Philosophy gifts

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a profound exploration of life’s universal lessons, delicately illustrated and rich with narrative depth. This heartfelt story introduces readers to four unlikely friends: a curious boy, a tiny yet thoughtful mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse. Together, they find themselves traversing challenging and sometimes treacherous...

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offers an enriching journey through the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, distilled into a format meant for modern readers' daily use. This compelling book is structured as a day-by-day guide, bringing wisdom, insight, and guidance from esteemed Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius directly to your life. Each day unveils...

The paperback edition of the liberating Sunday Times bestseller is set to enhance readers' lives even further with extra content on how we can all spend our four thousand weeks. The average human lifespan is absurdly, outrageously, insultingly brief—if you live to 80, you have about four thousand weeks on earth. How should we use them best? Of course, nobody...

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a profound philosophical work that transcends time and remains incredibly relevant today. Comprising the innermost thoughts and reflections of Aurelius, who was Emperor of Rome from AD 161 to 180, this book provides timeless wisdom and guidance. Rather than a narrative-driven plot, it consists of personal notes kept by Aurelius, intended as a source of...

Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day and then ages out. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed...

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER A Guardian, Daily Telegraph, New Statesman and Daily Express Book of the Year ‘Hugely, highly and happily recommended’ Stephen Fry ‘You should read Humankind. You’ll learn a lot (I did) and you’ll have good reason to feel better about the human race’ Tim Harford 'Made me see humanity from a fresh perspective' Yuval Noah Harari Humankind by...

In The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus delves deeply into the human condition, orienting his philosophical exploration around the timeless myth of Sisyphus, a man condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a mountain only to watch it roll back down, endlessly repeating this futile task. Through this allegory, Camus examines the absurd nature of human existence, highlighting...

Ikigai by Francesc Miralles and Héctor García delves into the heart of Japanese culture to reveal the secrets to a long and fulfilling life. This captivating book explores the concept of 'ikigai', a term that translates to 'a reason for being' or 'a reason to get up in the morning'. This philosophy is deeply embedded in Japanese tradition and is...

Discourses and Selected Writings by Epictetus offers a profound exploration into the principles of Stoic philosophy through the lively and engaging conversations of its author. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher and former slave, established a renowned school of philosophy in Nicopolis in the early second century AD. His charismatic teachings and astute observations were preserved in writing by his pupil...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Our life is what our thoughts make it. The extraordinary writings of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180), the only Roman emperor to have also been a stoic philosopher, have for centuries been praised for their wisdom, insight, and guidance by leaders and great thinkers alike. Never intended for publication,...

Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche is a profound exploration of morality, truth, and the essence of human existence. Departing radically from traditional Western philosophy, Nietzsche embarks on a daring critique of centuries-old beliefs. He challenges the moral foundations and metaphysical assumptions that have shaped Western thought. In this pivotal work, Nietzsche dismantles the dichotomous concepts of "good" and...

Letters from a Stoic by Lucius Annaeus Seneca offers readers an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of Rome's eminent philosophers. The book comprises a series of letters that Seneca, an advisor to Emperor Nero, wrote to his friend Lucilius. These letters explore themes central to Stoic thought, such as the pursuit of wisdom, coping with adversity, and the...

To master anything, we must first master ourselves: our emotions, thoughts and actions. This ancient virtue of self-control is more essential than ever. In this bestselling book, Ryan Holiday makes the case for this essential virtue, and shows how to cultivate willpower, self-respect and focus. From Marcus Aurelius to Toni Morrison, Queen Elizabeth II to Martin Luther King Jr, history's...

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig is a profound and captivating journey that deftly weaves together a father-son road trip with a deep philosophical exploration. The narrative follows the author and his young son, Chris, as they embark on an unforgettable summer motorcycle trip across America's Pacific Northwest. As they traverse the open roads, the story...

In Letters from a Stoic, Lucius Annaeus Seneca imparts timeless wisdom through a series of epistles addressed to his friend Lucilius. The letters encompass a myriad of topics centred around the moral and ethical underpinnings of Stoic philosophy. Each letter is a profound reflection on life, offering practical advice on how to live virtuously, manage one's emotions, and achieve peace...

Whether or not Lao-Tzu was a historical figure is uncertain, but the wisdom gathered under his name in the 4th century BC is central to the understanding and practice of Taoism. One of the three great religions of China, Taoism is based upon a concept of the Tao, or Way, as the universal power through which all life flows. Tao...

