BC books that changed the world

Her encounters with indigenous cultures, such as the Indians of South America, often challenge Western views on time, happiness, and success.

Books have been around in one form or another since writing was invented and have played a central role in our culture.

Can a written work have so profound impact that it may transform the way that we see ourselves?

and the effect that they have had on human minds and societies, the answer has to be a resounding ‘yes

Such works gave birth to civilisations, enhanced our understanding and in some cases sparked rebellion.

But what about other fields of human endeavour? History, science, political theory, philosophy, literature to name but a few

If it had not been for the seminal works of Shakespeare, Cervantes or Tolstoy, would literature have developed in the same way

we will be examining books that shaped our world, taught us new ways of thinking, spurred scientific advancements, challenged accepted ideas and indeed, changed the course of history,

Before this book, the prevailing view in Western society was "special creation"—the idea that every species was individually designed by a creator and remained unchanging forever.

All life on Earth is connected and descends from a single common ancestor.

He provided a credible mechanism for how change happens. He argued that nature "selects" the individuals best suited to their environment to survive and reproduce.

Instead of a linear ladder of "progress," he visualized life as a massive, growing tree where species branch off from one another.

According to educational psychology, children are most likely to read when they move from extrinsic motivation (reading for a grade or reward) to intrinsic motivation (reading because they are curious).

Embrace Variety: Don't dismiss graphic novels, comics, magazines, or audiobooks. These are often "gateway drugs" to longer novels.

Respect the "DNF" (Do Not Finish): If a child isn't enjoying a book, let them put it down. Forcing them to finish creates a negative association with reading as a chore.

Create a cozy space with pillows, blankets, and good lighting. Making the space "special" makes the activity feel like a treat rather than a task. Keep books at eye level and in multiple rooms.

Keep books at eye level and in multiple rooms. A child is more likely to pick up a book if it’s within arm's reach while they are lounging.

If your child only sees you scrolling through a screen, they will value the screen. If they see you engrossed in a physical book or newspaper, they view reading as a high-value adult activity.

Character Charades: Act out scenes from their favorite books or dress up as characters on weekends.

Connect the "word" to the "world." The "Menu" Strategy: Involve them in reading everyday things—grocery lists, road signs, or restaurant menus. It shows that reading is a "superpower" for navigating the world.

The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski: This is arguably the most influential work for this cohort. Geralt of Rivia was a "gray" hero who resonated with the cynical, complicated reality of post-communist Poland. It was dark, ironic, and distinctly Polish.

wiedzmin has influenced the outlook of many because it functions as a "manual for a morally gray world." Unlike classic high fantasy (like Tolkien), where good and evil are clearly defined, he presents a world that feels uncomfortably similar to our own.

The irony is that the world eventually forces him to choose anyway, and the consequences are often disastrous. This teaches readers that neutrality is often an illusion

Geralt often finds that the "monsters" (dragons, succubi, or trolls) have more honor, empathy, and codes of conduct than the humans who hire him.

This encourages a skeptical view of prejudice and propaganda. It teaches readers to look past labels (like "refugee," "outsider," or "freak") and judge individuals based on their actions rather than their appearance or social status.

It provides a balanced outlook: while we cannot control the "hand we are dealt" (our place of birth, our era, our genetics), our humanity is defined by the choices we make within those constraints.

The "Small Person" Perspective: Sapkowski writes from the viewpoint of the "little guy" caught in the gears of great empires (Nilfgaard vs. the North). There are no glorious battles—only mud, hunger, and common people suffering for the ambitions of kings

question the existence of god