The best 68 The Human Condition books

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1
The Human Condition Books: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Man’s Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl
4.4 (856 ratings)

What's Man’s Search for Meaning about?

Originally published in 1946, Man’s Search for Meaning details the harrowing experiences of author and psychologist Viktor Frankl during his internment in Auschwitz concentration camp during the Second World War. It offers insights into how human beings can survive unsurvivable situations, come to terms with trauma, and ultimately find meaning.

Who should read Man’s Search for Meaning?

  • Anyone interested in psychotherapy
  • Anyone who wants to know how ordinary people cope with extraordinary situations
  • Anyone trying to work out the meaning of life

2
The Human Condition Books: How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life by Russ Roberts

How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life

Russ Roberts
An Unexpected Guide to Human Nature and Happiness
4.1 (35 ratings)

What's How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life about?

How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life revives the work of the influential economist and philosopher, Adam Smith – especially his groundbreaking book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments. The author applies Smith’s ideas to modern life, showing us how to become happier and more virtuous people, improving our relationships with those around us and ultimately even changing the world!

Who should read How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life?

  • Anyone who wants to find a path to fulfillment and happiness
  • Anyone who wants to apply classic philosophy to their own life
  • Anyone who thinks Adam Smith was just an economist

3
The Human Condition Books: What Makes Us Human? by Charles Pasternak, editor

What Makes Us Human?

Charles Pasternak, editor
4.1 (21 ratings)

What's What Makes Us Human? about?

In What Makes Us Human (2007), a group of experts shares ideas on this centuries-long question. These blinks plumb the depths of the mystery of our species, to discover why humans alone cook food to eat, think creatively and understand cause and effect.

Who should read What Makes Us Human??

  • Scientists, philosophers and theologists
  • People who want to explore questions about human life

4
The Human Condition Books: The Book by Alan W. Watts

The Book

Alan W. Watts
On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
4.5 (252 ratings)

What's The Book about?

The Book (1966) is about the big questions in life. What’s the meaning of it all? Where do we really exist in the universe? Author Alan Watts guides the reader on a voyage of discovery that questions popular assumptions about what’s important in life, how the universe functions, and the nature of God.

Who should read The Book?

  • Spiritual seekers
  • Students of theology or religion
  • Readers interested in Eastern philosophies

5
The Human Condition Books: The Why Café by John P. Strelecky

The Why Café

John P. Strelecky
4.4 (343 ratings)

What's The Why Café about?

The Why Café (2003) is a semi-autobiographical account of one man’s search for meaning. When protagonist John stumbles upon a little Café in the middle of nowhere, he’s confronted with three existential questions. The other customers guide John on his philosophical journey and help him discover the secrets to living a fulfilled life – teaching us all how to do the same in the process.

Who should read The Why Café?

  • Hard workers who can’t seem to catch a break
  • Lost souls searching for meaning
  • Anyone who wants to overcome their fear of death

6
The Human Condition Books: For Small Creatures Such as We by Sasha Sagan

For Small Creatures Such as We

Sasha Sagan
Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World
4.2 (79 ratings)

What's For Small Creatures Such as We about?

For Small Creatures Such as We (2019) is a guidebook for those seeking to celebrate the milestones of life – both joyful and painful – in a nonreligious context. By exploring traditional ceremonies through a scientific lens, author Sasha Sagan invites secular individuals to develop their own meaningful rituals that create wonder and provide comfort.

Who should read For Small Creatures Such as We?

  • Secular people wishing to participate in meaningful but nonreligious rituals
  • Families looking for new ways to celebrate milestones
  • Seekers of wonder wanting to connect more deeply with the natural world

7
The Human Condition Books: Adventures in Human Being by Gavin Francis

Adventures in Human Being

Gavin Francis
A Grand Tour from the Cranium to the Calcaneum
4.3 (77 ratings)

What's Adventures in Human Being about?

Adventures in Human Being (2015) is a sort of anatomical travel guide. A series of philosophical reflections on each of the body’s major organs, the book combines a clinical perspective on the body with select stories from our cultural history. The result is a series of striking ruminations on the human condition from the unusual angle of human anatomy.

Who should read Adventures in Human Being?

  • Students of medicine open to a more philosophical approach to the body 
  • Philosophers curious to hear a doctor’s perspective on the human condition
  • Anyone who wants to learn about the inner workings of their body

8
The Human Condition Books: The Soul of the World by Roger Scruton

The Soul of the World

Roger Scruton
3.7 (216 ratings)

What's The Soul of the World about?

In an age where science and atheism seek to explain everything we are, The Soul of the World (2014) argues for the continued importance of religion. It doesn’t preach for a particular doctrine; rather, it claims that in art, music, architecture, and interpersonal relations, there is a striving toward the sacred that science alone can’t explain or fulfill. Finally, it argues that by devaluing or ignoring the transcendent, we are willfully giving up one of the very things that makes us human.

Who should read The Soul of the World?

  • Atheists, agnostics, and scientists seeking a challenge to their worldview
  • Conservatives, traditionalists, and religious people
  • Lovers of philosophy, music, or art

9
The Human Condition Books: No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz

No Bad Parts

Richard C. Schwartz
Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model
4.6 (365 ratings)

What's No Bad Parts about?

