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.”

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

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

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

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!!!!

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'

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.

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

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...

"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.

"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.