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Friday, June 25, 2010
Book Question
I keep a journal of all kinds of information and have a favor to ask of all: please respond to this blog entry or tell me what book/text/written piece you believe is or has been most influential in this world.
I am not well traveled, so I cannot speak to this perspective with confidence that my choice has indeed influenced the world. I know the Golden Rule has a prominent place in so many religions. Though it has been written in slightly different variations, the message is essentially the same. Unfortunately, we are living within a world that often gives this concept "lip service", so I may be way off base to suggest this as having influence that is actually ingrained in societies in such a way that it becomes second nature. Living The Golden rule may only occur when, in the words of Maya Angelou - "We come to it". I also feel Leonardo DaVinci's ideas have been transformational across the ages.
For me, personally, it's the Bible. If one takes time to look,there is so much more hate and selfishness in the world than there has ever been. And, yes, there are many, many people who have committed there lives to do good and try to help as many people as possible. One thing I always notice is when our country faces what people consider a "major crisis", this is the time everyone is expected to "pray" or "turn to God". My question is "why do we wait to pray or ask for God's help only in a time of crisis?"
As far as the world goes: I honestly couldn't say. For me, however, it would have to be the work of Roald Dahl. I know that seems like a silly response because he's known as a children's author, but I feel that there is so much truth inherent in his stories that he always says more than the actual words on the page. His notion that a good sense of humor, a friendly dog, and excellent food make the world go round rings true in my world!
I guess I will say the obvious - the Bible. What other book has caused more wars, more peace, and more controversy?
ReplyDeleteOther religious text too I think, Koran, Torah, etc.
ReplyDeletePlato's "Republic" comes to mind and Paine's "Common Sense" and so does the Communist Manifesto.
I am not well traveled, so I cannot speak to this perspective with confidence that my choice has indeed influenced the world. I know the Golden Rule has a prominent place in so many religions. Though it has been written in slightly different variations, the message is essentially the same. Unfortunately, we are living within a world that often gives this concept "lip service", so I may be way off base to suggest this as having influence that is actually ingrained in societies in such a way that it becomes second nature. Living The Golden rule may only occur when, in the words of Maya Angelou - "We come to it". I also feel Leonardo DaVinci's ideas have been transformational across the ages.
ReplyDeleteFor me, personally, it's the Bible. If one takes time to look,there is so much more hate and selfishness in the world than there has ever been. And, yes, there are many, many people who have committed there lives to do good and try to help as many people as possible. One thing I always notice is when our country faces what people consider a "major crisis", this is the time everyone is expected to "pray" or "turn to God". My question is "why do we wait to pray or ask for God's help only in a time of crisis?"
ReplyDeleteAs far as the world goes: I honestly couldn't say. For me, however, it would have to be the work of Roald Dahl. I know that seems like a silly response because he's known as a children's author, but I feel that there is so much truth inherent in his stories that he always says more than the actual words on the page. His notion that a good sense of humor, a friendly dog, and excellent food make the world go round rings true in my world!
ReplyDelete