An updated tour of Roger's library! Join me as I share great books from human history. (music licensed through artlist) #homelibrary #faithrefocused #rogermaxson
Thank you! I was still a teenager when I saw your first library video and I've since read quite a few of the books mentioned. It's really changed my life for the better.
So thrilled to see you making videos again, Roger! Your first library tour several years ago set me off on an intellectual quest I've never looked back from. Thank you, good sir!
Thanks for your comment! You really put a smile on my face. I've enjoyed watching several of your videos, and it's touching to know you watched mine years ago. Happy Reading!
I am really happy that you have a book about my country, Iran. The book of Iran's wars is amazing. I hope that we, the people of Iran, will be free to have a very good relationship with the West.
I hated reading a few years ago. Never read anything I didn't have to and definitely not for fun. Now I have a bookshelf and read a ton and love it. I watched your bookshelf tour years ago. Keep the faith brother.
Loved the first library and reading videos! They inspired me to add some of the books you had to my own small library. Please keep up the library/reading content, I’ve searched and cannot find anything similar on the web. Thank you!
Hello, old friend. It has been a couple of years since your last bookshelf tour video, so this was a pleasant surprise. Your library looks more substantial and polished than last time. At 13:35, it was Alfred North Whitehead, who would be an amazing addition to your Philosophy shelf. As I said before, your channel is a little gem encrusted in the platitudes and rubbishness in the RUclips wasteland. Cheers!
Hello, Marcelo! It's good to see you on here. Indeed, it was Whitehead! There are a couple of his books floating around in my Nook. Thanks, sincerely, for the kind words, and for taking the time to watch. Have a great one.
I've watched your old video many times, and like your taste in books. I'm glad you did this. I also did not enjoy reading until a year or two ago. Nobody in my environment reads on a regular basis. I find my discussion through RUclips and wish I could have dialogue with people about reading..
Thanks for making the time to watch, and for the kind words. One of the good things about social media, for all the bad things, is finding others to share conversation and interests with. Happy reading!
This video is such a treat; it feels like a 5-course meal ❤. You have filled me with so much wisdom and knowledge and have encouraged me on my bibliophilic journey 📚.
I was looking for inspiring libraries an I've found you!! I want to rearrange my small library and donate those books that may be helpful to others. After that, little by little, I'll buy books that mean something to me. Thank you for the inspiration!!🇲🇽
i just saw you uploaded this, i absolutely love your videos, even though i am an atheist, i find your intelligence simply amazing and love your thoughts in these videos.
Hey Roger, I always had your book tours in the back of my head for a year. I really hope I can some day have a book shelf like yours (I just turned 16 btw). I have been studying western philosophy lately (metaphysics in particular Shoupenhour, kant, Hume, Leibniz etc) and I want to learn more about Leibniz because I know he was a backbone for the philosophy in Germany in the 17-20th century for the discussion of existentialism and metaphysics, but I just don’t know where to start. It would be great to hear some of your book choices (It does not have to be strictly Leibniz if you have anything related to western German philosophy or just metaphysics, logic, ethics, morality, existentialism etc that would be awesome) Keep up the great work!
Thank you for spending time with these videos! For sixteen, well, you have a head start! Great! As for Leibniz, I haven't spent a great deal of time on him, but I have a book called "Leibniz: Selections" from Charles Scribner's Sons. It's an older book that compiles many of Leibniz's writings on various subjects, like his Monadology and his thoughts on Aristotle's views of matter. It also covers briefly some of his work on calculus. Frederick Coppleston wrote a pretty wonderful series surveying philosophy from the Greeks onward. They were re-published a few years back. The older editions are (or were) very inexpensive on thriftbooks.com. He touches on Leibniz a bit. The whole series is worth reading! Coppleston covers a lot, including the existentialists. Also, Sir Roger Scruton, in his book Kant: A Very Short Introduction explains Leibniz's monad theory in order to explain the intellectual backdrop for Kant's thought. I hope this helps a bit. Happy Reading!
