Jakob

I was surprised how well even smaller aspects and secondary thoughts have held up from Darwins original work. Also surprisingly readable and easy to follow for the most part, and thus easy to recommend to anyone interested in the topic. I would give it a full five stars but it does drag on sometimes, and I do now know more about pidgeons than ever thought I would.

S: Is it not so that Plato's Republic is the foundational text of western philosophy?

J: Of course it is, Socrates.

S: And while many parts may no longer be directly applicable, does not its impact alone make it a relevant read?

J: It certainly does.

S: Is it not that, although many of Plato's ideas will seem alien to a modern reader, this also gives the book value as a point of reflection?

J: I don't understand what you mean, Socrates.

S: Let me put it like this. Is it not still relevant to ask question like: What are the issues with class based systems? Why is free speech important? Is it right to have families as foundational parts of our society? Does this not contradict our idea that merit should determine your life outcomes? What defines a just and legitimate state?

J: These are clearly important thoughts.

S: Then shouldn't everyone with an interest in philosophy, political theory or history read the Republic?

J: Yes, Socrates. Of course, Socrates. I couldn't have put it any better, Socrates.

One of the great works of political philosophy of the 20th century. An important perspective on the delineations between power and violence and the differences between legitimate state action and authocratic behavior.

An important essay dealing with a highly uncomfortable subject. While our societal context is obviously different from Hume's, On Suicide is still thought provoking and can in many ways serve as a guide on how to think about and deal with the ethical implications of suicide, as well as ethical problems more broadly.

Maybe the most important work of political philosophy in the 20th century. Whether or not you agree wth Rawls's views, if you are interested in political theory or ethics you cannot get around engaging with him in some way. Unfortunately it also reads like a brick. Unless you are really dedicated, I would recommend limiting yourself to a couple of key chapters and otherwise learning about Rawls through secondary literature, lectures, etc.

Highly thought provoking book engaging with important topics. Unfortunately quite long winded, otherwise a great read.

Highly readable, confronting presentation of Singer's version of consequentialist ethics.

Just not a good book. While some of the underlying ideas are cool, the book is very shallow. The characters are extremely one-dimensional (the main villain rapes or murders someone in most chapters he is involved in, often in sections that are entirely incidental to the main story and feel like they were just included to make sure you wouldn't forget who the bad guys are) and behave unnaturally. It takes one of the main characters about ten minutes to recover from his beloved wife dying from childbirth in his arms, immediatly falling in love with a woman he saw once before and who pretty much rapes him on the spot. The story also doesn't feel medieval. It feels like most characters are from the 20th century larping "dark ages" England. Finally, way to much of the book is just porn. I really did not wish to know how much the author likes large boobs, but now I do.

Unlike the first two books, I did not really enjoy reading this one. As the storyline becomes more fantastical, the worldbuilding, previously a strongsuit of the series, begins to suffer somewhat. Additionally, the unengaging characters and sometimes questionable views of the author already present in the first two books, really begin to cut through. The ending also drags on unnecessarilly long, I basically had to force myself to finish it.

Good read with some surprising turns. While it discusses the (in my view) most interesting concepts of the series, unfortunately the characters are not very engaging. Additionally, the book makes you question some of the authors views, particularly on women.

Good science fiction story covering a range of interesting topics. While the characters are not the most engaging, the book gets carried by its overall strong storytelling. Easily the best knstallment of the series, unfortunately the sequels did fall of quite a bit.

Great allegory of the Russian revolution. Sharply develops many important themes and criticisms, while staying highly readable with many extremely quotable section that will stay stuck in your mind indefinitely.

Highly relevant and impactful book that has lost none of its relevance. Unfortunately, I did not much enjoy the read itself. Winston is just not a very engaging character, making it difficult to stay interested in an otherwise well conceptualised world. I feel like Orwell's quality as an other shines through a lot more in some of his other works, such as animal farms and many of his essays.

Another all time favorite from middle earth. Extremely hard hitting read showing that Tolkien was also a highly capable author of tragedy.

Famously difficult read, but great book for anyone that loves the worldbuilding of the Lord of the Rings and wants more of it. While some sections really drag on, others contain exceptional stories in and of themselves. Overall, the Silmarillion really shows the depth and love for detail Tolkien invested into his work.

The Lord of the Rings is an absolute classic - and for very good reason. Enjoyable from a first readthrough for its amazing worldbuilding, story and characters, further engagement with the series really makes you appreciate it on a whole other level. I usually don't do rereads, but I have done multiple for LotR over the years and regained my appreciation of the series each time.

The Lord of the Rings is an absolute classic - and for very good reason. Enjoyable from a first readthrough for its amazing worldbuilding, story and characters, further engagement with the series really makes you appreciate it on a whole other level. I usually don't do rereads, but I have done multiple for LotR over the years and regained my appreciation of the series each time.

The Two Towers holds a particular place in my heart for closing Boromir's character arc, which may be my all time favorite.

The Lord of the Rings is an absolute classic - and for very good reason. Enjoyable from a first readthrough for its amazing worldbuilding, story and characters, further engagement with the series really makes you appreciate it on a whole other level. I usually don't do rereads, but I have done multiple for LotR over the years and regained my appreciation of the series each time.

The Fellowship in particular has some of the best parts of the series, although there are also some weaker sections. Whilst the opening is slow and in parts meandering, the story really starts picking up pace in Bree, and the journey through Moria is clearly a peak of the series.