Published in 1854, 'Walden; Or, Life in the Woods' is a series of 18 essays that reflect Thoreau's experiences living in a small cabin near Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847. The book is a personal declaration of independence, a social experiment, and a voyage of spiritual discovery. Thoreau details his life in the woods, discussing the construction of his cabin, his daily activities, and his philosophical reflections on economy, social relations, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. The work is considered a cornerstone of American literature and a foundational text in the Transcendentalist movement, emphasizing the benefits of a simplified lifestyle and the importance of individual freedom and self-reliance[2][4][5].
In 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Timothy Ferriss presents a step-by-step guide to 'lifestyle design', encouraging readers to question the traditional notion of retirement and instead create a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom, adventure, and personal growth. The book teaches how to outsource life tasks, automate income, and eliminate unnecessary work using principles like the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law. Ferriss shares his personal journey from a corporate workaholic to a location-independent entrepreneur and provides practical tips and case studies to help readers achieve similar results. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-value activities, taking 'mini-retirements', and living life to the fullest in the present rather than deferring enjoyment until retirement.
In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness. He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free). Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world. The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception. Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence[2][3][4].
Published in 1841, 'Self-Reliance' is one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous essays. It advocates for individualism, urging readers to trust their own unique powers and intuition rather than conforming to societal norms. Emerson argues that true happiness and fulfillment come from living an authentic, self-reliant life, free from the pressures of conformity and institutionalized religion. The essay is a cornerstone of Transcendentalist philosophy, emphasizing themes such as nonconformity, the authority of the individual, and the importance of personal growth and self-trust[2][4][5].
In 'Vagabonding', Rolf Potts provides a comprehensive handbook for long-term world travel. The book is not just about travel but an outlook on life, encouraging readers to use the prosperity and possibilities of the information age to increase personal options rather than possessions. It covers practical advice on financing travel, determining destinations, adjusting to life on the road, handling travel adversity, and re-assimilating back into ordinary life. Potts emphasizes the importance of an independent spirit, simplicity, and a friendly interest in people, places, and things, making the reader an explorer in the truest sense of the word[1][3][4].
This book compiles the complete surviving works of Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher. It includes his Discourses, which were transcribed by his pupil Arrian, the Handbook (Enchiridion), a practical guide to moral self-improvement, and various Fragments. Epictetus's teachings focus on distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, accepting nature's course, and living a virtuous life through rigorous self-discipline. Edited and translated by Robin Waterfield, this collection brings Epictetus's insights to modern readers on how to cope with various life challenges.
Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles. Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace. Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living. They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.
This play, adapted by Jeremy Sams from the original sitcom by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, follows Tom and Barbara Good as they transform their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. They grow their own food, keep livestock, make their own clothes, and generate electricity from manure. The play reunites the beloved characters, including Geraldine the goat, and explores issues of sustainability and community, blending old and new comedic elements.
While not a single book, the writings of Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century anchoress, are highly influential. Her revelations, primarily recorded in "Revelations of Divine Love," offer profound insights into God's love, compassion, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. She emphasizes God's boundless mercy and the assurance that "all shall be well." Her experiences of suffering and contemplation shaped her mystical understanding of God's nature and the path to spiritual growth. Her work continues to resonate with readers seeking solace, hope, and a deeper connection with the divine.
G.K. Chesterton's "St. Thomas Aquinas" is a biography of the influential medieval philosopher and theologian. Chesterton presents Aquinas's life and thought in a clear and engaging manner, making the complex ideas of the philosopher accessible to a wider audience. The book explores Aquinas's contributions to philosophy and theology, highlighting his synthesis of faith and reason. Chesterton's own unique perspective and writing style bring a fresh perspective to the life and work of Aquinas. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in medieval philosophy, theology, and the history of ideas.
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
Sam Harris is a prominent American neuroscientist, author, and podcaster known for his work on atheism, neuroscience, and moral philosophy. His books explore the implications of scientific findings for our understanding of consciousness, morality, and the nature of reality. Harris is a vocal critic of religious belief, arguing that it is incompatible with reason and evidence. His work has sparked considerable debate and discussion, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions. Harris's work is characterized by its clarity and intellectual rigor.
Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy provides a coherent and unintimidating overview of the major themes in Western philosophy. Simon Blackburn explores topics like knowledge, fate, ethics, identity, God, reason, and truth, offering insights into how major philosophers have approached these issues. The book is designed to engage readers and encourage philosophical thinking.
In this revolutionary, richly illustrated book, Richard Dawkins demonstrates how the body, behavior, and genes of every living creature can be read as a book—an archive of the worlds of its ancestors. Dawkins explains that in the future, a zoologist will be able to decode the ancestral history of any unknown animal, reading its unique 'book of the dead'. This approach is already revealing the remarkable ways animals overcome obstacles, adapt to their environments, and develop similar solutions to life’s problems.
