Person
Every book Maria Popova recommended on podcasts
Maria Popova appeared on How I Write to explore the creative process, historical diaries, and the philosophical underpinnings of artistic expression. During the conversation, Popova recommended Iris Murdoch's book Existentialists and Mystics, drawing particular attention to Murdoch's concept of unselfing. Popova discussed how Murdoch illustrated that encounters with nature and art provide essential occasions for stepping outside of oneself and shedding ego. Furthermore, Popova discussed Henry David Thoreau's classic work Walden, expressing her deep admiration for Thoreau's writings, his broader body of notebooks, and his profound observations on intentional living. Through her podcast appearance, Popova reveals a literary sensibility rooted in deep reflection, environmental appreciation, and the spiritual nourishment found in historical diaries, poetry, and philosophical essays. She emphasizes how mindful reading and creative output are intimately connected to the radical act of unselfing and paying close attention to the natural world.
Books recommended by Maria Popova
-
Existentialists and Mystics
Existentialists and Mystics by Iris Murdoch is a profound collection of essays exploring philosophy, literature, ethics, and the human condition.
Recommended“She used the word unselfing in a kind of almost as an aside in she has a book called Existentialists and Mystics that you would, I think, appreciate given what you just said about the the light. Uh and she talks about how art and nature, our encounters with art and with the natural world, are occasions for unselfing.”
Where to get it
-
Walden
Walden by Henry David Thoreau is a classic philosophical memoir chronicling the author's simple, self-reliant life in a cabin near Concord, Massachusetts, and serving as a timeless critique of societal conformity and materialism.
Discussed“Well, I mean, I love Walden. And people say whatever they say, but but I just I love Thoreau and um more of his notebooks than not just Walden.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Popova: How to Write Something Truly Wise | How I Write | How I Write | 2026-05-13 | 3 |