Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch- changes

[Lilith]

So the poor people around me have had to deal with me going on and on and on and on about this book I read that made me look at some things in a new light. I've rambled on incessantly and they've withstood my blabbering, thanks be to them.:x:

I'm wondering if you have ever read something, anything, that had such a profound imapact on you. What was it and what did you get from it that made such a lasting impression on you?

[jennaflower]

come on Lil... you gotta tell me which one you are reading...

[maddy]

Yah, I'm curious to know as well what book this is that you've read. I feel like I'm at that point that I could use such a book, but when I walk into BN, I don't walk out with anything along that vein.

[Lilith]

oh like you have to drag it outta me.........:D

The Alchemist...it's just a tiny little fiction book (only 171 pages and required reading for my 14 year old) but it came to me when I needed the message it gives. Steph has a quote in her sig.

Got me thinking that surely you guys have read things that have made you feel the same.

[Steph]

The Alchemist...it's just a tiny little fiction book (only 171 pages and required reading for my 14 year old) but it came to me when I needed the message it gives. Steph has a quote in her sig.


D'oh! Had a quote! Murphy's Law -- just changed it! Lemme dig that quote up again, though:

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

Another book along the same vein is The Little Prince that suggests that adults should not only stop and smell the roses but should act like kids more. Loved it!

Some quotes from it:

Grown-ups like numbers. When you tell them about a new friend, they never ask questions about what really matters. They never ask: "What does his voice sound like?" "What games does he like best?" "Does he collect butterflies?". They ask: "How old is he?" "How many brothers does he have?" "How much does he weigh?" "How much money does his father make?" Only then do they think they know him.

If you tell grown-ups, "I saw a beautiful red brick house, with geraniums at the windows and doves on the roof...," they won't be able to imagine such a house. You have to tell them, "I saw a house worth a hundred thousand francs." Then they exclaim, "What a pretty house!"

[BIBI]

I really enjoyed "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibron written in 1923.....powerful and mystical and awoke a spirituality within me.

[Neige]

When I was in high school we read Anthem by Ayn Rand. I think I was the only one in the class who absolutely loved it - I cried soooo much reading that book... I was at a time when I really needed to learn to love myself, and Anthem taught me lots.

[Booger]

Not sure if I would say profound imapact, but I have read a lot of books that have made me look at things in a diferent light.

[GingerV]

Death Be Not Proud, when I was an impressionable teenager. Taught me that life was too precious to waste a minute of it, that people are capable of amazing things, and that there is NO excuse for not reaching for your dreams.

Also taught me that it was possible to cry your way through an entire box of tissues in one afternoon...but honestly, what teenage girl doesn't figure that one out ;).

[Lilith]

Quite a few that I have not read. I'm eager to read "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibron but just have never sat down and made myself. Thanks for the reminder BI BI.

[lizzardbits]

"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom A true account of a man who goes back to see an old college professor. Morrie is dying of ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. But the old teacher remains a teacher thru the end and beyond, teaching readers years after his death. I love it and the certain truths and "Morrie-isms" that are said.

was also made into a movie where it was Jack Lemmon's last movie.

The story and quotes are wonderful and insightful. Was a required reading, but i still love it and have read it twice more.

[Lilith]

liz I loved that book too and gave it away as gifts to people who needed it.

[lizzardbits]

i think that it excellent for all teachers as well :D:D:D

[wyndhy]

the five people you meet in heaven by albom was also great.

[Mae]

Not a book, but a quote. I have a Franklin Planner with quotes for each day. Sometimes I read them, most days, not. I know two ladies over 80 that are real go-getters. Tuesdays, they shred me at Scrabble. They're not afraid to try/see/do new things. Pardon the ramble, but now to the point. I was worried about not having my BA or MA and what I was going to do with my life. I was also concerned that I couldn't do anything wothwhile and was trapped in my life here. I was thinking about those ladies and I opened my planner to that particular day, and there was the quote. "You're NEVER too old to be what you might have been." Keeps me going and looking at things from fresh angles. Has also fueled a few new ideas in this brain. :)

[PantyFanatic]

I seldom get a true evangelist inspiration, but have a couple books that have sunk to my core and dissolved into becoming part of ME. I’ll then reflect, refer and recommend these as meaningful messages.

