Values: Library
- personal995
- May 6, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Index
Library
Complete Works of Aristotle, Volume 1 & 2: The Revised Oxford Translation by Aristotle
The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, and Fragments by Epictetus
An Autobiography: Or The Story Of My Experiments With Truth by M.K. Gandhi
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela by Nelson Mandela
What Lincoln Believed: The Values and Convictions of America's Greatest President by Michael Lind
King Richard: Nixon and Watergate-An American Tragedy by Michael Dobbs
The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust by Diana B. Henriques
Purpose
Values: Library is a section of Values.
This page and section exists to provide a curated reading list for learning more about Values.
“In my whole life, I have known no wise people (over a broad subject matter area) who didn’t read all the time—none. Zero."
Charlie Munger
Introduction
If we have referenced, or found a book, text or article to be foundational and useful, it will be listed throughout this section and also categorised for your reference below.
For your efficiency, the library provides a brief on why each book is included and why and for who it may prove to be of interest or useful.
The Last Days of Socrates
by Plato
Overview: The Last Conversations of Socrates by Plato is a collection of dialogues depicting Socrates' discussions on ethics, justice, and the nature of the soul in his final days before his execution.
Key points: Socrates challenges conventional wisdom, encourages critical thinking, and explores the pursuit of truth through dialogue.
Interest: This book may appeal to those interested in philosophy, self-reflection, and seeking wisdom to navigate life's complexities.
Plato: Complete Works
by Plato
Overview: Plato: Complete Works is a comprehensive collection of Plato's dialogues and letters, spanning topics such as metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology.
Key points: Plato explores the nature of reality, justice, virtue, and the ideal state through his iconic Socratic dialogues.
Interest: This anthology is valuable for anyone interested in delving into the foundational texts of Western philosophy and grappling with timeless questions about existence, morality, and the human condition.
Conversations of Socrates
by Xenophon
Overview: Conversations of Socrates by Xenophon is a series of dialogues that offer a portrayal of Socrates' teachings and philosophy, covering topics such as virtue, piety, and the art of living.
Key points: Xenophon presents Socrates as a practical philosopher who emphasizes the importance of virtue in everyday life and the pursuit of knowledge through questioning.
Interest: This book may appeal to those seeking a more accessible introduction to Socratic philosophy or interested in exploring the ethical and moral principles advocated by Socrates beyond Plato's dialogues.
Complete Works of Aristotle, Volume 1 & 2: The Revised Oxford Translation
by Aristotle
Overview: The Complete Works of Aristotle, Volume 1 & 2: The Revised Oxford Translation compiles the extensive and profound writings of Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in Western history. This edition, translated by various scholars and edited by Jonathan Barnes, provides a comprehensive and accessible presentation of Aristotle's diverse body of work, ranging from logic and metaphysics to ethics and politics.
Key points: These volumes encompass Aristotle's key contributions to numerous fields, including his logical treatises in the "Organon," his ethical reflections in the "Nicomachean Ethics," his political theories in "Politics," and his explorations of natural phenomena in "Physics" and "Metaphysics." The meticulous translations strive to maintain the clarity and depth of Aristotle's original texts, offering readers valuable insights into his philosophical inquiries and methodologies.
Interest: This collection is essential for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of philosophy, providing a foundational resource for understanding Western intellectual history. It is particularly valuable for those studying ancient philosophy, logic, metaphysics, ethics, political theory, and science. Whether for academic purposes or personal enrichment, the "Complete Works of Aristotle" offers a thorough and enlightening exploration of the works of one of history's greatest thinkers.
Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
Overview: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a timeless collection of personal reflections and philosophical musings by the Roman Emperor, offering profound insights on virtue, resilience, and the nature of existence.
Key points: Marcus Aurelius explores Stoic principles, advocating for self-discipline, acceptance of fate, and the pursuit of inner tranquility amidst the challenges of life.
Interest: This book appeals to those interested in Stoic philosophy, personal development, and finding strength and wisdom in the face of adversity, making it particularly relevant for individuals seeking guidance on navigating life's complexities with resilience and integrity.
The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, and Fragments
by Epictetus
Overview: The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, and Fragments by Epictetus is a comprehensive collection of Stoic teachings, offering practical guidance for living a life of virtue, resilience, and inner peace.
Key points: Epictetus emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, cultivating inner strength through self-discipline, and maintaining tranquility in the face of external events.
Interest: This book is invaluable for those seeking practical wisdom and strategies for navigating life's challenges with stoicism, making it essential reading for anyone interested in personal growth, resilience, and philosophical approaches to living well.
The Analects
by Confucius
Overview: The Analects by Confucius is a foundational text in Chinese philosophy, compiling the teachings and sayings of Confucius and his disciples, covering topics such as ethics, morality, and governance.
