Books Like...

'A Short History of Decay' by Emil M. Cioran is a collection of pessimistic and nihilistic essays that explore themes of doubt, downfall, and the darker aspects of life and death. Cioran openly despises most aspects of life and praises only doubt and downfall. The writing style is described as polemical and dour, with aphorisms that provide insights into existentialism and philosophy, reflecting a sense of cynicism and sarcasm towards humanity and life.

'On the Heights of Despair' by Emil M. Cioran is a collection of short essays that delve into themes of existential despair, nihilism, and the futility of human existence. The book presents a youthful Cioran grappling with dark and cathartic philosophies, expressed poetically and with a sense of despair that is both soul-crushing and beautifully composed. The writing style is described as compulsively readable, adorably misanthropic, and lyrical, with a translation that captures the subtle linguistic techniques and maintains the original tone of the native language.

'On the Suffering of the World' by Arthur Schopenhauer is a collection of essays that delves into pessimistic philosophical views on existence. The book presents a blend of eastern and western schools of thought, discussing topics such as free will, metaphysics, suffering, and gender. Schopenhauer's writing style is described as bittersweet, with a critical approach to various religious beliefs and a comparison between human and animal experiences of pain and pleasure. The author contemplates the inevitability of suffering and suggests viewing existence as an atonement, portraying suffering as a given rather than a tragic anomaly.

'In the Dust of This Planet' by Eugene Thacker delves into a philosophical exploration of cosmic nihilism and the horror of the unknown. The author combines elements of Lovecraft, Zen Buddhism, and Schopenhauer to ponder on the erasure of relative nihilism that plagues contemporary lives. The text is described as a poetic yet academically dry examination of darkness, void, and mystery in philosophy, intertwined with discussions on monster movies and posthumanism. Despite some sections being deemed tedious and disjointed, the book is appreciated for its intricate prose and scholarly approach to the subject matter.

'The Conspiracy Against the Human Race' by Thomas Ligotti delves into the horror that consciousness brings about, presenting a pessimistic view on life, mankind, and the universe. Ligotti explores the idea that human existence is a curse, with consciousness being a detriment rather than a benefit. Through references to various philosophers, mystics, and neuroscientists, Ligotti argues that life is inherently meaningless and existence is a painful cul de sac. serves as a philosophical exploration of the horror that comes from being aware of our mortality and the futility of seeking meaning in an indifferent universe.

The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche is a collection of short pieces, reflexions, aphorisms, and poems that cover a wide range of topics such as morality, existence, philosophy, and humanity. The book presents Nietzsche's profound ideas in a direct and confident writing style, challenging readers to think deeply about their lives and the world around them. Through his unique approach, Nietzsche encourages readers to live dangerously, question societal norms, and embrace self-discovery.

Readers find 'Beyond Good and Evil' to be a thought-provoking and intense exploration of philosophy, morality, and the human condition. The book presents Nietzsche's challenging ideas with urgency and passion, delving into topics such as perspectivism, the Superman, decadence, master morality, and the concept of values. The writing style is described as direct, clear, and engaging, with a mix of insightful observations, contradictions, and challenging perspectives. The book is seen as a significant work in Nietzsche's philosophy, addressing existential questions and societal norms in a provocative manner.

'The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays' by Albert Camus delves into the concept of the Absurd, exploring the distressing match between man's ultimate questions and the silent universe. Camus argues against suicide as the only solution in a meaningless world, advocating for embracing freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices. Through essays and philosophical musings, Camus challenges traditional views of existence, finding meaning in the struggle itself and urging readers to live with dignity and acceptance of life's futility.

Readers describe "Existentialism is a Humanism" by Jean-Paul Sartre as an accessible introduction to his brand of existentialism. The book emphasizes the idea that life is meaningless, but it is the responsibility of individuals to create their own meaning. Sartre discusses human accountability, freedom, and the concept that man exists through his actions and decisions. The book is noted for being thought-provoking and providing insights into existentialism in a simplified manner that can be easily understood by readers.

'How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius' by Donald J. Robertson delves into the Stoic philosophy through the lens of Marcus Aurelius, offering insights on how to apply Stoicism to everyday life. Robertson skillfully combines Stoicism with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), providing exercises and guidance based on Marcus's life and philosophy. is divided into chapters that explore various facets of Marcus's life, offering context through his personal letters, speeches, and 'The Meditations'.