A novel that focuses on the history of philosophy, Sophie's World by Jostein Gaardner spans over two thousand years of philosophical history with a young girl named Sophie. A story with a twist, Gaardner is able to study the history of philosophy, while also focusing deeply on its involvement in the development of psychology. This novel is designed to satisfy both children and adults to learn more and discover deeper meaning in philosophical thought. The story begins by focusing on young Sophie, of school age, who becomes the recipient of strange letters containing information and thoughts about several philosophers. As the story develops, he discovers different things about this anonymous writer and his dog. He then meets Alberto Knox and his dog Hermes and they become friends who travel over the years to study science and history within philosophical thought. While in the midst of her studies, this young girl begins to receive strange information about a certain Hilde Knag, who seems to be connected to this mysterious philosophical journey she is on. Much of Sophie's journey was confusing until she learned Berkeley's philosophical thoughts about people living their entire lives within the mind of God. Her teacher, Alberto, suggested that their lives were within Hilde's father, who Gaardner called Albert Knag. After this part of the story, it is now seen from Hilde's point of view, which the change is noticed once Hilde receives a birthday present from her father titled Sophie's World. The story then follows the journey with Alberto and Sophie attempting to escape Albert's mind, while Hilde begins to believe that Sophie is a real person. The story ends with Sophie and Alberto disappearing while at Sophie's philosopher...... middle of paper ...... Albert's who believed that Sophie and Alberto were real, they became real to Hilde and could not die because they were believed in someone's mind. Humans often go crazy because thoughts overtake their reality and then perceptions of what they believe to be true become true. Although the novel may be titled Sophie's World, it could be argued that what was being read throughout the novel was Albert Knag's world. Our mind is a powerful aspect of our being and should never be wasted. With deeper study, scientists are learning more every day about the human mind and may therefore one day be able to fully understand the human being. Works Cited Gaarder, J., & Møller, P. (2007). Sophie's World: A Novel on the History of Philosophy. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The Holy Bible, new international version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan House, 1984. Print.