I know this is a random comment (but I do like to visit your library tour videos from time to time), but on the topic of reading deeply and reading synoptically, I used to try to read individual books very deeply and try to extract as much benefit as I could out of it, however since all man-made books are naturally limited, I was finding that while I may be getting a decent amount of detail about a very limited topic, my overall understanding was quite lacking. So recently, I've been more focused on speed reading (don't kill me Mr. Adler!) various (non-fiction) books on a particular section (say ancient Iraq or ancient Greece) and thankfully I've been finding that I'm still getting a good amount of details from these various books, but I've also been able to make many more connections (since I'm reading far more widely), even if I don't master each individual book. Plus, I've been finding it easier to understand material better since different books in a general subject tend to repeat a number of common things over and over, so something poorly explained in Book A may be better explained in Book B and then Book C may provide additional nuances that weren't found in Books A, B, C. So the more you read in a given topic, the more your familiarity with it increases and thus the easier it becomes God willing, whereas trying to read a single large tome and trying to understand it inside and out may be overly cumbersome and frustrating. In short, if a person is mostly reading non-fiction, it is important to remember that reading a book is simply a means of obtaining information and knowledge, so it may be profitable to speed read through many books of a given subject rather than trying to understand any single (man-made) book inside and out whilst neglecting the various other books on the subject. It is also super important to take notes and keep a Commonplace Book, as well as think about what you read when you're driving or other times in the day. (of course, this advice doesn't necessarily apply to certain subjects like logic and mathematics which require you to not only think deeply about them but also to practice them over and over until they become intuitive)
Yes! I think you are on to something here! (I apologize for the late reply). As you know, some books are worth reading more than once (Aristotle's Metaphysics, or the Bible, for example). Someone said if a book is worth reading, it's worth reading three times to understand it. But... it's not realistic for busy people to read every book three times! I think your insight that some books explain certain concepts better than others is a good one. Maybe I read Bertrand Russell explain a concept of philosophy but found that Copleston or Feser explain it better. So, I'll give more time to Copleston or Feser. Etc. To add to your point, some sorts of books, for me, are mostly for reference. Especially about something like current events or recent history. A mentor with a Ph.D explained to me years ago (when she was preparing her book for publication), that she simply can't read *everything*. So, she will get some books that are relevant to a topic, which one must be familiar with to be well versed in said topic, but won't read them all cover to cover. Other books, of course, she would read and refer back to many times! But even one she referred to for one small slice of the larger topic would go in the bibliography. My general rule of thumb for my own life is to work on mastery (or at least working familiarity) with the big ideas found in the most influential books in world thought, usually reaching deep into the past (say, Aristotle, Aquinas, etc). Then, with that foundation, I will certainly be able to understand later thinkers or even peripheral ones (Kant, Nietzsche, Feuerbach, Freud, Foucault, Friedan, etc.). Since they will inevitably be referencing or alluding to the earlier, or more core ideas and thinkers. Or at least talk about ideas that are a departure from the earlier ones. Eventually, my mind was able to engage quickly with various thinkers and ideas because I was "schooled up" on the larger conversation, as it were. It sounds as if you've really been working on sharpening your understanding! This speaks very well of you! I hope you are well.
Hey Roger! I found your first library several years ago and really loved it. Even though I disagree with many of your points -I'm an atheist for the record. So, it was a real treat to see this when I took a glance at your channel. I really love your enthusiasm with which you talk about these ideas. It makes me want to read. Haha. If it's okay, I wanted to leave you with a few suggestions on things you might be interested in reading. First, I saw this I your collection, but in case you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend reading Moby Dick. Often considered THE great American novel, epic in scope, biblical but could also be read in a postmodern light, I think. For literature, I can also recommend Siddhartha by Herman Hesse which wrestles with some eastern philosophy and with the meaning of life, but is written by a German. For ethics, I notice you don't have any Peter Singer who I definitely an important contemporary voice. The Life We Can Save and Animal Liberation are both good. Oh, and since you mentioned Icelandic poetry, I highly recommend looking into the sagas. Very strange literature. There is a big book that Penguin did with something like a dozen different sagas in it.
