Since rejecting theism it took me quite awhile to warm up what we called “Darwinism,” which was our way of painting the other side as a bunch of fanatics who worshipped Charles Darwin and were out to destroy Christianity, so oppressed were we. *snort*

Since then I learned what evolution is, its impacts and the science that has come from it. Since Christian biology class mandates that you learn a Christian-filtered critique of “Darwinism” than hold any real discussion on the theory of evolution, most arguments supporting the theory (outside of the theory itself) have been formulated independent of others’ opinions. In the past year, I’ve been learning more about what others say about it via blogs and topical websites, as well as discussion forums.

Two topics I’m interested in: learning more about the theory of evolution as it pertains to origins. The topic of human origins is where are the controversy is. It’s the topic that really pisses off the fundie circus known as the religious right. I’d also like to learn from people who are more outspoken against the fundamentalists. For that reason, I went to Barnes and Noble.

Lucky for me, they had what I was looking for. There was a small section dedicated to Richard Dawkins, and “The Singularity is Near” by Ray Kurzweil. That’s another thing, bio-singularity. I was first introduced to it by following the Dresden Codak webcomic and forum. I haven’t made up my mind on the matter one way or another, but it definitely piqued my interest.

However, I didn’t buy those books. The reason: I’m already in the middle of several other books, and Barnes & Noble didn’t have ‘em in hardcover. That’s just how I roll.

However, I did pick up some others that were on my literary To-Do list. They were on a shelf marked “buy two get one free.” Y’know, like cigarettes:

• The Arabian Nights
• Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
• Candide - Voltaire
• The Federalist - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
• Paradise Lost - John Milton
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
• The Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Total cost: $45. All are in paperback, save for Douglass, which I found in the bargain bin.

In anticipation of my Composition 2 class this fall, I’m working on my sorry-ass writing skills. I have a copy of “The Call to Write,” a textbook for a similar such class at the University of St. Francis. Also working my way through “The Everyday Writer,” another one sold at Uni of SF. I ought to be done with both of them (or close to done) by the time I start this class in the fall. It has been 6 years since I passed my first Composition class, so I’d like to be prepared.

More so, I feel that in order to master the art of writing one must read constantly. I’m almost done with The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, which has taught me a thing or two about the narrative style. It makes me think of a sober version of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Next on my list is either going to be Dante’s Inferno, the Life of Frederick Douglass, Julius Caesar (Shakespeare) or The Hobbit. I’ll let you know when I make up my mind.

Originally Posted on September 27th, 2007:I’ve been reading alot lately. I’ve had this insatiable desire to read everything I can get my hands on–I’ve even gone so far as to set aside $200 a month for books from Amazon.com. I never really read much other than the occasional political book or novel. Well, outside of countless computer-related books. Currently, I’m drawing from two sources for what books I’m reading.

The first list can be found here: http://als.lib.wi.us/Collegebound.html . This consists mainly of classic books and others that everyone ought to read. Before now, I’d read a few of them. I didn’t know what I was missing out on.

The second list can be found in the “Readings” portion of each class found here, at MIT’s Open Courseware, and mainly consist of political science-related books. Between the two lists, there are about 400 books I intend to read in the next three or so years. I even have private wish-lists for each of them on Amazon to keep track of it.

Here are my thoughts on the most recent books I’ve read:

1) The Diary of a Young Girl, Definitive Edition: I wish I would have read this when I was 14. I can remember myself relating to it at one time. It was difficult for me to get into at first due to the narrative style of it, but once I put myself in the shoes of Ms. Anne Frank, it was a real page-turner. I was enthralled in the book up until the rather abrupt end and even cried after reading the epilogue. I think this book could have the greatest impact among young teenagers, but is definitely a worthwhile read for all ages.

2) Go Tell it on the Mountain: This book had me for the first thirty pages or so, but became increasingly hard to follow due to the author’s shift from elegant descriptions to the common vernacular of turn-of-the-century African Americans. Once I finally got into the flow, it was difficult at times to know whose story I was reading, as there was not much of a warning before changing settings and perspectives throughout the book. About halfway through, it was easier to read. Definitely recommended for the insights into the trials and triumphs surrounding the circumstances of the human condition. It’s a reminder that the more some things change, the more they stay the same, as well as the emphasis on doing what you need to do in spite of everything else. I’d have liked the story to continue a little longer, mainly to see what becomes of John and Roy in the face of their father’s ways.

3) Fahrenheit 451: A friend of mine told me this was a good read, but was largely irrelevant nowadays. Actually, I found it to be quite the contrary, as the underlying theme of this book (as explained by the nefarious Beatty) can be seen happening all around us. While I doubt the government will place a ban on books, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised at a “V for Vendetta”-esque type of censorship coming about some day, what with how far the ideology in this country has shifted to the right. Either way, the basic premise is true in that people have chosen this path: entertainment has become more important than education. Opinion trumps knowledge. The hedonist is more revered than the scholar. You can see the effects of society such as those that affected the protagonist’s wife, Mildred, all around us. I’m sure everyone knows someone who is so detached from the world that soap operas, Oprah and Sex and the City are more real than world hunger or the war in Iraq. Thinking about it chills me to the bone.

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Next on the list is Hobbes’ Leviathan. After that I’m going to take it a bit easier with Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” and Rousseau’s “Basic Political Writings” before jumping into Aristotle’s “The Politics” and “The Portable Machiavelli.” I’ll post some reviews when I’m done with them.

In other news, I’ve decided to go back to school for political science. I have no real intention of becoming a lawmaker, but would definitely accept an academic position somewhere. My goal: Doctorate. I figure that by the time I’m done with my masters, I ought to be able to get some work as a research assistant or something field-related while completing my degree. I’ve read more than one of the colleges that offer it provide substantial funding to those seeking a doctorate, which gives me hope that it shouldn’t be too difficult to maintain the costs of living while living my dreams.

Wish me luck!