Posted on 12/04/2010 8:40:48 AM PST by JoeProBono
These books were created with certain motives in mind and have influenced people in the past and continue to do so.
1. The Bible
The Bible has undoubtedly changed the world and deserves the first spot in this list. It allowed Christianity to become the largest in terms of religious followers. The Bible has been divided into two volumes- The New Testament and the Old Testament. It has been written by a number of authors and was the first book that was published with the help of the printing press.
2. The Qur’an
This holy book is followed by those who a part of the Islamic religion. Muslims follow each verse and text in the book religiously and live their lives according to the teachings of the founder of Islam.
3. The Summa Theologica
The content of this book is divided into a number of volumes and the text speaks about the Christian beliefs. It is a part of the curriculum in Roman Catholic seminaries and has influenced the Christian world greatly.
4. The Rights of Man
This book has been written by Thomas Paine who managed to influence the idea of Democracy with his writing. He talks about how it is the job of the Government to protect human being which is only possible if their fundamental rights are protected as well. Those nations that do not follow this philosophy are illegitimate and their practices are unlawful.
5. Either/Or
Either/Or has been written by Søren Kierkegaard who talks about two ways of living- one can either be hedonistic or ethical and responsible. Each view point is supported with the help of fictional characters and topics like seduction, drama and music also find mention in the text.
6. Communist Manifesto
This book was the brainchild of both Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx who wrote it after the Communist League told them to do so. Their communist theories have influenced a number of political ideologies over the years. The book talks about how it would be easier to survive if the social order was eliminated and instead we were to live in a stateless and classless society.
7. Experimental Research in Electricity
This book has been written by Michael Faraday who was both a physicist and a chemist. He tampered with the idea of electricity and carried out a number of experiments through his life. He ultimately invented the electromagnetic rotary devices which eventually lead to the development of electric motor technology. This book talks bout his research and investigations.
8. On the Origin of Species
Written by Charles Darwin, this book talks about evolutionary biology. It explains the concept of natural selection and how species evolve through time. When it was released, the author faced a lot of controversies because his text contradicted certain religious views that existed at the time. The book is quite interesting and will make you understand certain aspects related to religion, science and philosophy at the same time.
9. The Second Sex
Simone de Beauvoir is celebrated till date for creating this masterpiece. The book revolves around the treatment and status of woman in society over time. It is thought to be laced with elements of feminism and her arguments are based on the fact that women are constantly referred to as the ‘other’ sex.
10. Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand wrote this work of art just before she decided to delve into the world of philosophical writing. The themes that are found in this book have been associated with Objectivism. It was not critically acclaimed but was greatly appreciated by the common man.
First and last are the only ones I have read and re-read.
some of those should go down, in history and everywhere else.
Sorry. Any list that doesn’t have “A Patriot’s History of the United States” on it isn’t a list. :)
Kant’s: The Critique of Pure Reason
The Wealth of Nations.
*snicker*
I haven't read your book, but I plan to after Christmas. It's on my wish list.
Witness
Art of War
The Bible
History Book
History Book
History Book
History Book
History Book
Mechanical engineering book
Electrical Engineering book
Kill it an Grill it Cookbook
lol
Summa Theologica
IF you want to reinforce your understanding of the Bible, take on this challenging script.
I recommend the Concise Translation, edited by Timothy McDermott.
The 50 page Preface will let you know whether you’re up to the depth of the text.
Somebody presented this to Ronald Reagan and it profoundly shaped his perspective.
Hey, where’s Vattel?
agreed, The Art of War should be on that list along with...
On Liberty, John Stuart Mill
On War, Carl von Clausewitz
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe
Summa Theologiæ, Thomas Aquinas
and even though they affected history negatively...
Mein Kampf, Adolph Hitler
Quotations from Chairman Mao, Mao Zedong
2. The Qur’an (negative influence)
3. The Summa Theologica (Dogma)
6. Communist Manifesto (very distorted negative influence)
8. On the Origin of Species (false premis of Darwinism)
10. Atlas Shrugged (novel, very forward thinking and true to life but roots of Objectivism)
—
I have respect for your perspective, but is this an original list?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.