I enjoyed reading Melville's novel as a teen! (OK, I didn't like to read at the time, and found it work. But I still enjoyed it and it stuck with me.) I do have some of Singer's books, Ethics in the Real World. I find some of his views morally problematic, but, indeed, he is a contemporary voice. Thanks for the suggestions, and thanks for watching the video.
I’ve been on a similar path as yourself. Trying to understand where we are and how we got here. Tracing the thread from nominalism to postmodernism helped me understand the contemporary world. Exploring the meaning of Christianity helped me understand myself and much more. I found your last library tour very helpful over the last couple years. So thank you for that.
Isn't it wonderful to have access to the wisdom of the past? I'm humbled to have been a small part in helping others find the great tradition. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@rogermaxson2512 It is wonderful. It's made me a more courageous and considerate person. Are you familiar with the work of Jacques Ellul? I think you'd find his “The Technological Society” and his “Propaganda” very insightful. I recommend him because I believe the question of technology is of central importance. The great theologian Henri de Lubac once said, “As man had once to free himself from the contemplation of the world, without ceasing on that account to be filled with wonder at this world which is the work of God, so must he now free himself from the manufacture of the world, without ceasing to pursue in it the work that God entrusts to him.”
@@crowley445 Quite interesting. Whether I like it or not, technology has run amuck. What you say makes sense. I'll add them to the cart. Thanks for the recommendations!
I appreciate your video, your library is impressive. Thank you for the tour. I too had a similar experience when I began my book journey, but the other way around. My atheology was stregnthened. I hope to do a bookshelf tour in the near future. I believe promoting reading is important for many reasons, especially in todays world of misinformation and sound bites.
AHHHHHHHH!! I feel like such a nerd that I almost jumped upon seeing that there is a part 2! Your original video help give my English library a massive, massive boost and very much inspired me (I have benefitted and improved greatly as a result, thank God), so I very much look forward to this one
@@rogermaxson2512 you have inspired me to always be on the hunt to expand my library and knowledge and are an inspiration to me, and have inspired me to make videos on intellectual topics I enjoy. thank you for everything Roger
I was looking to rewatch your first library tour only to be pleasently surprised to stumble on the part two! Really respect and admire the wide array of subjects you try to incorporate into your library, even with certain books and figures you heavily disagree with, and it's something I try to work on with my collection aswell coming from a Muslim background. I really liked what you mentioned about looking back towards tradition in order to address the follies of the modern world, there's a lot that has been lost on the modern man that can only be rediscovered through reading the works of those who have come before us. This reminded me of a relevant quote by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf on the importance of reading, who I recommend for a how well he's able to string together the common lessons of both the Islamic and Western traditions: "One of the greatest benefits to reading the great works of the past is an acquired immunity against the follies of the present. A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village. The person who knows the past has lived in many times and therefore, to some degree, is immune from the great cataract of nonsense that pours from the press and microphone of his own age." I'd also recommend checking out Blogging Theology's channel on YT if you aren't already familiar with it for some good recommendations regarding the topic of Islam and interviews with academic/expert figures on its theology, philosophy, history, etc. The role of Islam, both in the "East" and "West", is one that cannot be ignored in influencing the world that we live in today in almost every aspect of life. May God guide us all to the straight path in the pursuit of truth!
Thank you for the kind words, for watching the videos, and for the quote you shared. There is great wisdom in those words. I will pray for you tonight, my friend.
It amazes me that intelligent people spend a lot of time with researching history and christianity and still believe that it is the only one true religion.
I usually just listen to audiobooks that are on RUclips before going to sleep. I'm gonna go to my local library though to see if they might have some really good books.
