Philosophy
Read Philosophy Classics in English
473 philosophy books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best philosophy classics to read in English as a learner?
The best philosophy classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Zones of the Spirit: A Book of Thoughts, Zadig; Or, The Book of Fate and Youth and Life. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
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Level B2PhilosophyA little philosophy of lifeExplore timeless reflections on life’s fleeting nature, the wisdom found in love, and the lessons shaped by adversity, all woven through the tender bond between generations discove…
Level C1PhilosophyA journey round my roomConfined to his room for forty-two days, a traveler embarks on a unique voyage of discovery within its walls, finding endless fascination and solace in the ordinary.
Level C1HistoricalA few days in Athens: being the translation of a Greek manuscript discovered in HerculaneumIn turbulent Athens, young Theon grapples with the clash between Stoic and Epicurean philosophies as he confronts dark secrets and moral decay beneath the city's ancient wisdom.![Cover of A dialoge or communication of two persons: Deuysyd and set forthe in the late[n] tonge, by the noble and famose clarke. Desiderius Erasmus intituled [the] pylgremage of pure deuotyon. Newly tra[n]slatyd into Englishe. by Desiderius Erasmus](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagkgg6icedc739b5sn0.webp)
Level C2PhilosophyA dialoge or communication of two persons: Deuysyd and set forthe in the late[n] tonge, by the noble and famose clarke. Desiderius Erasmus intituled [the] pylgremage of pure deuotyon. Newly tra[n]slatyd into Englishe.Two voices engage in a profound dialogue exploring the true path of Christian devotion, exposing the dangers of idolatry and false worship while guiding believers toward faith, red…
Level C1PhilosophyA dead man's diaryA soul recounts its journey beyond death, challenging vivid and conflicting visions of the afterlife with a deeply personal diary of spiritual experiences.
Level C1PhilosophyA Vindication of Natural Diet.Explore the profound link between diet, health, and morality as this philosophical treatise argues for a natural, plant-based lifestyle.
Level C2HistoricalA Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the EpicureA thoughtful dialogue explores the true treasures of the mind—learning, wisdom, and virtue—beyond worldly riches and fame.
Level C2HistoricalA Treatise of Daunses, Wherin It is Shewed, That They Are as It Were Accessories and Dependants (Or Thynges Annexed) to Whoredome: Where Also by the Way is Touched and Proued, That Playes Are Ioyned and Knit Togeather in a Rancke or Rowe with Them (1581)Explore a fiery argument against dances and plays, portrayed as gateways to moral corruption, as the author challenges their place in Christian society and calls for a thorough ref…
Level C1PhilosophyA SheafA reflective exploration of human indifference to animal suffering unfolds through vivid encounters and moral questioning, challenging readers to reconsider the cost of pleasure at…
Level C2HistoricalA Roman Lawyer in Jerusalem : First CenturyIn first-century Jerusalem, a Roman lawyer wrestles with the mysterious figure of Christus and the controversial betrayal by Judas Iscariot, seeking truth amid political turmoil an…
Level C1RomanceA Positive Romance: 1898In late 19th-century New York, a bachelor and his friend debate the nature of men's worshipful admiration of women, leading to a profound exploration of love, society, and the myst…
Level C1HistoricalA Persian Pearl, and Other EssaysExplore timeless reflections on life, existence, and human frailty through the polished wisdom of Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, revealing enduring mysteries and the unchanging nature of…
Level C1PhilosophyA Little Pilgrim: Stories of the Seen and the UnseenAwakening in a luminous, unfamiliar realm, a gentle woman who has known life's sorrows embarks on a mysterious journey between the seen and unseen, discovering peace, wonder, and a…
Level C1HistoricalA History of Literary Criticism in the Renaissance: With special reference to the influence of Italy in the formation and development of modern classicismExplore the origins of modern literary criticism as it emerges from the Italian Renaissance, tracing the birth of classicism and the lasting influence of Italian humanism on Europe…
Level C1HistoricalA Dish of Orts : Chiefly Papers on the Imagination, and on ShakespeareExplore the nature and power of imagination as a divine creative faculty, unveiling its role in education, art, and understanding beyond mere facts.
