There’s a LinkedIn discussion going on right now in one of my groups about the books that have made you the person you are today. While I knew many people would cite inspiration texts, philosophers, and business gurus, I had to stop and think whether there were any media that resonated that much. I scanned all the books on my shelves. Nothing popped out.
Then I realized there is one documentary and one poem that did make a difference:
- I saw Harvest of Shame when I was 13 (props to an amazing teacher), and it made me want to do something to help migrant workers. Ten years later, when I knew I needed a graduate degree to break out of my dead-end job, I chose labor relations.
- Wordsworth’s The World Is Too Much With Us is 14 lines long, and it turned my 17-year-old self upside down. I came to college planning to study economics and business so that I could live and work overseas. But then I found poetry and my passion. And that took me into that dead-end job, which took me to labor relations–and eventually to that blowtorch that helped shape who I am today.
The rest of my library? Some really great stuff that’s made me an educated woman and/or given me great ideas and insights. But made me who I am? That’s a much smaller list.
What about you? What media have helped forge your path?
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I have to go back to the one that started it all–Richard Scarry’s “Best Word Book Ever.” I devoured that book as a kid. Everything I’ve read and written since is due to the understanding and appreciation of words, language, and communication that the book instilled.
Jim–Great inspiration. I love Richard Scarry! My favorite was “What Do People Do All Day?”
I am reminded of the too-often asked question about what book you would want if you were stranded on a deserted island. People used to say the Bible, complete works of Shakespeare and other snobby answers. In fact, as one wag pointed out,”The one book you want is a manual on how to build a boat!”
Mom–Good point. That, and a book about edible berries and other delectables on deserted isles.
nice.