sleep
Author: Raymond Chandler
Publisher: SANAGE PUBLISHING HOUSE LLP
Date: Jan 16th, 2023
Chandler's classic hardboiled detective novel introduces private investigator Philip Marlowe, who navigates a labyrinth of crime and corruption while solving a complex case in Los Angeles.
Brave New World
Author: Aldous Huxley
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Date: Jul 5th, 2005
Set in a dystopian future where individuals are systematically controlled and conditioned for roles in a totalitarian society, Huxley’s novel critiques the dangers of sacrificing individuality for technological and governmental control.
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Brain Architecture: Understanding the Basic Plan
Author: Larry W. Swanson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Oct 31st, 2002
Swanson presents an accessible introduction to the structure and function of the brain, detailing its organization and the principles underlying its complex architecture.
On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy
Author: Carl R. Rogers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date: Jan 12th, 1961
Rogers presents his groundbreaking approach to psychotherapy, emphasizing empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard as central to the therapeutic process.
Harry Potter Boxed Set: Books 1-7
Author: J. K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Date: Feb 7th, 2023
This bestselling series chronicles the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard, as he navigates the challenges of growing up, battling dark forces, and fulfilling his destiny in the magical world.
The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception
Author: James J. Gibson
Publisher: Psychology Press
Date: Nov 20th, 2014
Gibson's influential work introduces the theory of ecological perception, arguing that visual perception is a direct process shaped by the environment and our interactions with it.
Psychology and Religion: West and East
Author: C. G. Jung
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Jan 1st, 1975
This collection of Jung's essays examines the intersection of psychology and religion, comparing Western religious traditions with Eastern spiritual practices and their psychological implications.
The Charterhouse of Parma
Author: Stendhal
Publisher: Zinc Read
Date: Jul 7th, 2023
This novel tells the adventures of the young Italian nobleman Fabrizio del Dongo as he navigates the intrigues of the Napoleonic Wars and the Restoration period, seeking love and fortune, and ultimately retreating to the monastery of Parma.
The Adventures of Pinocchio (Mint Editions (The Children's Library))
Author: Carlo Collodi
Publisher: Mint Editions
Date: Apr 13th, 2021
Collodi's timeless children's novel follows the adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy, learning valuable life lessons along the way.
The House of God
Author: Samuel Shem
Publisher: Berkley
Date: Sep 7th, 2010
This satirical novel depicts the experiences of medical interns at a fictional hospital, offering a darkly humorous critique of the medical profession and the dehumanizing effects of the healthcare system.
Panzram A Journal of Murder
Author: Thomas E. Gaddis
Publisher: Amok Books
Date: Nov 1st, 2002
This biographical work presents the life and confessions of Carl Panzram, a serial killer and career criminal, offering a chilling insight into his psyche and the brutal conditions of early 20th-century prisons.
How to Spend $75 Billion to Make the World a Better Place
Author: Bjørn Lomborg
Publisher: Copenhagen Consensus Center
Date: Jun 1st, 2013
Lomborg presents research-based proposals on how to effectively allocate resources to address global challenges such as poverty, health, and education, aiming to maximize the impact of philanthropic efforts.
Systemantics: How Systems Work and Especially How They Fail
Author: John Gall
Publisher: Quadrangle
Date: May 12th, 1977
Gall humorously and insightfully examines the nature of complex systems, exploring their inherent flaws and the often unpredictable ways they operate and fail.
Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions
Author: Jaak Panksepp
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Aug 15th, 1998
Panksepp explores the neural mechanisms underlying emotions in humans and animals, providing a foundational understanding of affective neuroscience and its implications for psychology and psychiatry.
The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror
Author: Bernard Lewis
Publisher: Modern Library
Date: Mar 1st, 2003
Lewis explores the historical and cultural roots of Islamic extremism, providing context for understanding contemporary conflicts and the motivations behind jihadist movements.
