The 5 most influential books in the history of literature
- Clarice Nunez
- 23 sept 2023
- 3 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: 12 oct 2023
By Clarice Nunez
If I asked you now which book is the most influential in world history, could you answer me? And what book was most influential in your life?
Well, I come from a Christian family, so I can say that the book that influenced me the most was the Bible. Of course, there are many other books that shaped me, that contributed to the person I am today, but considering the influence we have since early childhood, I can without a doubt say that the Bible has a large part of the blame in shaping me. of the social beings I have become.
Taking into account that the influence of a book can be measured not only by the number of copies sold, but also by the lasting impact it has on society, culture and human thought, come with me and discover the five most influential books of the history. whose words have shaped the society we live in.
1. The Bible
The Bible is without a doubt the most read book in the history of humanity. This collection of sacred texts covering a wide range of literary genres, from stories and poetry to moral teachings. Divided into two testaments, the Old and the New, it is the cornerstone of Christianity and has been translated into countless languages, making it accessible to people of all cultures. Their stories and lessons shaped Western morals, ethics, and culture and exerted an undisputed influence for millennia.
2. The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, by Isaac Newton
"The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy", written by Isaac Newton and published in 1687.
Also known as “Principia”, it is a book that is often cited as one of the most influential in the history of science and played a fundamental role in the scientific revolution of the 17th century by laying the foundations of modern physics. In it, Newton presented his three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, these mathematical laws and principles revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. The "Principia" not only influenced physics, but also had a profound impact on fields such as astronomy, engineering and mathematics.
3. On the Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin
In 1859, the publication of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" marked a fundamental revolution in our understanding of biology and evolution. This book introduced the theory of natural selection, which maintains that species go through an evolutionary process over time, adapting to their environment. This work caused a true transformation not only in the scientific field, but also in the religious and philosophical field, challenging traditional views on creation and redefining the way we perceive the relationships between living beings.
4. The Social Contract, by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Published in 1762, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract" is a seminal work of political philosophy. Jean-Jacques Rousseau argues that government must be based on the consent of the people and that civilized society must seek the common good. His ideas about democracy and equality had a profound impact on the French Revolution and the formation of democratic governments around the world.
5. The Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
The "Communist Manifesto", written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, is a must-read work that marked the course of the political and economic history of the 20th century. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels describe a vision of a classless society and offer a scathing critique of capitalism. This book served as an inspiration for revolutionary movements around the world and had a significant impact on the history of the 20th century, influencing politics, economics, and debates about social inequality.
These five books not only shaped literature and human thought in their respective fields, but also had a profound and lasting impact on human history. They challenged conventions, provoked reflection, and inspired significant change in diverse areas, from religion and politics to science and philosophy. Their influence endures through generations, demonstrating the lasting power of words and ideas to shape the course of history and society.
So, have you read or known any of these works? I invite you to check out at least one of these books on the list, I guarantee you won't regret it.
Until next time. Happy reading!
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