Philosophy, the study of knowledge, reality, and so much more, is everything and everywhere. It's thinking, both big and small, about existence and the human experience. Feast your ears on these timeless, brilliant audiobooks by and about famous philosophers, from ancient Rome to modern-day thinkers.
If you're looking for an overview of the entire scope of philosophy, The Philosophy Book is the way to go. It spans centuries of human history, from ancient Rome to today, and explains the concepts and thinking behind the wide-ranging, mystical subject that is philosophy. This audiobook, narrated clearly and with great attention to detail by Jason Culp, unpacks the writing and ideas of more than 100 thinkers—from René Descartes to Mary Wollstonecraft to John Locke—and all of the philosophical movements they got rolling.
In The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching, Thich Nhat Hanh pairs with the balanced, calm narration of René Ruiz to explore the teachings of Buddhism, before demonstrating how they're accessible and applicable to everyone's daily life. He shares the nature of suffering and its vital role in reaching enlightenment. This listen is meant for everyone—from beginning Buddhists to experts—with explanations of the major teachings of the practice.
Marcus Aurelius's Meditations is one of the most famous philosophy books, by one of the most famous Western philosophers. His meditations focus on duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength, and so many more massive ideas about being a human in this world. With excellent, rich narration provided by voice artist (and ordained Buddhist monk) Richard Steen, this audiobook makes a perfect listen for any philosophical beginner.
In Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda details his childhood, his encounters with saints and sages on his search for a teacher, his training in the hermitage of a revered yoga master, and his 30 years of teaching in America. He breaks down the ancient science of yoga and meditation, discusses the laws behind ordinary and extraordinary events in life, and muses on the mystery of human life. One of the best books written by a famous philosopher, Autobiography of a Yogi is further enlivened by the inspired performance of Oscar-winning actor Ben Kingsley.
The Daily Stoic is a beautiful daily devotional of Stoic meditations to get you in the habit of the practice, made engaging and soothing by Audie nominated voice artist Brian Holsopple. The audiobook is chock-full of daily insights and exercises, including new translations from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Zeno, Cleanthes, and more, to inspire you.
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, translated as Book of the Way, is a guide for balance and perspective, teaching us how to work for the good of the world. It's the book of Tao, the basic principle of the universe. This contemplative listen is narrated with great understanding and diligence by its accomplished translator, Stephen Mitchell.
German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel wrote The Communist Manifesto, a political pamphlet, in 1848 as an analytical approach to the class struggle and the problems of capitalism. In this listen, they discuss their theories about the nature of society and politics, and how they believed a form of socialism would replace capitalist society. With crisp, well-paced narration by Roberto Scarlato, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about social and economic philosophy.
Epictetus was a slave who became a great teacher of Stoicism. His philosophy was more practical than theoretical, aimed at relieving human suffering right here and right now. The Manual is an accessible collection of Epictetus's teachings and sayings, modernized in contemporary English. Performed with concise clarity by Sam Torode, this is an ideal audiobook for beginners seeking to expand their knowledge of famous philosophers.
In The History of Sexuality, French philosopher Michel Foucault examines the social, political, and economic forces that perpetually shape our attitudes about sex. He focuses on how humans are more compelled with analyzing and discussing sex and sexuality, rather than simply enjoying it. Audie Award-winning narrator Michael Page lends his talents to this incisive, fascinating listen that’s an excellent addition to the canon of human philosophy.
Nietzsche's controversial work Beyond Good and Evil is one of the most influential philosophical texts of the 19th century and one of the most controversial works of ideology ever written. Attacking the notion of morality as nothing more than institutionalised weakness, Nietzsche criticises past philosophers for their unquestioning acceptance of moral precepts. Nietzsche tried to formulate what he called "the philosophy of the future".
Looking for a comprehensive account of philosophy through the ages? Bertrand Russell's A History of Western Philosophy serves as the perfect introduction to its subject; it remains unchallenged as the greatest account of the history of Western thought. Charting philosophy's course from the pre-Socratics up to the early twentieth century, Russell relates each philosopher and school to their respective historical and cultural contexts, providing erudite commentary throughout his invaluable survey.