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Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason
Author: Michel Foucault
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Nov 28th, 1988
Foucault explores the history of how Western society has perceived and treated mental illness, examining the shifting boundaries between sanity and madness.
Fratricides
Author: nikos-kazantzakis
Publisher: Faber Faber Inc
Date: Jan 12th, 2025
Kazantzakis' novel portrays the brutal realities of the Greek Civil War, depicting the internal and external conflicts faced by individuals torn between ideological loyalties and familial bonds.
The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype
Author: Erich Neumann
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: May 4th, 2015
Neumann analyzes the archetype of the Great Mother in mythology, art, and religion, exploring its profound influence on human psychology and cultural development.
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Sometimes a Great Notion
Author: Ken Kesey
Publisher: Viking Press
Date: Jul 27th, 1964
Kesey's novel tells the story of the Stamper family, who run a logging business in Oregon, highlighting themes of individuality, family loyalty, and resistance against collective pressures.
The Brothers Karamazov
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Jun 14th, 2002
This profound novel delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on their internal moral struggles, profound philosophical dialogues, and the search for faith and meaning amidst personal tragedy.
The First Circle
Author: Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
Publisher: Harper and Row
Date: Jan 12th, 1968
Solzhenitsyn's novel depicts the lives of scientists and engineers imprisoned in a Soviet labor camp, exploring themes of freedom, integrity, and the human spirit under oppression.
Interpretation of Dreams: The Complete and Definitive Text
Author: Sigmund Freud
Publisher: Basic Books
Date: Feb 23rd, 2010
Freud's seminal work introduces his theory of the unconscious and the significance of dreams, laying the foundation for psychoanalysis and exploring the hidden meanings behind dream imagery.
Cancer Ward: A Novel
Author: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Apr 14th, 2015
Solzhenitsyn's novel depicts life in a Soviet cancer ward, exploring themes of suffering, resilience, and the human spirit through the lives of patients and staff.
Tolstoy
Author: Henri Troyat
Publisher: Double Day
Date: Jan 1st, 1967
Troyat's comprehensive biography of Leo Tolstoy delves into the life, works, and complex personality of the Russian author, exploring his literary achievements and philosophical evolution.
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The Rise of Statistical Thinking
Author: Theodore M. Porter
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Aug 21st, 1986
Porter explores the historical development of statistical methods and their impact on scientific inquiry, public policy, and modern thought.
History of Religious Ideas, Volume 1: From the Stone Age to the Eleusinian Mysteries
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: Feb 15th, 1979
Eliade traces the development of religious ideas from prehistoric times to the ancient Greek mysteries, examining the evolution of spiritual beliefs and practices across cultures.
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On the Genealogy of Morals and Ecce Homo
Author: Friedrich Nietzsche
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Dec 17th, 1989
Nietzsche's works explore the origins and development of moral concepts and offer a deeply personal reflection on his philosophy, critiquing contemporary values and championing individualism.
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Author: Ken Kesey
Publisher: Viking
Date: Jan 19th, 2012
Kesey's novel tells the story of Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious inmate who challenges the oppressive regime of a mental institution, highlighting themes of individuality, conformity, and institutional power.
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The Master and Margarita
Author: Mikhail Bulgakov
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Date: May 3rd, 2016
Mikhail Bulgakov's fantastical, satirical novel features the Devil visiting Soviet Russia, intertwining the lives of Margarita, her beloved Master who is an oppressed writer, and historical figures, ultimately exploring themes of good and evil, love, and redemption.
Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Sep 21st, 1964
Eliade provides a comprehensive study of shamanism, examining its practices, rituals, and the role of shamans in various cultures as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds.
The Neuropsychology of Anxiety: An Enquiry into the Functions of the Septo-Hippocampal System
Author: Jeffrey A. Gray
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Aug 10th, 2000
Gray investigates the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety, focusing on the role of the septo-hippocampal system and its interaction with other brain structures.
