7 Books

I can't find the quote anymore, but Luther said it (and many other people have said similar things): once you find a book or handful of books that are central then you should apply yourself to them and make them your own. Possess them. Don't just read them once, obviously.

It is actually insane to not read a book that is central for you several times. What you don't get from it (and what you forget) is like leaving money intentionally on the street.

I naturally read the main Work books over and over (actually I studied them which is more than just reading them, but I did both). That's a good example. The Bible as well. And, for me, the epics of Homer were an influence that I naturally read several times over several years.

But the books you put in the effort to 'make your own' should be universal, summit-level influences, it goes without saying.

The main point here is: once you find these influences they often are the very books you overlook when you are thinking 'what book should I read now?'. Recently - last summer - I read the Iliad and the Odyssey yet again. It's one of my books.

Reading a book once vs. many times is like the difference between sight-seeing and living in a place.

It's powerful when you make a great, powerful influence a part of you. Really attain understanding of it. And if you choose 7 that are balanced in subject matter (history, philosophy, poetry, sacred writing) and summit-level influences it likes taking in the best material substance that becomes your understanding and your complete inner body.

Books aren't the only influences, but they are in a uniquely effective and powerful category among all influences available. The 'word' delivers in more concentrated and real form influence than any other means of delivery...

Bible, Homer, Ouspensky, Adam Smith, von Clausewitz, Plutarch, Thucydides... These have been my 'seven' for since I can remember making such lists. Smith, Clausewitz, and Thucydides I've read once. Bible, Homer, Ouspensky I've read numerous times. Plutarch I've yet to read complete, but have read extensively (i.e. many of the individual lives). When I look at the list I know I would get alot from a second reading - now - of Smith (Wealth of Nations). But I have the foundation of one reading done, so that is why I'd get alot. That is the point with having a handful of these books - influences - and making them your own...