No Bad Parts (2021) argues that we’re all made up of many distinct parts, like inner voices, that add different things to our lives. By engaging these parts directly, we can heal past traumas and transform the way we relate to ourselves and the world.

Who should read No Bad Parts?

  • Deep thinkers who experience internal conflict
  • Psychology buffs interested in an original approach to the mind
  • People who feel numb and dissociated because of early traumatic experiences

10
The Human Condition Books: The No-Nonsense Meditation Book by Steven Laureys

The No-Nonsense Meditation Book

Steven Laureys
A Scientist’s Guide to the Power of Meditation
4.7 (526 ratings)

What's The No-Nonsense Meditation Book about?

The No-Nonsense Meditation Book (2021) explores the science behind meditation. As the latest neuroscience research shows, you don’t have to be a monk in search of nirvana to reap the benefits of meditation. In fact, it’s a great solution to many distinctly modern problems like stress and chronic anxiety.

Who should read The No-Nonsense Meditation Book?

  • Natural worriers
  • Would-be meditators
  • Scientists

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The Human Condition Books: Rationality by Steven Pinker

Rationality

Steven Pinker
What It Is, Why It's Scarce, and How to Get More
4.2 (398 ratings)

What's Rationality about?

Rationality (2021) explores the faculty that sets us apart from other species: reason. The ability to think rationally drives individual and social progress. It allows us to attain our goals and create a fairer world. But rationality isn’t just something we do as individuals – it also sustains our best institutions.

Who should read Rationality?

  • Would-be rationalists
  • Philosophical thinkers
  • Anyone who loves big ideas

12
The Human Condition Books: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Four Thousand Weeks

Oliver Burkeman
Time Management for Mortals
4.5 (816 ratings)

What's Four Thousand Weeks about?

Four Thousand Weeks (2021) explores concepts of time and time management, arguing that our modern attempts to optimize our time leave us stressed and unhappy. Drawing upon the work of ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual leaders, this book proposes a path to cultivating a fulfilling life through embracing our limitations.

Who should read Four Thousand Weeks?

  • Time management gurus
  • Philosophy students
  • Aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs

13
The Human Condition Books: The Sweet Spot  by Paul Bloom

The Sweet Spot

Paul Bloom
The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search For Meaning
4.5 (738 ratings)

What's The Sweet Spot about?

The Sweet Spot (2021) is a refreshing antidote to all the books we read about being positive at all costs. It argues that negative experiences like pain, suffering, and discomfort are not something to be shied away from. In fact, they can add value to our lives. Instead of trying to avoid discomfort, we need to find the right discomfort. That is, the kind of challenge that makes our lives meaningful. 

Who should read The Sweet Spot ?

  • Self-help fans who are tired of all the toxic positivity
  • Psychology lovers looking for an original perspective on how pain and suffering affect our lives
  • Reflective seekers looking to understand what will give their lives a sense of purpose

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The Human Condition Books: Living Presence by Kabir Edmund Helminski

Living Presence

Kabir Edmund Helminski
A Sufi Way to Mindfulness and the Essential Self
4.3 (191 ratings)

What's Living Presence about?

Living Presence (1992) explores how the teachings of the ancient Islamic practice of Sufism can act as a balm against our fractured, ego-driven age. Sufism teaches that an infinite spirit connects all life and that by becoming mindful of the here and now, we can glimpse this spirit in ourselves and others. Ultimately, in connecting to this presence we allow ourselves to become kinder, more intentional, and more alive. In short, more human.

Who should read Living Presence?

  • Curious minds interested in exploring the practice of Sufi Islam
  • Big thinkers who sense there’s a greater truth beyond the veil of perception
  • Anyone looking for a guiding light through dark times

15
The Human Condition Books: What is Life? by Erwin Schrödinger

What is Life?

Erwin Schrödinger
With Mind and Matter and Autobiographical Sketches
4.4 (290 ratings)

What's What is Life? about?

What is Life? (1944) is a classic scientific text based on a series of lectures given at Trinity College, Dublin, by famous physicist Erwin Schrödinger. Though Schrödinger was a physicist, these lectures addressed issues in biology and genetics –⁠ primarily the fundamental question of how physics and chemistry can account for the processes that occur within living organisms. The concepts he explored went on to spark a revolution in genetics, inspiring, among others, the biologists James D. Watson and Francis Crick, who together proposed the double helix structure of DNA.

Who should read What is Life??

  • Science geeks
  • Big-picture thinkers, ponderers, and questioners
  • Anyone who loves getting to the bottom of how the universe works

16
The Human Condition Books: The Daily Laws by Robert Greene

The Daily Laws

Robert Greene
366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature
4.5 (595 ratings)

What's The Daily Laws about?

The Daily Laws (2021) is a compendium of 366 rules for life, covering everything from seduction and power to the discovery of your life’s great task. It distills the insights author Robert Greene has uncovered in a series of best-selling books spanning 22 years of word.

Who should read The Daily Laws?

