The Read Well Podcast: Episode 98 Summary
Title: Want to Read Philosophy? Start with These 9 Easier Books
Host: Eddy Hood
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Introduction: Bridging the Philosophy Gap
In Episode 98 of The Read Well Podcast, host Eddy Hood addresses listeners who aspire to delve into philosophy but feel daunted by its complexity. Drawing from his personal experience and insights from his book club, Eddy curates a list of nine philosophy books deemed accessible for beginners. He emphasizes the importance of building a reading habit and presents these selections as gateways to more profound philosophical exploration.
The Power of Reading: Rewiring the Brain
Eddy begins by sharing a recent discussion from his book club centered around Dr. Robert Sapolsky's Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. A book club member highlighted how reading can remap neural connections, enhancing focus and cognitive abilities. Eddy posits that establishing a consistent reading routine, even briefly each day, can significantly improve mental clarity and cognitive function.
"Simply sitting down and creating a reading habit, even for just a few minutes a day, will help you to get your brain back on track. You will create new mappings."
— Eddy Hood [12:45]
Book 1: Hiking with Nietzsche by Dr. John Kag
Eddy introduces Hiking with Nietzsche on Becoming Who YOU Are Now as a contemporary approach to Nietzschean philosophy. The narrative follows Dr. Kagg's journey through Nietzsche's homeland, paralleling hiking trails with Nietzsche’s philosophical ideas. This immersive method makes Nietzsche's complex thoughts more relatable and easier to grasp for newcomers.
"Nietzsche can be a really hard egg to crack if you're just kind of going straight into his work. This is a nice way to ease into it."
— Eddy Hood [08:30]
Availability: Available at Edgewater Bookstore.
Book 2: How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh
How to Eat serves as an introduction to Eastern philosophy through mindfulness in everyday activities. Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned monk, offers concise passages that encourage readers to engage fully with the act of eating, fostering gratitude and presence.
"Think about each item on your plate and how it got to your plate... it's just a beautiful way to be present, to be grateful."
— Eddy Hood [15:20]
Eddy suggests incorporating a passage into daily routines, such as reading before meals, to internalize these mindful practices.
Book 3: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle is the Way is highlighted as a bridge between Stoic philosophy and practical application in business and personal life. The book emphasizes transforming challenges into opportunities, a principle that resonated deeply with Eddy in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
"It's about personal trial and how to overcome them. Running a business is just full of trials."
— Eddy Hood [22:10]
Holiday's contemporary take on Stoicism makes ancient wisdom relevant and actionable for modern readers.
Book 4: Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder
Sophie's World is a narrative-driven introduction to the history of philosophy. Through the protagonist, Sophie, readers embark on a journey that covers major philosophical thinkers and ideas in an engaging, story-like format. Eddy praises its ability to impart foundational philosophical knowledge seamlessly.
"As she begins to think about these throughout the correspondence, he teaches her the history of philosophy... in narrative form."
— Eddy Hood [29:15]
Availability: Available at Edgewater Bookstore.
Book 5: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Although not exclusively a philosophy book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance integrates philosophical discourse with a personal journey. Eddy notes that while the book can be more challenging due to its intertwining of narrative and philosophical concepts, it offers profound insights into the concept of "Quality."
"If you're looking for a book that's got some road trip vibes... it's a nice book to attempt."
— Eddy Hood [35:40]
He advises readers to approach it with patience and openness, as its depth rewards thoughtful engagement.
Book 6: Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion by David Hume
Eddy presents David Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion as a succinct exploration of the debate on the existence of God. Through characters representing different viewpoints, the dialogues delve into arguments for and against theism, particularly focusing on the problem of evil.
"His ultimate argument here mainly is that because evil exists in the world, that is a real problem."
— Eddy Hood [42:05]
This work serves as an excellent entry point into philosophical discussions on religion and skepticism.
Book 7: The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
Boethius' classic text is introduced as a readable and impactful work that discusses the nature of happiness and fate. Set against the backdrop of imprisonment, the narrative contrasts material loss with inner philosophical discovery, offering solace through rational thought.