From the best-selling author of How to Change Your Mind, a pioneering search for consciousness in the brain and beyond. When it comes to consciousness, there is one point scientists, philosophers, and artists all agree on: it feels like something to be ourselves. And yet, the fact that each and every one of us has a subjective experience of the...

'An urgent call to arms for each and all of us.' - Matthew McConaughey 'A clear and inspiring guide for how to develop this highest of human virtues.' - Robert Greene Fortune favours the bold. All great leaders of history have known this, and were successful because of the risks they dared to take. But today so many of us...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Meditations is centred around the idea that "our life is what our thoughts make it." The extraordinary writings of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180), the only Roman emperor to have also been a stoic philosopher, have for centuries been praised for their wisdom, insight, and guidance by leaders and...

Plato's The Republic stands as a seminal text in the realms of philosophy, political theory, and literature. Written during the fourth century B.C., this masterwork has profoundly shaped Western thought for millennia and continues to be exceedingly relevant in contemporary discussions. The narrative unfolds in the form of a dialectical exchange where Socrates engages with various interlocutors to explore and...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Plato's Republic has influenced Western philosophers for centuries, with its main focus on what makes a well-balanced society and individual.

From the author of the global bestseller Four Thousand Weeks, a liberating four-week journey towards a saner, freer, more meaningful, more enchantment-filled life. Stop trying to sort your life out. Start living. Our lives can feel defined by the struggle with overwhelm, endless decisions and striving to be productive. Wouldn't it be good to stop doing all that? What if...

In his exciting and original view of the universe, Itzhak Bentov has provided a new perspective on human consciousness and its limitless possibilities. Widely known and loved for his delightful humour and imagination, Bentov explains the familiar world of phenomena with perceptions that are as lucid as they are thrilling. He gives us a provocative picture of ourselves in an...

The internationally bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power brings you 365 more insights. Over the last 25 years, Robert Greene has provided insights into every aspect of being human: whether that be getting what you want, understanding others' motivations, mastering your impulses, or recognising strengths and weaknesses. The Daily Laws distils that wisdom into easy-to-digest daily entries whose...

Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life is a classical masterpiece that delves into the age-old human concern of time and mortality. Written as letters and discourses to his friend Paulinus, Seneca reflects on how people squander their time in the pursuits of ambition, trivial pleasures, and material gains. Through eloquent and impassioned prose, Seneca urges us to embrace a more...

The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle is one of the most significant works in the history of Western philosophy. In this seminal text, Aristotle embarks on a detailed and nuanced exploration of human morality, virtue, and happiness. The work explores the nature of ethical thought, delving into the question of how men can achieve a good and fulfilling life. Aristotle's treatise...

On the Genealogy of Morals is an essential work for understanding the philosophical revolution brought about by Friedrich Nietzsche. This profound and intellectually stimulating text is a companion to his earlier work Beyond Good and Evil, and it delves deeply into Nietzsche's radical ideas on human psychology and ethics. In a series of three essays, Nietzsche embarks on an incisive...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. The discourses of the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus are regarded as some of the most influential teachings of the ancient world. Born into slavery and sent into exile before setting up a school of philosophy, Epictetus delivered a series of lectures where he argued that true happiness comes...

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis is an enthralling allegorical tale that explores the contrasting realms of Heaven and Hell, and the impassable gulf that lies between them. In this brilliantly imaginative narrative, Lewis embarks on a moral and philosophical journey that challenges conventional beliefs and offers a profound meditation on the nature of good and evil. The story begins...

‘This book really, really will stay with me forever. It’s not only laced with the most incredible wisdom, but it’s also gentle and beautiful and eloquent. It brought me so much joy and so much comfort’ - FEARNE COTTON ‘Life-changing. This book is sensational. If you’re struggling, feeling a little lost, anxious or in need of a mental lift, please...

In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius - the Roman emperor renowned for his intellect and stoic philosophy - shares his profound inner thoughts, reflections, and wisdom. This collection of personal writings provides readers with a rare glimpse into the mind of a ruler whose musings on life, duty, and virtue were not originally intended for public consumption. Instead, these writings served as...

Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a groundbreaking exploration of systems that actually thrive and grow stronger in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and disorder. Unlike conventional systems that seek to resist shocks and remain stable, antifragile systems embrace chaos and unpredictability, using these disruptions as catalysts for growth and innovation. This revolutionary concept is a powerful toolkit for living...

