Chris Writing Anything

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

This question is tough, because there are many books I remember reading. And since they live in my memory, they had certainly affected me. Yet, there are a few, which, as I mull today’s prompt over, I probably incorporate in my daily life.

The first book would, of course, be the Bible. Even though I haven’t read it from cover to cover, the messages it contains guides me down a social path. The Bible, for all intents and purposes, is a guide for a harmonious society, so, I think, it’s necessary to live by those examples. Even many who claim to be atheists follow Christian ethos.

Secondly, sticking with philosophical guides for functioning communities, I’ve thought about Atlas Shrugged many times in life. I know, if you have read the book, you’d argue that Ayn Rand denounces religion. Yes, there are many things in this book I wholeheartedly disagree with, and, when reading it the first time, my mind instantly rejected. But, sadly, some of what the book had suggested, rings true.

The book is an argument against socialism. It also states that hard work and careful thought should be rewarded with money, and money should not be given to those who simply state a need for it. Granted, the water is muddier than the crystal clear examples in the book, and that’s illustrated in my third choice.

The Grapes of Wrath is written by journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner John Steinbeck. This book seems to argue the very fundamentals of Atlas Shrugged. Set during the height of the Great Depression, it follows a family from Oklahoma to California.

In this book, you see the greedy make fortunes by capitalizing on others’ misfortunes. And you see the hopelessness of those on the lowest rung of the American social and economic ladders. Again, some of this content my mind immediately rejected, because it seemed to drag me towards a place I was unwilling to go…or understand. But what it says about greed and poverty, when contrasted to Atlas Shrugged, left me with the realization that my conclusions are my own. And everybody must decide, and not be told, what they believe in.

So, three books, all with their own separate philosophies, are my choices. If you read this without knowing me, you might think I’m some drum beating fanatic. Fact is, most of the reading I do is strictly for fun…or a simple reality escape. But, once in awhile, an enlightening read makes a positive impression on me. And I feel it’s everyone’s duty, whether realized or not, to understand the world around them.

Have an excellent day!!