LitQueuelitqueue

After

The Road to Character

David Brooks2015

5 of 6 directions open — nothing to recover from

More like it

1 more ↓

  • His Excellency: George Washington

    Joseph J. Ellis

    A chronological study of Washington's character and leadership. It focuses on his evolution from a young soldier to a national figurehead.

    Same meditative register, still biography

    pace0·prose0·bleak0

Denser prose

3 more ↓

  • Confessions

    Augustine of Hippo

    A 4th-century bishop writes a spiritual autobiography addressed to God. He recounts his sinful youth and his eventual conversion to Christianity.

    Same meditative register, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak0

  • Antifragile

    Nassim Nicholas Taleb2012

    A philosophical exploration of systems that thrive under stress and disorder. It argues against fragility in economics and personal life.

    meditative → reflective, still philosophy

    pace0·prose+1·bleak+1

  • How to Read a Book

    Mortimer J. Adler1940

    This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.

    meditative → mysterious, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak+1

Faster

3 more ↓

  • Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

    Neil deGrasse Tyson2017

    A summary of the origin of the universe, the laws of physics, and the nature of space and time.

    meditative → playful

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak0

  • Steal Like an Artist

    Austin Kleon2012

    A series of short, illustrated principles for creative work. It focuses on remixing existing ideas and establishing productive daily habits.

    meditative → playful

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak0

  • Poke the Box

    Seth Godin2011

    A short manifesto encouraging readers to start projects and take initiative. It argues that the greatest risk is staying in place.

    meditative → earnest

    pace+2·prose-2·bleak0

Slower

3 more ↓

  • How to Read a Book

    Mortimer J. Adler1940

    This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.

    meditative → mysterious, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak+1

  • Either/Or

    Søren Kierkegaard1992

    A collection of papers presents two life philosophies: the aesthetic pursuit of pleasure and the ethical commitment to duty.

    Same meditative register

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak+1

  • The Upanishads

    Anonymous1957

    Ancient Sanskrit texts explore the nature of reality and the self. They document a shift from ritual sacrifice to internal spiritual inquiry.

    Same meditative register, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose0·bleak0

Heavier

3 more ↓

  • War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning

    Chris Hedges2002

    A war correspondent analyzes how societies use conflict to create a sense of national purpose. He uses history and personal experience.

    meditative → elegiac, still philosophy

    pace0·prose0·bleak+3

  • Adolf Hitler

    John Toland1976

    A detailed chronological account of Hitler's life based on interviews with his associates and previously private documents.

    meditative → clinical, still biography

    pace0·prose0·bleak+3

  • Escape from Camp 14

    Blaine Harden2012

    The biography of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born in a North Korean political prison camp known to have escaped.

    meditative → bleak, still biography

    pace+1·prose-1·bleak+3