"It's a beautiful book about sort of that deathbed experience... what really matters and what doesn't."
— Eddy Hood [49:50]
Eddy appreciates its balance of accessibility and profundity, making it suitable for those new to philosophical literature.
Book 8: The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
Albert Camus' existential exploration is summarized through the allegory of Sisyphus, who is condemned to eternal labor. Eddy explains Camus' viewpoint on the absurdity of life and the potential to find meaning despite inherent meaninglessness.
"Camus made the argument that Sisyphus actually can lean into that rock and find value in that work."
— Eddy Hood [56:30]
This book challenges readers to confront life's absurdities and seek personal significance.
Book 9: A Discourse on the Method by René Descartes
Concluding the list, René Descartes' seminal work is recommended for its foundational role in modern philosophy. Eddy delves into Descartes' quest for certainty, culminating in the famous dictum, "I think, therefore I am."
"The only thing that he could prove was the fact that he existed here now, and he was a thinking entity of some kind, therefore he existed."
— Eddy Hood [63:20]
Eddy highlights its significance in epistemology and its influence on subsequent philosophical thought.
Conclusion: Embracing the Philosophical Journey
Eddy Hood wraps up the episode by reassuring listeners that initial encounters with philosophy might feel overwhelming, likening it to "primordial soup." However, perseverance and consistent reading can unlock profound understanding and appreciation, as evidenced by both him and his book club members.
"It's definitely not going to feel like any of the nonfiction you're reading. It can feel dense, but it is worth it."
— Eddy Hood [70:15]
He encourages adopting the practices of reading slowly, taking notes, and applying philosophical ideas to daily life.
Final Thoughts and Resources
Eddy concludes by directing listeners to thereadwellpodcast.com for daily posts, book notes, and tools to enhance their reading habits. He reinforces the podcast's mission: "Remember to read slowly, take notes, and apply the ideas."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On Remapping the Brain Through Reading:
"Simply sitting down and creating a reading habit, even for just a few minutes a day, will help you to get your brain back on track. You will create new mappings."
— Eddy Hood [12:45] -
On Easing into Nietzsche:
"Nietzsche can be a really hard egg to crack if you're just kind of going straight into his work. This is a nice way to ease into it."
— Eddy Hood [08:30] -
On Mindfulness in Eating:
"Think about each item on your plate and how it got to your plate... it's just a beautiful way to be present, to be grateful."
— Eddy Hood [15:20] -
On Overcoming Trials:
"It's about personal trial and how to overcome them. Running a business is just full of trials."
— Eddy Hood [22:10] -
On Philosophy's Narrative Approach:
"As she begins to think about these throughout the correspondence, he teaches her the history of philosophy... in narrative form."
— Eddy Hood [29:15] -
On Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:
"If you're looking for a book that's got some road trip vibes... it's a nice book to attempt."
— Eddy Hood [35:40] -
On Hume's Examination of Evil:
"His ultimate argument here mainly is that because evil exists in the world, that is a real problem."
— Eddy Hood [42:05] -
On Boethius' Exploration of Meaning:
"It's a beautiful book about sort of that deathbed experience... what really matters and what doesn't."
— Eddy Hood [49:50] -
On Finding Value in Absurdity:
"Camus made the argument that Sisyphus actually can lean into that rock and find value in that work."
— Eddy Hood [56:30] -
On Descartes' Quest for Certainty:
"The only thing that he could prove was the fact that he existed here now, and he was a thinking entity of some kind, therefore he existed."
— Eddy Hood [63:20] -
On Embracing Philosophy's Challenges:
"It's definitely not going to feel like any of the nonfiction you're reading. It can feel dense, but it is worth it."
— Eddy Hood [70:15]
Eddy Hood's Episode 98 serves as a thoughtful guide for beginners eager to embark on their philosophical journey, offering a curated selection of approachable texts and practical advice to cultivate a meaningful reading practice.