  • Fans of Robert Greene’s best-selling work
  • People who’ve lost touch with their sense of purpose and drive
  • Anyone in need of a strong dose of wisdom

17
The Human Condition Books: The Human Instinct by Kenneth R. Miller

The Human Instinct

Kenneth R. Miller
How We Evolved to Have Reason, Consciousness, and Free Will
4.0 (233 ratings)

What's The Human Instinct about?

The Human Instinct (2018) is a celebration of humanity’s development of reason, consciousness, and free will through the process of evolution. It shows that our remarkable capacities are all the more unique for having arising from natural origins.

Who should read The Human Instinct?

  • Theologians, philosophers, scientists, and anyone else interested in the condition of our peculiar species
  • Anyone curious about evolution and what it means for humanity
  • Humans who enjoy contemplating our place in creation

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The Human Condition Books: A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century by Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein

A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century

Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein
Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life
3.9 (418 ratings)

What's A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century about?

Hunter Gatherers (2021) explores the mismatch between our evolutionary tendencies and our modern environments. It outlines how seemingly innocuous aspects of contemporary living are harming us, and stifling our true nature and potential.

Who should read A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century?

  • Psychology buffs looking for fresh insights
  • Anyone interested in evolutionary biology
  • Fans of natural history

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The Human Condition Books: Switch Craft by Elaine Fox, PhD

Switch Craft

Elaine Fox, PhD
The Hidden Power of Mental Agility
4.4 (421 ratings)

What's Switch Craft about?

Switch Craft: The Hidden Power of Mental Agility (2022) introduces the concept of switch craft – the art of being able to change and adapt in this fast-paced world. Drawing on scientific research and real life experience, switch craft uses the four pillars of mental agility, self-awareness, emotional awareness, and situational awareness, to give us the flexibility and understanding to thrive in any situation.

Who should read Switch Craft?

Switch Craft can and should easily translate into anyone’s day to day life, but its methods are especially fit for

  • Black or white thinkers looking for a fresh perspective on life
  • Those seeking hope after innumerous setbacks
  • Self-improvement enthusiasts.

20
The Human Condition Books: War by Margaret MacMillan

War

Margaret MacMillan
How Conflict Shaped Us
4.0 (205 ratings)

What's War about?

War (2020) is a philosophical inquiry into the nature of human conflict. It considers war from different angles, examining what causes it, how we think about it, and how it affects us. By making an effort to understand war, we become better prepared to avoid it.

Who should read War?

  • Students of international and military history 
  • People interested in cultural and philosophical differences
  • Anyone fascinated or affected by human conflict

21
The Human Condition Books: Toward a Psychology of Being by Abraham H. Maslow

Toward a Psychology of Being

Abraham H. Maslow
4.5 (345 ratings)

What's Toward a Psychology of Being about?

Toward a Psychology of Being (1962) expands on famed psychologist Abraham Maslow's pivotal theories of motivation and self-actualization, which were first introduced in Maslow's 1954 book, Motivation and Personality. It presents a series of hypotheses about the human condition, dealing with important questions about people’s innate desires, the nature of well-being, and the process of psychological growth.

Who should read Toward a Psychology of Being?

  • Psychology fanatics 
  • Aspiring self-actualizers who want to get more out of their lives
  • Parents, teachers, counselors, and all those who work with young people

22
The Human Condition Books: The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink

The Power of Regret

Daniel Pink
How Looking Backward Moves us Forward
4.6 (724 ratings)

What's The Power of Regret about?

The Power of Regret (2022) is a rebuttal of the “no regrets” worldview. Drawing from human psychology, it shares actionable steps for transforming emotion into action and using past disappointments to shape purposeful futures. 

Who should read The Power of Regret?

  • Anyone who’s ever had a regret, no matter how big or small
  • Followers of the “no regrets” lifestyle who are ready to hear a new perspective 
  • Psychology fans who want to explore the underpinnings of a popular phenomenon

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The Human Condition Books: Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Tiny Beautiful Things

Cheryl Strayed
Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar
4.1 (309 ratings)

What's Tiny Beautiful Things about?

Tiny Beautiful Things (2012) is a collection of advice columns penned by Cheryl Strayed, the formerly anonymous author of “Dear Sugar” for the Rumpus. It takes readers on a beautiful but sorrowful journey through the different stages of our lives.

Who should read Tiny Beautiful Things?

  • Anyone seeking advice on life
  • Those overcoming depression
  • Individuals seeking healing

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The Human Condition Books: Being You by Anil Seth

Being You

Anil Seth
A New Science of Consciousness
4.2 (467 ratings)

What's Being You about?

Being You (2021) offers a new theory of consciousness. What does it mean to be you? Why do your experiences of the world, your selfhood, and your body feel the way they do? Combining neuroscience, philosophy, and a pinch of speculation, these blinks argue that consciousness is not as mysterious as it seems – it is deeply entwined with our living, breathing bodies.

Who should read Being You?

  • Science enthusiasts interested in the mystery of consciousness
  • The philosophically inclined
  • Fans and critics of Artificial Intelligence

25
The Human Condition Books: Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke

Dopamine Nation

Anna Lembke
Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
4.5 (540 ratings)

What's Dopamine Nation about?

