If you had to pick one thing you've read that changed the course of your life, what would it be? (ht @rivatez for the question.)
When I was 5, my parents bought me a pair of books that really changed the course of my life. One was a Children's Bible. The other was the Childcraft Encyclopedia, especially vol 4, "World and Space", and vol 11, "Make and Do" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childcraft ).
-
-
One (unintended) effect was that I became an atheist. But the larger effect of both was to open up the universe. Living in rural Australia at the time, where the local pub was the height of culture. Didn't know it then, but my parents must have saved for months or years.
-
May I ask: if you had to pick one thing you've read that changed the course of your life, what would it be?
- 2 more replies
New conversation -
-
-
Strangely enough, the Childcraft Encyclopedia would be my vote as well. My mother bought it for me when I was 4 or 5, and the space book in particular fascinated me because it gave me a sense for how small my world really was.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
Yes! My parents just gave us the set I grew up with for my kids. (The oldest just turned 7 - it's perfect.)
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
My parents got me the full set. It was amazing. 'World and Space' and 'Make and Do' were my favorites too. Also liked #13 Mathemagic which I think was added later on.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
I too remember, fondly and vividly, the Childcraft Encyclopedia. And, on the shelf next to it, the Columbia History of the World, in one (sizeable) volume. The latter appealed to me less at first, but its eventual effect on me may have been even greater. It taught me perspective.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.