WHAT TO READ 2023
Fearnside & Holther’s Fallacy: The Counterfeit of Argument is the book that launched my interest in philosophy. I got a copy shortly after it was first published in 1959 when I was still in High School. It’s pretty beat up by now but remains in a pride-of-place in my library.
It’s still being published – last edition in 2020 – and as you can see from the Amazon reviews, continues to get high praise. I want to start this iteration of What to Read by suggesting you get a copy for any young person you know whom you value – son, grandson/daughter, cousin, child of a friend. At least by the time they’re 12 or even late grade school.
It’s critically important for anyone to learn how to reason and think properly, the earlier they learn to do so the better. More so today, obviously, with our culture and educational system awash in woketard fallaciousness. Order today and Amazon will get it to whomever you want in time for Christmas – could be the most valuable Christmas present you’ve ever given.
Before we continue, I just went over the last issue, What to Read 2021, and there are a lot of books still very relevant and worth your while. Take a look! Okay, then, let’s proceed.
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Milton Friedman’s classic, Capitalism & Freedom is what gave my initial foundation for being staunchly pro-capitalism. The link is to a 1968 edition, but mine is a first paperback edition in 1963 when I was a sophomore at UCLA. Never again did I have to put up with a leftie professor’s Marxist claptrap.
Neither will anyone you know in high school or college if you gift them with Uncle Miltie’s wisdom. You can get them the paperback in time, but unlike Fallacy, there’s a Kindle/iPad version that they can receive instantly.
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And of course, there’s Ayn Rand’s masterpiece, Atlas Shrugged. I read a beat-up old copy a friend gave me on a Malibu beach in 1966. As long as I live, I’ll never forget how electrifying it was to read Francisco d’Aconia’s Speech on Money: “So you think that money is the root of all evil?” said Francisco d’Aconia. “Have you ever asked what is the root of money?”
It was the most thrilling intellectual experience to see an unmitigated moral argument for laissez-faire capitalism, not simply a practical one. Give it those you know before they get to college to be mind-ruined. Note that while published in 1957, Atlas still sells over 100,000 copies a year. What she predicted over 60 years ago is happening to America today.
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Here’s a quartet of books on an eclectic variety of subjects that I found worth reading this year. You may as well.
The Obstacle Is The Way
The Rise and Reign of MammalsCan’t resist this tidbit. Did you know that mammals are the only animals that chew their food? In fact, that’s what started animals to become mammals over 300 million years ago.
Awareness of existence requires consciousness with a specific sensory apparatus – and the incredible variety will astound you. We can only see, hear, or touch with the kind of eyes, ears, and nerves we have. Other animals do it very differently. Spiders have eyes on their legs. You’ll be amazed.
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TTPer Big Dan thought these would be of interest to fellow TTPers. Thanks, Dan!
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We close with this absolute must-read:
This book is for everyone young and old – except woketards because they have no sense of humor. Or maybe they are in special need of this book as it may give them back the sense of humor they once had before becoming woke. Miracles do happen! After all, it’s Christmas!