I recommend The Apology of Socrates and The Republic, both written by Plato. The former because it's an excellent introduction to one of the west's most influe

I recommend The Apology of Socrates and The Republic, both written by Plato. The former because it's an excellent introduction to one of the west's most influential figures (Socrates). As a testament to that influence, any philosopher before him is called 'pre-Socratic'. Not to mention Socrates' tale of traveling around Athens questioning the populace after visiting the Oracle is a great story. It wouldn't hurt to follow up with the dialogue Phaedo next, which details the end of Socrates. The latter for many reasons. The Republic is the most complete statements of Plato's philosophy, in addition to being beautifully written (Plato's writing seems to shine through in just about any translation that I've seen, but the Allan Bloom translation is particularly enjoyable). Plato, and this book in particular, have been extremely influential in western thought. Indeed, one philosopher wrote that "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." And here in America, the founding fathers often quoted Plato in their pamphlets prior to seceding. Following the dialogues in the book will take you from discussions on the nature of justice and reality, to the best mode of governance. It serves as a wonderful introduction to what it means to do philosophy and hopefully you find it as enjoyable as I have.