What books would you take - Literature Group

1

This question was inspired by dbello's question about the 10 most important events in history. Here's the scenario:

The world as we know it is about to be destroyed; but a small group of people will be saved and it will be your task to introduce them and the future generations to the history of their culture. But you only have a few minutes and can only carry 10 books with you. Which 10 books would you pick?

Posted by timbrady on Jun 19, 2009.

2

A very interesting and challenging question, but whose culture? Western culture? Various world cultures? Makes a difference!

Posted by mshurn on Jun 19, 2009.

3

Western culture, please. I think it's the one we're most familiar with ... but you can do any culture you would like if you think enough of us would be familiar with it :)

Posted by timbrady on Jun 19, 2009.

4

In response to Post #3, I believe we need to be clear about who these "we" are, who are most familiar with Western culture, and is their familiarity reason enough to give western culture priority over all others. I would like to suggest a few more criteria.

Select the best parts from all the cultures of the World.
Select the culture that will be most useful to the survivors. It is worthwhile noting that cultures change over time in response to the changing requirements of different times. Therefore the current best culture may not be most suitable for the survivors.
Let the survivors decide. We do not know who the survivors will be, but it will be right to assume that one selecting the books is one of the survivors. So let the person selecting the books decide.
Why bother about past history and culture. Why not be more practical and select book that will help the survivors most in surviving and, hopefully, restarting the human development activities with as much more advantage from our prehistoric ancestors as possible. By the way, as defined by behavior scientists, the way a society functions - which includes the technology it uses - is the major part of its culture. So why not concentrate on this part of the culture.

Finally, one more thought, what if survivors are from many different cultures? Should we continue to divide the survivor group in different cultures, as many people today try to divide the humanity in name of culture, race, religion, class, and so many other things?

Posted by krishna-agrawala on Jun 20, 2009.

5

This has gotten much more confusing that I intended :) The culture intended was the one you happen to find yourself in, wherever that is. My intent was that all the survivors would be in the same (your) culture since that's where you are.

Posted by timbrady on Jun 20, 2009.

6

This is an amazing question, and I fear that I will change my mind many times over once I've submitted my list. I think it's difficult to limit this to one's own culture since the media and technology have shrunk the world so much. However, here goes:

1. The Bible

2. Shakespeare--the entire collection

3. A collection of Mark Twain

4. Alas, Babylon! by Pat Frank

5. I would need to choose some book on basic survival skills--preferably with information on plants and medicinal herbs, how to find food, water, and how to decide what is edible.

6. I would choose some form of record of technology of ancient and modern civilizations so that this knowledge might be used by me and any other survivors as well as be preserved for those who come along afterward.

7. A book of art from the world--photos of paintings, maps, sculptures, etchings, etc. and the explanations of the meanings and cultures from which they came.

8. A Hymnal

9. A book of music (lyrics and sheet music) with collections of the most popular songs from all over the world.

10. A collection of Chicken Soup for the Soul stories. Don't ask me why...entertainment value? Character education? Feel good moments? Laughter, tears, and bonding?

Posted by amy-lepore on Jun 20, 2009.