Has a book rocked your mind enough to make you change a long-held opinion?
Has a book rocked your mind enough to make you change a long-held opinion?
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This one.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Is_Not_Great
Were you actually a religious person before reading this? If I’m not being to personal. I will put this on my TBR.
Yes. Very.
Wow, tell us more please.
I wanna read this one! ?
I got to meet the great man and get my copy signed at the 2007 Atheist Alliance conference outside Washington D.C.
Also met Sam Harris and got his book signed. See my other post.
Christopher Hitchens isn’t liked by a lot of people because he writes about inconvenient truths.
The new Jim Crow
No surprises in that one.
No
Me either, Linda.
Keep trying. 😉
@Jeff actually Night and about a million other books but these days I read light predictable books well not including Hamilton wow what a read. Who knew??
Hillbilly Elegy
I gave that as a gift was it good? It had great reviews
@Linda it opened my eyes about the Rust Belt culture writing was excellent
Yes. Books and careful thinking have changed my politics and my religious beliefs.
Also the heart of Christianity by Borg…made so much more sense than most explanations (and in my opinion misinterpretatios of the religion)
“sapiens” changed my views of people
How so?
Honestly it’s made me more pessimistic. As a species we don’t have a great track record, we make changes that we think will improve things and often don’t, and we have a very selfish and fluid sense of morality.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I started off, before i read the book, on one side of the argument. By the middle of the book, I was on the other side of the argument. Now I’m back closer to where I started, but not as adamantly!
I loved that book.
Which argument? That the family should be compensated for the use of her cells? Or the thoughts of all of these ancestry companies are able to use participants DNA and cells any way they’d like to for free?
Yeah, the ancestry companies discussion does put an interesting twist to the debate! But here is my dilemma – the tissue was in effect medical waste, so part of me wants to say tough luck to the family. But a lot of people are making a lot of money off the HELA tissue. So why shouldn’t the family be compensated in some way. But for that to have happened, the family would have to have agreed and from what I read, I doubt they would have done that. Those cells have saved so many lives that would not have been saved if the family had said no. Does that make sense?
Wish You Happy Forever – What China’s Orphans Taught Me About Moving Mountains by Jenny Bowen. I was always a bit skeptical about unconditional love especially towards strangers. Jenny truly changed that for me and showed me it does exist. Her work is truly inspiring!
All Quiet on the Western Front turned me into a pacifist as an adolescent (and beyond).
No. I like to believe that because I do love to read and learn that my opinions are based on educated facts.
Do you read any nonfiction? Sure, an author’s opinion always shows itself, but there could be facts you didn’t know before…
It didn’t so much change my mind as open my eyes… But when I read Nickel and Dimed I was blown away.
What’s it about?
It’s investigative journalism. The author went undercover in several low-wage or minimum wage paying jobs. She was a waitress in a diner, a Motel made, and a worker at Walmart. She looked to see if she could afford to live in the area that she worked for the wages she earned. She also learned about how people in those lower-wage jobs are treated by their employers and customers. It was insanely eye-opening. I highly recommend it.
@Elizabeth, Have you tried “Down And Out In Paris And London” by George Orwell ?
No I haven’t… Similar?
Me too. And l thought l knew.
Very similar (from your description) but obviously from a totally different era, although sadly not that different.
Yes, and it changed it in the opposite direction to what the author intended. (Or, at least I think I understood what his purpose was.) Cider House Rules made me become pretty violently anti abortion, and I think he meant it as a sympathetic treatment of abortion.
Sapiens changed my views on many topics.
This is the point of reading, at least in part.
How did Sapiens change your views?
Oh, there are really too many points! Have you read it?
I can say that I honestly never realized how much we just “agree” to which doesn’t actually exist.
Rosemary Thomas yes, I read it. He’s an excellent storyteller and explainer. I am troubled he is already proclaiming in other articles there will be a future ‘useless class’ due to automation. Why put a negative spin on it already? That could lead to genocide. Why not call it a generation ‘free to dream.’
@Karen Is that a part of his premise in Homo Deus? I loved Sapiens – I thought it was very mind opening about how we have increased the velocity of evolution. I am just starting Homo Deus.
