Re: Great books for young people?

E. Shaun Russell (e_shaun@uniserve.com)
Tue, 29 Dec 1998 18:23:32 -0800

Alexander Chislenko wrote:

>I am trying to suggest some good book to a 16yo correspondent
>with a religious background who is trying to find interesting ways
>to look at the world and see what's out there.
>
>Do you have any suggestions of books that could open somebody's
>mind to the marvels of science, provide interesting new views on
>science, religion, world, and humans, or generally inspire, without
>being too specialized, or difficult?
>
>What books impressed you most when you were in high school?

The major eye-opener for me was Ayn Rand's _Anthem_; not only did I learn from it that ego was not a bad thing, it gave me a glimpse into the darker side of human nature. After this, _Atlas Shrugged_ changed my life irrevocably. Both books I read for the first time when I was sixteen.

Also influential are _Ender's Game_ and _The Diamond Age_. Both books have a focus on youth, and cover a variety of issues. _The Diamond Age_ has more extropic content than _Ender's Game_, but both books do a great job of conveying the necessity of relying upon oneself in every situation.



E. Shaun Russell Musician, Poet, ExI Member
==============================>    Transhumanities editor for Homo Excelsior
Kineticize your potential.	   http://www.excelsior.org
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