What is meant by education? How does one become educated? Does it require attending college to get a piece of paper that asserts that you are educated?

Fortunately, says the author of this book, becoming educated has never been easier – or cheaper! Armed with a curious mind, the average person has never enjoyed greater access to information for learning about the world and the people in it than today. Of course, being curious may still leave you wondering where to begin your journey of exploration. That’s where this book comes in.

Aimed at the curious reader, it lays down the foundations of a solid education, with titles from all the major fields covered in a liberal arts education: the natural and social sciences and the humanities. The book’s selections aim to educate, not persuade the reader of a particular point of view. Thus, in economics, for example, the reader will find books advocating socialism and capitalism. Readers will have to decide for themselves which side is more compelling.

After reading all the books on this list (or even just the summaries), you’ll have a well-rounded and wide-ranging knowledge of yourself, other people, and the world we live in. You may not receive a diploma at the end, but you will be educated in the true sense of the word.