This Is a Very Important Decision | Show, Not Tell, What You Know

Furious Hours by Casey Cep is a captivating blend of true crime and literary biography. It explores the mysterious murders linked to Reverend Willie Maxwell in rural Alabama and Harper Lee's fascination with the case, which she hoped to turn into her next book. The narrative delves into the racial politics of the Deep South and offers a poignant portrait of Lee's struggles with fame and creativity.

In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives.

The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living.

In this book, Michael J. Sandel delves into various theories of justice, including utilitarianism, libertarianism, and the philosophies of Aristotle, Kant, and Rawls. He applies these theories to contemporary legal and political controversies, encouraging readers to think critically about complex issues and to engage in a more robust and thoughtful public discourse. The book is based on Sandel's renowned Harvard course and aims to help readers make sense of politics, morality, and their own convictions.

The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature. ' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching.

This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism.

In 'Night of the Grizzlies', Jack Olsen provides a detailed and suspenseful narrative of the events surrounding the tragic bear attacks in Glacier National Park on August 13, 1967. The book explores how mismanagement and human actions contributed to the attacks, which marked a turning point in bear management within the National Park Service. Olsen's work is both a gripping tale and a critical examination of human-wildlife interactions.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.