JMSmith’s latest article reminded me of a quote by Seneca the Younger which I provided in a comment. The fruit of that quote is that it is better to invest deeply in a few books deeply than to have a shallow understanding of many books.
Inspired by the article and the quote, I have decided to document, off-the-cuff, Five books which I would choose to be my intellectual food if I had to choose five and read no others for the rest of my life.
In no particular order of precedence, having spent no more time to think about this than it takes to write at this moment:
- The Bible
- Don Quixote – Cervantes
- Joan of Arc – Twain
- How to Win Friends and Influence People – Carnegie
- Lee’s Lieutenants – Freeman (Ignore the fact that it is three volumes)
The Bible as the Holy Scripture, I must invest more deeply in the scriptures anyway. An essential part of the list.
Don Quixote as a parable simultaneously in Chivalry, Satire, and the Peasant life.
Joan of Arc as the well documented life of a Saint and a demonstration of what can be done with the power of mere faith.
How to Win Friends and Influence People as a good reminder on how to be civil and courteous–in short, a practical guide on loving ones neighbor.
Lee’s Lieutenants as a manual for leadership, an indulgence in military history, and an example in living and leading with manly vigor.
Times-Dispatch of Vichy Earth 