Library

Henry David Thoreau’s Walden: two years in the woods to live "deliberately"

In July 1845 a young writer built a cabin by Walden Pond and lived there for two years. The book he wrote about the experience still inspires those who want less noise and more meaning.

3 November 2026 / 5 min read

Laozi and the Daodejing: the wisdom of water that does not fight

Few books have been translated as often as the Daodejing. It is short, poetic and often obscure, but some of its images, such as water wearing away stone, remain powerful.

3 November 2026 / 5 min read

Diogenes of Sinope: the philosopher who lived in a jar and mocked convention

He walked through Athens in daylight with a lit lantern and said he was looking for a human being. When Alexander the Great asked what he wanted, he told him to step out of his sunlight. Who was Diogenes really?

2 November 2026 / 2 min read