Ethics & Policy
10 Underrated Philosophy Books That Deserve a Place on Your Bookshelf
10 Underrated Philosophy Books That Deserve a Place on Your Bookshelf (Picture Credit – Instagram)
Some books don’t raise their voices, yet they echo deeply. Philosophy, too often associated with dense jargon or the same canonical names, hides treasures that slip under the radar. These underrated works offer clarity, challenge conventions, and push the mind beyond comfort. They aren’t just footnotes in thought history but gripping narratives on existence, perception, and the human condition. Here’s a curated list of books that deserve a place beside the classics.
1. The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich
Blending theology, existentialism, and psychology, Tillich explores the human confrontation with non-being. Written in the aftermath of World War II, this work addresses anxiety, despair, and the spiritual hunger for meaning. Instead of offering religious platitudes, Tillich builds a raw and honest spiritual philosophy. His concept of “the courage to be” reflects a powerful form of self-affirmation in the face of existential threat. It remains deeply relevant today, especially amid widespread disconnection and internal struggle.
2. The Worm at the Core by Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, and Tom Pyszczynski
Drawing from Terror Management Theory, this book delves into how the fear of death shapes our decisions, identities, and social structures. The authors use psychological research and cultural analysis to reveal mortality as a core motivator behind human behaviour. With vivid examples and accessible storytelling, the book bridges science and philosophy in startling ways. It’s a rare philosophical work that grounds itself in empirical data, making the abstract terror of death both visible and intellectually engaging.
3. The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell
Russell sheds his logician’s cloak and writes with the tone of a compassionate guide. He identifies modern sources of misery—like envy, fatigue, and competitiveness and offers antidotes rooted in rational reflection and purposeful living. Far from self-help fluff, his insights are grounded in deep philosophical reasoning and a humanist outlook. The book feels remarkably current, offering practical and honest guidance for a fulfilled life. Russell reminds us that happiness is created, not stumbled upon, through balance and intentionality.
4. Time and Free Will by Henri Bergson
In this foundational text, Bergson dismantles mechanical understandings of time and argues for an inner, lived experience of duration. He introduces the concept of “la durée,” a qualitative flow distinct from scientific time. This philosophical insight liberates the notion of free will from deterministic models. Though intellectually demanding, Bergson’s poetic prose makes abstract ideas feel tangible. The book is essential for anyone exploring consciousness, time, or human agency. It remains a landmark in rethinking how we experience life’s passing.
5. The Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord
Debord’s critique of consumerism and media culture reads like prophecy. He argues that modern society replaces genuine experience with representations—images that become reality itself. Drawing from Marxist and Situationist thought, his aphoristic style mimics the very distractions he critiques. Though dense and fragmented, the text crackles with urgency. In an age dominated by screens, influencers, and simulations, Debord’s insights hit harder than ever. It’s a book that doesn’t just ask for attention—it exposes how attention itself has been commodified.
6. The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir
Often overlooked in favour of ‘The Second Sex,’ this book stands as a vital philosophical work on existential ethics. De Beauvoir rejects both rigid morality and nihilism, calling for an ethics that embraces freedom, responsibility, and ambiguity. She challenges readers to live authentically while recognising the complexity of human existence. Her writing is precise, urgent, and intellectually rigorous. This work doesn’t just extend existentialism—it reinvents its moral dimension. It’s a philosophy not just for thought but for action.
7. The Philosophy of Andy Warhol by Andy Warhol
Warhol’s fragmented, witty, and often absurd writings defy traditional philosophy yet strike at deep cultural truths. He muses on fame, love, art, and consumption in a tone both ironic and revealing. This book turns superficiality into philosophical substance, making banality strangely profound. Through diary entries and mock interviews, Warhol distils identity as performance and shows how mass culture shapes our sense of self. It’s philosophy wrapped in pop art—a commentary on being and branding that remains eerily prescient.
8. Technopoly by Neil Postman
Postman offers a stark warning about a society blindly devoted to technological advancement. Unlike nostalgia-driven critiques, his arguments rest on philosophical rigour and historical insight. He contends that technology, once a servant of humanity, now dictates values, education, and thought. Information overload, he argues, leads not to wisdom but confusion. With eloquence and clarity, Postman challenges readers to reconsider progress and resist surrendering to automation. It’s a book that confronts our digital age with enduring and provocative questions.
9. The Concept of Anxiety by Søren Kierkegaard
Written under the pseudonym Vigilius Haufniensis, this book analyses anxiety as a fundamental part of human freedom. Kierkegaard connects dread to the awareness of possibility and the burden of choice. His exploration predates and foreshadows both Freud and existential psychology. The dense prose rewards patience with insights on sin, selfhood, and ethical development. Far from clinical, the book is a meditation on becoming and the fear that comes with it. It dignifies anxiety as a path toward authentic existence.
