Philosophical novels to change your life
The starting place for wisdom
Hi all!
I get asked a lot about reading recommendations (it is probably the most common email I receive), and I am a huge fan of philosophical novels. So here are 5 to get you started.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
It takes a real genius to originate a genre of literature at age 17, but that is exactly what Mary Shelley did with Frankenstein, widely considered to be the first science fiction novel, and rich with philosophical insight. It follows Dr Victor Frankenstein, a young genius who creates a creature and gives it life. However, in his arrogance he abandons the creature, causing it to go mad and take revenge on Frankenstein.
The novel explores questions of scientific responsibility, the problems with losing your empathy, and shows how intellectual arrogance can lead to disaster.
1984 by George Orwell
A classic but well-deserved. 1984 follows Winston, who yearns for freedom and self-determination against the backdrop of a totalitarian regime that monitors his every move.
This has obviously been a politically influential novel, but see what else you can take from it. I personally think that it is a wonderful exploration of what it feels like to have to consider yourself as being watched all the time.
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien
This is not often seen as a philosophical novel (or set of novels), but I think it is definitely worthy of the title. Tolkien explores themes of friendship, the corrupting power of ambition, how good people can do evil things with the best of intentions, and how to live in a world with a crumbling sense of awe and meaning.
It is of course very well-written and entertaining to read, but if you look at it with a philosophical eye, you may be surprised at how rich it is with wisdom and insight.
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The Stranger by Albert Camus
How would it feel to be indifferent to almost anything? This is the state of the lead character in Albert Camus’ classic novel The Stranger. The eponymous stranger reacts with no seriousness to his mother’s death, he shrugs off how he kills a man in broad daylight, and cannot understand the importance of his murder trial.
If you want a real insight into absurdism and Camus’ philosophy, this is a must-read. And it is only just over 100 pages long, so it is an easy one to pick up.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
I know you will have all heard this before but if even one of you goes and reads this it will be worth it. In Dostoevsky’s great book, he follows one Raskolnikov, a Russian ex-law student who rationalises that it would be for the greater good to murder a pawnbroker and use the proceeds to perform great deeds. Raskolnikov thinks of himself as an extraordinary man who does not need to abide by the morals of society. But eventually, his conscience catches up with him, and he cannot escape his feelings of guilt.
If you want a read that explores psychology, moral philosophy, and existentialism, then this is a cracking book for you.
Thank you for reading and see you in the next one.
Joe
I am rereading Notes From Underground and it is fascinating. Can't explain it but as a critique of overthink, or psychoanalysis, although the dates are problematical, unless FD was familiar with Freud precursor, Charcot. Idealism and philosophers were more likely the basis. Again, socialism/communism as encompassing FD"s belief system, is very much present. There is no question there as to the right to material necessities, and the automatic elimination of many nagging doubts and guilts as to "worthiness" in a world we are born into without our knowledge or consent.
Dostoevsky was a communist, and I doubt he had anything good to say about unnecessary suffering. That doesn't mean anyone should anesthetize themselves against physical and emotional pain - live in a bubble. If pain must be born, then it is best to take the best interpretation. But to welcome it seems - a little off. I believe Jesus did not seek pain and death: he could not bear the arrogance and brutality of Rome in Palestine. But he saves no one. His example is one of bravery, integrity and joy, and that is what makes a life worth living. Apologies to religionists: no insult intended.