It all started in a roundabout way. Our family came to visit, raved about a movie, and my husband and I watched it. I don’t think the family expected the ideas to flip a switch in our minds - to start a very long journey. The movie was Captain Fantastic.
Get past the first scene, I’m always closing my eyes for that part, and you see a family living wilderness style in Northern Washington. Yes, they seem weird. No, I don’t plan on being a recluse. But listen to their words. Watch how the children learn. See their minds and you’ll start to understand why they’re so appealing. Why I want to raise my kids to not only be active members of society, but Philosopher Kings who love their fellow man and who continually learn, growing in mind and body. I want my family to be a steward of this earth.
This is still a book blog - I promise - just stick with me.
With the help of YouTube, I compiled a list of every book mentioned or shown in the movie. A Rory’s book list per say, but for a different genre. It’s been slow, but together, my husband and I have been getting through each book, adding in more titles as we come across titles that have caught our attention, such as Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race (our current read).
Surprisingly, reading nonfiction has been a struggle for me. Not because it’s nonfiction. Because I struggle finding the right books. They’re all biased and I’m the type that sometimes falls for the words on the page in front of me, understanding the viewpoints of everyone. But I always wanted a list of books that I could trust. Who knew it was going to be found in a movie.
These books have opened my mind, shown me a world I didn’t know existed outside the veil of current day media. I can vote with confidence. I can understand why the US economy is where it is today, and how it can’t be changed with a snap of the fingers. How horrible government control is while also understanding the importance of regulations. I’ve heard the cries of underrepresented people and the struggle of getting anywhere. While at the same time, the joy that we can get somewhere if we put our minds to it. I’ve discovered new heros - strong feminists before the term was a fad. Even finding a voice in the chaos of too many voices shouting out the wrong words.
So, starting today, I’m going to be more vocal about my Philosopher Kings’ reading list. I’m going to do a review of each book. And since I’ve already read a few, I’ve listed two of my favorites below.
I hope this will inspire you to make your own list. To always strive to learn, to question, and to talk with your fellow man.
Understanding Power
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s pages are filled with the dark truth of our US government. How at the end of the World Wars, the economy continued to be funded through military programs and not social programs. Actions have been taken to keep war going and stop other countries from having democratic governments. And everything he talks about isn’t speculation. It’s compiled through careful research of unclassified government documents. Most of the information is pre 9/11 since these documents are released years after the damage is done - so imagine what the government could be doing now. Chomsky also explains the importance for change but that it won’t happen overnight. The transition from a military economy would need to be gradual to keep our country from collapsing.
Untamed
My newest hero.
Carol Ruckdeschel. Have you heard of her? Did you know she’s been fighting for decades to save the sea turtles? Living on Cumberland Island for most her her adult life, she’s documented the migration habits of the sea turtle and is the main reason the island is a National Park. Over the years, her research has uncovered the shocking truths about man’s effect on planet earth. She’s fought to save ecosystems in general, seeing the importance for wilderness. Still living on the island today, this book is a first hand account from someone whose been close to her. It paints the good and the bad, showing readers a world that needs saving.
Happy Reading
Love Kait
Reading Challenge: 28/100