A deluxe special edition of the ancient classic encompasses the profound wisdom and introspection of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, famously known as “The Philosopher.” Meditations is a timeless collection of personal reflections penned by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 169 AD to 180 AD. Renowned as one of the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” Marcus Aurelius was...

In The Black Swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the profound effects of random, unexpected events that shape our world. These events, which he dubs "Black Swans," lie beyond the realm of regular expectations and have massive impacts on the course of history and in our daily lives. Taleb introduces readers to a world where the improbable is more influential than...

The Trouble With Being Born by E. M. Cioran is a deeply introspective and profoundly philosophical exploration of the human condition. The book navigates the bleak and often darkly comic territories of existence, examining fundamental questions such as birth, death, the concept of God, the relentless passage of time, the complexity of human relationships, and the daily struggle to find...

From the author of the global bestseller Four Thousand Weeks, a liberating four-week journey towards a saner, freer, more meaningful, more enchantment-filled life. Meditations for Mortals takes us on a liberating journey towards a more meaningful life - one that begins not with fantasies of the ideal existence, but with the reality in which we actually find ourselves. Addressing the...

Wisdom depends on curiosity. It demands humility. It requires a willingness to learn from the past in order to overcome the obstacles of the present - and we need it more than ever. In this fourth and final instalment of his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday reveals a method of self-education that can be honed throughout our lives. Drawing...

Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche is a profound exploration of philosophical thoughts, conveyed through the allegorical journey of its protagonist, Zarathustra. It follows Zarathustra's descent from his mountain hermitage to share his wisdom with humanity, articulating revolutionary ideas about the human condition, morality, and the potential for human greatness. Through a series of discourses and parables, Zarathustra encounters various...

46 new books in the bestselling Little Black Classics series, to celebrate the first ever Penguin Classic in 1946. "Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea. The afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos, the fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle." In this charming book from 1906, Okakura explores Zen, Taoism,...

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu is the source of Zen Buddhism, and is probably the most broadly influential spiritual text in human history. Complete & Unabridged. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning, cloth-bound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover....

City of God by Saint Augustine of Hippo is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on the history of Western thought. This monumental text, crafted by one of the most influential Church Fathers, stands as a significant synthesis of Christian theology and Platonic philosophy, as interpreted by the philosopher Plotinus. Written in the aftermath of the sack...

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli is a captivating exploration of one of the most enigmatic concepts in the universe: time itself. Rovelli, a renowned physicist often likened to Stephen Hawking for his ability to make complex scientific ideas accessible, takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the nature of time. With a distinguished blend of poetry, philosophy, and...

Ethics, published shortly after the death of the Dutch philosopher Benedict Spinoza, stands as his greatest and most impactful work. The book meticulously constructs a holistic philosophical system that delves into the essence of existence and the ethical life. Spinoza employs a rigorous, geometric method, presenting propositions and axioms in a logical progression. This structured approach allows him to systematically...

The runaway bestseller with more than five million copies in print, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, is a timeless tale that has empowered millions to achieve success. This profound narrative is not just for sales professionals but for anyone seeking to enrich their life with values that stand the test of time. Delve into the inspirational...

'What is so appealing about the ideas in this book is that we could pivot coffee from being the driving force behind excessive hours and a poor work-life balance into being a drink that lets us contemplate meaning and purpose in a different way.' James Hoffmann, author of the Sunday Times bestseller, How to Make the Best Coffee at Home....

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. No man can live a happy life, or even a supportable life, without the study of wisdom. Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BC-AD 65) is one of the most famous Roman philosophers. Instrumental in guiding the Roman Empire under Emperor Nero, Seneca influenced him from a young age with...

One of the most influential philosophical classics of all time, The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle remains a cornerstone of Western ethical thought. Composed as a series of lectures given by Aristotle in ancient Greece, this seminal work delves deep into the nature of human goodness, exploring what it means to lead a virtuous life. The discourse ranges widely over core...

A brilliant and original book... Everybody should read it - Guardian Acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters, this modern epic became an instant bestseller upon publication in 1974, transforming a generation and continuing to inspire millions. A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, the book...

The author sees love as the ultimate need and desire of all human beings. In this book, he discusses every aspect of the subject: romantic love, the love of parents for children, brotherly love, erotic love, self-love, and the love of God. He looks at the theory of love as it appears throughout the cultures of the world and at...