Dopamine Nation (2021) explores the connection between pleasure and pain. Our modern world is filled with more dopamine-inducing stimuli than ever – including everything from drugs and sex to smartphones and shopping. Citing years of clinical experience and patients’ stories, this book helps to understand addiction and explains how to achieve a healthy balance in our lives. 

Who should read Dopamine Nation?

  • People struggling to break bad habits
  • Family members of loved ones struggling with addiction
  • Anyone who can’t seem to put down their phone

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The Human Condition Books: Bittersweet by Susan Cain

Bittersweet

Susan Cain
How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole
4.7 (326 ratings)

What's Bittersweet about?

Bittersweet (2022) is a profound meditation on an often overlooked emotional experience – the bittersweet. It argues that opening up to the bittersweet, where pain and joy mingle, allows us to experience life to the fullest. It also shows how vulnerability can be a strength, longing can be a guide, and sorrow can set us on the path to joy and fulfillment. 

Who should read Bittersweet?

  • Anyone who finds pleasure in sad songs and tear-jerker movies
  • People who’ve experienced loss or trauma and want to find a way back to joy
  • Lovers of the ephemeral, the impermanent, and the fleeting

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The Human Condition Books: Longpath by Ari Wallach

Longpath

Ari Wallach
Becoming the Great Ancestors Our Future Needs - an Antidote for Short-Termism
4.3 (260 ratings)

What's Longpath about?

Longpath (2022) is written to change the way you think about humankind. By teaching the lessons of the Longpath mentality, it shows how to break the bad habit of short-term thinking and embrace a mentality that helps connect humanity’s past, present, and future in order to make a better world. 

Who should read Longpath?

  • Individuals interested in improving their connection to others
  • Anyone held back by short-term thinking
  • Policymakers at the local, state, or federal level

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The Human Condition Books: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes
4.4 (244 ratings)

What's Don Quixote about?

Don Quixote (1605) is widely regarded as the first modern novel. Its claim to fame extends beyond historical novelty. For many readers and critics, it remains the greatest novel of its kind. It tells the story of a man who becomes so enchanted by tales of chivalry that he decides to become a knight-errant – a wandering gallant in the style of Lancelot. The self-styled knight who calls himself Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza get themselves into all kinds of absurd mischief, but their foolish quest ultimately brings them something precious: an immortal friendship.

Who should read Don Quixote?

  • Anyone who’s been put off by the length of Cervantes’s great novel
  • Lovers of classic literature, tall tales, and absurd adventures
  • Anyone looking to put a face to the famous names Don Quixote and Sancho Panza

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The Human Condition Books: Emotional by Leonard Mlodinow

Emotional

Leonard Mlodinow
How Feelings Shape Our Thinking
4.4 (232 ratings)

What's Emotional about?

Emotional (2022) explores a long-misunderstood part of the human psyche: emotions. It shows how neuroscience is shedding light on the role and importance of our emotions – and gives tips on how to control our emotions to lead better lives. 

Who should read Emotional?

  • Businesspeople who want to be more successful and effective in their roles
  • Individuals dealing with difficult-to-control emotions 
  • People struggling with motivation who want to form beneficial habits

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The Human Condition Books: The Dharma in DNA by Dee Denver

The Dharma in DNA

Dee Denver
Insights at the Intersection of Biology and Buddhism
4.2 (279 ratings)

What's The Dharma in DNA about?

The Dharma in DNA (2022) explores the intersections between Buddhist philosophy and biology. At first glance, these two traditions couldn’t be more different. One is spiritual; the other empirical. But there are overlaps. Both traditions are attempts to discover meaning, for one. But there’s more to it than that: both the teachings of the Buddha and the findings of biologists appear to converge on a similar understanding of what it means to be human.

Who should read The Dharma in DNA?

  • Open-minded rationalists and skeptics
  • Thinkers who love big ideas
  • Spiritualists interested in science

31
The Human Condition Books: Imagine Heaven by John Burke

Imagine Heaven

John Burke
Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You
4.1 (29 ratings)

What's Imagine Heaven about?

Imagine Heaven (2015) offers a peek into what the afterlife may look like. It tells the stories of near-death experiences of a wide range of individuals, from highly respected doctors to innocent four-year-olds, and shows how their accounts are consistent with the scriptures.

Who should read Imagine Heaven?

  • Christians curious about life after death
  • Skeptics looking for proof of the existence of heaven
  • People intrigued by near-death experiences

32
The Human Condition Books: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library

Matt Haig
4.6 (82 ratings)

What's The Midnight Library about?

The Midnight Library (2020) centers around the infinite lives of one person, Nora Seed. In the Midnight Library, she’s able to choose lives that she might have led if she had made different decisions. But, as Nora soon finds out, the reality of life based on those decisions doesn’t always turn out the way it was imagined.

Who should read The Midnight Library?

  • Anyone whose regrets lie heavily in their thoughts
  • Science-fiction lovers
  • Those who think they need to understand life

33
The Human Condition Books: Beowulf by Unknown

Beowulf

Unknown
4.6 (171 ratings)

What's Beowulf about?

Beowulf is a masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon literature, set in sixth-century Scandinavia. The narrative poem recounts the heroic exploits of Beowulf, who battles monsters and eventually becomes king.

