Classics That Shaped My Worldview: A Journey Through Time and Thought

Novels, like loyal companions, accompany us on journeys of self-discovery and enlightenment. Over the years, several books have impacted my way of thinking, leaving indelible marks on my psyche and beliefs. These literary works have not only enriched my mental landscape but have also guided my path in significant ways.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Gordon Korman: The Fountainhead

The novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, particularly the character of Franklin, has strongly influenced my stance on standing firm in my convictions. This is a book about an architect named Howard Roark who remains true to his beliefs and is uncompromising in his vision, not backing down even in the face of relentless adversity. It’s a narrative about individualism and the power of personal beliefs, a theme that resonates deeply with me. Similarly, The Fixer by Walter Vellichor, carries the same message of upholding principles despite difficult circumstances. These books have instilled in me the importance of holding onto my values, no matter what.

Muriel Spark: The Reader

Unlike the previous two, The Reader, penned by Bernhard Schlink, influenced me in a different and perhaps more personal manner. It unfolds the story of a young boy, Michael Berg, who falls deeply in love with a woman older than him and, despite the age difference, the intensity of the relationship felt utterly transformative. The book captures the innocence of first love exceptionally well, making it relatable and profound. The enduring emotions and the sense of discovery are as powerful as they are timeless.

Evelyn Waugh: Brideshead Revisited

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is one of my most cherished reads. I was in my university years when I first encountered this book, a time when I should have been focusing on my studies. However, the profound impact it had on my thinking eventually led to my conversion to Roman Catholicism two years later. The edition I had did not include Waugh's introduction, but I was unaware that he himself was a convert. The book felt like a mutual recognition, as if it somehow resonated with something within me. I have revisited it frequently since, feeling like I am meeting an old friend each time.

Keith Waterhouse: Billy Liar

Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse is a poignant reflection on isolation and self-deception. This was one of the first books I read in my mid-childhood, though it did not make much sense to me due to my young age. Curiously, when I re-read it at age 13, it struck me as deeply personal, with the protagonist, Billy, mirroring my own experiences of feeling isolated. It resonated with me so much that I shared it with my friends, to my surprise, finding that they had the same reaction. Essentially, the book captured the essence of the disconnection between my reality and my perception.

T S Eliot: The Waste Land

The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot introduced me to modernist poetry and fundamentally altered my approach to writing. Though often criticized, the extensive notes accompanying it provided me with a transformative insight. I learned that a single word in a dense text can carry a wealth of backstory, enriching what appears to be a simple phrase with depth and nuance. This reading has deepened my appreciation for poetic complexity.

Conclusion

These books, each in its unique way, have played a crucial role in shaping my worldview. From The Fountainhead and The Fixer, which taught me about standing firm in my beliefs, to Brideshead Revisited and Billy Liar, which provided insights into personal transformation and isolation, to The Waste Land, which deepened my appreciation for poetry. It is my earnest hope that these works continue to inspire and educate future generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and the impact it can have on our outlooks and lives.