I’m told that I have too many full bookcases in my house during this world of ‘All Information Internet’. There is one ‘top shelf’ that is understood to contain more than a collection of words and facts. My children grew up knowing that, in the case of fire in the house, “IF you’re passing by on your way out, AFTER ‘the picture box’, the ‘top shelf’ goes out the window, and don’t go back for anything else”.

Some from this top shelf are Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors by Carl Sagan / Ann Druyan that has become my personal bible. Long term perspectives of life have deep roots in Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis and Animal Farm by George Orwell, for me.

The only thing within the past decade or two that is having room made for it on that shelf is The World IS Flat by Thomas Friedman.

As for a single quote, from the many that have momentary application, only this one has a permanent place above my desk.

“Measured objectively, what a man can wrest from Truth by passionate striving is utterly infinitesimal. But the striving frees us from the bonds of the self and makes us comrades of those who are the best and the greatest.”

[PantyFanatic]

..... and all my Red Green tapes. ;)

[jay-t]

the words of wisdom that I use for eveyday life was'nt from a book it comes from a motto I learned in the 9th grade and have tried to follow it as best I can

learning to do
doing to learn
learning to live
living to earn
earning to serve

[Rumple1263]

I really enjoyed "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibron written in 1923.....powerful and mystical and awoke a spirituality within me.

I also like this book gets you thinking which is always good another book that did the same for me is "Siddartha"

[boilergirl1]

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield but only for one of its notions......that being; that whether or not we know it each and every choice we make is for a very specific reason and that if you feel a need to do,go,say or be a particular way it's best to just go with your first instinct as that is the one that is usually correct even when it makes no sense to you to do so. Speaking on a first hand basis yes it has happened to me and on more than one occasion, so although I was mightily surprised the first couple of times, I now just go with the flow. I have other equally deep thoughts brewing at any and all given moments.
be careful what you ask for, you just may get it. wise advice from someone unknown
on those notes let's try not to take life too seriously,so pass on a genuine smile every chance you get!!!!

[boilergirl1]

then there is ...... " Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance By Robert M Pirsig"
and
"The Third Eye" Third Eye by T. Lobsang Rampa
both of which have given me way more to think on than most folks are willing to
an then there's about a truckload or so of particular songs that always get me even all these yrs later my own mothers material included something fresh each time i hear em'

[boilergirl1]

ok, one last one, which i believe i've shared onsite b4


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

[osuche]

When I was in high school we read Anthem by Ayn Rand. I think I was the only one in the class who absolutely loved it - I cried soooo much reading that book... I was at a time when I really needed to learn to love myself, and Anthem taught me lots.


One of mine is The Fountainhead -- also by Ayn Rand. For some of the same reasons -- the book is about personal accountability and passion.

[scotzoidman]

I don't recall any one book, or any other media, that has impacted me in such a fashion...more like I soak up info like a sponge, wring out the stuff that doesn't fit, finding tidbits of truth here & there that make up the whole garbled philosophy of the scotziphrenic mind...

[Callie691]

"Tuesdays With Morrie" -- I'd have to agree with LB It was required reading but i couldnt put it down read it once on my own time then chapter by chapter with the class. since high school i have only read it once more, but would like to buy it. though everytime i see it on the shelf i only have money for the two things i came to the store to get. like milk and cheese or the socks my son so desperately needed. (his were all too little after two months of Flip flops his fourth of july outfit just wouldnt accomadate flip flops had to buy him socks spur of the moment) His old ones were too small.

[Playful1]

"The 5 people you meet in heavan" by Mitch Auburn

Like 100 pages long, maybe 200 words per page....but so well written that had it been longer I would have never gone to bed or work the next day.