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SoBrief
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Why Does the World Exist?
by Jim Holt • 2011
Physics, philosophy, and theology each claim to know why anything exists. None of them agree.
3.81
7k+
Why Does the World Exist? Summary
Why Does the World Exist? 91%
Physics, philosophy, and theology each claim to know why anything exists. None of them agree.
by Jim Holt 2011
3.81
7k+ ratings
Introduction to Metaphysics
by Martin Heidegger • 1929
Before any science, one question: what does it mean to exist? Philosophy forgot, and reality shrank.
4.03
4k+
Introduction to Metaphysics Summary
Introduction to Metaphysics 91%
Before any science, one question: what does it mean to exist? Philosophy forgot, and reality shrank.
by Martin Heidegger 1929
4.03
4k+ ratings
Heidegger
by Michael Watts • 2014
Heidegger demystified: the freedom found in facing death, and the worldview technology imposes.
4.40
143
Heidegger Summary
Heidegger 90%
Heidegger demystified: the freedom found in facing death, and the worldview technology imposes.
by Michael Watts 2014
4.40
143 ratings
The Existentialist's Guide to Death, the Universe and Nothingness
by Gary Cox • 2011
You are free in a way you never asked for. This is what that actually costs.
4.12
121
The Existentialist's Guide to Death, the Universe and Nothingness Summary
The Existentialist's Guide to Death, the Universe and Nothingness 90%
You are free in a way you never asked for. This is what that actually costs.
by Gary Cox 2011
4.12
121 ratings
Very Little...Almost Nothing
by Simon Critchley • 2004
Nihilism is the norm after God. Creative resistance through literature is how meaning gets remade.
3.89
132
Very Little...Almost Nothing Summary
Very Little...Almost Nothing 90%
Nihilism is the norm after God. Creative resistance through literature is how meaning gets remade.
by Simon Critchley 2004
3.89
132 ratings
The Courage to Be
by Paul Tillich • 1952
Anxiety is the awareness you might not exist. Courage is the act that says yes anyway.
4.09
4k+
The Courage to Be Summary
The Courage to Be 90%
Anxiety is the awareness you might not exist. Courage is the act that says yes anyway.
by Paul Tillich 1952
4.09
4k+ ratings
Being and Time
by Martin Heidegger • 1927
Reality's biggest question has been forgotten: start with the anxious, mortal creature who asks it.
4.05
28k+
Being and Time Summary
Being and Time 89%
Reality's biggest question has been forgotten: start with the anxious, mortal creature who asks it.
by Martin Heidegger 1927
4.05
28k+ ratings
On Quality
by Robert M. Pirsig • 2021
Value isn't a judgment we add to reality. It is reality, and everything else follows.
3.64
387
On Quality Summary
On Quality 89%
Value isn't a judgment we add to reality. It is reality, and everything else follows.
by Robert M. Pirsig 2021
3.64
387 ratings
Metaphysics
by Michael J. Loux • 1997
From universals to time: the central problems of metaphysics, mapped for the first-time student.
3.93
354
Metaphysics Summary
Metaphysics 89%
From universals to time: the central problems of metaphysics, mapped for the first-time student.
by Michael J. Loux 1997
3.93
354 ratings
Being and Nothingness
by Jean-Paul Sartre • 1943
Consciousness is a hole in being. What pours through is freedom, and it terrifies us.
3.99
35k+
Being and Nothingness Summary
Being and Nothingness 89%
Consciousness is a hole in being. What pours through is freedom, and it terrifies us.
by Jean-Paul Sartre 1943
3.99
35k+ ratings
The Conspiracy Against the Human Race
by Thomas Ligotti • 2011
Nature's worst mistake was making you self-aware. The only logical response is to stop reproducing.
4.01
10k+
The Conspiracy Against the Human Race Summary
The Conspiracy Against the Human Race 89%
Nature's worst mistake was making you self-aware. The only logical response is to stop reproducing.
by Thomas Ligotti 2011
4.01
10k+ ratings
The Book of Life
by J. Krishnamurti • 1995
Every authority, system, and memory is a prison. The key is a mind that merely observes.
4.32
2k+
The Book of Life Summary
The Book of Life 89%
Every authority, system, and memory is a prison. The key is a mind that merely observes.
by J. Krishnamurti 1995
4.32
2k+ ratings
The Existentialist's Survival Guide
by Gordon Marino • 2018
Your anxiety is not a flaw. The existentialists saw it as proof of your freedom.
