hmmmmmmmm
I’m not sure any book I’ve read has ever “changed my life” I mean damn that’s a bit drastic. Hell if anything the only book to ever “change my life” was 5/3/1 by Jim Wendler LOL! In fact, yes, that’s my contribution to the thread. Books that changed your life? 5/3/1 by Jim Wendler.
It introduced me to powerlifting and started me on the journey to becoming actually strong. Things which more heavily define me now than anything else in my life. So really that’s the only book I could say has ever changed my life.
Rich Dad Poor Dad. IMO this should be a requirement to any high school student. Teaches you to quit thinking and living like a slave and start thinking and living like a king. Kiyosaki has many more books that go into greater detail, but this gets the ball rolling.
[quote]dnlcdstn wrote:
Rich Dad Poor Dad. IMO this should be a requirement to any high school student. Teaches you to quit thinking and living like a slave and start thinking and living like a king. Kiyosaki has many more books that go into greater detail, but this gets the ball rolling.[/quote]
I liked this book, but for myself personally I got more out of Richest Man in Babylon. Also, in the money/career vein, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People introduces some useful (if not really revolutionary) tools that helped me stay at least somewhat on track in my early 20’. I still apply many of the basic concepts unconsciously today.
[quote]RampantBadger wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
Let’s talk about real books plz :)[/quote]
-most ignorant post of the year so far?
I’m pushing 40 and still continually suprised at the breadth of scholarship and interpretations that can be gleaned from and surrounds The Bible. [/quote]
I’m 22 and I have a lot more experience seeing the world at 22 then most people in their whole life(Traveled to 14 different countries). If you are religious I can see how it changed your life or if you read it and lost faith I can understand. I have seen that happen to people as well but to say that’s ignorant because I disclaim its value.
I’m just going to stop there because this is a thread about books changing your life. Its not one saying what did and didn’t happen in the bible so call me what you will. I’m not going to ruin this thread but getting into this debate.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas…
[quote]batman730 wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]batman730 wrote:
Wow, 5 posts from life changing literature to another PUA discussion. That was fast, even by T-Nation standards.
On topic:
The Bible (regardless of whether you believe)
Will probably add/amend later.[/quote]
Not to start a religious debate but the bible? Really? I guess I can understand if you believe it but seeing as I don’t and from what I have read from it I would call it far from good. I feel like its a well written children’s book to some extent.
just saying http://www.huecotanks.com/debunk/genesis.html[/quote]
No interest in a religious debate either. However it is impossible to rationally discount the effect of the Bible on Western literature, thought and Civilization as a whole, for better or for worse depending on your beliefs. It’s fine if you don’t believe the content, even if you violently object, but to ignore its importance or pass it off as “not a real book” just doesn’t make sense. Furthermore, to deny the profound personal impact this particular work has had on innumerable individuals and World events on the whole is nothing short of willful blindness.
Many of the “great” books in Western history can’t be properly understood and/or appreciated without at least a rudimentary grasp of the Bible. Our collective history, political and moral structures and dynamics are heavily underpinned by Judeo-Christian traditions whether you like it or not. Even if you’re opposed to that structure an intelligent person seeks to at least understand what it is that he is opposed to, IMO.
Many if not most of the noted thinkers, authors, philosophers and scientists (yes scientists) throughout history have possessed at least a passing familiarity with the Bible. Fact, Myth or pure fiction, it is simply too important for anyone seeking to understand the World to ignore out of hand.
[/quote]
I agree it has had a great impact. Claiming it is not a book was extreme on my part but I just hate whenever people talk about great books they bring that up especially if they have never read it. People’s lack on education of the religion they believe in baffles me. That is what I’m really trying to say here. I don’t know any of you well so I can’t make the call on that one.
[quote]Ben_VFR85 wrote:
Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
Great for the mind, however I find trying to practice things to make you become a better person are limited to the people you’re surrounded by, and it’s not easy to choose who you surround yourself with when you have a job where you work with a very large team of people. What with it being written in a completely different age might not help either.
I’m semi-interested by books on social interaction but I’ve never found a good one.
[/quote]
I found this to be a good read. By the time I got around to reading it wasn’t “life changing” anymore as it served mostly to refine and expand on many of the beliefs and values I already held. IMHO, the fact that it was written in another age has almost no impact on its relevance. For the most part the principles being discussed are timeless and completely applicable in any age.
