For some, reading novels is just a hobby, something to help distract from the stress of the daily life. However, for others, reading has to be a philosophical journey – there must be a reason to reflect, contemplate and instigate the mind in search of something that will bring meaning, wisdom and light to everyday life. These books unite fiction and philosophy and still tell memorable stories.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – Behavioral Psychology
What is the future of humanity? In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, the humans of the future are raised in huge laboratories through artificial insemination. They are conditioned through psychological techniques from early childhood to become useful citizens and play a specific role in society. The laboratory creates more intelligent citizens and less intelligent ones, determining who will belong to the upper class and who will belong to the lower class, as in a society, there must be people to do the dirty job too.
Brave New World depicts the principles of the behavioural psychology, which states that humans, just like animals, are defined by a system of reward and punishment, and therefore, one can be taught to love or hate certain things by being rewarded and punished in specific situations. The philosophical questions that this book raises are these: are humans totally defined by the need to seek pleasure and avoid pain? Would it be a great deal to artificially create a perfect society in exchange of freedom?
Thais by Anatole France – Stoicism and Epicureanism
Those who like the philosophies of the Hellenistic period will enjoy reading this amazing novel by Epicurean French writer Anatole France. Thais tells the story of a prostitute who lived in the banks of the Nile in the second century. A Christian ascetic monk who was once in love with her, sends Thais to a convent so that she could clear her deadly sins. However, he is the one who has to battle against his lustful thought towards her.
Thais depicts the battle between two world views – the Stoic and the Epicurean philosophies. Beautifully written, this novel raises an important philosophical question that has tormented men throughout history: is it worth it to deny worldly pleasures in exchange of spiritual enlightenment? The answer might be surprising. Read Philosophy and Fiction – Thais by Anatole France to find out what the author believed to be the answer.
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse – Eastern Philosophy and the Principles of Buddhism
Siddhartha was written by one of the greatest German writers of the twentieth century, Hermann Hesse. This book tells the story of a man in search of enlightenment and the purpose of life. Siddhartha is a handsome and educated man who comes from a rich family. He has everything, but his unquiet spirit wants more than material things, he wants wisdom. He joins the Samanas, a group of ascetics who live in deep contemplation and fasting and he also meets Buddha, but, rejects his doctrine because wisdom cannot be taught, it has to be lived.
Finally he meets a waterman whom he learns all about life and beyond and this is when he reaches his purpose. Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha is a must read for those interested in eastern philosophy and the principles of Buddhism.
Other Great Philosophical Novels
These are some more thought provoking novels that allow for philosophical discussions and reflection:
- Illusions by Richard Bach
- The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann
- Nausea by Jean Paul Sartre
- Candide by Voltaire
- 1985 by Orwell
- Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- The Stranger by Albert Camus
If everyone read five pages a day, it would be possible to read the greatest classics of humanity in a lifetime. Unfortunately, most people neglect this sacred practice. Join some activists in the campaign to turn off the TV and pick up a book, because reading is a great adventure!
Readers who love philosophical novels might also want to read True Stories of the Philosophical Theater by S.P.H Yerucham.
If you also like philosophical movies, read Philosophical Movies – Films to think, along with Philosophical Movies – More Films About Philosophy.
Sources:
Huxley. Aldous. Brave New World, 1932.
France, Anatole. Thais, 1890.
Hesse, Hermann. Siddhartha ,1922.
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