Books on Stoicism and state organisation are in high demand in Moscow, with sales having risen by nearly a third in 2026.

Muscovites are turning to Machiavelli’s The Prince, as well as the works of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Annaeus Seneca.

At the start of this year, sales of philosophical books increased by almost 30% compared to the same period in 2025. Muscovites are seeking answers in these books to existential and other pressing questions — such as the meaning of life, the ethical distinctions between good and evil, and the nature of knowledge.

Moreover, some Moscow residents consider philology more useful for understanding the modern world than history or social studies. Residents of other Russian regions, however, tend to focus on different subjects.

Analysts from the online platforms Litres and Magram shared insights into the reading habits of Muscovites.