The Way of a Pilgrim
Anonymous
A first-person narrative of a 19th-century Russian peasant seeking to pray without ceasing. Focuses on the power of the Jesus Prayer and spiritual development.
Zen in the Art of Archery
Eugen Herrigel
A German philosopher's account of his studies of Japanese archery under a Zen master. Explores the relationship between Zen principles and mastery of a skill.
The Brothers Karamazov
Fyodor Dostoevsky
A complex philosophical novel exploring themes of faith, doubt, morality, and free will through the tumultuous lives of three Russian brothers.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
A classic self-help guide focused on improving communication, building relationships, and increasing influence through positive interpersonal skills.
The Awakened Brain
Dr. Lisa Miller
Blends science and spirituality, exploring the link between a strong spiritual life and mental health by drawing on neuroscience and psychology.
Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius
Personal writings of the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, offering reflections on virtue, self-control, and navigating life's challenges.
On the Shortness of Life
Seneca
A Stoic essay reminding us of the brevity of life and the importance of focusing our time and energy on meaningful pursuits.
The Miracle of Mindfulness
Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to mindfulness meditation by the renowned Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, aimed at cultivating peace and awareness in daily life.
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
An ancient Chinese military treatise on strategy and warfare. Its wisdom has been applied to other competitive fields like business and sports.
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Sogyal Rinpoche
Explores Tibetan Buddhist philosophy on life, death, and possibilities for spiritual growth that accompany dying.
Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross
A poem and commentary by the 16th-century Christian mystic describing a profound spiritual crisis as a necessary path to union with the divine.
The Four Cardinal Virtues
Josef Pieper
Philosophical exploration of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, the classical "cardinal" virtues from which all other positive traits spring.
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus
Epictetus
A collection of core teachings from the Stoic philosopher, emphasizing self-control, indifference to externals, and living in accordance with nature.
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
A central philosophical work exploring the nature of a good life, focusing on character, virtue, and seeking the ultimate human good of happiness.
Living with the Himalayan Masters
Swami Rama
Spiritual autobiography detailing the author's experiences studying with yogic masters in the Himalayas, and teachings he received in yoga and meditation.
Autobiography of a Yogi
Paramahansa Yogananda
A yogi's introduction of Eastern spiritual practices to the West, including personal stories and encounters with figures considered to be spiritual adepts.
Mere Christianity
CS Lewis
A defense and explanation of core Christian beliefs by the famed author and intellectual, based on radio lectures from World War II era Britain.
Immortality: The Quest to Live Forever and How It Drives Civilization
Stephen Cave
A fascinating work of popular philosophy and history that both enlightens and entertains, Stephen Cave’s Immortality investigates whether it just might be possible to live forever and whether we should want to. But it also makes a powerful argument, which is that it’s our very preoccupation with defying mortality that drives civilization.
Uniformity With God's Will
Alphonsus Liguori
This book helps the reader unite their will to God's, thereby causing more love for God. A short meditative book for all.
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
Dr. Anna Lembke
In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it. Condensing complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand metaphors, Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check.
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment
Martin E. P. Seligman, Ph.D.
According to esteemed psychologist and bestselling author Martin Seligman, happiness is not the result of good genes or luck. Real, lasting happiness comes from focusing on one’s personal strengths rather than weaknesses—and working with them to improve all aspects of one’s life. Using practical exercises, brief tests, and a dynamic website program, Seligman shows readers how to identify their highest virtues and use them in ways they haven’t yet considered. Accessible and proven, Authentic Happiness is the most powerful work of popular psychology in years.
Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength
Roy F. Baumeister & John Tierney
One of the world's most esteemed and influential psychologists, Roy F. Baumeister, teams with New York Times science writer John Tierney to reveal the secrets of self-control and how to master it.
The Moral Sense
James Q. Wilson
Are human beings naturally endowed with a conscience? Or is morality artificially acquired through social pressure and instruction? Most people assume that modern science proves the latter. In this book, however, James Q. Wilson seeks to reconcile traditional ideas with a range of important empirical research into the sources of human behavior over the last fifty years.