Key points: Confucius emphasizes the importance of filial piety, social harmony, and the cultivation of moral character through self-cultivation and virtuous conduct.
Interest: This book is essential for those interested in Confucianism, East Asian culture, and ethical philosophy, offering valuable insights into the principles of ethical living and social order that continue to influence societies across the world.
An Autobiography: Or The Story Of My Experiments With Truth
by M.K. Gandhi
Overview: An Autobiography: Or The Story Of My Experiments With Truth by M.K. Gandhi is a deeply personal account of Gandhi's life, detailing his spiritual and political journey, and his pursuit of truth and nonviolent resistance.
Key points: Gandhi reflects on his formative experiences, including his struggles, failures, and evolution as a leader committed to principles of nonviolence, simplicity, and social justice.
Interest: This autobiography is invaluable for those interested in Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and its application in social and political movements, as well as for anyone seeking inspiration for personal growth and social change through nonviolent means.
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
by Nelson Mandela
Overview: Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela is a compelling narrative chronicling Mandela's extraordinary life journey from his childhood in rural South Africa to his role as a global icon of peace and justice.
Key points: Mandela recounts his struggle against apartheid, his long imprisonment, and his eventual presidency, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of equality.
Interest: This autobiography is essential reading for those interested in the history of South Africa, the fight against racial injustice, and the transformative power of leadership, resilience, and forgiveness in the pursuit of social change.
Rosa Parks: My Story
by Rosa Parks
Overview: Rosa Parks: My Story is a poignant autobiography that provides a firsthand account of Rosa Parks' pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and her lifelong commitment to fighting for racial equality.
Key points: Rosa Parks recounts her experiences growing up in the segregated South, her defiance of segregation laws by refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and the subsequent Montgomery Bus Boycott, which catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement.
Interest: This book is essential for those interested in African American history, civil rights activism, and the power of individual courage to spark social change, offering a personal and intimate perspective on one of the most iconic figures in American history.
A Life on Our Planet
by David Attenborough
Overview: A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough is a poignant reflection on the state of our planet, offering insights into the environmental challenges facing humanity and a vision for a sustainable future.
Key points: Attenborough recounts his lifetime of experiences documenting the natural world, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and other ecological crises.
Interest: This book appeals to anyone concerned about the environment and the future of our planet, providing both a sobering assessment of the current ecological situation and hope for positive change through informed decision-making and conservation efforts.
What Lincoln Believed: The Values and Convictions of America's Greatest President
by Michael Lind
Overview: What Lincoln Believed: The Values and Convictions of America's Greatest President by Michael Lind is an exploration of the moral and political principles that shaped Abraham Lincoln's leadership and legacy.
Key points: Lind delves into Lincoln's views on democracy, equality, and the preservation of the Union, illustrating how his convictions guided his actions during one of the nation's most tumultuous periods.
Interest: This book is indispensable for those interested in American history, leadership, and political philosophy, offering profound insights into the character and convictions of a president who navigated the nation through crisis with integrity, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
King Richard: Nixon and Watergate-An American Tragedy
by Michael Dobbs
Overview: King Richard: Nixon and Watergate-An American Tragedy by Michael Dobbs is a detailed examination of the Watergate scandal and its profound impact on American politics and society during the Nixon presidency.
Key points: Dobbs delves into the intricate web of political intrigue, corruption, and abuse of power that ultimately led to Nixon's resignation, revealing the dark underbelly of American politics and the erosion of public trust in government.
Interest: This book is essential for those interested in understanding one of the most notorious political scandals in American history, offering valuable insights into the complexities of power, accountability, and the rule of law in a democratic society.
The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust
by Diana B. Henriques
Overview: The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust by Diana B. Henriques is a gripping narrative that unravels the intricate layers of Bernie Madoff's infamous Ponzi scheme, shedding light on the devastating consequences for his victims and the broader financial landscape.
Key points: Henriques meticulously examines Madoff's deception, exploring the psychological and institutional factors that enabled his unprecedented fraud, and the profound betrayal of trust that ensued.
Interest: This book is essential for those interested in understanding the mechanisms of white-collar crime, the vulnerabilities of financial markets, and the human impact of large-scale financial fraud, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed and the importance of transparency and accountability in the financial industry.
By reading the texts above you absorb over time the many wise, experienced and learned humans have come before us. There is no need to re live all their lessons ourselves. Take what they have learnt, their accumulated years of wisdom and efficiently use it to leverage the quality of your life and work.
Output Checklist
Completed Strategic Review Worksheet from The Workbook for approaching any Values related opportunities or challenges, guided by all key learnings from this section.
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