Beowulf: A New Verse Translation
Author: Seamus Heaney
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Feb 15th, 2000
Heaney's award-winning translation brings new life and accessibility to the ancient epic poem, telling the heroic tale of Beowulf's battles against the monster Grendel and other foes.
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Notes from Underground
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Aug 30th, 1994
In this seminal existentialist novel, Dostoevsky delves into the thoughts and musings of a bitter, isolated man living in St. Petersburg, whose ramblings address his criticisms of society and insights into the human condition.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Publisher: Harper
Date: Mar 3rd, 2015
Harper Lee's beloved novel, set in the racially charged South of the 1930s, follows young Scout Finch as her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a black man unjustly accused of rape, teaching profound lessons about morality and justice.
I, Claudius
Author: Robert Graves
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Date: Jan 1st, 1988
Graves' historical novel presents the autobiography of Roman Emperor Claudius, offering a vivid and dramatic portrayal of the intrigues, scandals, and power struggles of the Roman imperial family.
Our Culture, What's Left of It: The Mandarins and the Masses
Author: Theodore Dalrymple
Publisher: Ivan R. Dee
Date: May 12th, 2005
Dalrymple critiques contemporary Western culture, arguing that the erosion of traditional values and intellectual standards has led to social and moral decline.
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An Anthropologist On Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales
Author: Oliver Sacks
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Feb 7th, 1995
Sacks presents seven case studies of patients with unique neurological conditions, offering insights into the complexities of the human brain and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
Author: Carl Gustav Jung
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Jan 1st, 1969
Jung explores the concept of archetypes and the collective unconscious, proposing that universal, primordial images and themes shape human experiences and cultural expressions.
Grapes of Wrath
Author: BOYD CABLE
Publisher: Independently published
Date: Jan 7th, 2024
Steinbeck's classic novel chronicles the struggles of the Joad family as they journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to California in search of a better life during the Great Depression.
The Antichrist
Author: Friedrich Nietzsche
Publisher: GENERAL PRESS
Date: Sep 20th, 2019
Nietzsche's provocative work critiques Christianity and its moral framework, advocating for a reevaluation of values and the embrace of a more life-affirming philosophy.
Painted Bird
Author: Jerzy Kosinski
Publisher: Modern Library
Date: Jun 12th, 1983
Kosinski's harrowing novel follows the journey of a young boy abandoned during World War II, as he encounters brutality and inhumanity in the Eastern European countryside, exploring themes of survival and the loss of innocence.
The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
Date: Oct 23rd, 1987
Eliade explores the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane, analyzing how religious beliefs and rituals shape human experiences and perceptions of reality.
Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet's Future
Author: David Grinspoon
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Date: Dec 6th, 2016
Grinspoon explores humanity's role as a planetary force, examining our impact on Earth and advocating for a conscious and responsible approach to shaping the planet's future.
The Origins And History Of Consciousness
Author: Erich Neumann
Publisher: Routledge
Date: Jun 10th, 1999
Neumann traces the development of human consciousness from primordial times to modernity, integrating Jungian psychology with mythological and historical analysis.
War and Peace
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Dec 2nd, 2008
Leo Tolstoy's epic novel set against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Russia explores the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the interconnected lives of four aristocratic families, blending a meticulous historical study with deeper philosophical issues.
Hamlet
Author: William Shakespeare
Publisher: Macmillan Collector's Library
Date: Aug 23rd, 2016
Shakespeare's tragedy follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge against his uncle, who has murdered his father, taken the throne, and married his mother, exploring themes of madness, revenge, and existential angst.
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For Whom The Bell Tolls
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Author:
Publisher: MACMILLAN
Hemingway's novel follows Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter fighting in the Spanish Civil War, as he grapples with love, duty, and the brutal realities of war.
Point Counter Point
Author: Aldous Huxley
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
Date: Oct 1st, 1996
Huxley's satirical novel weaves together the lives of multiple characters, reflecting on the intellectual, political, and social conflicts of the interwar period.
Flowers for Algernon
Author: Daniel Keyes
Publisher: Mariner Books Classics
Date: Apr 17th, 1995
Keyes' novel tells the poignant story of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who undergoes an experimental surgery to increase his intelligence, only to face unforeseen consequences.
The Mystery Of Capital Why Capitalism Succeeds In The West And Fails Everywhere Else
Author: Hernando De Soto
Publisher: Basic Books
Date: Sep 6th, 2000
De Soto analyzes why capitalism thrives in Western countries but struggles elsewhere, arguing that the lack of formal property rights and accessible legal systems hinders economic development in many nations.
East of Eden
Author: John Steinbeck
Publisher: Viking
Date: Jun 1st, 2003
John Steinbeck's sweeping saga of the Trask and Hamilton families in the Salinas Valley of California, exploring themes of sin and redemption with biblical parallels, particularly the rivalry of brothers, mirroring the story of Cain and Abel.
Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief
Author: Jordan B. Peterson
Publisher: Routledge
Date: Apr 12th, 1999
Peterson examines the psychological foundations of belief systems, integrating insights from mythology, religion, and neuroscience to explore how humans construct meaning.
A History of Religious Ideas, Vol. 2: From Gautama Buddha to the Triumph of Christianity
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: Jan 15th, 1985
Eliade continues his exploration of religious history, covering the development of major religious traditions from the time of Gautama Buddha to the rise of Christianity.
Play, Dreams And Imitation In Childhood
Author: Jean Piaget
Publisher: Routledge
Date: Jun 24th, 1999
Piaget's seminal work delves into the cognitive development of children, analyzing how play, dreams, and imitation contribute to their understanding of the world and intellectual growth.
The Symbolic Life: Miscellaneous Writings
Author: C. G. Jung
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Feb 1st, 1977
This collection of Jung's essays and lectures covers a wide range of topics, including the symbolic dimensions of human experience, the process of individuation, and the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind.
The Road to Character
Author: David Brooks
Publisher: Random House
Date: Apr 14th, 2015
This book explores how some of the world's greatest thinkers and leaders have built strong inner character through the conquest of their own vices and the struggle against adversity, urging modern readers to focus more on developing virtues rather than personal success.
Man's Search For Meaning
Author: Viktor E. Frankl,Viktor Frankl
Publisher: Rider
Date: Jan 12th, 2025
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has transcended its own genre by describing his experiences in Nazi death camps, all the while explaining his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose in life to feel positive about, and then immersively imagining that outcome.
Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief
Author: Lawrence Wright
Publisher: Knopf
Date: Jan 17th, 2013
Wright provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the Church of Scientology, its origins, practices, and influence, particularly its entanglement with Hollywood celebrities.
The Red And The Black
Author: Stendhal
Publisher: Independently published
Date: Nov 24th, 2023
This psychological novel follows Julien Sorel's attempts to rise above his humble beginnings through manipulation and deceit in a society riddled with social hypocrisies and class warfare, offering a satirical take on French society during the Restoration.
The Denial of Death
Author: Ernest Becker
Publisher: The Free Press
Date: Jan 12th, 1973
Becker's Pulitzer Prize-winning work examines the role of death in human psychology, arguing that much of human behavior is driven by an unconscious fear of mortality and the desire to achieve symbolic immortality.
The Moral Judgment of the Child
Author: Jean Jean Piaget
Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
Date: Jun 13th, 2008
Piaget's groundbreaking study examines the development of moral reasoning in children, exploring how they evolve from a rigid adherence to rules to a more nuanced understanding of morality.
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Lord of the World
Author: Robert Hugh Benson
Publisher: Christian Classics
Date: Feb 5th, 2016
This prophetic early 20th-century novel imagines a dystopian future where secularism has taken over society, leading to the rise of a totalitarian world government and a final, apocalyptic struggle between good and evil.
Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future
Author: Johan Norberg
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Date: Oct 11th, 2016
Norberg presents a compelling case for optimism, highlighting advancements in health, wealth, safety, and freedom to argue that the world is steadily improving.
Aion
Author: C.G. Jung
Publisher: Routledge
Date: Nov 30th, 2015
Jung delves into the concept of the self and the process of individuation, examining archetypal symbols and the collective unconscious, with a particular focus on the Christian era and its psychological impact.
Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None
Author: Friedrich Nietzsche
Publisher: Modern Library
Date: Sep 19th, 1995
Nietzsche's philosophical novel follows the prophet Zarathustra as he shares his teachings on the Übermensch, the eternal recurrence, and the death of God, challenging readers to rethink traditional values.
The New Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes in a Complex World
Author: Elkhonon Goldberg
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date: Aug 12th, 2009
Goldberg examines the role of the frontal lobes in human cognition and behavior, discussing their importance in decision-making, creativity, and adapting to complex environments.
Wuthering Heights
Author: Emily Brontë
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Date: Dec 31st, 2002
Brontë's only novel is a dark, passionate tale of the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, set against the moody backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring themes of vengeance, social class, and the supernatural.
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think
Author: Hans Rosling
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Date: Apr 3rd, 2018
Rosling encourages a more fact-based world view by challenging common misconceptions and biases about global development, revealing data that shows how much the world has improved in terms of health, wealth, and education.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: And Other Clinical Tales
Author: Oliver Sacks
Publisher: Everyman's Library
Date: Oct 3rd, 2023
Sacks presents a series of fascinating case studies of patients with neurological disorders, offering insights into the complexities of the human brain and the profound effects of neurological impairments on identity and perception.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Author: Hunter S. Thompson
Publisher: Modern Library
Date: May 5th, 1998
Thompson's gonzo journalism classic recounts a drug-fueled journey to Las Vegas, blending surreal narrative and social critique to explore the dark side of the American Dream.
The Gulag Archipelago
Author: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Publisher: Vintage Classics
Date: Dec 7th, 2023
Solzhenitsyn's monumental work exposes the brutal realities of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, drawing on personal experiences and historical documents to chronicle the suffering and resilience of prisoners.
Island
Author: Aldous Huxley
Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Date: Oct 20th, 2009
Huxley's utopian novel envisions an ideal society on a remote island, blending Eastern and Western philosophies to create a harmonious and enlightened community, while addressing themes of human potential and societal organization.
Myth and Reality
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc
Date: Jan 12th, 1998
Eliade delves into the nature and function of myths across different cultures, exploring how they shape human perception of reality and provide meaning to life.
Why Men Earn More: The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap -- and What Women Can Do About It
Author: Warren Farrell
Publisher: AMACOM
Date: Jan 1st, 2005
Farrell investigates the factors contributing to the gender pay gap, offering controversial insights and practical advice for women seeking to maximize their earnings.
Words With Power: Being a Second Study of The Bible and Literature
Author: Northrop Frye
Publisher: Harcourt
Date: Jan 12th, 1990
Frye explores the profound influence of the Bible on Western literature, examining its archetypal structures and symbolic power across various literary traditions.
The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality
Author: Angus Deaton
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Sep 23rd, 2013
Nobel laureate Angus Deaton explores the historical and current disparities in health and wealth among nations, discussing how some countries have made dramatic progress, while others remain mired in poverty, and the complex factors that drive these inequalities.
The Will to Power
Author: Friedrich Nietzsche
Publisher: Independently published
Date: Aug 7th, 2017
Nietzsche's posthumously published work compiles his thoughts on power dynamics, philosophy, and morality, emphasizing the drive for dominance and mastery inherent in human nature.
Symbols of Transformation
Author: C. G. Jung
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Sep 1st, 1967
Jung delves into the symbolic and mythological underpinnings of human psychology, exploring how transformative symbols influence personal and collective unconscious processes.
