Advertisement
Books

Top 5 philosophical books, chosen by novelist Diana Janney

These books are grounded in philosophy, providing inquisitive readers with new ways of thinking about the world

Barrister-turned-writer Diana Janney is the author of internationally acclaimed, philosophical and thought-provoking fiction. Here she chooses five works underpinned by philosophy to get you thinking.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse 

A novel about a journey of self-discovery by the son of a Brahmin during the time of Gautama, the Buddha. When Siddhartha meets the Buddha, he chooses not to join him as he believes in the importance of finding his own way. He will be his own pupil.

Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

One of the greatest philosophers of all time. This is a fascinating read for anyone interested in reflecting on virtue, friendship and the ingredients of the most worthwhile life. A favourite philosopher of mine ever since my years at UCL as a philosophy graduate and postgraduate, Aristotle features as a role model in my latest novel.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery 

A timeless classic for readers of all ages. The learning process comes from what the young prince, a boy, teaches the adult pilot narrator who crashes in the Sahara Desert. A story about love, loss and much more.

Four Quartets by TS Eliot

Thought-provoking poetry, beautifully expressed. Read and savour.

Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant 

Despite its small size, this book’s influence has been truly great. Its subject is the moral law, the supreme principle of morality. A must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about ethics.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Diana Janney’s novel, A Man of Understanding (Cogito, £8.99), was the 2023 runner-up in the People’s Book Prize (fiction).

You can buy these titles from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about freedom fighters? Get in touch and tell us moreBig Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
Top 5 revolutionary books, chosen by historian and author Alice Hunt
Books

Top 5 revolutionary books, chosen by historian and author Alice Hunt

Every family has a secret. By uncovering mine, I liberated my grandmother's sorrowful story
Family secrets

Every family has a secret. By uncovering mine, I liberated my grandmother's sorrowful story

The Most by Jessica Anthony review – cracks just beneath the surface of an all-American family
Books

The Most by Jessica Anthony review – cracks just beneath the surface of an all-American family

Top 5 Desi books – chosen by Indi Deol, founder of British Asian magazine DESIblitz
Books

Top 5 Desi books – chosen by Indi Deol, founder of British Asian magazine DESIblitz

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue