Plato and a Platypus walk into a bar... by Thomas Cathcart & Daniel Klein

What it is about:

A tour de force through (mostly western) philosophy, all seen through the lens of jokes and humor that really manage to convey the essence of the big thinkers it covers. Humor has a unique way to penetrate one's thick skull and manage to make those complex core ideas accessible and memorable.

Why it changed my thinking:

I have always be a fan of reading philosophy, even if it is many times a challenge and I only retain a small percentage of the substance. I like to think that even if it is just a dusting of understanding, it would accumulate over time and contribute to improve overall. This book, with its wits and memorable jokes manages to create a "fast access index" in my memory that organizes thoughts, helps me when I need to search for specific answers or do additional research to understand something else I read or hear.

Where to get it:

(Note, if you buy from the links here, I get a little commission back)