CHAPTER SIXTEEN The Great Books
This chapter was intended to introduce the recommended great books that were list in the new Appendix.
what is great books?
changes of great books
The best books and great books were vary from periods. They have deffierent definations in different periods in order to adapt to the needs in a certain time. Naturally the list of great books grows in the course of time, but its roots and outlines remain the same.
Signs of great books:
1.The great books are probably the most widely read. Not best sellers for a year or two. They are enduring best sellers.
2.The great books are popular, not pedantic.
3.The great books are always contemporary.
4.The great books are the most readable.
5.The great books are the most instructive, the most enlighting.
6.The great books deal with the persistently unsolved problems of human life.
the time
I am sure one thing :no time will be wasted. It is neither too long for average man's leisure nor too short for those who can manage to find more time. Each of us should arrange our time properly.
connection of the great books and versatility of their authors
By returning to the original conversation, and taking a fresh start, we may discover the few major omissions. The great books all have a close connection.They influence our opinions, our ideas even our thoughts.We may find the versatility of authors. For examples Mussolini was once a socilist.Because of that the great books may lead us read books in different areas.
Why shall we read great books?
Because who can read well can think critically. We have become free minds.If they have read great books they will have the freedom to move anywhere in the human world.
未完待续
