That's very interesting. I take the exact opposite approach.
I start by reading wide surveys and overviews and then dig deep (both original works and commentary) into areas and writers the resonate with me personally.
Some of my deeper dives have included Camus, Epictetus & Seneca, Popper and Spinoza.
It's a pretty eclectic mix, and few would consider these foundational authors, but their works have had a great deal of influence on me personally.
I think sometimes its a little masochistic, since not all of the material will be interesting. Part of the drive is knowing that these works offer some of the most depth of human thought known to man. My thinking is it would be a shame to live and not experience just a piece of what they have to offer.
On my list are also the great epics, the Illiad and Odyssey
I start by reading wide surveys and overviews and then dig deep (both original works and commentary) into areas and writers the resonate with me personally.
Some of my deeper dives have included Camus, Epictetus & Seneca, Popper and Spinoza.
It's a pretty eclectic mix, and few would consider these foundational authors, but their works have had a great deal of influence on me personally.