Crime and Punishment
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Publisher: Macmillan Collector's Library
Date: Jan 24th, 2017
Fyodor Dostoevsky's intense psychological novel follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersburg who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values
Author: Robert M Pirsig
Publisher: Mariner Books
Date: May 1st, 1974
Pirsig's philosophical novel combines a cross-country motorcycle trip with a deep exploration of the nature of quality, the conflict between classical and romantic modes of thought, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
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Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World
Author: Jeffrey Burton Russell
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Date: Oct 31st, 1986
Russell traces the evolution of the figure of the devil in Western culture, examining its role and significance from the medieval period to modern times.
The Long Goodbye
Author: Raymond Chandler
Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
Date: Aug 12th, 1988
Chandler's classic noir novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he unravels a complex web of deception, betrayal, and murder in 1950s Los Angeles.
The Ticket That Exploded
Author: William S. Burroughs
Publisher: Grove Press
Date: Apr 8th, 2014
Burroughs' experimental novel continues the narrative of "The Nova Trilogy," using cut-up techniques to explore themes of control, addiction, and the fragmentation of reality.
The EMOTIONAL BRAIN: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life
Author: Joseph Ledoux
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Nov 12th, 1996
Ledoux explores the neural mechanisms behind emotions, revealing how the brain processes and regulates emotional experiences and their impact on behavior.
Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Zinc Read
Date: Jul 7th, 2023
Orwell's allegorical novella critiques totalitarianism through the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner, only to see their new government become equally oppressive.
A Way of Being
Author: Carl R. Rogers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date: Jan 12th, 1980
Rogers reflects on his experiences and developments in humanistic psychology, discussing the principles of client-centered therapy and the importance of authenticity and empathy in therapeutic relationships.
The Old Man And The Sea
Author: Ernest Hemingway
Publisher: Scribner
Date: Jun 10th, 1996
This novella tells the story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who engages in an epic struggle to catch a giant marlin, symbolizing themes of perseverance, pride, and the human condition.
Answer to Job
Author: C. G. Jung
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Nov 14th, 2010
ung explores the psychological and theological implications of the Biblical Book of Job, discussing the nature of suffering, divine justice, and the evolution of the human psyche.
The Greatest Works of John Milton
Author: John Milton
Publisher: Fingerprint! Publishing
Date: Aug 25th, 2024
This collection compiles Milton's most influential works, including "Paradise Lost," "Paradise Regained," and "Samson Agonistes," showcasing his mastery of epic poetry and profound theological and philosophical insights.
The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves
Author: Matt Ridley
Publisher: Harper
Date: May 18th, 2010
Matt Ridley argues that economic prosperity is a product of social evolution, demonstrating how human progress depends on the exchange of ideas and goods.
Demons
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Publisher: Everyman's Library
Date: Jan 1st, 2000
Dostoevsky's novel delves into the political and social turmoil of 19th-century Russia, examining the destructive impact of radical ideologies on individuals and communities.
Stalin
Author: Edvard Radzinsky
Publisher: Doubleday
Date: Mar 1st, 1996
Radzinsky's biography offers an in-depth look at the life of Joseph Stalin, drawing on newly available archival materials to provide insights into his rise to power and the brutal regime he led.
Zorba the Greek
Author: Nikos Kazantzakis
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Dec 23rd, 2014
This novel follows the life-changing friendship between a young Greek intellectual and the exuberant, larger-than-life Alexis Zorba, who teaches him to embrace the joys and sorrows of life.
Two Essays on Analytical Psychology
Author: C G Jung
Publisher: Martino Fine Books
Date: May 28th, 2024
Jung's essays introduce key concepts of his analytical psychology, including the theory of individuation, the collective unconscious, and the archetypes.