I also would respectfully submit that, while our associations are important, whomever we are required by circumstance to surround ourselves with, we remain free within our own minds to work to better ourselves. Some people go into prison and come out much as better people than they went in as. However, this requires tremendous discipline and fortitude and thus is the exception rather than the rule. That said, I find I generally prefer to be the exception wherever possible.
[quote]batman730 wrote:
Many of the “great” books in Western history can’t be properly understood and/or appreciated without at least a rudimentary grasp of the Bible. Our collective history, political and moral structures and dynamics are heavily underpinned by Judeo-Christian traditions whether you like it or not. Even if you’re opposed to that structure an intelligent person seeks to at least understand what it is that he is opposed to, IMO.
[/quote]
Not really true. The ancient Greeks and Romans were more of an influence. Most of the great books can be traced back to pre-Renaissance and Renaissance thought (aka humanism) which was itself influenced by the reintroduction of Greek and Roman literature. Greek philosophy actually influenced Christianity. Christians referred to Aristotle as “The Philosopher.” Our concept of what a human is does not come from the Bible but from the Renaissance.
Dante’s guide in The Inferno was Virgil (a pagan) and you would find that knowing ancient Greek and Roman literature plus contemporary (to Dante) history will get you through reading that more than the Bible.
Most great literature is, in the end, an attempt to rewrite what Homer already wrote. The Bible and the religions that sprang from it were influential but they are not the great influence that some believe it to be.
Machiavelli was as much of an influence on the creation of the USA as the Bible, if not more. Do we find a senate in the Bible or in ancient Rome? Who invented democracy? What about freedom of speech or religion? The Bible didn’t exactly espouse those concepts.
[quote]zecarlo wrote:
[quote]batman730 wrote:
Many of the “great” books in Western history can’t be properly understood and/or appreciated without at least a rudimentary grasp of the Bible. Our collective history, political and moral structures and dynamics are heavily underpinned by Judeo-Christian traditions whether you like it or not. Even if you’re opposed to that structure an intelligent person seeks to at least understand what it is that he is opposed to, IMO.
[/quote]
Not really true. The ancient Greeks and Romans were more of an influence. Most of the great books can be traced back to pre-Renaissance and Renaissance thought (aka humanism) which was itself influenced by the reintroduction of Greek and Roman literature. Greek philosophy actually influenced Christianity. Christians referred to Aristotle as “The Philosopher.” Our concept of what a human is does not come from the Bible but from the Renaissance.
Dante’s guide in The Inferno was Virgil (a pagan) and you would find that knowing ancient Greek and Roman literature plus contemporary (to Dante) history will get you through reading that more than the Bible.
Most great literature is, in the end, an attempt to rewrite what Homer already wrote. The Bible and the religions that sprang from it were influential but they are not the great influence that some believe it to be. Machiavelli was as much of an influence on the creation of the USA as the Bible, if not more. Do we find a senate in the Bible or in ancient Rome? Who invented democracy? What about freedom of speech or religion? The Bible didn’t exactly espouse those concepts. [/quote]
I couldn’t agree with you more on this.
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]batman730 wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]batman730 wrote:
Wow, 5 posts from life changing literature to another PUA discussion. That was fast, even by T-Nation standards.
On topic:
The Bible (regardless of whether you believe)
Will probably add/amend later.[/quote]
Not to start a religious debate but the bible? Really? I guess I can understand if you believe it but seeing as I don’t and from what I have read from it I would call it far from good. I feel like its a well written children’s book to some extent.
just saying http://www.huecotanks.com/debunk/genesis.html[/quote]
No interest in a religious debate either. However it is impossible to rationally discount the effect of the Bible on Western literature, thought and Civilization as a whole, for better or for worse depending on your beliefs. It’s fine if you don’t believe the content, even if you violently object, but to ignore its importance or pass it off as “not a real book” just doesn’t make sense. Furthermore, to deny the profound personal impact this particular work has had on innumerable individuals and World events on the whole is nothing short of willful blindness.
Many of the “great” books in Western history can’t be properly understood and/or appreciated without at least a rudimentary grasp of the Bible. Our collective history, political and moral structures and dynamics are heavily underpinned by Judeo-Christian traditions whether you like it or not. Even if you’re opposed to that structure an intelligent person seeks to at least understand what it is that he is opposed to, IMO.
