20 replies to this topic

[Phalanxman]

So, I was thinking at work today, what is the best thing that I could uniquely contribute to MonkeyPro? I think I have come up with an answer. From a very young age, I have read everything I could get my hands on. Everything from Klingon Dictionaries to Battlefield Earth. Every week  I am going to post a book that I have read that I give my blessing to. Now, this is set apart from VP's topic because I will be posting from every genre. I plan on the releases being about half fiction and half non-fiction. 

 

My goal for this is to help us expand our horizons and instil in us what Leonardo da Vinci described as unquenchable curiosity. Hopefully, these books will rev up your intellectual engines and get devouring knowledge.

 

 

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch

 

 

My first book is the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. I read this book when I was a junior in highschool (pre-Libertarian Streets) and it enlightened me to what communism originally was. I recommend this book because it's a stimulating read and it's a good look into the attitude that prevailed at the time of communism's founding. It's also very telling of the attitude behind progressives.

 

I suggest this edition. It's the one I have. It has an excellent introduction. 

 

Marx has a passionate flair to his writing that I found delightful. This book gives you a feel for the clash of the classes. Whether bourgeois or proletarian it's practically indispensable to governmental theory.

 

I would love to hear suggestions as to things I could add to these and things you wish I would change in this topic as time goes on.

[Vicious Parker]

You don't have to do reviews or anything. I never did. but maybe a few sentences on why you recommend a certain book would be helpful.

[Glaciermage]

Yes just a little more about the book would be helpful so we can be properly persuaded to read it Streets. Great idea though! I look forward to seeing what books are on your approved list.

[Donkeymog]

I am so confused. Did someone edit his post for the funnies?

[Vicious Parker]

no, bean, that is what it is. I'm pretty sure, anyway.

[Donkeymog]

wow.

[Phalanxman]

What's the issue, Bean?

[Vicious Parker]

I think he was just surprised by your first recommendation. There's nothing wrong with it, of course, or that the recommendation came from you. Just that it was unexpected. I was surprised by it, too (Which was actually the main reason I asked you to tell us why you are recommending something, because I was sure you had a reason, and weren't just being facetious).

[BottomGuy]

My point of confusion is exactly why this book is being recommended. If you had recommended Mein Kampf I would question whether you recommend it because it is a book of historical significance that can provide insight into an important figure and events in history, or if you recommend it because you agree with the content. The same could be said for a book like The Prince, which unlike Mein Kampf is not pure evil so it's probably a better example.  There is a lot that can be learned from it historically and ideologically so long as you know how to balance the two. But I would never tell someone to read The Prince as a guidebook for ideological thought.

 

So what are your reasons for recommending The Communist Manifesto? Because it is a book of historical significance that we can learn from, or because you believe in its content and wish to preach it? If it's the latter, you already know you're wasting your breath here.

[Shoulder Devil]

And if it's "read it so you can know how wrong it is," you're going about this all wrong to start with.

[Phalanxman]

Bottom, it's up there. I updated it.

 

Saint, get bent.

[BottomGuy]

Fair enough explanation. Proceed.

[Donkeymog]

[Phalanxman]

This week's book is From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne.

Not only is this book highly entertaining, it is also a delightful look into the view of America in a 1860s Frenchman mind. I really think you all would enjoy this. 

 

I read this about a year ago and it was certainly hard to forget. I'm sure you all know Jules Verne for his Journey to the Center of the Earth or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Honestly, I found this work to be even better than those two. I will probably recommend another one of his books that is a little more obscure in the future. Anyways, it's excellent. Read it.

[Phalanxman]

Sorry I haven't been able to update. I'll do it on the 22nd.

[Phalanxman]

Woah. The 22nd just passed me by and I didn't notice! 

 

This week's book is Animal Farm by George Orwell. 

 

I don't believe that this book is chalked full of intellectualism like many intellectuals claim. It does however have many important concepts that I think people would benefit from. Plus, it's just damn good writing! This book is highly engaging and is hard to put down which is great because it's pretty short; just 141 pages. This book is a satirical jelly donut. Sure, it has an entertaining narrative glaze, but that's not why you read it. It the political satire filling that makes you want it.

 

Remember, all Monkeys are equal, but some are more equal than others. (Those are the ones that read this book! Haha.)

[Stars]

One of these days I will actually read Animal Farm. Probably.

And I ought to read some more Jules Verne. Is From the Earth to the Moon your favorite, or just the one you happened to pick for this topic?

[Phalanxman]

Ummmmm to be honest, I can't choose. I really like specific assets of all of them. From the Earth to the Moon is highly underrated and I would suggest reading that one first. Some of the generally accepted ideas of the time about space are laughable in today's context.

[Phalanxman]

This week's recommendation is The Morality of Capitalism by various authors.

 

 

So, basically I think this book is especially important to read in today's world. Capitalism has received an odd connotation. This is a collection of essays from people of all walks of life clearing up some of the misconceptions about capitalism. Specifically, this deals with the idea that capitalism allows corporations to exploit people. I wouldn't necessarily categorize this as a persuasive book but more of an informative book that brings to the light things that are typically hidden because they do not fit into the collectivist narrative. Just read it. It's not long at all.

[Phalanxman]

I've decided to do this this on a semi-regular basis. Essentially, they will come out with relatively consistent frequency but at the same time whenever I feel like it, if that makes sense.

 

This week's pick is How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman.

 

This one isn't exactly consistent with the others. I don't recommend this as some grand work to expand the mind, but it is an excellent book on history. There is no other book on this subject that covers it as completely. It is relatively dry but those history lovers, this book provides rare knowledge of history you will not find elsewhere.

 

Aye, ya be an arse wipe bampot and be gettin' banjoed if ya don't read it while you're getting blootered at the boozers!

^My pathetic attempt at Glasgow phrasing.