The Books of My Youth

In his youth, Ikeda Sensei immersed himself in a vast array of world literature, guided by his mentor, Josei Toda, the second president of Soka Gakkai. The Books of My Youth is a rich collection of essays where Sensei delves into these transformative works that shaped his spiritual framework. His fervour for reading radiates through each page, offering a glimpse into the powerful books that molded his worldview.
Through these essays, readers encounter brave humans, revolutionaries, writers and poets, while engaging with philosophers who challenge conventional thought, revealing how literature can deepen Buddhist practice and inspire the pursuit of global peace and justice.
Some of the literary works covered in this book are, The Eternal City by Hall Caine, Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, Plato’s Apology, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, Rafael Sabatini’s Scaramouch, Henrik Iben’s A Doll’s House, and others.