My Top 10 Books of All Time

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their top 10 favorite books, sharing how each text has shaped their thinking, personal growth, and understanding of the world. From philosophical classics like Hume’s *A Treatise of Human Nature* and Aristotle’s *Nicomachean Ethics*, to the emotional depth of Douglass’s *Narrative* and the thought-provoking dystopia of Le Guin’s *The Dispossessed*, the speaker explores the intellectual and moral lessons learned from these works. The selection highlights the power of books to shape one’s perspective and offer continuous insight through repeated readings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hume's *A Treatise of Human Nature* is a sophisticated philosophical work that encourages skepticism and explores the limits of human knowledge, advocating for intellectual humility.
• 😀 *Anathem* by Neal Stephenson is a standalone science fiction novel that explores metaphysical themes, including nominalism versus realism, and emphasizes philosophical exploration.
• 😀 *The Confessions* by Saint Augustine, despite being a medieval work, provides deep reflections on human psychology, morality, and the search for meaning, even for non-religious readers.
• 😀 *The Intellectual Life* by A.G. Sertillanges is a guide to intellectual discipline, focusing on routines, note-taking, and how intellectual work can be a higher calling that connects to the pursuit of truth.
• 😀 *After Virtue* by Alasdair MacIntyre critiques modern moral theory and urges a return to virtue ethics, exploring the relationship between moral terms, history, and community.
• 😀 *The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass* is an inspirational memoir by the abolitionist that highlights the humanizing power of literature and the determination to fight against slavery.
• 😀 *Blood Meridian* by Cormac McCarthy is considered one of the Great American Novels, blending beauty and brutality with lyrical prose to examine violence and the American frontier.
• 😀 Ursula K. Le Guin's *The Dispossessed* explores anarchism, utopia, and dystopia through the story of a scientist who seeks truth but struggles with the compromises required in society.
• 😀 *Crime and Punishment* by Fyodor Dostoevsky resonates with those experiencing guilt and anxiety, exploring the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, Raskolnikov, and the themes of redemption and moral conflict.
• 😀 *Nicomachean Ethics* by Aristotle is a foundational work in ethics, focusing on virtue, human development, and the relationship between ethics and politics, making it a timeless source of wisdom that invites continual re-reading.

Q & A

Why did the author choose to focus on individual books rather than series?

The author prefers standalone works because they are more self-contained, and often individual books in a series don't make it to the author's top 10 list due to weaknesses in the individual books, even if the series as a whole is great.

What is the main theme of 'A Treatise of Human Nature' by David Hume?

'A Treatise of Human Nature' primarily explores the theme of skepticism, particularly questioning the certainty of human knowledge and the existence of the external world, encouraging humility in the face of uncertainty.

How did the author find reading Hume's 'A Treatise of Human Nature' in an academic seminar?

The author found the seminar challenging, as Hume's arguments were sophisticated but often difficult to follow due to their rapid pace. However, this challenge made the author appreciate the depth and subtlety of the work.

What philosophical debate is explored in Neil Stevenson's 'Anathem'?

The main philosophical exploration in 'Anathem' is the debate between nominalism and realism, particularly in metaphysics. The book delves into these themes in the context of a scientist-philosopher society on an expedition to push the boundaries of human knowledge.

Why does the author recommend 'The Confessions' by Saint Augustine, even to non-religious readers?

The author believes that 'The Confessions' offers valuable insights into human moral psychology, the search for meaning, and the struggles of human existence, all of which can resonate with readers regardless of their religious background.

What is 'The Intellectual Life' by A.D. Sertillanges about?

'The Intellectual Life' is a manual on how to lead an intellectual life, focusing on discipline, note-taking, and the pursuit of truth. It emphasizes the importance of routine and reflection in intellectual work, while also connecting it to a higher sense of vocation.

What is the central concern of Alasdair MacIntyre's 'After Virtue'?

'After Virtue' addresses the fragmentation of moral theory in the modern world, exploring how we can restore meaningful discussions about ethics and morality. It emphasizes the importance of community and persuasion in moral debates, rather than power struggles.

How did Frederick Douglass's 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' influence the author's thinking?

The author finds 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass' deeply inspirational because it showcases Douglass's courage, determination, and his quest for knowledge in the face of dehumanizing slavery, which the author believes highlights the essence of humanity.

What makes Cormac McCarthy's 'Blood Meridian' stand out as an example of the 'Great American Novel'?

'Blood Meridian' stands out due to its brutal and beautiful portrayal of violence, its exploration of the American spirit, and its unique writing style, which combines rhythmic and sometimes unconventional language to elevate rural American speech to literary greatness.

What is the central idea of Ursula K. Le Guin's 'The Dispossessed'?

'The Dispossessed' is a profound exploration of anarchism, dystopia, and utopia. It follows a scientist's personal struggle with the compromises he must make as he pursues truth, and addresses the moral complexities of living according to one's principles in a flawed world.

Why is 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky personally significant to the author?

'Crime and Punishment' is significant because it resonated with the author at a pivotal time in life, deeply engaging with the themes of guilt, redemption, and moral transformation, particularly through the character of Raskolnikov, which the author connects to the idea of overcoming a guilty conscience.

What is the significance of Aristotle's 'Nicomachean Ethics' to the author?

The author holds 'Nicomachean Ethics' in high regard because it offers profound insights into virtue, human development, and teleology. The author's personal connection to the work comes from how it shaped their understanding of ethics and human flourishing, making it a book the author returns to repeatedly.