Throughout the early years of Benjamin Franklin's life, he received a majority of his education from books. He learned mathematics, navigation, and grammar; he read books with the entire purpose of improving his vocabulary. Why don't we do that anymore? Why don't we, in this day of knowledge and progression, take time of our own to learn on our own?
I came to the conclusion, after thinking about this for some time, that I would follow the example of Benjamin Franklin, who was a brilliant man with both book smarts and street smarts, and read.
Then I ran into another problem - What should I read? Where does one even begin in his personal education when school can only offer a limited amount of information. AND, I'm not even in school right now! So what do I read? I have already decided that, as a general rule, older books carry more substantial, meaningful, meatier, information. Looking at most of the books that come out today lack the real substance that ought to be required. People get lazier with every passing generation and good, reliable, sincere, research fails with them.
So, my question to the world is this: How should I begin my own education? Do I begin with classics, for they surely will benefit me, or do I begin with history, astronomy, or other fact-based knowledge? Be specific. Titles and authors would be great!
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My suggestion for someone in your position is go to a used book store, or browse Amazon, or somewhere else where you gets books at a discount price. Get something from all different genres, even ones you might not expect to like. This way you'll find what you like, once you've selected a genre, read everything you can get a hold of. You can learn something from all books, even modern ones. If you are really looking for thinking books, check out John Grisham.
ReplyDeleteStart out with 'A Thomas Jefferson Education' by Oliver DeMille. It supports your ideas and will inspire you during your quest for a lifetime of learning. It can change your whole outlook on life and education. Classics come in every subject there is. Read from the greatest minds and you will become one.
ReplyDeleteThank you both. I wish I could read a book a day. There is so much to read! haha. Thanks for the help. If you know anyone else who you consider a 'scholar' or 'book worm' or just a friend, send them here. I'm curious what EVERYONE has to say.
ReplyDeleteI'm no 'book worm' but I read a series of books that enlighted the way I look at life. They may not be what you're looking for, but they meant a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteBlack, Red, White, all are by Ted Dekker.
I hope you enjoy.