@Sally I haven’t read the second book. I loved the first. I read his ideas of a ‘useless class’ here. Why is he so intent on deeming these humans useless before we even get there? https://www.google.com.tr/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/20/silicon-assassins-condemn-humans-life-useless-artificial-intelligence
Fascinating, I didn’t read Cider House Rules only watched the movie when I believe I was 13 or 14. When people ask this sort of question I always point to this movie as being one instance of when I came to a certain belief. This movie made me pro-choice. Prior to the movie I didn’t have strong views one way or the other as I was young and hadn’t considered it one way or the other, though if asked I would have said I was Pro-life. I’d like to read the book now and see what my reaction is. I know that I am very strongly steadfast in my Pro-choice views but it would be interesting to see what the portrayal was in the book versus the movie.
I want to read Sapiens now too. Both books officially added to my TBR…….books that make you think
and challenge you are my fave. book genre…intellectual curiosity FTW
Fifty shades=divorce
Jude the Obscure changed my view of premarital sex.
From anti to pro.
The Four Agreements haunted me at first, but I see clearly now.
Explain, how?
I still read that little book ? a few times a year
@Karen don’t want to spoil for those who have not read it, but when it talks about what we learned as it relates to religion.
@Karen Yes, it is a easy read and will spark a lot of discussion about life and you will never think the same again. Trust me!
@Peggy me too. I have read it 3 times since purchasing it last year. It puts life in perspective.
IMO the book shot straight through all the hyperbole of religion and landed quietly in the practical part of my mind. What a healthy way to conduct oneself!
A course of miracles
Why?
I just realized I can’t edit the post. Lol
***a course in miracles
I’ve been considering picking it up. Can you please explain?
Yeah, ACIM can change your view. Hard to explain. You have to read it to know.
Yep , the Poisonwood bible pretty much confirmed my exodus from Christianity .
I can’t say a book changed a view, but books def help open my eyes to things I might not have been exposed to.
This is what I would say also. I don’t think a book has ever changed my mind, so much as books in general broaden it, offering alternative views to explore. But not necessarily to change my mind. I am not that fickle.
Poisonwood Bible
No, but several have shifted my thinking and many have given me a different point of perspective.
End Of Faith by Sam Harris. Known as one of the four horsemen of the modern atheist movement (with Hitchens, Dawkins and Dennett). I had spent 40 years reading and researching comparative religions in a spiritual quest and found so much chaos and hypocrisy that I identified as agnostic. This book made me get off the fence and declare my atheism.
I heard he is a bit hard to read. I have avoided his stuff because of that. I am a big fan of dawkins n hitchens.
My response to these writers has been the exact opposite. I have embraced God more having read their’s and others’ works.
@Dan, I’m a fan also. Got my copy of GING signed at the 2007 Atheist Alliance conference outside Washington D.C.
Patricia Senneville …I’m glad you were able to find peace and solace in your belief. I myself was raised Catholic, married a nice Jewish girl and went to temple during our time together, dated a Pentecostal, studied Buddhism and read books on Islam. Many religions hold tenets that are diametrically opposed to each other. How can someone know they have chosen the right one? Faith? That’s what each one claims. 2000 years ago you would have embraced Zeus. 2000 years before that, Ra. The only conclusion I could draw was that it was all man-made. My mother holds tightly to her Catholicism. My paternal grandmother held just as tightly to her Protestantism. Had I had children, perhaps they would have held just as tightly to their Judaism. Me? I believe in science and try to treat others humanely.
A few years ago, during Lent, I embarked on a journey I have revisited every Lent since. It was to find out what I can learn about God through science. This year I will visit two authors whose works I have explored before: Lawrence Krauss and Victor Stenger. Neither of these scientists have changed my beliefs. Have you read either of them?
What you’ve written is thought provoking. I don’t know if I’d call myself atheist, but I definitely don’t believe there’s god that created all things and watches over Earth’s inhabitants with benevolence. I’m beginning to think humans are not gods, but that that energy is in each of us, and our viewpoint began it. If that’s the case; we’re certainly a work in progress!!
