ADV #516: A Thousand Good Books

Inspired by John Senior's "The Death of Christian Culture" and his list of 1000 Good (not Great) books, Greg and Jennifer explore how shifting their reading habits makes it easier to consume even greater books that are more mentally, emotionally, and spiritually edifying. 

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The appendix from John Senior's "The Death of Christian Culture" presents a compelling argument for the revival of Christian values in the modern world with a view of increasing our ability to dive into Great Books (like those from Augustine, Socrates, and others), by first developing the fertile soil of our mind via fables, tales, poetry, and other literary works.  Thus, the "1000 Good Books" list. 

While this collection is aimed at young readers before they tackle the "Great Books" of Western civilization, we suggest that given the watered down nature of content distribution in the 21st century, that we could all benefit from reading more of these books, which includes a diverse range of literature spanning myths, fairy tales, novels, and poetry. Senior emphasizes that these stories, rich in virtues like courage, love, and justice, are crucial for developing a moral imagination and wisdom from a young age.

The essence of the "1000 Good Books" is to lay a foundational understanding of truth, beauty, and goodness, countering the utilitarian and relativistic tendencies of contemporary education. Senior advocates for a classical approach to learning, where character formation and the pursuit of virtue are prioritized. Each selected work not only holds literary merit but also possesses the power to profoundly engage the reader's heart and mind, fostering discussions on life's significant questions within family and community contexts.

Ultimately, Senior's vision through the "1000 Good Books" list is not merely educational but deeply cultural and spiritual. It serves as a roadmap for a lifelong engagement with literature that enriches the soul and intellect, urging readers to explore the depths of Christian and Western thought. This initiative is a call to rediscover the role of literature in cultivating wisdom, virtue, and a richer Christian life, aiming for a broader cultural renewal.