10. A Guide for the Perplexed by E.F. Schumacher
Schumacher fuses spiritual and scientific insights to offer a layered worldview that resists reductionist thinking. He critiques the dominance of materialism and calls for a reorientation toward wisdom and purpose. Drawing on multiple traditions, Schumacher proposes a “map of knowledge” that honours mystery and values human development. The book reads like a modern manual for moral and intellectual navigation. It challenges readers to question not just how we live, but why we believe what we do.
These books don’t clamour for fame, yet they offer insights that linger long after the final page. Each title here offers a philosophical lens through which to confront modern life’s complexities. They blend rigour with accessibility and speak to dilemmas both personal and universal. If you’re looking to enrich your bookshelf with works that transcend academic boundaries and speak to everyday existence, these hidden gems offer more than just ideas—they offer transformation.
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The generative AI industry, once hailed as a beacon of innovation, now faces a storm of regulatory scrutiny and reputational crises. For investors, the stakes are clear: companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google must navigate a rapidly evolving legal landscape while balancing ethical obligations with profitability. This article examines how regulatory and reputational risks are reshaping the investment calculus for AI leaders, with a focus on Meta’s struggles and the contrasting strategies of its competitors.
The Regulatory Tightrope
In 2025, generative AI platforms are under unprecedented scrutiny. A Senate investigation led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) is probing whether Meta’s AI systems enabled harmful interactions with children, including romantic roleplay and the dissemination of false medical advice [1]. Leaked internal documents revealed policies inconsistent with Meta’s public commitments, prompting lawmakers to demand transparency and documentation [1]. These revelations have not only intensified federal oversight but also spurred state-level action. Illinois and Nevada, for instance, have introduced legislation to regulate AI mental health bots, signaling a broader trend toward localized governance [2].
At the federal level, bipartisan efforts are gaining momentum. The AI Accountability and Personal Data Protection Act, introduced by Hawley and Richard Blumenthal, seeks to establish legal remedies for data misuse, while the No Adversarial AI Act aims to block foreign AI models from U.S. agencies [1]. These measures reflect a growing consensus that AI governance must extend beyond corporate responsibility to include enforceable legal frameworks.
Reputational Fallout and Legal Precedents
Meta’s reputational risks have been compounded by high-profile lawsuits. A Florida case involving a 14-year-old’s suicide linked to a Character.AI bot survived a First Amendment dismissal attempt, setting a dangerous precedent for liability [2]. Critics argue that AI chatbots failing to disclose their non-human nature or providing false medical advice erode public trust [4]. Consumer advocacy groups and digital rights organizations have amplified these concerns, pressuring companies to adopt ethical AI frameworks [3].
Meanwhile, Microsoft and Google have faced their own challenges. A bipartisan coalition of U.S. attorneys general has warned tech giants to address AI risks to children, with Meta’s alleged failures drawing particular criticism [1]. Google’s decision to shift data-labeling work away from Scale AI—after Meta’s $14.8 billion investment in the firm—highlights the competitive and regulatory tensions reshaping the industry [2]. Microsoft and OpenAI are also reevaluating their ties to Scale AI, underscoring the fragility of partnerships in a climate of mistrust [4].
Financial Implications: Capital Expenditures and Stock Volatility
Meta’s aggressive AI strategy has come at a cost. The company’s projected 2025 AI infrastructure spending ($66–72 billion) far exceeds Microsoft’s $80 billion capex for data centers, yet Meta’s stock has shown greater volatility, dropping -2.1% amid regulatory pressures [2]. Antitrust lawsuits threatening to force the divestiture of Instagram or WhatsApp add further uncertainty [5]. In contrast, Microsoft’s stock has demonstrated stability, with a lower average post-earnings drawdown of 8% compared to Meta’s 12% [2]. Microsoft’s focus on enterprise AI and Azure’s record $75 billion annual revenue has insulated it from some of the reputational turbulence facing Meta [1].
Despite Meta’s 78% earnings forecast hit rate (vs. Microsoft’s 69%), its high-risk, high-reward approach raises questions about long-term sustainability. For instance, Meta’s Reality Labs segment, which includes AI-driven projects, has driven 38% year-over-year EPS growth but also contributed to reorganizations and attrition [6]. Investors must weigh these factors against Microsoft’s diversified business model and strategic investments, such as its $13 billion stake in OpenAI [3].
Investment Implications: Balancing Innovation and Compliance
The AI industry’s future hinges on companies’ ability to align innovation with ethical and legal standards. For Meta, the path forward requires addressing Senate inquiries, mitigating reputational damage, and proving that its AI systems prioritize user safety over engagement metrics [4]. Competitors like Microsoft and Google may gain an edge by adopting transparent governance models and leveraging state-level regulatory trends to their advantage [1].
Conclusion
As AI ethics and legal risks dominate headlines, investors must scrutinize how companies navigate these challenges. Meta’s struggles highlight the perils of prioritizing growth over governance, while Microsoft’s stability underscores the value of a measured, enterprise-focused approach. For now, the AI landscape remains a high-stakes game of regulatory chess, where the winners will be those who balance innovation with accountability.
