Over the next 10 years, I plan to read a mountain’s worth of books. I plan to collect each one I finish, and create my own library. These are the must haves over that timespan.

 

Iliad — For when I want an old story

 Greek mythology and legend is one of my favorite topics for as long as I can remember. I believe mythos represent overarching truths that are eternal and ubiquitous in all humanity. The Greeks understood this, and the story of the Iliad and other epics hold incredible influence on the world today, and I hope to understand the world better through my reading. 

Nicomachean Ethics — For when I want to be Good

This is another Greek work, but it is a foundational philosophical text. I really want to read this book because it sets the groundwork for all of ethics and value theory. Although Aristotle is a tough read, he holds so much knowledge in so many areas, and I look forward to reading him.

Life as a Dalit — For when I want to connect with my roots

This is a book recommended by my father, and tells the story of what it’s like to be in the lowest caste in India. My dad would often tell me stories about his experiences as a Dalit, and although I’m beyond grateful for never experiencing the same marginalization, I do wish I understood my culture a lot more. This book can help me understand what it would be like for me if my dad didn’t work hard to leave his village. 

Critique of Pure Reason — For when I want to understand myself

This book is a purely academic adventure much like Nichomachean Ethics but to the umpteenth degree. As I wish to pursue philosophy, this book is necessary but also because it holds a huge effect on Western thought. The book is known for its groundbreaking concept of “Transcendental Idealism” and the focus on conscious shaping of reality. This book holds great assertions that can help me understand how I perceive reality. 

All Quiet on the Western Front — For when I want to understand world history

This book was representative of a whole generation affected by WW1. History, to me, is one of the most important subjects to learn as it explains why the world is the way it is today. Each aspect of modern society can be explain historically. This book would help me understand what the Lost Generation was like and how the world shifted from the events of WW1.

The God Delusion — For when I want a scientific perspective

Richard Dawkins is one of my favorite scientists, and I very much respect his religious opinions despite him not being a philosopher or theologian. He holds many discourses with people in such fields and brings a novel perspective through the scientific lens. Biology is my favorite scientific subject, and Dawkins proves how biology is important to understanding religious ideas. 

Brothers Karamzov — For when I want a tale of family and love

Dostoevsky stands as my favorite novelist due to his capability to incorporate profound philosophical ideas into digestible narratives. This book has a lot of things I love: a history of the lives of brothers, religious commentary, and philosophical rumination. His magnum opus is often cited to be this book, and I hope it lives up to expectation. 

Leviathan — For when I hate humanity

I was introduced to this work in my world history class, and I was fascinated by how Hobbes broke down political concepts and tied them to Darwinian ideas and philosophical theories. Although his worldview is greatly pessimistic, it established the groundwork for many political apparatuses and institutions. 

Count of Monte Cristo — For when I want to go on a journey

This book is often cited as the greatest revenge story, and I am dying to know why. It’s infamous for its many pages and long narrative. Although it seems like it would be daunting, I am more excited to read it. I ask what story needs this many words to tell it, and I hope to learn someday. 

Kafka by the Shore — For when I want to dream

Murakami is tied with Dostoevsky as my favorite author (I know that’s cheating). Unlike Dostoyevsky, Murakami’s work is readily enjoyable and you can savor every minute of it in real time. Murakami can put you in a trance and lull you to a distant, but familiar world. This book is brought up whenever Murakami’s name is mentioned and I really want to see why. The allusion to Kafka, another one of my beloved authors, only leads to more questions I look forward to finding answers to.