How to Read Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand was a Russian-American writer and philosopher who is known for developing a philosophical system she named Objectivism. Her novels, which embody her philosophy, have been both lauded for their advocacy of individualism and criticized for their uncompromising positions. 1. Atlas Shrugged: Rand’s magnum opus, a novel that presents her philosophy of Objectivism through … Read more

How to Read John Maynard Keynes

John Maynard Keynes was a British economist whose ideas fundamentally changed the theory and practice of macroeconomics and the economic policies of governments. He built on and greatly refined earlier work on the causes of business cycles and is widely considered to be one of the most influential economists of the 20th century and the … Read more

How to Read Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold was an American author, philosopher, scientist, ecologist, forester, and environmentalist. He was a professor at the University of Wisconsin and is best known for his book “A Sand County Almanac” (1949), which has sold more than two million copies. 1. A Sand County Almanac: This book combines natural history with philosophical insight in … Read more

How to Read David Hume

David Hume was a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist known especially for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism. Hume’s work formed the foundation of philosophical naturalism, the idea that philosophical speculation must be grounded in empirical evidence, and he is often grouped with John Locke, George Berkeley, and a handful of others as a British … Read more

How to Read Friedrich Engels

Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, historian, political scientist, and revolutionary socialist. He was also the close associate and collaborator of Karl Marx, with whom he co-authored “The Communist Manifesto.” His analysis of class struggle, capitalism, and the theoretical potential of the working class have been influential in the realm of political thought. 1. The … Read more

How to Read Karl Marx

Karl Marx was a philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary. His ideas, encapsulated in works like “The Communist Manifesto” and “Capital,” have had a profound impact on global politics and economics, shaping the course of the 20th century. 1. The Communist Manifesto: This is a political pamphlet and one of the … Read more

How to Read Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin was a master of speculative fiction, exploring themes of gender, politics, religion, and environmentalism in her thought-provoking works. Her mastery over language and storytelling made her one of the most celebrated authors of her time. 1. The Dispossessed: A philosophical science fiction novel that explores the contrasts between anarcho-syndicalist and capitalist … Read more

How to Read Jules Verne

Known as a pioneer of the science-fiction genre, Jules Verne’s writings combine the technological advancements of the age with the boundless creative spirit of the scientific mind. His stories are an imaginative journey into the farthest corners of the earth and beyond. 1. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea: Verne’s masterpiece invites us on a … Read more

How to Read Hermann Hesse

A German-born Swiss poet, novelist, and painter, Hermann Hesse’s work explores the individual’s search for authenticity, self-knowledge, and spirituality. 1. Steppenwolf is a profound work that delves into the protagonist’s struggle with his own duality, between his humanity and his wolf-like aggression and instinct. Review: Hesse’s writing in Steppenwolf is raw and powerful, filled with … Read more

How to Read Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley is best known for her groundbreaking novel, “Frankenstein”, which, despite being written in the 19th century, remarkably forecasted issues that remain central to contemporary debates on technology, ethics, and the boundaries of human agency. Books: Frankenstein The Last Man These are only two of the many works of Mary Shelley, but they are … Read more