Who should read Beowulf?

  • Fantasy fans
  • People who enjoy stories of adventure and heroism
  • Anyone interested in the origins of English literature

34
The Human Condition Books: Crazy Joy by Mary Katherine Backstrom

Crazy Joy

Mary Katherine Backstrom
Finding Wild Happiness in a World That's Upside Down
4.0 (61 ratings)

What's Crazy Joy about?

Crazy Joy (2022) dives deep into the nature of joy. Drawing from philosophy, humor, and faith, it helps you discover your own, unique joy, and how to cultivate it even in life’s hardest moments.

Who should read Crazy Joy?

  • Anyone struggling with mental health
  • Burned-out perfectionists
  • Parents juggling too much

35
The Human Condition Books: The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene

The 33 Strategies of War

Robert Greene
4.1 (219 ratings)

What's The 33 Strategies of War about?

The 33 Strategies of War (2006) distills the essential lessons of military strategy into a series of memorable vignettes. Drawing on ancient and modern sources, this wide-ranging study of tactical masterstrokes and follies offers fascinating insights into human psychology and motivation.

Who should read The 33 Strategies of War?

  • Thinkers and doers
  • History buffs
  • Psychologists

36
The Human Condition Books: Be the Love by Sarah Prout

Be the Love

Sarah Prout
Seven Ways to Unlock Your Heart and Manifest Happiness
4.5 (330 ratings)

What's Be the Love about?

Be the Love (2022) offers valuable insights on how to overcome the hardships of everyday life. It provides helpful tools and a mindset to thrive and become more resilient in the face of daily challenges. 

Who should read Be the Love?

  • Overwhelmed people seeking guidance
  • Anyone looking for a new practical philosophy
  • Fans of inspirational stories

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The Human Condition Books: And Finally by Henry Marsh

And Finally

Henry Marsh
Matters of Life and Death
4.4 (25 ratings)

What's And Finally about?

And Finally (2022) is about a doctor becoming a patient. The process is painful for neurosurgeon and author Dr. Henry Marsh but in the end, he finds acceptance and understands what truly matters.

Who should read And Finally?

  • Anyone transitioning to a new stage of life
  • People with questions about aging
  • Those whose lives have been touched by cancer

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The Human Condition Books: Life Is Hard by Kieran Setiya

Life Is Hard

Kieran Setiya
How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way
4.0 (378 ratings)

What's Life Is Hard about?

Life Is Hard (2022) takes a close look at common struggles – like infirmity, loneliness, grief, and failure – through the lens of philosophy, as well as fiction, sports, history, and personal anecdotes. By examining the familiar hardships of the human condition, we can learn how to live well.

Who should read Life Is Hard?

  • Anyone feeling overwhelmed by the hardships and injustice across the globe
  • People trying to cope with personal struggles
  • Fans of practical, accessible philosophy

39
The Human Condition Books: Do Hard Things by Steve Magness

Do Hard Things

Steve Magness
Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness
4.5 (471 ratings)

What's Do Hard Things about?

Do Hard Things (2022) explodes mythologies around the popular conception of toughness. It shows how traditional markers of toughness, like putting on a brave face and pushing past pain, can actually hinder physical and mental performance outcomes in the long term. Instead, real resilience comes from listening to your body and embracing your emotions.

Who should read Do Hard Things?

  • Employees who need resilience to succeed in challenging, high-stress roles;
  • Athletes and fitness fans wanting to build physical and mental fortitude;
  • Anyone who wants to face challenges with authentic toughness.

40
The Human Condition Books: Stop Self-Sabotage by Dr. Judy Ho, PhD

Stop Self-Sabotage

Dr. Judy Ho, PhD
Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower, and Get Out of Your Own Way
4.0 (364 ratings)

What's Stop Self-Sabotage about?

Stop Self-Sabotage (2019) outlines a six-step guide to identifying and overcoming behaviors that counteract people’s ability to reach goals of all kinds. The clinically proven process includes exercises, practical advice, and real-life examples of how people have used the method to change their lives.

Who should read Stop Self-Sabotage?

  • Procrastinators
  • Anyone who struggles with motivation or willpower to achieve their goals
  • People looking to make positive changes quickly and efficiently

41
The Human Condition Books: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy
4.1 (144 ratings)

What's War and Peace about?

War and Peace (1869) is a novel that follows the lives of several aristocratic families during the French invasion of Russia and the Napoleonic Wars. It explores themes of love, war, politics, and the human condition, and is considered one of the great works of literature.

Who should read War and Peace?

  • Curious minds craving timeless wisdom
  • Eager explorers of Russia’s literary landscapes
  • Time travelers fond of the Napoleonic era

42
The Human Condition Books: Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson

Soul Boom

Rainn Wilson
Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution
4.4 (20 ratings)

What's Soul Boom about?

Soul Boom (2023) is a thoughtful and entertaining exploration into what spirituality can offer us in the face of today’s many problems. Through an open inquiry into timeless spiritual wisdom, as well as a host of quirky popular culture analogies, it shows how a spiritual revolution has the potential to heal us as individuals and as a society. 

