- The Path, by Michael Puett & Christine Gross-Loh. Came across this on contemporary philospoher Nigel Warburton’s list of the “Top Five Philosophy Books of 2016”. I studied rhetoric and history at UC Berkeley, a wonderfully rich education, but received little exposure to Eastern literature and philosophy – Path promises distilled and meaningful insight into Chinese philosophy.
- Collected Dialogues, by Plato, edited by Edith Hamilton and Huntington Cairns. There is nothing more challenging and rewarding than a Platonic dialogue. You feel as if you’re literally witnessing the birth of Western thought, inhabiting one of the greatest minds of all time. Many of us hear about famous ideas or books from long ago, but few of us actually read them. We should; especially Plato, whom requires intense concentration, but yields life-changing insights.
- The Ghost, by Robert Harris. Another historical romp from Mr. Harris, this one taking place in the not-too-distant past regarding a CIA plot to infiltrate – and influence – the highest levels of British governance. It was very interesting (unnerving?) to read this while the news was covering accusations of Russian infiltration into our recent election generally, and Mr. Trump specifically. Maybe truth is stranger than fiction.
- At the Existentialist Cafe, by Sarah Bakewell. Another “Top Five” from Mr. Warburton – actually his #1 – and I can see why. Cafe is a great combination of accessible philosophical history and analysis of Existentialism, with great coverage of the key people – their strengths and weaknesses, loves and losses – behind the creation and propagation of the movement. Highlights how the existentialist approach to life took off after the carnage and dislocation of World War II – something applicable to the anxiety and chaos we feel today.
- Home, Lapham’s Quarterly, edited by Lewis Latham. Another brilliant collection of essays and letters, photos and historical anecdotes – this time on the meanings of Home.