3.69
1k+
The Existentialist's Survival Guide Summary
The Existentialist's Survival Guide 89%
Your anxiety is not a flaw. The existentialists saw it as proof of your freedom.
by Gordon Marino 2018
3.69
1k+ ratings
Existentialism
by Robert C. Solomon • 1974
No fixed human nature, only your choices. Each one invents you and implicates everyone else.
4.07
384
Existentialism Summary
Existentialism 89%
No fixed human nature, only your choices. Each one invents you and implicates everyone else.
by Robert C. Solomon 1974
4.07
384 ratings
The Wisdom of Insecurity
by Alan W. Watts • 1951
Chasing security fuels anxiety. The counterintuitive cure: stop running and fully inhabit the now.
4.14
29k+
The Wisdom of Insecurity Summary
The Wisdom of Insecurity 89%
Chasing security fuels anxiety. The counterintuitive cure: stop running and fully inhabit the now.
by Alan W. Watts 1951
4.14
29k+ ratings
Philosophy of Existence
by Karl Jaspers • 1938
Objects aren't real. The real is a horizon you inhabit, never grasp, and awaken to.
3.79
323
Philosophy of Existence Summary
Philosophy of Existence 89%
Objects aren't real. The real is a horizon you inhabit, never grasp, and awaken to.
by Karl Jaspers 1938
3.79
323 ratings
Losing Ourselves
by Jay L. Garfield • 2022
No self. Persons emerge from roles and flow. Losing the illusion reshapes ethics and expert skill.
4.03
603
Losing Ourselves Summary
Losing Ourselves 89%
No self. Persons emerge from roles and flow. Losing the illusion reshapes ethics and expert skill.
by Jay L. Garfield 2022
4.03
603 ratings
In the Dust of This Planet
by Eugene Thacker • 2011
The world is indifferent to us. Only horror and black metal can think that thought.
3.68
3k+
In the Dust of This Planet Summary
In the Dust of This Planet 89%
The world is indifferent to us. Only horror and black metal can think that thought.
by Eugene Thacker 2011
3.68
3k+ ratings
Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy
by Richard Brian Davis • 2009
When logic dissolves, a Cheshire Cat grins, and philosophy begins.
4.12
2k+
Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy Summary
Alice in Wonderland and Philosophy 89%
When logic dissolves, a Cheshire Cat grins, and philosophy begins.
by Richard Brian Davis 2009
4.12
2k+ ratings
Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life
by Alan W. Watts • 2006
The self is a hallucination. Alan Watts' 1960s talks dissolve it with Eastern precision.
4.42
417
Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life Summary
Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life 89%
The self is a hallucination. Alan Watts' 1960s talks dissolve it with Eastern precision.
by Alan W. Watts 2006
4.42
417 ratings
An Introduction to Ontology
by Nikk Effingham • 2013
What exists? That's the easy part. Deciding how to decide is where it gets wild.
3.58
59
An Introduction to Ontology Summary
An Introduction to Ontology 88%
What exists? That's the easy part. Deciding how to decide is where it gets wild.
by Nikk Effingham 2013
3.58
59 ratings
Introduction to Phenomenology
by Robert Sokolowski • 1999
Consciousness is always reaching toward the world; phenomenology maps the structures of that reach.
4.03
541
Introduction to Phenomenology Summary
Introduction to Phenomenology 88%
Consciousness is always reaching toward the world; phenomenology maps the structures of that reach.
by Robert Sokolowski 1999
4.03
541 ratings
Being And Event
by Alain Badiou • 1988
Set theory is the science of being itself, and the One is nowhere in it.
4.01
1k+
Being And Event Summary
Being And Event 88%
Set theory is the science of being itself, and the One is nowhere in it.
by Alain Badiou 1988
4.01
1k+ ratings
Just So
by Alan W. Watts • 2020
Real wealth is felt, not figured. The self that tallies is a phantom.
4.27
399
Just So Summary
Just So 88%
Real wealth is felt, not figured. The self that tallies is a phantom.
by Alan W. Watts 2020
4.27
399 ratings
Neil Gaiman and Philosophy
by Tracy L. Bealer • 2012
What Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Derrida would make of Neil Gaiman's gods, graveyards, and dreams.