Who should read Soul Boom?

  • Spiritually-minded people who want to deepen their understanding of the soul
  • People who want to see positive change in the world
  • Anyone who knows who Dwight Schrute is

43
The Human Condition Books: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life

Hanya Yanagihara
4.7 (22 ratings)

What's A Little Life about?

A Little Life (2015) follows the lives of four friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, moody painter JB, quiet architect Malcolm, and the brilliant, mysterious litigator Jude. Over the years, the four friends grow together, drift apart, find love and success, and struggle with loss and addiction. As enigmatic Jude gradually moves into the center of the narrative, the full extent of his unbearable burden begins to reveal itself. 

Who should read A Little Life?

  • People who enjoy character-driven literature
  • Fans of stories about complex relationships 
  • Anyone in need of a good cry

44
The Human Condition Books: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare
4.8 (23 ratings)

What's Romeo and Juliet about?

Romeo and Juliet (c. 1591-1597) is the iconic tragedy of two youths who fall in love amid the feud raging between their two families. The many themes it explores include love and hate, fate and free will, and dream and reality.

Who should read Romeo and Juliet?

  • Romantic souls
  • Shakespeare fans who want a Romeo and Juliet refresher
  • Anyone trying to up their knowledge of classic literature

45
The Human Condition Books: How to Human by Carlos Whittaker

How to Human

Carlos Whittaker
Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us
3.7 (15 ratings)

What's How to Human about?

How to Human (2023) provides actionable advice on becoming the best version of a human you can be. Discover the innate instincts you hold for connection and compassion, and reconnect with your true self as you learn how to human.

Who should read How to Human?

  • Anyone wanting to reconnect with their humanness
  • People looking to renew their faith in humanity
  • Those seeking to become their best self

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The Human Condition Books: Saved by Benjamin Hall

Saved

Benjamin Hall
A War Reporter’s Mission to Make It Home
4.1 (115 ratings)

What's Saved about?

Saved (2023) is the gripping and timely account of a war correspondent’s near-fatal brush with combat in Ukraine in March of 2022 – and the extraordinary effort to save his life and bring him home.

Who should read Saved?

  • News hounds looking for an inside scoop on current events
  • Thrill-seekers who love a fast-paced story of escape against the odds
  • Anyone curious about the lived experience of those who deliver the nightly news

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The Human Condition Books: Antigone by Sophocles

Antigone

Sophocles
4.7 (31 ratings)

What's Antigone about?

Antigone (c. 441 BC) is a tragedy by Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights. After a civil war, two brothers – the leaders of rival factions – are dead. One is remembered as a patriotic hero; the other, as a treacherous usurper. The king of Thebes, Creon, has forbidden anyone to bury the traitor – an order the man’s sister, Antigone, can’t square with her conscience. The stage is set for a conflict pitting the individual against the state, justice against law, idealism against realism, and a defiant woman against a male-dominated world.

Who should read Antigone?

  • Theater enthusiasts interested in the history of drama
  • Fans of classical literature and mythology
  • Anyone interested in exploring themes of morality, family, and power

48
The Human Condition Books: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

East of Eden

John Steinbeck
4.6 (65 ratings)

What's East of Eden about?

East of Eden (1952) is a sweeping epic that centers around three generations of the Trask family. Growing up, Adam Trask competed with his brother for his father’s love – with jealousy and vengeance leading to violent consequences. When Adam has children of his own, he struggles to spare them the same fate.

Who should read East of Eden?

  • Fans of the great American novel
  • Lovers of classic Westerns
  • Anyone who enjoys epics or family dramas

49
The Human Condition Books: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley
The Modern Prometheus
4.7 (196 ratings)

What's Frankenstein about?

Frankenstein (1818) is a Gothic horror classic that tells the tale of ambitious young scientist Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with the idea of creating life, Frankenstein assembles a freakish human-like monster. But when he animates it, he’s shocked at the horror he’s created. Although the monster seeks affection at first, it’s continually rejected and eventually seeks revenge on humankind.

Who should read Frankenstein?

  • Anyone who knows the name Frankenstein but has never read the book
  • Fans of a good horror story that makes you squirm
  • Lovers of classic literature

50
The Human Condition Books: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet

William Shakespeare
4.8 (57 ratings)

What's Hamlet about?

Hamlet (c. 1509-1601) is widely regarded as Shakespeare’s greatest play. A tragedy in five parts, it tells the story of Prince Hamlet, a thinker who must turn to action to avenge his father. It’s not only the finely crafted plot that’s fascinated readers and theatergoers down the centuries, though – Hamlet is also a penetrating study of the meaning of life and death.

Who should read Hamlet?

  • Shakespeare lovers who haven’t gotten around to reading Hamlet
  • Those who find Shakespeare’s original language difficult to enjoy
  • Fans of Hamlet who want a refresher

51
The Human Condition Books: A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner

A Rose for Emily

William Faulkner
4.3 (22 ratings)

What's A Rose for Emily about?

A Rose for Emily (1930) was first published in Forum magazine. Told in a nonlinear style, it starts with the funeral of Emily, a fixture in the fictional Jefferson County. It then goes back in time to trace moments of her life, and the decline in her health and status. 

