These books get me through hard times

If you're going through a rough time, maybe these books will be helpful. They've helped me.

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00:00 - Beginning
00:44 - Boethius
03:47 - Seneca
07:21 - Plato
11:22 - Sertillanges
13:36 - A brief interlude about Le Guin
14:08 - Miller
16:36 - Hitchens
18:09 - Berry

[berniekatzroy]

During hard times I read the very hungry caterpillar.

[LiterateTexan]

I left my corporate job in 2005, and I've never regretted it. I made a lot more money than I would have if I had stayed in corporate America, and I've had unbelievable experiences and freedom. It was the best life decision I ever made. 15-20 years from now, I think you might feel the same way.

[hap]

Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books to retreat to when I am in hard times. Almost a existentialist/nihilistic Christian text that bring me so much comfort.

[semuren]

Excellent supporting performance from the canine friend on the sofa in the background

[CDCA]

As a Christian Minister, who is also trying to revitalize the love for the arts and philosophy among young people. Thank you for your content. It has helped me to often remember how I started on this journey and how to help others start as well.

[Hammockrider]

I like to read my favorite children's books when I'm going through hard times, books like Curious George, the Hardy boys, Matilda and the Snowy Day. They're like an inoculation of joy and optimism . I also dig The Hitchhiker's Gyude to the Galaxy and Wordsworth's poetry. As a fellow Classics man, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations is on my list too.

[El_myth]

Jared, this is your best video. I think due to your circumstances and - at least to my perception - the way your delivery has slightly changed, i found your words deeply moving. Good work. I hope this channel takes off and you can continue growing as a modern day teacher and philosopher.

[hatethenewyou]

Having a hard time right now and Dostoyevsky's TBK is bringing me comfort.

[thomasceneri]

I love your adorable doggo rolling around on your couch!

[idrankwhatt]

Surprised if nobody has already said this, but Emerson's writings put everything in perspective for me. As Nietzsche said "felt so at home in a book; felt so much, indeed, as if the home were my own".

[thomasscottwilliams]

There are very few earnest booktubers now so I really wish you happiness and good luck, stay true to you and keep enjoying books, if you really enjoy something it is easily conveyed by the lens, no acting needed. There is a wealth of literature hungry readers out there, we don’t want to know how many books you’ve read in 4 weeks rather which books are poignant or emotionally valuable and why, deep dives into these are good, classical literature has lots of fans

[Bushviking]

I have gotten great comfort and peace from Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". Especially as a teacher: "I really hope you have been teaching Quality this year" hits home. Herman Hesse's "Der Steppenwolf" and "Siddharta", And somehow re-reading a part of "the Hitchhiker's guide" always cheers me up. Oh! and anything by Tom Robbins (Jitterbug Perfume!).

[alaamounzer]

I read seneca as well when I got laid off. It was one of the best decisions of my life. Seneca was able to put my mind and heart to peace and satisfaction. Highly recommend.

[capturedbyannamarie]

I would say the Bible, but then also comfort reads like Jane Austen. Wendell Berry’s poetry is excellent. I would also say Saint Augustine’s Confessions. Also, when I am stressed reading Agatha Christie is fun.

[jeffdavidson]

I loved "Goodbye Darkness" by William Manchester. I've read it multiple times and I've enjoyed it on Audible, too. William Manchester has passed on, but in life he was a WWII veteran who served in the Pacific theater, fighting the Japanese in places like Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His account is often hair-raising and quite gruesome actually (fair warning), and yet it is also very vivid, sublime and deeply humbling. This is someone who has seen the hell of war, firsthand. His account gave me some perspective, that's for sure. One of my favorite aspects of his story is that even after seeing things and living through things that would leave most of us completely trashed in the brains department, he went on to build a great life for himself after the war; he earned multiple college degrees, got married, had kids and taught at Wesleyan University. He also wrote 18 books. I am amazed at his resilience, and his ability to rebuild after going through so much. I am moved by the power of his example. His writing style is also possessing of a "voice" that I've come to trust. It has a way of pulling you in. His other books are good too, but "Goodbye Darkness" is a book I find myself coming back to over and over again. I can't recommend it enough, but especially to anyone who's going through hard times.

[artiste]

I recommend "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, as well as Michael Newton's books "Journey of Souls" and "Destiny of Souls".

[Eudaimonia]

I have come across a lot of videos of people talking about literature and many are sub-par or pretentious, however, this video and its superb protagonist have left me feeling moved and yearning for more! You're a bright star in an otherwise pretty starless firmament, Jared!

[bn]

Your voice is soothing and meditative. Thank you for uploading these videos.

[alejandrobarquero]

I love how you show emotion in this video. You looked like you really care about these books, and the feelings and experiences you have had while reading them are a deep part of you. Man, I love your channel.

[nikhildalvi]

You have unleashed the beast within you... If it goes this way, you really will have to thank your employer for this for laying you off... You are on your self discovery path mate...
I have my best wishes with you.... you are going to rock