Life & fun · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to The Meaning of Things

Applying Philosophy to Life

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. The Meaning of Things launched in 2016; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1LA
   Life – A timeline of important events in (your) life▲268

   2013 · github.com · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Mindset▲84

   How You Can Fulfil Your Potential

   2016 · its alternatives →

3. 3
   Sapiens▲185

   A brief history of humankind

   2015 · its alternatives →

4. 4
   The Design of Everyday Things▲165

   Good, usable design is possible

   2015 · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Essentialism▲80

   The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

   2016 · its alternatives →

6. 6
   The Passionate State of Mind▲54

   An insightful collection of aphorisms

   2016 · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Delivering Happiness▲92

   Seeking happiness and making people happy

   2015 · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Letters from a Stoic▲85

   Seneca's thoughts on the human condition

   2016 · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Tao Te Ching▲90

   Wisdom in action

   2015 · its alternatives →

10. 10
    Brand Sense▲63

    Sensory Secrets Behind the Stuff We Buy

    2016 · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Tiny Beautiful Things ▲83

    Advice on Life and Love from Dear Sugar

    2015 · its alternatives →

12. 12
    The Checklist Manifesto▲108

    How to get things right

    2015 · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Idea Makers▲53

    Personal Perspectives on the Lives & Ideas of Notable People

    2016 · its alternatives →

14. 14
    The Power of Ideals▲62

    The Real Story of Moral Choice

    2016 · its alternatives →

15. 15
    The End of Jobs▲98

    Money, meaning and freedom without the 9-to-5

    2016 · its alternatives →

16. 16
    The Excellence Habit▲64

    How small changes in our mindset can make a big difference

    2016 · its alternatives →

17. 17
    Thinking, Fast and Slow▲119

    A book on how the mind works and how choices are made

    2015 · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Problem Solving 101▲70

    A simple book for smart people

    2016 · its alternatives →

19. 19
    Life 3.0▲92

    Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

    2017 · its alternatives →

20. 20
    The Book of Everyone▲125

    A personalized book about anyone you want in 40 seconds

    2015 · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Light▲58

    A Radiant History from Creation to the Quantum Age

    2016 · its alternatives →

22. 22
    Predictably Irrational▲96

    The hidden forces that shape our decisions

    2015 · its alternatives →

23. 23
    Living with Intent▲5

    My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace, and Joy

    2017 · its alternatives →

24. 24
    How the World Sees You▲66

    Discover Your Highest Value Through the ScienceofFascination

    2016 · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →