A Treatise of Human Nature is one of the most powerful works of literature in philosophy. The book is a deep dive by philosopher David Hume into human nature and how to learn about and understand it. He touches on skepticism, naturalism, and empiricism as he unfolds why people do what they do.

Benjamin Franklin is one of the most well-known figures in American history. Do you know his whole story? Read Franklin's view of his life in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Learn how the founding father viewed his epic life and massive achievements. Get inside the mind of a great inventor, philosopher, and diplomat in this account told from his point of view.

On War wasn't published until after its author Von Kriege's death. Once printed, it became highly popular because of its profound statement on strategy. Since its publication, On War has significantly influenced military analysis and strategic thinking. This controversial book provides an enlightening philosophical examination of war and many of its questions.

Reflections on the Revolution in France is a written political attack on the French Revolution. The pamphlet was written by an Irish statesman in 1790, and is critical of the Revolution and instead in favor of British conservatism. The pamphlet is an essential piece of political theory and a defining piece of literature for modern conservatism.

Spirit of Laws was an incredibly influential piece of political theory. It strived for modern ideas back in a time when they were just beginning or not even considered at all. The Spirit of Law touches on essential topics within the law, such as a constitutional government, ending slavery, and civil liberties. These subjects affect us all and may not be relative today without the writing of early pioneers such as Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu.

Confucius is one of the greatest philosophers and minds in human history. His words, thoughts, and theories are collected in The Analects of Confucius. Many sayings and ideas that we live by today actually originated with the teachings of Confucius. Confucius was also a huge advocate for education and moral responsibility and eventually established Confucianism, his own way of living.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by one of the greatest men in American history and changed the country forever. Abraham Lincoln gave the speech declaring the end of slavery and the beginning of equality in the country. Read the original words spoken by an American hero that still holds truth and power today.

The Federalist Papers were written in 1787 and 1788 to inspire voters to support the Constitution. The authors of the essays were founding fathers of the United States, including John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. The Constitution established the government and rights of the United States that still stand true today. Read these texts that influenced a people to endorse the great democracy that still thrives under the same standards after all these years.

You know the opening line, "four score and seven years ago..." but do you know the rest? The Gettysburg Address is one of the greatest speeches in American history. Hold the speech in your hand and read the words delivered by the legendary Abraham Lincoln. The speech helped bring the bloodiest war in American history to a close and forever cement the future of the country.

The great philosopher Aristotle dives into philosophy, explicitly focusing on metaphysics. The Metaphysics is the earliest text on this topic and the foundation for much of our understanding of metaphysical psychology today. Aristotle makes profound findings regarding God, existence, and the relationship between cause and effect. Dive into the mind of a true philosopher and see what some of the first written findings on these subjects reveals.

The Nicomachean Ethics is the collection of Aristotle's lectures and work on ethics collected into ten books. Aristotle dedicated the book to his father or son, who were both named Nicomachus. Read the great philosophers' lectures on one of his most powerful topics for yourself. Experience the teachings of Aristotle as students and philosophers did so many years ago.

Aristotle is a well-known philosopher, but he also knew much about literature, storytelling, and theater. The Poetics is the earliest how-to work about drama and storytelling told by a master and significant historical figure. Learn about poetry, characters, and narrative from one of the subject's earliest and most groundbreaking accounts.