Books Recommended by Maria Popova
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The Republic
Plato
Source: "I’m actually gobsmacked that this isn’t required in order to be sworn into office, like the Constitution is required for us American immigrants when it comes time to gain American citizenship." - Maria Popova
Still Writing
The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life
Dani Shapiro
Source: "[The author's] magnificent memoir of the writing life, at once disarmingly personal and brimming with widely resonant wisdom on the most universal challenges and joys of writing." - Maria Popova
1 recommenderA Rap on Race
Margaret Mead
Source: "Spectacular and pause-giving in its entirety — the kind of perspective-normalizing read that reminds us both how far we’ve come and how much further we have yet to go." - Maria Popova
1 recommenderStumbling on Happiness
Daniel Todd Gilbert
Source: "Explores the sometimes subtle, sometimes radical changes we can make in our everyday cognitive strategies in order to avoid ending up unhappy and disappointed." - Maria Popova
On science, necessity, and the love of God
Essays
Simone Weil
Source: "You will find yourself at once infinitely gladdened by [the author]'s enduring ideas and infinitely saddened by the self-fulfilling prophecy embedded in this particular one." - Maria Popova
1 recommenderMan's Search for Meaning
Viktor E. Frankl
Source: "A meditation on what the gruesome experience of Auschwitz taught [the author] about the primary purpose of life: the quest for meaning, which sustained those who survived." - Maria Popova
36 recommendersAniela GregorekBryan JohnsonChelsea HandlerChip ConleyDaniel PinkDave ElitchDavid BlaineDustin MoskovitzEmma WatsonEsther PerelEv WilliamsFedor HolzJim KwikJimmy FallonJocko WillinkJordan PetersonLex FridmanMaria PopovaMichael GervaisNaval RavikantRyan HolidaySam AltmanSimon SinekTerry CrewsTony RobbinsTuria PittPewDiePieShane ParrishMark MansonPhil JacksonTom BilyeuMichael HyattAlastair HumphreysSteve KerrRobin BlackPatrick Bet-DavidOn the Shortness of Life
Lucius Seneca
Source: "A poignant reminder of what we so deeply intuit yet so easily forget and so chronically fail to put into practice." - Maria Popova
The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert
Take a Whiff of That
Richard Betts
Source: "Lovely, and profound, and challenge our existing ideas about sensory experience." - Maria Popova
2 recommendersGathering Moss
A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Source: "An extraordinary celebration of smallness and the grandeur of life." - Maria Popova
1 recommenderThe Journal of Henry David Thoreau, 1837-1861
Henry David Thoreau
Source: "A book I continue to consider an existential Bible of secular scripture." - Maria Popova
1 recommenderDesert Solitaire
A Season in the Wilderness
Edward Abbey
Source: "So powerful, so enduring, so fiercely necessary today." - Maria Popova
1 recommender- 1 recommender
FAQ
Did Maria Popova recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Maria Popova, it also includes a variety of titles that Maria Popova has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Maria Popova's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Maria Popova mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Maria Popova. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Maria Popova has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Maria Popova referred to the book.
Did Maria Popova actually create this list?
No, Maria Popova did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Maria Popova. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Maria Popova's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Maria Popova?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Maria Popova. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Maria Popova in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Maria Popova. Our team keeps a close eye on Maria Popova's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Maria Popova, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Maria Popova has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
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