What should be the one mandatory book?

[GeorgW]

I just had this thought today and wondered what you guys would answer. If there was one book or book series that every literate person in the world would be required to read, which do you think it should be and why? Just one rule, no sort of scripture (for example The Bible, The Quran or, yes, even The God Delusion). It's too obvious and this is not a religious discussion.

I'm not asking about your personal favourite or what would be a good introduction to literature, but more about what should everyone know? Is there a children's book with a particularly valuable lesson, is there an old classic that should be read to get insight into what came after it, is there a modern book that's just so insightful that everybody should have to read?

I'm specifically asking about books, but feel free to apply it to games, movies or whatever if you so feel so.

As for my answer, I don't know, that's why I'm asking. I may edit in an answer based on your comments.

 

[artanis_neravar]

I just had this thought today and wondered what you guys would answer. If there was one book or book series that every literate person in the world would be required to read, which do you think it should be and why? Just one rule, no sort of scripture (for example The Bible, The Quran or, yes, even The God Delusion). It's too obvious and this is not a religious discussion.

I'm not asking about your personal favourite or what would be a good introduction to literature, but more about what should everyone know? Is there a children's book with a particularly valuable lesson, is there an old classic that should be read to get insight into what came after it, is there a modern book that's just so insightful that everybody should have to read?

I'm specifically asking about books, but feel free to apply it to games, movies or whatever if you so feel so.

As for my answer, I don't know, that's why I'm asking. I may edit in an answer based on your comments.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, also known as the True Holy Bible

 

[TakerFoxx]

The Necronomicon should be required reading in every literature class!

In all seriousness though, that's a really hard question to answer. Literature is never one size fit all, and to choose a single work as something everybody should read is next to impossible. We have our classics, sure, but nothing is going to make an impact on everyone. For example: back in high-school, I absolutely loved To Kill a Mockingbird and The Joy Luck Club, but there were plenty of people who didn't care for them at all, and instead were engrossed in books that I found boring.

 

[Carbonyl]

Dictionary. All other books can be derived from it.

 

[Phlakes]

Everybody Poops. The most educational and valuable book ever written. Everyone in this world needs to know the lesson of that book.

 

[God's Clown]

The Bourne Trilogy. Bourne Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum. Everyone needs to know how to deal with situations involving espionage and such.

 

[AngryMongoose]

The Little Red Book (Quotations from Chairman Mao).

Naa, I'm kidding. The reasons for people to read that out of free will should be so obvious and pervasive there's no need to make in mandatory O_O

Something like Bad Science or The Prince would do wonders for the social conscience. But fiction? No idea. Things like Lord of the Flies, To Kill A Mocking Bird and 1984 have institutionalised their way into the position, which is alright, but while they may be good for literary analysis and thought provoking...ness, as works of fiction they don't necessarily reach that broad an audience.

Dictionary. All other books can be derived from it.

A dictionary will not teach you to read most languages. (Probably all? Can't be sure)

 

[Alar]

That's really hard to say, but probably because most of the books I really like are a part of a series. Maybe 'The Hobbit' or 'American Gods'. -shrug-

 

[MetaKnight19]

The best book ever...

 

[GeorgW]

I just had this thought today and wondered what you guys would answer. If there was one book or book series that every literate person in the world would be required to read, which do you think it should be and why? Just one rule, no sort of scripture (for example The Bible, The Quran or, yes, even The God Delusion). It's too obvious and this is not a religious discussion.

I'm not asking about your personal favourite or what would be a good introduction to literature, but more about what should everyone know? Is there a children's book with a particularly valuable lesson, is there an old classic that should be read to get insight into what came after it, is there a modern book that's just so insightful that everybody should have to read?

I'm specifically asking about books, but feel free to apply it to games, movies or whatever if you so feel so.

As for my answer, I don't know, that's why I'm asking. I may edit in an answer based on your comments.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, also known as the True Holy Bible

That was my first thought as well, but I feel like it may be just cuz I like it so much. Still, it's definitely up there.

The Necronomicon should be required reading in every literature class!

In all seriousness though, that's a really hard question to answer. Literature is never one size fit all, and to choose a single work as something everybody should read is next to impossible. We have our classics, sure, but nothing is going to make an impact on everyone. For example: back in high-school, I absolutely loved To Kill a Mockingbird and The Joy Luck Club, but there were plenty of people who didn't care for them at all, and instead were engrossed in books that I found boring.

That's kind of why I asked. Everybody's hopefully gonna have a different answer and reason, it's great! It's no fun to ask a question with an answer...

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

A book I really liked reading, even though it was mandatory, was The Killer Angels. Very interesting perspectives, good quotes, historically accurate, flawed characters, and well paced.

 

[Sticky Squid]

The best book ever...

I like the 4chan rendition of the book as well.

 

[C95J]

The very hungry caterpillar, a true literacy masterpiece.

Apparently I was beat too it

The best book ever...

 

[Salad Is Murder]

Strunk & White's: The Element of Style

 

[GeorgW]

That's really hard to say, but probably because most of the books I really like are a part of a series. Maybe 'The Hobbit' or 'American Gods'. -shrug-

Book series are welcome, like I stated in the OP.

 

[Comieman]

Bible




hahaha no just kidding.

Twilight





ok I am done messing around.
I would say Brave New World or Animal Farm, because I love utopian / dystopian books.

 

[aba1]

Dictionary. All other books can be derived from it.

hahahah good call

 

[Cheery Lunatic]

MEIN KAMPF.
Book: Never Let Me Go
Game: Braid (regardless of what you think about it, it's a surprisingly deep game)
Movie: The Lion King (no I'm not kidding)

 

[AdamRhodes]

"An Almanac of Complete World Knowledge Compiled With Instructive Annotation and Arranged in Useful Order by Me, John Hodgman, a Professional Writer, in The Areas of My Expertise, Which Include: Matters Historical, Matters Literary, Matters Cryptozoological, Hobo Matters, Food, Drink, & Cheese (a Kind of Food), Squirrels & Lobsters & Eels, Haircuts, Utopia, What Will Happen in the Future, and Most Other Subjects"

Also known as John Hodgman's "The Areas of My Expertise".
The reading of said book must be accompanied by the audiobook.

 

[PissOffRoth]

The Alchemist. It's simple to read and sparks some very interesting discussion, regardless of upbringing or locale. It's a very open book and is already an international seller. I think more people would have direction in their lives because of it. That's probably the biggest issue with modern humanity: lack of direction.