Recommendations based on The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religionby Mircea Eliade

* statistically, based on millions of data-points provided by fellow humans

  1. The Varieties of Religious Experience

    by William James
    A philosophical and psychological exploration of religious experience and its role in human life.

    "I am neither a theologian, nor a scholar learned in the history of religions, nor an anthropologist. Psychology is the only branch of learning in which I am particularly versed. To the psychologist ... (Goodreads)

  2. I and Thou

    by Martin Buber
    Exploration of the dichotomy between relating to the world as an "I" or a "Thou".

    An alternate cover for this isbn can be found, here,. Martin Buber's I and Thou has long been acclaimed as a classic. Many prominent writers have acknowledged its influence on their work; students of ... (Goodreads)

  3. The Power of Myth

    by Joseph Campbell
    A conversation between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers on the role of mythology in human life, exploring universal themes and archetypes.

    The Power Of Myth launched an extraordinary resurgence of interest in Joseph Campbell and his work. A preeminent scholar, writer, and teacher, he has had a profound influence on millions of people. ... (Goodreads)

  4. The Second Sex

    by Simone de Beauvoir
    A philosophical exploration of the history, struggles and oppression of women in society.

    Newly translated and unabridged in English for the first time, Simone de Beauvoir’s masterwork is a powerful analysis of the Western notion of “woman,” and a groundbreaking exploration of inequality ... (Goodreads)

  5. Pensées

    by Blaise Pascal
    Reflections on faith, reason and the human condition, presenting a defense of Christianity.

    Blaise Pascal, the precociously brilliant contemporary of Descartes, was a gifted mathematician and physicist, but it is his unfinished apologia for the Christian religion upon which his reputation ... (Goodreads)

  6. The Hero With a Thousand Faces

    by Joseph Campbell
    Mythology and folklore of the world explored, illustrating a universal hero's journey.

    The first popular work to combine the spiritual and psychological insights of modern psychoanalysis with the archetypes of world mythology, the book creates a roadmap for navigating the frustrating ... (Goodreads)

  7. A Confession

    by Leo Tolstoy
    A spiritual journey of self-discovery, examining religious faith and moral responsibility.

    A Confession – an essay by Leo Tolstoy on his religious thoughts -- shows the great author in process of looking for answers to profound questions that trouble all who take them on: "What will come ... (Goodreads)

  8. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity

    by Judith Butler
    A philosophical exploration of gender identity, challenging traditional notions of binary gender and advocating for fluidity and diversity.

    Since its publication in 1990, Gender Trouble has become one of the key works of contemporary feminist theory, and an essential work for anyone interested in the study of gender, queer theory, or the ... (Goodreads)

  9. The Birth of Tragedy

    by Friedrich Nietzsche
    A philosophical exploration of the nature of tragedy, and its role in the development of culture & civilization.

    A compelling argument for the necessity for art in life, Nietzsche's first book is fuelled by his enthusiasms for Greek tragedy, for the philosophy of Schopenhauer and for the music of Wagner, to ... (Goodreads)

  10. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

    by Sogyal Rinpoche
    Guide to attaining inner peace in life and death, drawing from Buddhist wisdom.

    “A magnificent achievement. In its power to touch the heart, to awaken consciousness, [ The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying ] is an inestimable gift.” — San Francisco Chronicle A newly revised and ... (Goodreads)

  11. The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge

    by Carlos Castaneda
    An anthropologist's journey into the world of a Yaqui Indian sorcerer, exploring the use of hallucinogenic plants and spiritual practices.

    The story of a remarkable spiritual journey, the first awesome steps on the road to becoming "a man of knowledge," the road that continues with A Separate Reality and Journey to Ixtlan . Includes the ... (Goodreads)

  12. The World's Religions

    by Huston Smith
    Examination of the major religious traditions of the world, exploring their origins, beliefs, and practices.

    The World’s Religions, by beloved author and pioneering professor Huston Smith ( Tales of Wonder ), is the definitive classic for introducing the essential elements and teachings of the world's ... (Barnes & Noble)

  13. A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

    by Karen Armstrong
    Traces the evolution of the concept of God in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, exploring the similarities and differences between the three religions.

    Over 700,000 copies of the original hardcover and paperback editions of this stunningly popular book have been sold. Karen Armstrong's superbly readable exploration of how the three dominant ... (Goodreads)

  14. On Ugliness

    by Umberto Eco
    A philosophical exploration of the concept of ugliness in art, culture, and society, challenging our perceptions and prejudices.

