Temples or Libraries?

[Padma]

This discussion thread is so I can get a feel for what the citizens of our nation want. I intend to post a poll, later, but for now, just speak about about your opinions.

Should we build Temples, to increase happiness as well as add culture, or should we build Libraries, increasing our science capabilities while adding culture?

Note, we are a Scientific civ, so Libraries are relatively cheap.

 

[Shaitan]

Go for libraries. We have incense ready to connect to our network and many cities with less than optimal MP coverage. Since we have other ways to handle happiness at our disposal the culture benefit of the libraries makes it a no brainer.

One consideration of when a temple should go instead of a library is when it has to be rushed. As the temple offsets the penalty for rushing, that would be the preferred improvement in that case.

 

[Padma]

My thoughts exactly, Shaitan. It would seem to be a no-brainer, but I want to be sure I have the true "pulse of the nation" before I espouse it in a turn chat instruction thread.

 

[Eklektikos]

Originally posted by Shaitan
One consideration of when a temple should go instead of a library is when it has to be rushed. As the temple offsets the penalty for rushing, that would be the preferred improvement in that case.

Assuming that "rushing" in this instance means pop-rushing, this is not an issue. The people voted to allow pop-rushing of temples in emergency situations, and against pop-rushing libraries.

I usually lean towards temples as my standard first cultural improvement, even when playing as a scientific civ. I find that the extra growth allowed by the happiness effect of the temple often pays for the extra expense involved in its construction.

 

[FortyJ]

Eklektikos
Our current situation, however, provides ample opportunities to replace the happiness effect of the Temples with access to luxury resources (in particular, incense and furs).

I think the faster culture rate from libraries is something we need to take advantage of so that we may not only fill in the gaps in our borders, but also make an attempt to out-culture our neighbors (or at least keep them from totally out-culturing us). Remember, we need overall culture to keep one of our border towns from allying themselves with America or Japan and Libraries will provide that 50% faster than Temples will.

 

[chiefpaco]

It is a tough call. Some good points made on both sides. I think I would give the edge to the library so far since they provide more culture and are cheaper to build. Both are 1 maintenance but so is a soldier or luxury increase to keep people happy consistently.

Even if we plan to first expand our nation militaristically, a reinforcement of culture is hopefully next on the list.

 

[BCLG100]

i think it should be libraries all the way especially since our borders are fast approaching thoose of the japanese and americans

 

[donsig]

I think we should build libraries first and then selcted cities can build temples as the need arises.

 

[Falcon02]

I say Libaries. We need to keep our citizens Educated.

 

[Octavian X]

I hate it when I have to say I agree...

I agree. Libraries are cheaper, and will help our research progress faster. In addition, they provide more culture.

 

[Cyc]

Well, I, like Mr. Eklektikos, am a Temple guy. I rather have the content cities pumping out the product than whiny smart people. I definitely believe we need to build libraries in the towns that Falc and Stider live in. Build your libraries where you want, but don't come to me when your unhappy smart people get a little twisted.