If everyone in the world could read one book...

[Turner]

A Deepness in the Sky, by Vernor Vinge.

Any sci-fi by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. Most notably, The Parafaith War or Adiamante. But any of his Sci-Fi has a pretty good look into why we act the way we do, and how our environment shapes our personality. His Order/Choas Fantasy is alright, I just got tired of reading the same book over and over again.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein. Just a good story.

The Mote in God's Eye, by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. I can see the future ending up like this, and it's a decent first contact story.

Really, there are too many books to recommend. Romeo and Juliet comes to mind. The best and the worst of being in love.

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Originally posted by WickedSmurf
There is no such book that will make the world a better place all in all. Even the most through thought and non-violent book can be twisted in the hands of the wrong persons and thus lead to destructive and inconsiderant acts.

Even language itself can be harmfull in the wrong hands. I propose that we drop all forms of language and communicate only through winks, nods, nudges and knowing looks

 

[polymath]

In that case, the best book would be 'Marcel Marceau: The Photonovel'

 

[Simon Darkshade]

The novelised screenplay of The Crying Game. Then, one arranges so one can see all their little faces when it gets to a certain part. The collective shock and horror should be enough to spontaneously shift the entire planet into the Demiplane of Dread. Which will be dash convenient for me, as Strahd von Zarovich still has my cufflinks that I loaned him a while back.

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Originally posted by polymath
In that case, the best book would be 'Marcel Marceau: The Photonovel'

 

[Dr Jimbo]

How the mind works by Stephen Pinker. He's the best science writer I've read, and learning how we tick and how we got here is very enjoyable, as well as enlightening. Of course trying to change peoples' minds with a book is asking a lot.

 

[thestonesfan]

Originally posted by Dr Jimbo
How the mind works by Stephen Pinker. He's the best science writer I've read, and learning how we tick and how we got here is very enjoyable, as well as enlightening. Of course trying to change peoples' minds with a book is asking a lot.

Far lesser things change peoples' minds!

Al Gore's support among women shot up after that kiss he gave Tipper on TV!

 

[Colonel Kraken]

Originally posted by Moonsinger
The Holy Bible!

Hmm, this surprises me, but I agree. The Bible, of course. Love, hate, war, intrigue, adventure, drama, sex, good, evil, right, wrong, on and on. Oh yeah, and a man's means of salvation.

--CK

 

[philippe]

LOTR THE SILMARILLION

 

[Pirate]

"Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut. The best satire of humankind I have ever read. A must read by all.

 

[Xen]

a good translation of the Illiad, and Odyssey (non of that poetic crap in a hand baket- a literal translation, like the one provided by W.H.D Rouse,is perfect!) would do every one alot of good- ever wonder where my own opinions are influence from- it would be these two books in many cases

 

[thestonesfan]

I figured there would be a few more nominations for philosophical works...

 

[cgannon64]

Its impossible. I could probably think of one book from each theme and genre. But one book? Never.

 

[Xen]

Originally posted by thestonesfan
I figured there would be a few more nominations for philosophical works...

gah! how could I forget1- anything by Socretes- I migth have suggested Marcus Aurellius, but I find his style of writing to be tedious to read through at best

 

[cgannon64]

Originally posted by Pirate
"Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut. The best satire of humankind I have ever read. A must read by all.

That is a damn good book. Its a little...crazy for the average person though.

 

[Smidlee]

Originally posted by Moonsinger
The Holy Bible!

Amen

 

[bobgote]

Dr Seuss's The Lorax.
A lesson in life, and simply told.
The need for environmental protection.
The inherent greed in all men.
The success of gimmicky products.
The results of capitalism with no restraints.
Also has pretty pictures.

Originally posted by Dumb pothead
Animal Farm by Orwell. A human from any place or point in history would understand exactly what its about and what its trying to say.

yes they would.
If i owned a farm, i wouldn't have any pigs.
damn commies.

Originally posted by newfangle
I'll be flogged if I mention my preferred book.

You're likely to be flogged either way, so might as well say it.
It's probably something you wrote yourself, isn't it?
Newfangle's guide to better living

 

[JollyRoger]

Catch-22

 

[Mescalhead]

Either "Horton Hears a Who" or the "Egyptian Book of the Dead".

 

[amadeus]

The Oxford English Dictionary.