3.55
92
Neil Gaiman and Philosophy Summary
Neil Gaiman and Philosophy 88%
What Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Derrida would make of Neil Gaiman's gods, graveyards, and dreams.
by Tracy L. Bealer 2012
3.55
92 ratings
In My Own Way
by Alan W. Watts • 1972
A sensualist and Zen scholar insists the self is a fiction, and savors the joke.
4.18
1k+
In My Own Way Summary
In My Own Way 88%
A sensualist and Zen scholar insists the self is a fiction, and savors the joke.
by Alan W. Watts 1972
4.18
1k+ ratings
The Matrix and Philosophy
by William Irwin • 2002
Plato imagined the cave, Descartes the demon. The Matrix put both on screen and philosophy noticed.
3.90
2k+
The Matrix and Philosophy Summary
The Matrix and Philosophy 88%
Plato imagined the cave, Descartes the demon. The Matrix put both on screen and philosophy noticed.
by William Irwin 2002
3.90
2k+ ratings
Existentialism
by Thomas R. Flynn • 2006
Your choices are all you are: a brief guide to the philosophy of radical freedom.
3.49
2k+
Existentialism Summary
Existentialism 88%
Your choices are all you are: a brief guide to the philosophy of radical freedom.
by Thomas R. Flynn 2006
3.49
2k+ ratings
The Other Side of Nothing
by Brad Warner • 2022
Time is not a container, the self is a process, and harming others is self-harm.
4.33
228
The Other Side of Nothing Summary
The Other Side of Nothing 88%
Time is not a container, the self is a process, and harming others is self-harm.
by Brad Warner 2022
4.33
228 ratings
Anxiety
by Samir Chopra • 2024
What if your anxiety isn't a disorder, but the feeling of freedom itself?
3.91
522
Anxiety Summary
Anxiety 88%
What if your anxiety isn't a disorder, but the feeling of freedom itself?
by Samir Chopra 2024
3.91
522 ratings
Zen and the Art of Consciousness
by Susan Blackmore • 2009
The self is a trick of the brain and free will a mirage. A Zen psychologist's investigation.
3.57
277
Zen and the Art of Consciousness Summary
Zen and the Art of Consciousness 88%
The self is a trick of the brain and free will a mirage. A Zen psychologist's investigation.
by Susan Blackmore 2009
3.57
277 ratings
Life Is Short
by Dean Rickles • 2022
Death isn't what takes your life's meaning. It's the only thing that gives it any.
3.24
327
Life Is Short Summary
Life Is Short 88%
Death isn't what takes your life's meaning. It's the only thing that gives it any.
by Dean Rickles 2022
3.24
327 ratings
Courage
by Osho • 1977
Fear and courage start identically. The coward obeys the shaking; the courageous person sails.
4.15
8k+
Courage Summary
Courage 88%
Fear and courage start identically. The coward obeys the shaking; the courageous person sails.
by Osho 1977
4.15
8k+ ratings
The Ethics of Ambiguity
by Simone de Beauvoir • 1947
Freedom is never just your own: the only genuine ethics is to will it for everyone.
4.17
8k+
The Ethics of Ambiguity Summary
The Ethics of Ambiguity 88%
Freedom is never just your own: the only genuine ethics is to will it for everyone.
by Simone de Beauvoir 1947
4.17
8k+ ratings
Sun and Steel
by Yukio Mishima • 1968
Words trapped him. The body gave him a second grammar: its final word was death.
3.83
9k+
Sun and Steel Summary
Sun and Steel 88%
Words trapped him. The body gave him a second grammar: its final word was death.
by Yukio Mishima 1968
3.83
9k+ ratings
The Man Without Content
by Giorgio Agamben • 1970
Plato banished poets for their power. Aesthetics made art safe, and the artist empty.
4.15
383
The Man Without Content Summary
The Man Without Content 88%
Plato banished poets for their power. Aesthetics made art safe, and the artist empty.
by Giorgio Agamben 1970
4.15
383 ratings
I Am a Strange Loop
by Douglas R. Hofstadter • 2007
The self is an abstract loop the brain builds, and Gödel's proof shows how.
3.95
9k+
I Am a Strange Loop Summary
I Am a Strange Loop 88%
The self is an abstract loop the brain builds, and Gödel's proof shows how.
by Douglas R. Hofstadter 2007
3.95
9k+ ratings
Carpe Diem
by Roman Alexander Krznaric • 2017
Living fully was hijacked by shopping, scheduling, and screens. Five forgotten paths to reclaim it.
