What do we mean "books that change lives?"

Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.   - Margaret Mead

A few examples of modern-day life-changing books

Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman
The Prophet's Way, Thom Hartmann
The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, Thom Hartmann
Ishmael, Daniel Quinn
Beyond Civilzation, Daniel Quinn
Original Wisdom, Robert Wolff

How Books Change Lives

Books can teach, illuminate, and even inspire. But they can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use them to those ends. Edward R. Murrow was actually speaking of Television at the time, but the same holds true for any mass media.

In today's world, the onus is on writers, readers, bookstores and publishers to print and distribute literature and words that can deliver a message not only of hope, but help each of us build a brave new world in which hope does not seem a foolishly childish illusion.

The most important books that make it to light in today's world must focus on raising awareness and consciousness of all of us as individuals and as a species, furthering environmental protection and activism, inspiring and encouraging the best parts of human nature to shine forth.

Tthe subjects and topics of the most important books in today's age and their authors must not hide sheepishly under the rug. They must be bold, decisive, brave, when it comes to identifying and decrying an immediate call to action to halt the worst atrocities any species has ever committed in the history of Earth against ourselves and our planet.

Books that do this are important books. And the means by which they must accomplish these ends is by first changing individual lives and worldviews. By changing enough people’s worldview, the world itself can be changed.

"[Our mass media] records in black and white and in color, evidence of decadence, escapism, and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live. We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable, and complacent. We have a built in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information; our mass media reflect this.

We must get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that media, in the main, is being use to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us. Media can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends." - Edward R. Murrow