2006-08-15 10:38:33 · 27 answers · asked by John 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Old diaries. Yours or theirs.
2006-08-15 10:42:36 · answer #1 · answered by Pan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Vedas. The word Veda is Sanskrit and it means knowledge. But to study all of the Vedas would not be possible in your short life, so to start with the basics of the Vedic wisdom I would recommend the Bhagavad-gita. From the gita you can understand the nature of the soul, the body, this material world, the spiritual realm, the workings of the three modes of material nature, the laws of karma and ultimately the nature of the Supreme.
Then I would recommend the Srimad-Bhagavatam which is a commentary on the Vedanta-sutra, which is a synopsis of the vast Vedas written by the compiler of the Vedas, Srila Vyasadeva. The Srimad-Bhagavatam is a huge literature, but it has been broken up into 12 Cantos that make it a little easier to digest.
And if you get through all of that, I would recommend anything written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His translations and commentaries of both the gita and Bhagavatam are the gold standard.
BTW you can access free online versions of the books I've mentioned here: http://www.krishna.com/e-books/
Good luck and happy reading!
2006-08-15 12:35:51 · answer #2 · answered by Jagatkarta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You kind of have the question backwards. Learning, the process of acquiring knowledge, comes first. Then putting that knowledge to use requires wisdom. You see simply having knowledge does not necessarily make one wise.
As for the books that I would read to gain knowledge. I would start with the Bible in order to gain an understanding monotheism and respect for a higher authority based upon principle. Next I would read as much history as I could get my hands on in order to see how man mistreats man. Then I would look for books on medicine to gain an understanding about how well made the human body is made. Then as many books about the different branches of science. Then I would read as many general literature books as possible.
After reading as many of these books to gain knowledge I would hope to have the wisdom to use the knowledge for the betterment of my fellow man.
This is probably not what you were looking for but an honest answer.
2006-08-15 10:55:53 · answer #3 · answered by Waldo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, how do any of those fools who suggested the bible expect someone to gain KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM from it???
I mean, I guess someone could gain knowledge of the bible by reading the bible, but one can definitely not gain knowledge of the WORLD by reading the bible.
Clearly, the book you choose must depend on what you want to know about. I'm fairly certain there isn't ONE book that can give a well balanced view on every subject...
2006-08-15 10:52:58 · answer #4 · answered by RED MIST! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Alchemist - Paolo Coelho
The Prophet - Kahlil Gibran
Mutant Message Down Under: A Woman's Journey into Dreamtime Australia - Marlo Morgan
are some of my faves
2006-08-15 10:49:34 · answer #5 · answered by flowerchild 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every book you read gives some sort of knowledge. Wisdom comes with living your life and learning from events that happen.
2006-08-15 10:51:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend a book by Bertram Russel. The History of Western Philosophy. There you have it all in short and it is very interesting. Good knowledge to know when you are discussing religion, ecomomics and so one. Have a nice time with the book!
2006-08-15 10:47:47 · answer #7 · answered by Realname: Robert Siikiniemi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wisdom is one thing and knowledge is another it is very hard to have both, wisdom doesn't always come with age and knowledge doesn't always come from learning, besides according to the world it is better to have looks and money than wisdom and knowledge anyway. Only you know what you consider wise and knowledgeable.
2006-08-15 11:09:49 · answer #8 · answered by Funny Shy Guy :) 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mr Men
Then War and Peace and The Idiot
1984
Junky
Catch 22
Utopia
The Sun
Radio Times
2006-08-15 10:47:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, if you are talking about Science and Math, go with Isaac Asimov's non fiction books. He has hundreds covering Math, biology, astronomy, physics, biology, chemistry, and more. Plus a few huge books with a little of everything, like "Asimov's New Guide to Science".
2006-08-15 10:50:02 · answer #10 · answered by iandanielx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Encarta online is hard to beat but if you want the feel of paper then the Bible King James version is the one to choose.
For science and nature subscribe to national geographic and the new scientist.
Your knowledge will grow and grow with these publictions.
2006-08-15 10:47:20 · answer #11 · answered by caleyhighlander 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