The Maltese Falcon
Author: Dashiell Hammett
Publisher: Sanage Publishing House Llp
Date: Dec 20th, 2022
Hammett's classic noir novel follows private detective Sam Spade as he becomes entangled in a dangerous quest for a priceless statuette, navigating a web of deceit and betrayal.
Of Mice and Men
Author: John Steinbeck
Publisher: Penguin
Date: Jan 8th, 2002
Steinbeck's novella tells the poignant story of two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own land but face harsh realities during the Great Depression.
The Rise and Fall of American Growth: The U.S. Standard of Living since the Civil War
Author: Robert J. Gordon
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date: Jan 12th, 2016
This comprehensive analysis examines the unparalleled economic growth in America from 1870 to 1970 and explores why this rapid growth was a unique episode unlikely to be repeated, assessing the challenges facing the U.S. economy today.
The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: Mar 15th, 1979
Eliade explores the spiritual and symbolic aspects of alchemy, tracing its historical development and its significance in various cultures as a transformative and mystical practice.
Don't Burn This Book: Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Unreason
Author: Dave Rubin
Publisher: Sentinel
Date: Apr 28th, 2020
Rubin encourages readers to embrace free thought and open dialogue, challenging prevailing cultural narratives and promoting intellectual independence.
1984
Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Mariner Books Classics
Date: Apr 4th, 2017
George Orwell's dystopian novel depicts a totalitarian regime under the omnipresent surveillance of Big Brother, where individuality and free thought are crushed, warning of the dire consequences of political authoritarianism.
Awakenings
Author: Oliver Sacks
Publisher: Vintage
Date: Oct 5th, 1999
Sacks recounts his experiences treating patients who survived encephalitis lethargica but remained in a frozen, non-responsive state, detailing their miraculous awakenings and subsequent struggles with reality.
A History of Religious Ideas, Vol. 3: From Muhammad to the Age of Reforms
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date: Mar 15th, 1988
Eliade traces the development of major religious traditions from the rise of Islam to the modern era, highlighting significant transformations and reforms.
The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity
Author: Douglas Murray
Publisher: Bloomsbury Continuum
Date: Sep 17th, 2019
Murray critically examines contemporary social justice movements, discussing the complexities and controversies surrounding gender, race, and identity politics.
The Horse's Mouth
Author: Joyce Cary
Publisher: Lume Books
Date: Oct 22nd, 2020
Cary's novel follows the life of Gulley Jimson, an eccentric and rebellious artist, as he pursues his creative vision with relentless determination and often disastrous consequences.
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
Author: Tom Wolfe
Publisher: Farrar
Date: Jan 12th, 1968
Wolfe's non-fiction account captures the psychedelic adventures of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters as they journey across America in a colorful bus, spreading the gospel of LSD in the 1960s counterculture.
Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
Author: Steven Pinker
Publisher: Viking
Date: Feb 13th, 2018
Pinker argues that the ideals of the Enlightenment have led to progress in every aspect of human development and advocates for reason, science, and humanism as the foundational principles to further improve the human condition.
The World's Religions
Author: Huston Smith
Publisher: HarperOne
Date: May 12th, 2009
Smith offers an accessible and insightful overview of the major world religions, exploring their beliefs, practices, and historical development while highlighting their common spiritual themes.
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
Author: C. G. Jung
Publisher: Martino Fine Books
Date: Dec 11th, 2021
Jung's seminal work delves into the spiritual and psychological challenges of modern life, addressing topics such as dream analysis, the role of spirituality, and the integration of the unconscious.
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The Great Code: The Bible and Literature
Author: Northrop Frye
Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
Date: Jan 12th, 1982
Frye analyzes the Bible's literary and symbolic significance, exploring its profound influence on Western literature and culture through a detailed examination of its narratives and themes.
Myths Dreams and Mysteries
Author: Mircea Eliade
Publisher: NY
Date: Jan 12th, 1975
Eliade delves into the symbolic and psychological significance of myths, dreams, and religious experiences, examining their roles in shaping human consciousness and cultural identity.