Required Reading For Humans

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zimok

zimok

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Oct 27, 2008
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I know there's a business thread on books already, I started reading some of them and really enjoyed it, but I want to go outside the scope of business and into a more general theme.

Post as many books as you want but you have to give a reason why you think every human should read your book(s). I'm looking for any book that you believe left a good mark on you, and that you believe will have some sort of positive impact on those who read it.

Let me start off,

Cosmos - Carl Sagan
I believe everyone should have a general understanding of what we are, and how we came to be. To ponder on the grandest mysteries of the universe will knock some humbling sense into you when you realize how horribly inconsequential we are in our own universe.

"For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." - Carl Sagan

Fire Away!
 


I fall asleep all the time from watching Carl Sagan's old shows on the Science Channel. His voice is so soothing, especially when he talks about things that bore the shit out of me.. which is almost the entire episode.

If he were still around I'd say he should strike a deal with one of the mattress companies. He would have made a killing!

Although I must admit, when I'm stoned and I watch it, I'm completely fascinated.
 
Jon said:
I fall asleep all the time from watching Carl Sagan's old shows on the Science Channel. His voice is so soothing, especially when he talks about things that bore the shit out of me.. which is almost the entire episode.

If he were still around I'd say he should strike a deal with one of the mattress companies. He would have made a killing!

Although I must admit, when I'm stoned and I watch it, I'm completely fascinated.
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I also watched Cosmos, which is why I'm recommending the book, and not the episodes. I do agree on every point for the episodes, they are ridiculously out of date.. but the book is a whole different story when you actually get to contemplate what you're reading. So what's your book recommendation Jon?
 
one of my favorite books ever is Ender's Game, by the craze Orson Scott Card, its the first book in the ender series. the only thing it really taught me is that things are not always as they appear to be. but it is just a really good sci fi book
 
Jon said:
I fall asleep all the time from watching Carl Sagan's old shows on the Science Channel. His voice is so soothing, especially when he talks about things that bore the shit out of me.. which is almost the entire episode.

If he were still around I'd say he should strike a deal with one of the mattress companies. He would have made a killing!

Although I must admit, when I'm stoned and I watch it, I'm completely fascinated.
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I totally do the same thing. My girlfriend bought me the show on DVD and I have a disk sitting ready in the player to turn on when I want to fall asleep to it.

I watched the show on PBS all the time as a kid. It's what inspired me to be the quantum/astro physics enthusiast I am today.

I love that show and have so much respect for Carl.

"Billions and billions of stars."

zimok said:
I also watched Cosmos, which is why I'm recommending the book, and not the episodes. I do agree on every point for the episodes, they are ridiculously out of date.. but the book is a whole different story when you actually get to contemplate what you're reading. So what's your book recommendation Jon?
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The remastered show on DVD has a lot of updated information. And as far as books, anything from Brian Greene is pretty amazing. And Michio Kaku is the man. Both are pretty easy reading.
 
Best book I've read to date is Shogun by James Clavell (twice read even). Its a historical fiction and it explores Japanese culture through the eyes of an 15th century British sailor. The entire series is pretty fantastic though the first is a masterpiece. It really explores the eastern culture (which fascinates me anyways... luv those asians) and the juxtaposition of the far east and European cultures in the 15th century was amazing.


Also went through the entire Aubery/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian on audiobook (read by Patrick Tull, the other version is annoying to listen too). Really excellently written with great character development and gives a very humanistic account of life at sea on a frigate. More then a couple times you had to just laugh out loud to how funny life can be, and this is not a comedy... though life may be.

Before these hit my radar Dune was my fav.

Dammit I need to get back to work!

:party-smiley-004:

(edited with reasons)
 
Psycho Cybernetics - by Maxwell Maltz
Law of Success - Napoleon Hill
The Law - Bastiat

I could list off more, because I'm an avid reader. But I'll start with those three.
 
Choke by Chuck Palahunik (because you think you've got problems?!)
Dune saga, just the Frank Herbert ones - Most amazingly well thought out sci-fi universe EVER!
Saikano by Shin Takahashi - Sure, it's a comic, but read it, and you'll feel like putting a gun in your mouth at the end...

Fat Tom: Pity about the rest of the series being amazingly shit house :( Glad I didn't pay for them 1st hand.

Alexb: The funny thing is that that book is actually a pretty practical survival guide for any doomsday scenario.
 
HarveyJ said:
Dune saga, just the Frank Herbert ones - Most amazingly well thought out sci-fi universe EVER!
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It took me 2x's to get through the 4th book... Lost me the first time and I went on to something else.

You didn't like the prequels? Not as good as the first 3 of the orignal series...or just the first one which is amazing but better the God Emperor of Dune.
 
Jon said:
I fall asleep all the time from watching Carl Sagan's old shows on the Science Channel. His voice is so soothing, especially when he talks about things that bore the shit out of me.. which is almost the entire episode.

If he were still around I'd say he should strike a deal with one of the mattress companies. He would have made a killing!

Although I must admit, when I'm stoned and I watch it, I'm completely fascinated.
Click to expand...
You need to watch Bob Ross!

His voice can put you to sleep after you just woke up.

Bob_at_Easel.jpg
 
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