Dōgen was a highly influential Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and philosopher who is considered the founder of Sōtō Zen Buddhism. His writings emphasize the importance of direct experience and the practice of zazen (seated meditation). Dōgen's work explores themes of enlightenment, practice, and the nature of reality. His writings are characterized by their poetic and evocative style. Dōgen's influence on Zen Buddhism has been profound, shaping the practice and understanding of Zen for centuries.
Albert Camus was a highly influential French philosopher and writer known for his novels, essays, and plays. His work explores themes of absurdity, revolt, and the human condition. Camus's concept of the absurd highlights the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the meaningless nature of existence. His work emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility. Camus's writings are characterized by their clarity, emotional depth, and intellectual rigor. His work continues to inspire readers to confront the complexities of life and to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
This collection presents Weil's philosophy as it relates to human nature, politics, work, necessity, beauty, and divinity. Featuring fresh translations of her essays, including previously untranslated material, the book offers insights into Weil's unique blend of Platonic thought, Christian mysticism, and social critique. The editors provide contextual prefaces for each section, making this an ideal introduction to Weil's complex ideas.
Gilles Deleuze's philosophical work is characterized by its originality and complexity. He developed a unique approach to philosophy, drawing on diverse sources such as Spinoza, Nietzsche, and Bergson. Deleuze's concepts, such as 'difference,' 'repetition,' and 'assemblage,' challenge traditional philosophical categories. His work is known for its dense and challenging prose, requiring careful and repeated readings. Deleuze's influence extends beyond philosophy, impacting fields such as art, literature, and film studies.
Stephen West is a father, husband, and host of the Philosophize This! podcast.
Sponsors:
Gusto simple and easy payroll, HR, and benefits platform used by 400,000+ businesses: https://gusto.com/tim (three months free)
Momentous high-quality supplements: https://livemomentous.com/tim (code TIM for up to 35% off)
Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: https://eightsleep.com/tim (save $350 on the Pod 4 Ultra)
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] So it begins.
[00:06:11] Stephen’s challenging childhood — from San Diego to Child Protective Services.
[00:07:55] How Stephen supported himself after dropping out of school at 16.
[00:09:37] The physical wear and tear of warehouse work (and unexpected upsides of the job).
[00:11:48] How Stephen discovered philosophy through googling “wisest person in history.”
[00:14:07] Defining philosophy as a “disruption of common sense” and “gym for rethinking.”
[00:16:06] The 4-Hour Workweek as a philosophical text.
[00:19:27] A philosophical shift around Ralph Waldo Emerson.
[00:22:18] The transition from warehouse work to starting Philosophize This! with friendly encouragement.
[00:27:47] Authenticity as the secret sauce to Philosophize This!
[00:32:24] The discomfort of comparing old episodes with new.
[00:34:15] The current state of Philosophize This!: 225 episodes, Patreon, ads, upcoming book deal.
[00:37:18] The value of focusing on content quality before monetization.
[00:38:44] Most popular Philosophize This! episodes thus far.
[00:40:00] Philosophize This! episodes I’d like to hear.
[00:41:20] Thinking of philosophy as a verb, not a noun.
[00:46:44] The concept of amor fati (love of fate) and its practical application.
[00:48:41] Wittgenstein’s ladder as a metaphor for philosophical growth.
[00:51:36] Stephen’s perspective on philosophy as a process rather than a set of protocols.
[00:54:43] Philosophies that have personal meaning to Stephen: Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Simone Weil.
[00:56:40] Simone Weil’s concept of attention and self-emptying.
[00:59:26] Stephen’s approach to simplicity and sacrificing efficiency for meaning.
[01:04:07] Valuing time and playing the long game.
[01:06:01] How philosophy lives “in the shadow” of what we give credit to (science, psychology).
[01:08:31] The value of philosophy in generating better questions.
[01:10:06] Stephen’s future plans: possibly writing philosophical fiction.
[01:19:05] Stephen’s billboard.
[01:21:41] Recommendations for getting started with philosophy.
[01:24:29] Gilles Deleuze and concepts as machines.
[01:26:55] Why do we believe what we believe?
[01:30:40] Stephen’s evolving relationship with religion after starting as a New Atheist.
[01:32:33] Exploring mysticism and religious phenomenology.
[01:37:51] Parting thoughts.
*
For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.
For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors
Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.
For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.
Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.
Follow Tim:
Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss
Instagram: instagram.com/timferriss
YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss
Facebook: facebook.com/timferriss
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferriss
Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Tim Ferriss Show 