Who should read A Rose for Emily?

  • Faulkner fans
  • Lovers of Southern Gothic literature
  • Anyone curious to learn more about a complex classic

52
The Human Condition Books: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

The Prophet

Kahlil Gibran
4.5 (40 ratings)

What's The Prophet about?

The Prophet (1923) follows the prophet Almustafa during his departure from the fictional city of Orphalese. As the community bids Almustafa farewell by the harbor, they petition him to share some final nuggets of wisdom from the deep well of his mind. What follows is a collection of profound insights into various aspects of life and the human condition.

Who should read The Prophet?

  • Anyone seeking inspiration
  • Teenagers on the cusp of adulthood
  • Lost souls in need of spiritual guidance

53
The Human Condition Books: Look for Me There by Luke Russert

Look for Me There

Luke Russert
Grieving My Father, Finding Myself
3.5 (246 ratings)

What's Look for Me There about?

Look for Me There (2023) chronicles the struggles of a man dealing with the loss of his father. By accompanying him on a journey across the world and his heart, we learn how he copes with grief, and what other lessons he learns along the way. 

Who should read Look for Me There?

  • Anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one
  • Travel fans who love to learn about interesting places
  • Anyone interested in the human condition and its struggles

54
The Human Condition Books: The Worry Trick by David A. Carbonell

The Worry Trick

David A. Carbonell
How Your Brain Tricks You Into Expecting the Worst and What You Can Do about It
4.3 (343 ratings)

What's The Worry Trick about?

The Worry Trick (2016) is a no-nonsense guide to dealing with worry and anxiety. Drawing from acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, it breaks down where worry comes from and offers concrete steps on how to face and ultimately overcome it.  

Who should read The Worry Trick?

  • Anyone who deals with chronic worry
  • Psychologists looking to deepen their knowledge of anxiety
  • Students of the human condition

55
The Human Condition Books: Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville

Bartleby, the Scrivener

Herman Melville
A Story of Wall-Street
4.3 (131 ratings)

What's Bartleby, the Scrivener about?

Bartleby, the Scrivener is a novella about the isolation and forced conformity of the modern work world. In flowery and sometimes humorous prose, the story tells the tale of Bartleby, an office worker who suffers from mental health issues and alienation. Although we don’t learn many details about the title character, we sympathize with his plight through the eyes of the unnamed narrator, Bartleby’s boss.

Who should read Bartleby, the Scrivener?

  • Those interested in learning more about a classic novella
  • Fans of nineteenth-century American literature
  • People interested in the themes of alienation, isolation, and mental health in the modern work world

56
The Human Condition Books: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

The Cask of Amontillado

Edgar Allan Poe
4.1 (140 ratings)

What's The Cask of Amontillado about?

The Cask of Amontillado (1846) is a chilling tale about one man’s expertly plotted revenge on another who has insulted him. It is a story of deceit, detachment and coolly premeditated murder.  

Who should read The Cask of Amontillado?

  • Fans of the legend that is Edgar Allen Poe
  • Lovers of the dark and the macabre
  • Anyone who loves a well-written story

57
The Human Condition Books: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak
4.4 (165 ratings)

What's The Book Thief about?

The Book Thief (2006) is a story about a young girl living in Nazi Germany who makes her way in the world by stealing books. With Death as the narrator, it follows her coming of age in the most difficult of times and places. 

Who should read The Book Thief?

  • Fans of historical fiction
  • Lovers of tales full of emotion and humanity
  • Seekers of literary thrills

58
The Human Condition Books: Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Friedrich Nietzsche
4.3 (244 ratings)

What's Thus Spoke Zarathustra about?

Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883) is a philosophical novel by Friedrich Nietzsche that explores the themes of religion, morality, culture, and society. It follows the journey of Zarathustra, a prophet who leaves his cave to share his wisdom with humanity. Along the way he encounters various characters who test his vision, and grapples with his own shortcomings.

Who should read Thus Spoke Zarathustra?

  • Those who like to challenge their own assumptions and values
  • People who enjoy poetic and metaphorical language and imagery
  • Students of history, philosophy, and culture

59
The Human Condition Books: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D. Perry & Maia Szalavitz

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog

Bruce D. Perry & Maia Szalavitz
And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook – What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
4.2 (14 ratings)

What's The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog about?

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (2006) presents a series of case studies to explore the profound impacts of childhood trauma – and the resilience and adaptability of the human brain. Through the diverse experiences of young people who have faced unimaginable abuse and neglect, it illustrates how innovative therapeutic approaches can facilitate healing and recovery.

Who should read The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog?

  • Mental health professionals interested in how trauma impacts child development – and effective therapeutic interventions
  • Social workers wishing to better understand child trauma and its repercussions to support at-risk children and families
  • Parents or caregivers who want to know the minds of their children (and people in general)

60
The Human Condition Books: Becoming Myself by Irvin D. Yalom

Becoming Myself

Irvin D. Yalom
A Psychiatrist's Memoir
3.8 (96 ratings)

What's Becoming Myself about?

