Books matching: philosophical depth
100 result(s)
Aldous Huxley's 'The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell' is a collection of essays detailing his experience with hallucinogenic drugs, particularly mescalin. The book provides insights into Huxley's altered states of consciousness and his philosophical musings on perception, reality, and spirituality. Through vivid descriptions and introspective reflections, Huxley takes readers on a journey exploring the boundaries of human perception and the mysteries of existence.
It was in 1886 that the German pharmacologist, Louis Lewin, published the first systematic study of the cactus, to which his own name was subsequently given. Anhalonium Lewinii was new to science. To ..."Flow Down Like Silver: Hypatia of Alexandria" by Ki Longfellow delves into the life of Hypatia, a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, literary critic, and teacher living in Roman Egypt. The story is set against the backdrop of the rise of Christianity, the burning of non-Christian texts, and the eventual murder of Hypatia. The narrative is told from multiple points of view, blending historical facts with fictional elements to explore the vibrant intellectual life of Alexandria and the clash between different belief systems.
The author weaves a tale that showcases the struggles of Hypatia in a changing world where her intellectual pursuits are threatened by the growing influence of Christianity. touches on themes of knowledge, faith, and the subjugation of women, offering a poignant portrayal of a remarkable woman who stood out in a male-dominated society and faced persecution due to her beliefs and actions.
Jaws sore with shouting, hearts as dark as smoke, hands bright with blood, Christians rage through my city—pushed by their bishop beyond tolerance, beyond reason, beyond even madness. From the mouth o...- #13
Save:'Man's Fate' by Andre Malraux is a novel that delves into the early days of the Chinese Revolution in the 1920s, focusing on the communist attempts to bring about revolution in China before Mao took control of the CCP. The book portrays the struggle of the party, heavily influenced by the Russians, with many European leaders involved. The plot is disorienting, capturing the role of foreigners in Shanghai at the time and featuring a study of conspiracy and the profound meaning of the revolutionary impulse for those involved. Malraux's writing style is described as engaging when abstracted, contemplative, and full of existential melancholy, making it a remarkable but sometimes challenging read.
SHOULD he try to raise the mosquito-netting? Or should he strike through it? Ch’en was torn by anguish: he was sure of himself, yet at the moment he could feel nothing but bewilderment—his eyes rivete... - #14
Save:'Sirius: A Fantasy of Love and Discord' by Olaf Stapledon is a captivating tale of a genetically modified alsatian named Sirius, who possesses human-level intelligence. Raised by his human creator, Sirius grapples with the conflict between his intellectual and spiritual aspirations and his primal 'wolf nature.' The narrative delves into fundamental human themes such as love, identity, purpose, and happiness, all while exploring the intricate relationship between a super-intelligent dog and his human counterparts. Despite some readers finding the story reminiscent of Frankenstein, Stapledon brings a fresh perspective to the intense bond between Sirius and his human companion, making the journey engaging and emotionally resonant until the inevitable conclusion.
PLAXY and I had been lovers; rather uneasy lovers, for she would never speak freely about her past, and sometimes she withdrew into a cloud of reserve and despond. But often we were very happy togethe... - #15
Save:The Amber Spyglass is the conclusion to the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. The story follows Lyra and Will as they navigate through different worlds, facing religious influences and embarking on a journey to challenge the Authority. The plot delves into themes of life, death, knowledge, and the complexities of human existence. Pullman's writing style is described as intense, original, and filled with lofty themes that elevate the series above typical fiction.
In a valley shaded with rhododendrons, close to the snow line, where a stream milky with meltwater splashed and where doves and linnets flew among the immense pines, lay a cave, half-hidden by the cra...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series His Dark Materials ) - #16
Save:The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie is a multilayered novel that intertwines fantasy and reality, history and myth, truth and lies. The story follows a mysterious traveler who arrives at the Mughal Empire to tell a tale that spans continents and regimes, connecting the East and the West. Rushdie's evocative prose and fantastical storytelling style transport readers to a world where the natural and supernatural coexist, and where enchantment and magic play a significant role in shaping the narrative.
In the day’s last light the glowing lake below the palace-city looked like a sea of molten gold. A traveler coming this way at sunset—this traveler, coming this way, now, along the lakeshore road—migh... - #17
Save:'Billy Budd, Sailor' by Herman Melville is a novella that delves into the interpersonal relations onboard a ship, exploring themes of good and evil in human souls through the tragic story of Billy Budd, an innocent sailor condemned to death. The writing style is described as dense, with each sentence worth savoring, although it may require patience to navigate through the historical and cultural references present in the text.
The year 1797, the year of this narrative, belongs to a period which, as every thinker now feels, involved a crisis for Christendom, not exceeded in its undetermined momentousness at the time by any o... 'How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe' by Charles Yu is a unique blend of science fiction and literary fiction, exploring themes of time travel, father-son relationships, and self-discovery. The protagonist, a time machine repair technician named after the author, navigates a complex narrative that delves into the intricacies of time loops and the search for his inventor father. The book is noted for its metafictional elements, combining humor, melancholy, and mind-bending storytelling within a science fictional universe that challenges traditional genre boundaries.
There is just enough space inside here for one person to live indefinitely, or at least that’s what the operation manual says. User can survive inside the TM-31 Recreational Time Travel Device, in iso...- #19
Save:'The Postmortal' by Drew Magary is a thought-provoking and intense exploration of a world where a cure for aging is discovered. The novel follows the protagonist, John Farrell, who takes the cure at the age of 29 and witnesses the societal impact of agelessness. The book delves into the good, bad, and everything in between, showcasing how individuals cope with the newfound immortality and the consequences it brings to Earth. The narrative unfolds through blog posts, news feeds, and comments, providing a quick-paced and engaging look at a world without death by aging.
The plot of 'The Postmortal' centers around the ethical and philosophical implications of immortality, as well as the societal collapse that ensues after the widespread adoption of the aging cure. Magary's writing style combines dark themes with humor, creating a narrative that is both disturbing and thought-provoking, with a focus on exploring the consequences of eternal life in a finite world.
There are wild postings with that statement all along First Avenue. If you’ve been in Midtown recently, you’ve seen them. They’re simple black-and-white posters. Just type. No fancy fonts or designs i... - #20
Save:Ghost Lights by Lydia Millet is a novel that follows Hal Lindley, an IRS agent who embarks on a journey to Belize to search for his wife's boss, T., who has gone missing in the Central American rainforest. The book delves into themes of existential crisis, infidelity, loss, and human dissolution, all while exploring the complex relationships between the characters. Millet's writing style is characterized by elegant prose, believable dialogue, and dark humor, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
The walls were kittens and puppies. Like other pet facilities he had seen—even the Humane Society, where he had taken Casey when she was six to pick out a kitten—the kennel trafficked in a brand of cu...