Level C2PhilosophyA Discourse of Life and Death, by Mornay; and Antonius by GarnierExplore a profound meditation on the human condition, where life is a restless journey fraught with toil and fear, and death, paradoxically, is both dreaded and misunderstood as th…
Level C1PhilosophyA Dialogue Concerning Oratory, or the Causes of Corrupt Eloquence: The Works of Cornelius Tacitus, Volume 8 (of 8); With an Essay on His Life and Genius, Notes, SupplementsIn a spirited dialogue among Roman rhetoricians, the clash between poetry and oratory unfolds against the backdrop of a changing republic, exploring how eloquence evolves—and somet…
Level C2PoetryA Defence of Poetry and Other EssaysExploring the profound nature of love and life, these essays delve into the human soul’s yearning for connection and the awe-inspiring miracle of existence, revealing the invisible…
Level C1PhilosophyA Cynic Looks at LifeExplore a sharp critique of civilization’s true impact on humanity, challenging the assumed superiority of the “civilized” over the “uncivilized,” and revealing how knowledge often…
Level C2PoetryA Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne: Quickened With Metrical Illustrations, Both Morall and Divine, Etc.Explore a rich tapestry of ancient and modern emblems brought to life with metrical illustrations that blend moral and divine lessons, inviting readers to a thoughtful and pleasant…
Level C1PhilosophyA Christmas SermonAs time slips away, a reflective voice meditates on the meaning of a life well-lived—where true heroism lies in kindness, honesty, and patient endurance rather than grand gestures…
Level C1PoetryA Chesterton Calendar: Compiled from the writings of 'G.K.C.' both in verse and in prose. With a section apart for the moveable feasts.Start each day with provocative reflections and witty paradoxes drawn from verse and prose, exploring courage, renewal, and the mysteries of life through a unique blend of philosop…
Level C1PoetryA Century of EmblemsExplore a rich collection of emblematic poems blending moral and philosophical reflections with evocative illustrations, tracing a tradition that dates back to 16th-century Europe.
Level C1Philosophy"My Visit to Tolstoy": Five DiscoursesA determined American Jew challenges Russian prejudice by insisting on his right to enter Russia, leading to a remarkable encounter with the profound and charismatic Leo Tolstoy.
Level C1Philosophy"I Believe" and other essaysExplore the struggles of the everyday man confronting faith, ethics, and society’s challenges in a world where religion’s role is questioned and personal beliefs shape life’s deepe…
Level C1HistoricalAutobiography of Benjamin FranklinThe classic historical novel by Benjamin Franklin.
Level C2PhilosophyBeyond Good and EvilThe classic philosophy novel by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.
Level C2PhilosophyBiographia LiterariaThe classic philosophy novel by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Level C1ClassicsCrime and PunishmentThe classic mystery novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
Level C2RomanceEloisa : $b or, A series of original lettersThe classic romance novel by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Level C2PhilosophyLeviathanThe classic historical novel by Thomas Hobbes.
Level C2PhilosophyOn LibertyThe classic philosophy novel by John Stuart Mill.
Level C2ClassicsThe Brothers KaramazovThe classic classics novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
Level C1MysteryThe Man Who Was Thursday: A NightmareThe classic mystery novel by G.
Level C1GothicThe Picture of Dorian GrayA portrait ages while its beautiful owner does not — Wilde’s only novel.
Level C2PhilosophyThe PrinceThe classic historical novel by Niccolò Machiavelli.
Level C2PhilosophyThe Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2)The classic historical novel by George Gillespie.
Level C2PhilosophyThe City of God, Volume IThe classic work of philosophy and theology by Saint Augustine of Hippo.
PhilosophyThus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and NoneThe classic philosophy novel by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.
Level C1PhilosophyThe Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana: Translated From the Sanscrit in Seven Parts With Preface, Introduction and Concluding RemarksThe classic romance novel by Vatsyayana.
PhilosophyEcce Homo: Complete Works, Volume SeventeenThe classic philosophy novel by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.