3.76
385
Carpe Diem Summary
Carpe Diem 88%
Living fully was hijacked by shopping, scheduling, and screens. Five forgotten paths to reclaim it.
by Roman Alexander Krznaric 2017
3.76
385 ratings
Zen and the Beat Way
by Alan W. Watts • 1900
The Beats rejected careers for passion. Zen had already figured out why that works.
4.07
280
Zen and the Beat Way Summary
Zen and the Beat Way 88%
The Beats rejected careers for passion. Zen had already figured out why that works.
by Alan W. Watts 1900
4.07
280 ratings
Ride the Tiger
by Julius Evola • 1961
Civilizations die. The real move: stop defending ruins and anchor in something death can't touch.
3.96
2k+
Ride the Tiger Summary
Ride the Tiger 88%
Civilizations die. The real move: stop defending ruins and anchor in something death can't touch.
by Julius Evola 1961
3.96
2k+ ratings
Standpoints
by Svend Brinkmann • 2018
Modernity wants a use for everything. Ten old ideas that refuse to earn their keep.
3.77
787
Standpoints Summary
Standpoints 88%
Modernity wants a use for everything. Ten old ideas that refuse to earn their keep.
by Svend Brinkmann 2018
3.77
787 ratings
Me
by Mel R. Thompson • 2009
Your self is not a fixed thing but a map you draw and redraw every day.
3.55
203
Me Summary
Me 88%
Your self is not a fixed thing but a map you draw and redraw every day.
by Mel R. Thompson 2009
3.55
203 ratings
A Brief History of Thought
by Luc Ferry • 2011
Life and death are one, chaos and peace are one, and self-help is the obstacle.
3.96
4k+
A Brief History of Thought Summary
A Brief History of Thought 88%
Life and death are one, chaos and peace are one, and self-help is the obstacle.
by Luc Ferry 2011
3.96
4k+ ratings
What Are You Doing With Your Life
by J. Krishnamurti • 1899
The search for meaning, love, and security is itself the obstacle.
3.93
2k+
What Are You Doing With Your Life Summary
What Are You Doing With Your Life 88%
The search for meaning, love, and security is itself the obstacle.
by J. Krishnamurti 1899
3.93
2k+ ratings
The Book
by Alan W. Watts • 1966
The boundary between you and everything else is just a habit of thinking.
4.21
25k+
The Book Summary
The Book 88%
The boundary between you and everything else is just a habit of thinking.
by Alan W. Watts 1966
4.21
25k+ ratings
The Conscious Mind
by David J. Chalmers • 1996
A zombie physically identical to you feels nothing at all: why consciousness needs its own laws.
4.00
3k+
The Conscious Mind Summary
The Conscious Mind 88%
A zombie physically identical to you feels nothing at all: why consciousness needs its own laws.
by David J. Chalmers 1996
4.00
3k+ ratings
Existential Psychotherapy
by Irvin D. Yalom • 1980
Death anxiety fuels most psychological pain, and the therapist who cannot face it cannot treat it.
4.46
7k+
Existential Psychotherapy Summary
Existential Psychotherapy 88%
Death anxiety fuels most psychological pain, and the therapist who cannot face it cannot treat it.
by Irvin D. Yalom 1980
4.46
7k+ ratings
Buddhism without Beliefs
by Stephen Batchelor • 1997
The Buddha's path works without karma, rebirth, or any belief you can't verify for yourself.
4.01
10k+
Buddhism without Beliefs Summary
Buddhism without Beliefs 88%
The Buddha's path works without karma, rebirth, or any belief you can't verify for yourself.
by Stephen Batchelor 1997
4.01
10k+ ratings
Staring at the Sun
by Irvin D. Yalom • 2008
Your fear of death hides in everyday worries. Facing it directly makes life fully worth living.
4.23
16k+
Staring at the Sun Summary
Staring at the Sun 88%
Your fear of death hides in everyday worries. Facing it directly makes life fully worth living.
by Irvin D. Yalom 2008
4.23
16k+ ratings
Talking Zen
by Alan W. Watts • 1994
The self you defend is a social fiction. Zen undoes it, and that undoing is freedom.
4.25
199
Talking Zen Summary
Talking Zen 88%
The self you defend is a social fiction. Zen undoes it, and that undoing is freedom.
by Alan W. Watts 1994
4.25
199 ratings
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