Becoming Myself (2017) is a rare peek behind the curtain at the personal and professional life of one of the world’s most prominent psychotherapists. Weaving intimate anecdotes with therapeutic insights, it offers a unique, strikingly candid perspective on the human condition and the transformative power of psychotherapy. 

Who should read Becoming Myself?

  • Practicing psychotherapists and psychiatrists 
  • Individuals curious about a therapist’s personal and professional experience
  • Those interested in existential psychotherapy and self-discovery

61
The Human Condition Books: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Women Who Run with the Wolves

Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype
4.6 (15 ratings)

What's Women Who Run with the Wolves about?

Women Who Run with the Wolves (1989) is a profoundly influential work of Jungian psychology that has shown countless women how to connect with the wise, abiding, and untameable presence of the Wild Woman archetype in their own psyches.

Who should read Women Who Run with the Wolves?

  • Women who want to awaken their innate connection to wildness and instinct
  • Women who crave deeper experiences and relationships 
  • Women who yearn to rekindle their intuition

62
The Human Condition Books: The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell

The Conquest of Happiness

Bertrand Russell
4.7 (33 ratings)

What's The Conquest of Happiness about?

The Conquest of Happiness (1930) explores the pursuit of human happiness. It dissects common obstacles to happiness, such as competition and fatigue, as well as the various factors that contribute to it. Equal parts philosophical and practical, you’ll come away with a deepened understanding of, and preparedness for, a fulfilling life. 

Who should read The Conquest of Happiness?

  • Anyone wanting to increase their sense of fulfillment
  • Individuals interested in the development of the personal happiness movement
  • Philosophy enthusiasts seeking an understanding of Russell’s perspective

63
The Human Condition Books: A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea by Melissa Fleming

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea

Melissa Fleming
One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival
5.0 (3 ratings)

What's A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea about?

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea (2017) introduces you to Doaa Al Zamel, a young Syrian girl whose world turns upside down after the eruption of her country's civil war. Embarking on a perilous journey to Europe for safety and a better future, she confronts challenges that test her limits. 

Who should read A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea?

  • Anyone wanting to empathize with the experiences of refugees
  • Activists and advocates for humanitarian causes
  • Seekers of profound stories of human resilience

64
The Human Condition Books: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Milan Kundera
4.5 (15 ratings)

What's The Unbearable Lightness of Being about?

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984) tells the story of the intertwined lives of two couples navigating love, politics, and existential dilemmas in Soviet-era Czechoslovakia. By exploring the concepts of “lightness” and “weight” it offers reflections on fate, the choices we make in life, and the very nature of existence.

Who should read The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

  • Philosophers looking to explore the nature of existence through a classic narrative
  • History buffs interested in personal lives amid the politics of Soviet-era Czechoslovakia
  • Artists curious about the interplay between personal freedom and societal constraints

65
The Human Condition Books: Optimal Illusions by Coco Krumme

Optimal Illusions

Coco Krumme
The False Promise of Optimization
3.3 (32 ratings)

What's Optimal Illusions about?

Optimal Illusions (2023) explores the potential pitfalls of over-optimization. Unpacking the consequences of a world obsessed with efficiency, it sheds light on social imbalances, environmental damage, and the unyielding grip of rigid systems. Brace yourself for a paradigm shift as it unveils a new way to optimize – one that balances efficiency with resilience, diversity, and inclusion.

Who should read Optimal Illusions?

  • Strategists seeking resilience
  • Innovators embracing complexity
  • Leaders prioritizing humanity

66
The Human Condition Books: Visual Thinking by Temple Grandin

Visual Thinking

Temple Grandin
The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions
3.9 (49 ratings)

What's Visual Thinking about?

Visual Thinking (2022) offers an authoritative view on different ways of thinking, and how those differences have been crucial to many of our biggest creative advancements. It shows how society tends to be biased toward verbal thinkers – and how visual thinkers, albeit typically underserved in society, bring an array of crucial skills to various domains.

Who should read Visual Thinking?

  • Anyone curious about autism
  • Artists and creative minds
  • People interested in team-building

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The Human Condition Books: Ethics by Baruch Spinoza

Ethics

Baruch Spinoza
4.5 (26 ratings)

What's Ethics about?

Ethics (1677) is Spinoza’s enigmatic masterwork that changed philosophy. One of only two published works by the author, with the other published anonymously, the text became a flashpoint for divisions around the nature of god, religion, and nature, as well as a foundation for traditions of western mysticism and spirituality ever since.

Who should read Ethics?

  • Philosophy lovers curious about the works that shaped modern thought
  • History buffs looking for more on the great minds of the past
  • Mystical thinkers curious about the nature of the universe

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The Human Condition Books: Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre

Being and Nothingness

Jean-Paul Sartre
A Phenomenological Essay on Ontology
4.4 (24 ratings)

What's Being and Nothingness about?

Being and Nothingness (1943) is a seminal work of existentialist philosophy. It explores the major themes of existentialism, such as the intricacies of human consciousness, free will, and the interplay of objectivity and subjectivity.

Who should read Being and Nothingness?

  • Students and scholars of philosophy
  • People interested in intellectual history and influential philosophical texts
  • Anyone grappling with questions of meaning, identity, and consciousness

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