There is no denying that we are a work in progress.
1. I like Krauss and Stenger. Both scientists and skeptics with an open mind. Enjoy.
2. I like that we’re all a work in progress. In fact, my ex-wife often called me ‘a piece of work.’ (I’m pretty sure she said ‘work’.)
I don’t think either Stegner or Krauss are truly, fully opened minded, but they are, in particular Krauss, entertaining and their books are provocative reads. Lots of margin writing.
Dead Man Walking. I was supportive of the death penalty, but that book started me on a journey that led me to absolute opposition.
“A Hanging” by George Orwell started me on that path. It is an essay as opposed to a book so apologies if not suitable for this group.
The Chamber by John Grisham, started me on the path too. And then I read Dead Man Walking too.
Oh my gosh, I forgot about the one. I had the same experience
An article titled “The Bermuda Triangle and Spoon-Bending Science” in NewScientist, decades ago.
After reading the article, I stopped believing in pseudo-science.
I read the book “I, Claudius” about the Roman Emperors. Then in the sequel “Claudius the God”, Claudius writes that a Jewish rabble-rouser who claimed to be the Messiah was executed. One of many who claimed that. Mind. Blown. I didn’t realize that there were many people claiming that during the time.
Your comment ties into my scepticism of the bible. I think the stories in the bible are good lessons to live by, but that’s it.
How was I Claudius? I have it on my bookshelf but haven’t got around to it yet
@Sean OMG! It is sooo good. The people in the book aren’t nice, so expect back stabbing and literally stabbing. The author takes what is known about the Emperors, and makes a story from Claudius’s viewpoint. I love it, and re-read it often. I first read it in 1977! I also have the audiobook. I guess I am a groupie!
@Teresa sounds great thanks, I’ve seen it on a few lists if 100 best books ever etc so I picked it up in a charity shop a few weeks ago
@Sean wonderful and see thePBS series
There were a lot of self-proclaimed Messiahs, yes, but, when Peter says he is the Messiah, Jesus orders him not to tell anyone. It was a debased claim. He prefers to call himself “Son of Man.” Also, “Son of God” was a title or term of praise for humans—Jewish kings, benefactors of the Jews (Including the king of Persia), etc.
The Graves books are wonderful, as long as you don’t read them as literal history. Another good one for atheists is his “King Jesus,” which is harder to find, because it was banned six ways from Sunday when it came out–back when banning meant something. It’s told from the point of view of Judas, and the premise is that Jesus was deliberately trying to “live into” the messianic prophecies. He also spent some time hanging out with the Essenes.
@Roxane I have never heard of that one! I will go searching.
Reza Aslan’s book on Jesus, Zealot, is interesting.
I love I, Claudius and Claudius the God, books and tv series. Graves’s memoir if WW I, Goodbye to All That is also good.
I also love Count Belisarius by Graves. It makes a grand introduction to the Byzantine world.
Fountainhead…when I finally “got” it,it was nothing short of an epiphany.
It changed the way I viewed myself,and completely changed my medical practice.
Its a Geeta for professionals…provided you “get” it!
Thank you for the comment. I read The Fountainhead many years ago, I don’t think that I got it in the same way I would now.
Please search for and read my review on Goodreads …
Maybe it will put things in perspective
It is a fantastic book.
Whoa, I read your review – fantastic! Now, I want to read the book again! Thanks!
Ayn Rand and medical practice?
Only one book has and that was the Bible.
Kazantakis books
Great question. Thanks for posting this. It’s created super fun conversation.
Anatomy of an Epidemic- changed how I viewed medicine in mental health.
Thanks, for the recommendation
I’ll have to find that one, sounds interesting.
What was the change?
Following
A lot of Jodi Picoult’s books-they usually center on a “gray area” moral issue/dilemma and really make you think.
The Cider House Rules
In the realm of hungry ghosts – a book about addiction, trauma informed care and human kindness. Solidified harm reduction vs the traditional approach of abstinence and changed my language from substance abuse to substance use.
Yes. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.
Do explain why please.