The international bestselling broadside that has taken the world by storm. The God Delusion caused a sensation when it was published in 2006. Within weeks, it became the most hotly debated topic, with Dawkins himself branded as either saint or sinner for presenting his hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types. His argument could hardly be more topical. While...

From the bestselling author of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, a new adventure featuring a wise cat, a curious kitten, and the Zen wisdom they uncover on their journey together. This is the tale of a cat wise in the ways of zen who hears of a solitary ancient pine, deep in a maple forest, under which infinite wisdom may...

In Life 3.0, Max Tegmark explores the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on our future, delving into its potential to reshape every facet of our existence. The book illustrates a near-future where AI has transcended its current limitations, influencing and transforming everything from warfare and criminal justice to employment and societal structures. At its core, it challenges us to...

In Skin in the Game, Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the principle that what one risks is a true measure of what one stands to gain. From the dynamics of global economies to the intricacies of personal relationships, Taleb reveals that real understanding and progress come from those who have something vital at stake. Through gripping anecdotes and profound insights,...

First published in 1843 under a pseudonym, Fear and Trembling is written in a quasi-dialogue form in which different facets of Kierkegaard's thought are presented to the reader. Without disclosing his own beliefs, Kierkegaard confronts the reader with various ethical and religious attitudes, but leaves the responsibility of choice open. This new edition provides a chronology of the author's life...

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics. The wise are free from perplexities; the virtuous from anxiety; and the bold from fear. Born Kong Qiu (孔丘) in what is now eastern China, Confucius began teaching a harmonious way of life based on humility, respect and the careful study of the ancients in the late sixth century...

A portable edition of the famous The Red Book text and essay. The Red Book, published to wide acclaim in 2009, contains the nucleus of C. G. Jung's later works. It was here that he developed his principal theories of the archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the process of individuation that would transform psychotherapy from treatment of the sick into...

How to Read a Book, originally published in 1940, has become a rare phenomenon, a living classic. It is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader. And now it has been completely rewritten and updated. You are told about the various levels of reading and how to achieve them—from elementary reading, through systematic skimming...

Thus Spoke Zarathustra, penned by the enigmatic Friedrich Nietzsche, is a profound narrative that melds philosophy with literature, encapsulating the existential musings of a prophetic figure named Zarathustra. Emerging from a life of solitude and reflection in the mountains, Zarathustra descends to impart his philosophical revelations to humanity. He seeks to challenge the norms and offers transformative insights that explore...

The legendary author of Behave shows that free will cannot exist and explores the radical and disturbing implications. What if free will is an illusion? In Determined, one of the world's greatest scientists of human behaviour overturns one of our most powerful beliefs—that we are the authors of our own actions—and sets out the disturbing yet liberating implications of accepting...

The #1 New York Times Bestseller - How to Harness the Life-Changing Power of Integrity ‘A message all of us need to hear’ — Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘This book is a gift to humanity’ — Dr. Edith Eva Eger For the Stoics, justice was more than an idea. It was a way of life, a personal commitment to doing the right...

Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant is an intellectual tour de force that has shaped the course of modern philosophy. First published in 1781, this seminal work explores the limitations and scope of human cognition. Kant investigates the nature of human reason, the foundation of all metaphysical knowledge, and the argument that reason is the source of our understanding...

Do you find yourself craving deeper meaning in today's fast-paced world? Are you overwhelmed by information but starved for true insight? Do you long to reconnect with the timeless wisdom that's guided thinkers for millennia? If you answered yes to any of these, you must keep reading... Rediscover the Path to Lasting Clarity and Purpose Every day we're bombarded with...

The Sickness Unto Death is famed for the depth and acuity of its modern psychological insights. Writing under the pseudonym Anti-Climacus, Kierkegaard explores the concept of 'despair', alerting readers to the diversity of ways in which they may be described as living in this state of bleak abandonment—including some that may seem just the opposite—and offering a much-discussed formula for...

The Metaphysics is Aristotle's probing look at the fundamental questions of philosophy. The Metaphysics presents Aristotle's mature rejection of both the Platonic theory that what we perceive is just a pale reflection of reality and the hardheaded view that all processes are ultimately material. He argued instead that the reality or substance of things lies in their concrete forms. In...

