In the days of BSD (before social distancing), my friend and I were sprawled out on her couch, finally watching Netflix’s four-years-old Gilmore Girls revival. In the scene at hand, Rory Gilmore (Stars Hollow superstar and wannabe journalist) revisits her alma mater alongside her despotic frenemy, Paris Geller. As they make their way up Chilton Prep’s grand marble steps, Paris turns to Rory, voice thick with nostalgia, and says, “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.”
I sat upright and missed the next few lines. The quote, attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, takes a holistic stance on the proverbial “you are what you eat.” I started thinking about impressionability and influence, about how perhaps all movement is growth, about the illusion of complete agency. We know that the food we eat matters because it provides the resources our bodies use to build new cells. In that sense, we are what we eat. If we eat McDonald’s cheeseburgers every day, in time our cells will be made of only the resources available in McDonald’s cheeseburgers. This principle makes the case for not only increased quality, but also increased variety. As we gather our nutrients from a greater number of quality sources, our bodies have a greater number of options from which to draw what is necessary to create ideal cells. The thought carries over into relationships. Entrepreneur Jim Rohn claimed, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If I only interact with one person, and that person is proud, short-sighted, selfish, and obscene, the probable result is that I will adopt those qualities to some degree. If I expand my relationship circle, even my intimate circle, to hold an increased variety of quality personalities and perspectives, the probable result is that I will adopt a rich, diverse, healthy set of characteristics. I must be careful, however, not to view character traits as one-dimensional. The practical reality is that every personal quality has a fallen application and a redeemed application. Shortsightedness can translate to pragmatism. Pride can translate to boldness.
This same theory applies, perhaps in the deepest sense, to our minds. The information we consume through books, media, and entertainment provides the resources for our framework. It creates the conversation our internal self has against our internal self, and therefore holds the most intimate form of influence. The words and ideas we consume craft our worldview. My worldview has gone through a series of iterations and I can only assume it will continue to develop as long as I lack omniscience.
I’ve reflected on my many years of reading and come up with a list of 10 books that have changed the way I think.
The Time Machine – H.G. Wells
Who could have guessed the influential power of a nineteenth-century science fiction novella? H.G. Wells writes a fantastic tale of a man who builds a time machine and travels 800,000 years into the future. While the adventure itself is simple, Wells also presents an underlying philosophical meditation. The story explores the problem of mankind’s pursuit to eliminate work and struggle. Part sociological commentary, part cautionary tale, The Time Machine changed the way I think about adversity, obstacles, and the value of work.
Escape From Reason – Francis Schaeffer
Another tiny book with a powerful punch. Escape From Reason is an analysis of modern thought written for the layperson. Schaeffer explores philosophy, art, science, and culture while identifying historical pivot points such as the Renaissance. He lays out diagrams that address the human desire for “more” and follows the thread of what “more” has looked like throughout time: grace, faith, and freedom. It’s about free will versus determinism and the chilling consequence of eliminating reason. This book changed the way I think about autonomy, dualism, and thinking. Whoa, meta.
On Justice, Power, and Human Nature – Excerpts from Thucydides
Thucydides was a Greek historian who undertook to observe, record, and recount the Peloponnesian War. This selection is a highlight reel. It outlines relations and alliances within the Greek empire, growing tensions, the outset of the war, key battles, and Athens’ fall. Thucydides was ahead of his time, exercising a scientific approach and expressing political theories we’ve only recently named. What’s most astounding is this book’s relevance. The political speeches and civil complaints ring with the same tones we hear today. On Justice, Power, and Human Nature changed the way I think about politics, reactionism, and fear.
Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
The OG thriller. I read this book in high school and was swept up by the drama, romance, and intrigue (not to mention the delicious gothic setting). I loved reading about beautiful Manderley and sat agape as the plot twisted (more than once!). I didn’t realize the full effect of this book until much later. It’s a classic that often pops into my mind. Rebecca changed the way I think about identity, comparison, and justice.
The Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence
A humble cook at a Carmelite monastery, Brother Lawrence discovered that the greatest spiritual pleasure is the art of “practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end.” No matter what his hands were doing or who he was speaking to, Brother Lawrence didn’t stop his ongoing prayer and communion with God. This book is a compilation of conversations and letters in spare English that capture Lawrence’s devotion and joy. The Practice of the Presence of God changed the way I think about prayer, contentment, and my responsibility as one of God’s own.
A Life Discarded – Alexander Masters
This is the most recent read on my list. Part biography, part detective tale, this is the story of 148 diaries found in a skip (a dumpster) and the subsequent search to find their author. I love this book because it’s about one person’s ordinary-yet-hilarious life. It’s strange, moving in parts, and all too close. “The author of the diaries, known only as ‘I’, is the tragicomic patron saint of everyone who feels their life should have been more successful.” A Life Discarded changed the way I think about purpose, talent, and self-awareness.
The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis writes a series of letters from the demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, instructing him in the art of corruption. A work of satirical art, this book amuses and engages the reader. The Screwtape Letters changed the way I think about temptation and distraction.
Mudhouse Sabbath – Lauren F. Winner
Raised an Orthodox Jew, Lauren Winner converted to Christianity while in university. In this slight volume, Winner reflects on the Jewish practices that helped shape her, pointing out the ways in which they honor God and enrich faith. She ponders Sabbath, grief, and attentive eating, among others. The book is an exploration of how Winner has pulled the best parts of Jewish practices and incorporated them into her Christian faith without succumbing to legalism. Mudhouse Sabbath changed the way I think about holiness and spiritual disciplines.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter Scazzero
Scazzero’s soapbox speech says, “you can’t be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” This book addresses prevalent emotional problems within the church: conflict avoidance, dismissal of “bad emotions” like anger or fear, and living with no boundaries. I don’t agree with everything Scazzero says, and would encourage reading this book with a critical eye, but it does make some sharp observations and provide practical suggestions. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality changed the way I think about emotion and my own behavior patterns.
The Princess Bride – William Goldman
Perhaps this should be an honorary title, as this book influenced me when I was very young. You’ve probably seen the movie. You’ve undoubtedly heard countless quotes from it. Well, as is often the case, the book is better. William Goldman has conceived a masterpiece: he weaves together the best elements of fantasy adventure, introduced by a brilliant and completely fictional backstory. This work inspired my zeal for parenthetical interruptions and unnecessary lists. In short (and before I effuse) , The Princess Bride changed the way I think about writing.
I’d like to note that while these are ten books that have changed the way I think, they’re not the best books I’ve ever read. I don’t think they’re perfect. I probably wouldn’t recommend them to just anybody. But they have spurred growth in my mental framework.
I think that’s worth sharing.
What about you? What books have changed the way you think? Let me know in the comments!