    In the mold of his acclaimed "History of Beauty," renowned cultural critic Umberto Eco's "On Ugliness" is an exploration of the monstrous and the repellant in visual culture and the arts. What is the ... (Goodreads)

  15. Autobiography of a Yogi

    by Paramahansa Yogananda
    Spiritual journey of a yogi, exploring the depths of Eastern mysticism.

    This acclaimed autobiography presents a fascinating portrait of one of the great spiritual figures of our time. With engaging candor, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda narrates the inspiring ... (Goodreads)

  16. Apology

    by Plato
    Socrates’ defense of his life & beliefs in the face of death.

    The Apology of Socrates is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he unsuccessfully defended himself in 399BCE against the charges of "corrupting the young, and by not believing in the ... (Goodreads)

  17. Orthodoxy

    by G.K. Chesterton
    An exploration of the spiritual and moral foundations of Christianity.

    This book is meant to be a companion to "Heretics," and to put the positive side in addition to the negative. Many critics complained of the book because it merely criticised current philosophies ... (Goodreads)

  18. The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos

    by Brian Greene
    A groundbreaking exploration of the multiple universes that may exist beyond our own.

    From the best-selling author of, The Elegant Universe, and, The Fabric of the Cosmos, comes his most expansive and accessible book to date—a book that takes on the grandest question: Is ours the only ... (Goodreads)

  19. The Gnostic Gospels

    by Elaine Pagels
    An exploration of the ancient texts of the Gnostic tradition, revealing the hidden depths of early Christianity.

    The Gnostic Gospels is a landmark study of the long-buried roots of Christianity, a work of luminous scholarship and wide popular appeal. First published in 1979 to critical acclaim, winning the ... (Goodreads)

  20. The Republic

    by Plato
    A philosophical discourse on justice, examining morality, politics, and virtue.

    Presented in the form of a dialogue between Socrates and three different interlocutors, this classic text is an enquiry into the notion of a perfect community and the ideal individual within it. ... (Goodreads)

  21. Walden

    by Henry David Thoreau
    A reflective journey into nature, exploring the power of contemplation and simplicity.

    Originally published in 1854, Walden; or, Life in the Woods, is a vivid account of the time that Henry D. Thoreau lived alone in a secluded cabin at Walden Pond. It is one of the most influential and ... (Goodreads)

  22. Andy Goldsworthy: A Collaboration with Nature

    by Andy Goldsworthy
    Exploring nature through art, and the beauty of the environment.

    Illustrates outdoor sculptures created with a range of natural materials, including snow, ice, leaves, rock, clay, stones, feathers, and twigs. ... (Goodreads)

  23. Zen in the Art of Writing

    by Ray Bradbury
    A passionate collection of essays on creativity, forging a path to artistic enlightenment.

    "Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a land mine. The land mine is me. After the explosion, I spend the rest of the day putting the pieces back together. Now, it's your turn. Jump!" Zest. ... (Goodreads)

  24. Modern Man in Search of a Soul

    by C.G. Jung
    A collection of essays exploring the human psyche, spirituality, and the search for meaning in modern life.

    A provocative and enlightening look at spiritual unease and its contribution to the void in modern civilization Considered by many to be one of the most important books in the field of psychology, ... (Goodreads)

  25. New and Selected Poems, Volume One

    by Mary Oliver
    A collection of nature-inspired poetry exploring life, death, and love.

    Features previously published and new poems that explore the natural world and how it is connected to human beings and spirituality. ... (Goodreads)

  26. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

    by Max Weber
    Examines the relationship between Protestantism and the rise of capitalism, arguing that religious beliefs influenced economic behavior.

    The Protestant ethic — a moral code stressing hard work, rigorous self-discipline, and the organization of one's life in the service of God — was made famous by sociologist and political economist ... (Goodreads)

  27. The Prince

    by Niccolò Machiavelli
    A timeless political treatise on the art of acquiring and maintaining power.

    Machiavelli needs to be looked at as he really was. Hence: Can Machiavelli, who makes the following observations, be Machiavellian as we understand the disparaging term? 1. So it is that to know the ... (Goodreads)

  28. Phaedo

    by Plato
    Philosophical dialogue on the nature of death, the immortality of the soul, and the afterlife.

    The Phaedo is acknowledged to be one of Plato's masterpieces, showing him both as a philosopher and as a dramatist at the height of his powers. For its moving account of the execution of Socrates, ... (Goodreads)