Best-Selling Philosophy Books that You Ought to Read

#1 MEDITATIONS

Marcus Aurelius

This classic, published in the 2nd century AD, is a collection of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius- the Roman Emperor. The book delves into the nuances of stoic philosophy and the nature of existence. Despite being a personal journal, written without any intention of publication, Meditations outlines a wide range of spiritual reflections and exercises developed to understand oneself and make sense of the universe.

#2 BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL

Freidrich Nietzsche

Nietzsche’s ‘Beyond Good and Evil’ challenges conventional morality and explains the concept of ‘will to power’ in place of ‘self-consciousness’, ‘knowledge’, and ‘free will’. He questions traditional philosophical beliefs and encourages us to question and reassess our beliefs. Nietzsche's brilliant re-evaluation of deeply held humanistic beliefs has made this one of the Top Philosophy Books.

#3 REPUBLIC

Plato

Plato’s philosophical masterpiece is a Socratic dialogue that explores the nature of justice, the just city-state, and the just man. This philosophical dialogue delves into the nature of reality and man’s pursuit of knowledge. The Republic has been considered a must-read philosophy book of all time and has influenced political philosophy and similar discourses. 

#4 SOPHIE’S WORLD 

Joestein Gaarder

 Gaarder’s Bestselling Philosophical Novel follows the story of a Norwegian teenager Sophie Amundsen. Sophie is thrown into the world of philosophy and its history when she is asked ‘Who are you’ and ‘Where does the world come from’ in two letters from an unknown philosopher. She becomes obsessed with questions and philosophy, covering Socrates to Sartre. The book follows Sophie’s journey as she uses the philosophy she is learning to solve the mystery behind the unknown letters that keep showing up in her mailbox.

#5 THE PRINCE

Niccolo Machiavelli

The most remembered among Machiavelli’s works, ‘The Prince’ is a short treatise on political philosophy and leadership. This guide explores the principles of statecraft, power, and the art of ruling. The main argument Machiavelli puts forth in the book is that rulers should strive to maintain and expand and that immoral acts are justified to do so. Despite several controversies surrounding the Machiavellian approach, this book has been one of the most significant works of philosophy.