Many if not most of the noted thinkers, authors, philosophers and scientists (yes scientists) throughout history have possessed at least a passing familiarity with the Bible. Fact, Myth or pure fiction, it is simply too important for anyone seeking to understand the World to ignore out of hand.
[/quote]
I agree it has had a great impact. Claiming it is not a book was extreme on my part but I just hate whenever people talk about great books they bring that up especially if they have never read it. People’s lack on education of the religion they believe in baffles me. That is what I’m really trying to say here. I don’t know any of you well so I can’t make the call on that one.
[/quote]
Exactly, given widespread basic literacy and the unprecedented accessibility of information in the modern world, people’s ignorance (my own included) baffles me as well. That’s why I suggested reading, or at least becoming familiar with, one of the most influential books in history, regardless of what you believe.
Similarly, I intend to read Mein Kampf (not directly comparing this to the Bible) at some point, despite the fact that I decidedly do not believe in National Socialism. This is veering more into “Books We Should Read in Our Lifetime” territory as opposed to “Books That Changed Your Life”, but I think you see what I’m getting at.
Wrestling for fighting by Randy Couture
Bitches can’t stop my throws now.
But for realz: To Kill a Mockingbird was very influential on me when I was in my mid-teens. It’s probably the only novel I have ever completed willingly.
[quote]zecarlo wrote:
[quote]batman730 wrote:
Many of the “great” books in Western history can’t be properly understood and/or appreciated without at least a rudimentary grasp of the Bible. Our collective history, political and moral structures and dynamics are heavily underpinned by Judeo-Christian traditions whether you like it or not. Even if you’re opposed to that structure an intelligent person seeks to at least understand what it is that he is opposed to, IMO.
[/quote]
Not really true. The ancient Greeks and Romans were more of an influence. Most of the great books can be traced back to pre-Renaissance and Renaissance thought (aka humanism) which was itself influenced by the reintroduction of Greek and Roman literature. Greek philosophy actually influenced Christianity. Christians referred to Aristotle as “The Philosopher.” Our concept of what a human is does not come from the Bible but from the Renaissance.
Dante’s guide in The Inferno was Virgil (a pagan) and you would find that knowing ancient Greek and Roman literature plus contemporary (to Dante) history will get you through reading that more than the Bible.
Most great literature is, in the end, an attempt to rewrite what Homer already wrote. The Bible and the religions that sprang from it were influential but they are not the great influence that some believe it to be.
Machiavelli was as much of an influence on the creation of the USA as the Bible, if not more. Do we find a senate in the Bible or in ancient Rome? Who invented democracy? What about freedom of speech or religion? The Bible didn’t exactly espouse those concepts. [/quote]
I agree that with basically everything you’ve written here. The works of the Greeks and Romans are at least as important as the Bible in understanding literature and culture. However, even if the Bible is approaching being as important Greek and Roman literature (which I submit that it is), that would make it pretty important, no?
Anyway, T-Nation needs another Bible thread as much as it needs another PUA thread, so I’ll leave it there.
[quote]batman730 wrote:
[quote]Ben_VFR85 wrote:
Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
Great for the mind, however I find trying to practice things to make you become a better person are limited to the people you’re surrounded by, and it’s not easy to choose who you surround yourself with when you have a job where you work with a very large team of people. What with it being written in a completely different age might not help either.
I’m semi-interested by books on social interaction but I’ve never found a good one.
[/quote]
I found this to be a good read. By the time I got around to reading it wasn’t “life changing” anymore as it served mostly to refine and expand on many of the beliefs and values I already held. IMHO, the fact that it was written in another age has almost no impact on its relevance. For the most part the principles being discussed are timeless and completely applicable in any age.
I also would respectfully submit that, while our associations are important, whomever we are required by circumstance to surround ourselves with, we remain free within our own minds to work to better ourselves. Some people go into prison and come out much as better people than they went in as. However, this requires tremendous discipline and fortitude and thus is the exception rather than the rule. That said, I find I generally prefer to be the exception wherever possible.[/quote]
Good post. It’s not a life changer, I dont think many things like books and films can be, but its up there in my great book list.
Regarding the prison comment, so much of that I believe has to do with being in that situation with so many changes and realisations that prison could bring… I should imagine its a big wake up call. I think that has more to do with things than the company that you keep while you’re in there, but I’m sure you see the point from both sides.
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]RampantBadger wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
Let’s talk about real books plz :)[/quote]
-most ignorant post of the year so far?