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story is the companion book to the BAFTA and Oscar-winning short animated film, available on BBC and Apple+. A journey in search of home. From the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author and artist, Charlie Mackesy, comes the companion book to the BAFTA and Academy Award-winning animated...

The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton is a profound exploration that seeks to bring the wisdom of ancient philosophical traditions into the modern world. Using an accessible and engaging style, de Botton delves into the teachings of six great philosophers - Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. Each philosopher's life and work is presented as a source...

The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, translated by Thomas Cleary, is a profound manual of strategy and philosophy originating from one of Japan's most venerated Samurai. Written in 1643, this timeless classic delves deep into the art of combat and the path to mastery. Musashi, having spent years on the battlefield and in contemplation, shares his insights into...

The complete surviving works of Epictetus, the most influential Stoic philosopher from antiquity. “Some things are up to us and some are not.” Epictetus was born into slavery around the year 50 CE, and, upon being granted his freedom, he set himself up as a philosophy teacher. After being expelled from Rome, he spent the rest of his life living...

A classic look at man's search for certainty from the acclaimed expert on Eastern philosophy. In this fascinating book, Alan Watts explores man's quest for psychological security, examining our efforts to find spiritual and intellectual certainty in the realms of religion and philosophy. The Wisdom of Insecurity underlines the importance of our search for stability in an age where human...

The Last Days of Socrates by Plato is a profound and gripping account of the trial and eventual execution of one of the greatest philosophers in history. This new translation by Christopher Rowe offers a fresh perspective on the timeless dialogues that capture Socrates' unwavering commitment to his principles and his unique approach to life and death. Set in 399...

Oneness With All Life by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative spiritual guide that distils the core teachings from his seminal work, A New Earth. This pocket-sized companion is designed to aid readers in fostering consciousness and enlightenment throughout their everyday lives. Without delving into plot details or narratives, the book provides a series of profound reflections and insights that illuminate...

This deluxe hardback gift edition introduces The Book of Five Rings, a timeless Japanese text by undefeated swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, featuring full-colour illustrations and stencilled page edges. Musashi's principles, outlined in this classic, ensure victory in martial arts and beyond. Recently acclaimed in the business world for conflict resolution and success strategies, Musashi's teachings emphasise psychological strength, self-control, and practicality...

Human, All Too Human by Friedrich Nietzsche marks a pivotal moment in the oeuvre of one of philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Written during a period of personal crisis after the end of his friendship with Richard Wagner and his departure from academic life due to ill health, this work illuminates Nietzsche's transition into his mature philosophical phase. Far from merely...

A world-leading expert in inequality makes the case for a hard limit on personal wealth. We all notice when the poor get poorer—when there are more rough sleepers and food bank queues start to grow. But if the rich become richer, there is nothing much to see in public and, for most of us, daily life doesn't change. Or at...

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Plato's Republic has influenced Western philosophers for centuries, with its main focus on what makes a well-balanced society and individual.

A deluxe, high-quality edition of Friedrich Nietzsche’s seminal work Beyond Good and Evil is one of the final books by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. This landmark work continues to be one of the most well-known and influential explorations of moral and ethical philosophy ever conceived. Expanding on the concepts from his previous work Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche adopts a polemic...

As a diplomat in turbulent fifteenth-century Florence, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) was deeply familiar with the swift and often ruthless changes in political power. In The Prince, Machiavelli presents a pragmatic and unflinching analysis of the mechanics of power, leadership, and statecraft. Written in 1513, this seminal work remains a cornerstone of political theory and an essential read for anyone interested...

Beyond Good and Evil demonstrates that the world is steeped in false piety and infected with a 'slave morality'. With wit and subversive energy, Nietzsche demands that the individual impose their own 'will to power' upon the world. One of the most iconoclastic philosophers of all time, Nietzsche dramatically rejected notions of good and evil, truth and God. Beyond Good...

Consolations by David Whyte delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of human emotions and experiences, offering profound reflections on the aspects of life that often evoke discomfort and unease. Whyte courageously addresses themes such as loss, heartbreak, vulnerability, and fear, providing a fresh and insightful perspective that encourages readers to embrace these challenges rather than avoid them. Each chapter...

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a seminal work that delves into the fundamental principles of political right and social organization. This thought-provoking book starts with the powerful declaration, "Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains," setting the stage for an exploration of the tension between individual liberty and societal obligations. In an era marked by...