Challenging the Status Quo: 10 Books to Spark Your Intellectual Curiosity.

Here is a list of my personal top 10 recommended books to begin engaging critically with the world around us. This list is in no particular order, but I have included the readability of the books, as some are more challenging then others. 

Hegel Outlines of the Philosophy of Right 

Hegel's Outlines of the Philosophy of Right is a complex but rewarding exploration of the concept of freedom and its realisation within human society. It argues that true freedom isn't simply the ability to do whatever we want, but rather the ability to act in accordance with rational laws and institutions that we ourselves create. This book is a great addition to anyone's philosophical reading list and makes reading other texts who base their thinking on Hegel an easier read.

Palestine Ilan Pappé & Noam Chomsky 

In their book, Palestine, Ilan Pappé and Noam Chomsky offer a critical analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They challenge the dominant narrative and shed light on the historical injustices faced by the Palestinian people. Drawing on extensive research and historical evidence, the authors argue that the creation of Israel in 1948 involved the displacement and dispossession of Palestinians, leading to an ongoing struggle for their rights and self-determination.

Pappé and Chomsky explore the complex dynamics of the conflict, including the role of international actors, the impact of Israeli policies, and the Palestinian resistance movement. They also discuss potential solutions, emphasising the need for a just and lasting resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism Ha-Joon Chang 

In this insightful and thought-provoking book, Ha-Joon Chang, a renowned economist, challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding capitalism. He debunks common myths and exposes the hidden realities of the global economic system. Chang's 23 "things" offer a refreshing and alternative perspective on capitalism, arguing that it is not the free market utopia it is often portrayed to be.

Chang's work is a call for a more balanced and nuanced understanding of capitalism, one that acknowledges its flaws and limitations while also recognising its potential benefits. He advocates for a more regulated and equitable form of capitalism that prioritises the well-being of all members of society, not just the wealthy elite.

Time for socialism Thomas Piketty 

In Time for Socialism, renowned economist Thomas Piketty argues that the time has come to embrace a new form of socialism—one that is both inclusive and expansive. Drawing on his observations of current events, including the rise and fall of Trump, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Piketty makes a compelling case for a more equitable world.

This book is a collection of articles published by Piketty in the French newspaper Le Monde between 2016 and 2021. In these articles, Piketty tackles a variety of topics, including inequality, climate change, and the future of capitalism. He argues that the hypercapitalism that defines our current economic ideology is unsustainable and that we need to find a new way forward.

Das Kapital Karl Marx

The magnum opus of Karl Marx, is a ground-breaking work of political economy that delves deep into the inner workings of the capitalist system. Published in 1867, this book remains highly relevant today, offering a critical analysis of capitalism's dynamics, contradictions, and its potential for self-destruction.

The trial Franz Kafka 

The Trial, Franz Kafka's chilling masterpiece, plunges us into the life of Josef K., a man suddenly arrested and prosecuted by a shadowy, impenetrable authority. The nature of his crime? Never revealed.

K. finds himself trapped in a labyrinth of bureaucratic absurdity, desperately seeking answers and a way to defend himself against the unknown. As he navigates a series of bizarre encounters and court proceedings, the line between reality and nightmare blurs.

Kafka's work masterfully explores themes of guilt, alienation, and the struggle against an oppressive and incomprehensible system. The Trial is a haunting exploration of the human condition and a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power. It's a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Violence Slavoj Zizek

In this dense and thought-provoking book, Žižek delves into the multifaceted nature of violence, dissecting its subjective, objective, and systemic forms. He argues that we often focus on the visible "subjective" violence of individual acts while ignoring the hidden "objective" violence embedded in our social structures and systems.

Žižek challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that capitalism, with its inherent inequalities and exploitations, perpetuates a form of systemic violence that often goes unnoticed. He also critiques the notion of "divine violence," questioning the legitimacy of revolutionary movements that claim to use violence for a greater good.

This book is not an easy read, but it offers a profound and unsettling exploration of the pervasive nature of violence in our world, urging us to look beyond the surface and confront the deeper roots of conflict.

What is madness? Darian Leader

Darian Leader, a renowned psychoanalyst, delves into the complex world of madness, questioning conventional understandings and diagnoses. He argues that madness is not simply a medical condition, but rather a deeply human experience rooted in our personal histories and social contexts.

Leader explores a variety of perspectives on madness, drawing on philosophy, literature, and psychoanalysis. He examines the ways in which madness has been understood throughout history, and how our current cultural norms shape our perceptions of mental illness.

This book is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be mad in a world that often struggles to understand and accept those who are different. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions about madness and to embrace a more compassionate and inclusive approach to mental health.

Attention seeking Adam Phillips

In "Attention Seeking," renowned psychoanalyst Adam Phillips delves into the complexities of human attention, exploring its role in our lives, relationships, and self-understanding.

Phillips examines the different ways we seek, give, and withhold attention, and how these patterns shape our experiences. He challenges conventional notions of attention as a simple resource, instead presenting it as a fundamental aspect of our emotional and psychological existence.

With his signature insightful and engaging style, Phillips weaves together clinical observations, literary examples, and philosophical reflections to illuminate the paradoxical nature of attention. He explores how our desire for attention can both drive us towards connection and lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy.

Thomas Paine Rights of Man.

Thomas Paine's Rights of Man is a powerful work of political philosophy that fervently defends the ideals of the French Revolution and offers a scathing critique of the British monarchy. Published in two parts in 1791 and 1792, it serves as a cornerstone of Enlightenment thinking and a landmark text in democratic theory. It is a crucial read for anyone who is interested in understanding the ongoing political debates within the United States today.