I’m pushing 40 and still continually suprised at the breadth of scholarship and interpretations that can be gleaned from and surrounds The Bible. [/quote]
I’m 22 and I have a lot more experience seeing the world at 22 then most people in their whole life(Traveled to 14 different countries). If you are religious I can see how it changed your life or if you read it and lost faith I can understand. I have seen that happen to people as well but to say that’s ignorant because I disclaim its value.
I’m just going to stop there because this is a thread about books changing your life. Its not one saying what did and didn’t happen in the bible so call me what you will. I’m not going to ruin this thread but getting into this debate. [/quote]
You don’t need to be religious for the bible to have a life altering affect on you. It is a literary masterpiece. The same could be said of other religious texts such as the Quran.
If you’re basing life experiences on the # of countries you’ve traveled, well, you’ve probably got a lot more experience to gain. Not a knock on you just saying…
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]RampantBadger wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
Let’s talk about real books plz :)[/quote]
-most ignorant post of the year so far?
I’m pushing 40 and still continually suprised at the breadth of scholarship and interpretations that can be gleaned from and surrounds The Bible. [/quote]
I’m 22 and I have a lot more experience seeing the world at 22 then most people in their whole life(Traveled to 14 different countries). If you are religious I can see how it changed your life or if you read it and lost faith I can understand. I have seen that happen to people as well but to say that’s ignorant because I disclaim its value.
I’m just going to stop there because this is a thread about books changing your life. Its not one saying what did and didn’t happen in the bible so call me what you will. I’m not going to ruin this thread but getting into this debate. [/quote]
You don’t need to be religious for the bible to have a life altering affect on you. It is a literary masterpiece. The same could be said of other religious texts such as the Quran.
If you’re basing life experiences on the # of countries you’ve traveled, well, you’ve probably got a lot more experience to gain. Not a knock on you just saying…
[/quote]
I’m basing my experience on what I have seen and done. If you are from a small town and you have only left there a few times to go to the big city. How much life experience do you really have then? You could try to determine it by age and wisdom but I don’t view that as seeing and understanding the world. You can read all about what’s where and who’s what but seeing and experiencing is completely different. An easy example is Afghanistan it’s not how many people perceive it on what is reality there. That’s what I’m basing my experience on, life.
50 Shades of Grey
Jk
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]usmccds423 wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
[quote]RampantBadger wrote:
[quote]T11 wrote:
Let’s talk about real books plz :)[/quote]
-most ignorant post of the year so far?
I’m pushing 40 and still continually suprised at the breadth of scholarship and interpretations that can be gleaned from and surrounds The Bible. [/quote]
I’m 22 and I have a lot more experience seeing the world at 22 then most people in their whole life(Traveled to 14 different countries). If you are religious I can see how it changed your life or if you read it and lost faith I can understand. I have seen that happen to people as well but to say that’s ignorant because I disclaim its value.
I’m just going to stop there because this is a thread about books changing your life. Its not one saying what did and didn’t happen in the bible so call me what you will. I’m not going to ruin this thread but getting into this debate. [/quote]
You don’t need to be religious for the bible to have a life altering affect on you. It is a literary masterpiece. The same could be said of other religious texts such as the Quran.
If you’re basing life experiences on the # of countries you’ve traveled, well, you’ve probably got a lot more experience to gain. Not a knock on you just saying…
[/quote]
I’m basing my experience on what I have seen and done. If you are from a small town and you have only left there a few times to go to the big city. How much life experience do you really have then? You could try to determine it by age and wisdom but I don’t view that as seeing and understanding the world. You can read all about what’s where and who’s what but seeing and experiencing is completely different. An easy example is Afghanistan it’s not how many people perceive it on what is reality there. That’s what I’m basing my experience on, life.
[/quote]
Thanks for the explanation. I pictured a guy that traveled to 14 countries on vacation, which is why I made the comment.
Getting to Yes - negotiating Agreement Without Giving In is worth a read. It’s usually assigned reading in negotiation classes. The book focuses on solving problems and dealing positively with people.
The other suggestions on here are pretty good.
Art of War teaches to only fight a battle if you’re absolutely certain if you’re going to win.
Guess that the books are more or less influential depending upon where you are in life. On the Road probably would’ve been a good read when I was younger. Read it a few years ago and was turned off by the irresponsibility of the author’s friends that were parents.