Source:
[1] Meta Platforms Inc.’s AI Policies Under Investigation and [https://www.mintz.com/insights-center/viewpoints/54731/2025-08-22-meta-platforms-incs-ai-policies-under-investigation-and]
[2] The AI Therapy Bubble: How Regulation and Reputational [https://www.ainvest.com/news/ai-therapy-bubble-regulation-reputational-risks-reshaping-mental-health-tech-market-2508/]
[3] Breaking down generative AI risks and mitigation options [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/breaking-down-generative-ai-risks-mitigation-options]
[4] Experts React to Reuters Reports on Meta’s AI Chatbot [https://techpolicy.press/experts-react-to-reuters-reports-on-metas-ai-chatbot-policies]
[5] AI Compliance: Meaning, Regulations, Challenges [https://www.scrut.io/post/ai-compliance]
[6] Meta’s AI Ambitions: Talent Volatility and Strategic Reorganization—A Double-Edged Sword for Investors [https://www.ainvest.com/news/meta-ai-ambitions-talent-volatility-strategic-reorganization-double-edged-sword-investors-2508/]
7 Life-Changing Books Recommended by Catriona Wallace (Picture Credit – Instagram)
Some books ignite something immediate. Others change you quietly, over time. For Dr Catriona Wallace—tech entrepreneur, AI ethics advocate, and one of Australia’s most influential business leaders, books are more than just ideas on paper. They are frameworks, provocations, and spiritual companions. Her reading list offers not just guidance for navigating leadership and technology, but for embracing identity, power, and inner purpose. These seven titles reflect a mind shaped by disruption, ethics, feminism, and wisdom. They are not trend-driven. They are transformational.
1. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
A landmark in feminist career literature, Lean In challenges women to pursue their ambitions while confronting the structural and cultural forces that hold them back. Sandberg uses her own journey at Facebook and Google to dissect gender inequality in leadership. The book is part memoir, part manifesto, and remains divisive for valid reasons. But Wallace cites it as essential for starting difficult conversations about workplace dynamics and ambition. It asks, simply: what would you do if you weren’t afraid?
2. Women and Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard
In this sharp, incisive book, classicist Mary Beard examines the historical exclusion of women from power and public voice. From Medusa to misogynistic memes, Beard exposes how narratives built around silence and suppression persist today. The writing is fiery, brief, and packed with centuries of insight. Wallace recommends it for its ability to distil complex ideas into cultural clarity. It’s a reminder that power is not just a seat at the table; it is a script we are still rewriting.
3. The World of Numbers by Adam Spencer
A celebration of mathematics as storytelling, this book blends fun facts, puzzles, and history to reveal how numbers shape everything from music to human behaviour. Spencer, a comedian and maths lover, makes the subject inviting rather than intimidating. Wallace credits this book with sparking new curiosity about logic, data, and systems thinking. It’s not just for mathematicians. It’s for anyone ready to appreciate the beauty of patterns and the thinking habits that come with them.
4. Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
This book is a love letter to companies that chose to be great instead of big. Burlingham profiles fourteen businesses that opted for soul, purpose, and community over rapid growth. For Wallace, who has founded multiple mission-driven companies, this book affirms that success is not about scale. It is about integrity. Each story is a blueprint for building something meaningful, resilient, and values-aligned. It is a must-read for anyone tired of hustle culture and hungry for depth.
5. The Misogynist Factory by Alison Phipps
A searing academic work on the production of misogyny in modern institutions. Phipps connects the dots between sexual violence, neoliberalism, and resistance movements in a way that is as rigorous as it is radical. Wallace recommends this book for its clear-eyed confrontation of how systemic inequality persists beneath performative gestures. It equips readers with language to understand how power moves, morphs, and resists change. This is not light reading. It is a necessary reading for anyone seeking to challenge structural harm.
6. Tribes by Seth Godin
Godin’s central idea is simple but powerful: people don’t follow brands, they follow leaders who connect with them emotionally and intellectually. This book blends marketing, leadership, and human psychology to show how movements begin. Wallace highlights ‘Tribes’ as essential reading for purpose-driven founders and changemakers. It reminds readers that real influence is built on trust and shared values. Whether you’re leading a company or a cause, it’s a call to speak boldly and build your own tribe.
7. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
Equal parts spiritual guide and philosophical reflection, this book weaves Tibetan Buddhist teachings with Western perspectives on mortality, grief, and rebirth. Wallace turns to it not only for personal growth but also for grounding ethical decision-making in a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a book that speaks to those navigating endings—personal, spiritual, or professional and offers a path toward clarity and compassion. It does not offer answers. It offers presence, which is often far more powerful.
The books that shape us are often those that disrupt us first. Catriona Wallace’s list is not filled with comfort reads. It’s made of hard questions, structural truths, and radical shifts in thinking. From feminist manifestos to Buddhist reflections, from purpose-led business to systemic critique, this bookshelf is a mirror of her own leadership—decisive, curious, and grounded in values. If you’re building something bold or seeking language for change, there’s a good chance one of these books will meet you where you are and carry you further than you expected.
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