First of all, I knew nothing about it, so the basic plot was a total surprise to me, which I am thankful for. The characters basically took part in what I can only describe as a Socratic dialogue between teacher and pupil. Teacher and pupil were from two very different cultures. The teacher took the pupil through a process of recognizing the cultural forces and assumptions shaping his and other human’s lives, that are so ingrained that they are not even seen. It revealed a lot about our acculturation, opened up a whole new way of looking at our world, and cured me of organized religion.
That’s partly why I read bios of the presidents. One thing that dramatically changed is that two 1-term guys have become two of my favorites: The John Adamses. The first a vain, abrasive, perpetual codger, and the second having one of the most forgettable presidencies. But you would be hard pressed to find two people with more respectable diplomatic and political service to their country throughout their whole lives. [David McCullough’s John Adams and Paul C. Nagel’s John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life.] Sorry, I seem to preach on this topic.
Also, I Am Malala. I had struggled to comprehend how any woman, particularly, would want to stay a part of the Islamic religion, but that opened my eyes to the respectability of a life of peaceful dedication, even in the face of extremism and violence.
The Power of Now
Sort of along these lines was Freakonomics for me. I will encounter something today that brings me back to something from that book.
Many of the books in the Bible have affected me this way. I’m sure many people would scoff at this notion — there was a time when I would have as well, before I really read, discussed and came to understand the many lessons and little gems of wisdom and humor that can be found. There is so much that is part of the culture at the time of writing that can make people not want to pursue finding the lessons — and I can understand that. One example: In the well-known 23rd Psalm, “his rod and his staff, they comfort me”. The rod was used by the shepherd to fight off predators; the staff, with u-shaped end, was used to rescue sheep or lambs that fell into ditches. (Sorry for the very long comment!)
The Bible is fascinating literature when you set aside your prejudices and read between the lines.
The Bible would be fascinating if taught correctly from an historical standpoint, by a person who actually knew what he or she was talking about.
@Patricia There is an excellent program called Disciple Bible Study. It isn’t for an expert to teach, although there is group leader training. A group of about 12 meet weekly, following a reading/study guide, and discuss what they have read, learned. Insights are shared, learning and wrangling and disagreements are part of the process. Teaching by an expert is also good, and there are many fine theologians. There are also a lot of idiots who consider themselves expert.
The first book that ever changed my mind about anything was Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. I changed my mind about vampire stories. And later I read Memnoch the Devil.
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell.
Yes. Dead Man Walking.
We’ll Live Tomorrow
not usually a total change but, there have been some strong influences, as there should be
Yes, Oliver north bio
Deer Hunting with Jesus by Bageant opened my eyes to what’s going on in the country now and how it happened.
Try Dark Money by Jane Mayer.
@Mari Thanks for the tip. Going to stop by the library and pick up a copy today. ??
Your obedience is elevated and correct.?
@Mari ??
Still Alice by Lisa Genova is a compelling debut novel about a 50-year-old woman’s sudden descent into early onset Alzheimer’s disease..What she goes through is an eye opener.We associate Alzheimer’s disease with the elderly but this woman goes through challenges beyond hellish.
yes
One Second After
Many
“How Doctor’s Think” by: Jerome Groopman, M.D. an enlightening and very scary book on how doctor’s diagnose, medical tests and the pharmaceutical companies. Every one should read this book. Another book that every one should read is “Being Mortal” by: Atul Gawande, it is about aging………discussed the differences between the older parent and the son or daughter, what they are thinking and why they are thinking. Any one who has a living parent or someone close to them that is getting older…….must read it really opens your eyes.
Yes. Two Years Before the Mast-Richard Henry Dana.
My husband is not an avid reader so something has to really interest him — this is one that did. Of course, we’re natives of SoCal; he enjoyed the history.
@Kristine …it was an eye-opener to me of forcing one culture upon another. We read it in the 9th grade, many moons ago. It set me upon the path of Liberalism.
@Susan And many people in the US are still trying to force what they consider “American” culture on others, especially immigrants. I think they forget how much they like Chinese food.
@Kristine ….and, Mexican food! ??
Smoke gets in your eyes: and other lessons from the crematory.
I thought that book was really interesting.