Thanks for the excellent tour of your superb library. I'm curious to know more about your readings of the early Christians, and how their views are causing you to wrestle with your own. The truth is, I've run into similar findings on my journey of searching for the truth. May God bless you and your family, brother. Thanks for sharing your library and your heart with us.
Thanks for the kind words, and for watching, my Friend. I'm still reading and wrestling through that topic. But, in time, it's plausible I'll make a video discussing it. Best wishes on your search. May God bless you and yours as well.
Hi sir, could toy tell me the name of that series of books about ancient christianity that chronicle the first couple hundred years of Christianity that you have at 08:31? Really appreciate the video. God bless.
Great video. Awesome to see the theology and apologetics stuff (especially Strobel). I'm a presupp guy myself (Van Til, Bahnsen, Frame) but enjoy the Classical/evidential side as well. God Bless.
I've got a few questions - what percent of these books would you say you've read? How fast a reader are you? (how long does it take you to tear through a book typically?) Do you finish the majority of the books you read or do you mostly browse/skim through most of your books without finishing them?
Hi, Frederick. I'll try to answer your questions. It would be difficult to say what percentage of the books in my library I've read. I've read some more than once; say, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics or the Qur'an. As is the case with several volumes, I've read portions (say, a volume compiling John Chrysostom's works, I will read his comments on what I am studying, but not the volume in its entirety cover to cover). And, I'm constantly adding books! I can say honestly I've read a great deal of these books. Some more than once. Some I haven't read. Some I need to read again. When I started reading non-fiction, I was a very slow reader. Some of the concepts were foreign to me. I didn't understand what some philosopher or scientist or theologian would assume the reader knew before picking up their book... I had to read other things first. But, over the years, I've built knowledge, understanding, and improved my ability to read in general. Now, I can pick up a complicated technical work and understand it quickly, comparing what the author said to other authors. I can read popular level works rapidly, and understand them. But I didn't start being able to do this. We can all build on our skills! Currently, I don't invest time in a book unless I think it will be worth that investment, so, yes, I'll look at the table of contents, repute of the author, etc. before reading cover to cover. But, often, I read historical source texts or academic works referenced by other books, so I know they have value before I purchase them. Thanks for watching, and happy reading!
What an amazing collection! Since you mentioned wanting to explore fiction more, I think you would love Gene Wolfe, a science-fiction and fantasy writer who, in the opinion of his passionate fans, writes on the level of the literary greats. He was influenced by Chesterton, Dickens, and Tolkien, all of whom I noticed in your video. Check out The Book of the New Sun series sometime if you are in the mood for a dense science-fantasy work that explores some Catholic themes in a very unique way. Also, your comments about the problems with modernity made me think of two very interesting books I've read recently that seem to be your cup of tea: Why Liberalism Failed by Patrick Deneen and The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl R Trueman.
Now that you have the Church Fathers in your Logos software, I will happily supply you the opportunity to free up some shelf space and take the physical set off your hands. 👍
Thaks for this video!! Keep posting, maybe some book recomandation, but in a particular format, it will be great!! Btw, do you read bible commentaries?
Denis, I do read commentaries. More than ever, actually. I might make a video as to why. But, I read commentaries from a variety of perspectives: DA Carson, FF Bruce, classic Protestant like Calvin, Aquinas, contemporary Catholic, etc. The Expositor's Bible Commentary is worth a check.
Hi Roger, Very interesting library as usual. I watched the last two videos of yours about your library tours. Do you read the full book or you read the part your need to reference? BTW, I messaged you on facebook couple of times.
Hey, just found your channel today, love it. I think you'd like Andrew Willard Jones's work, based on some of the things you mentioned in this video. The Two Cities, which is more popular book and Before Church and State is his more academic work. He's the man (also found at Newpolity)
Question, but where did you find that edition of the Spirit of the Laws. I'm dying to find a good quality copy and that caught my attention during your tutor.
@@rogermaxson2512 You're most welcome. Hey, I loved your second bookshelf tour and especially the reflections you brought forth throughout. I'll definitely stay on board for future tours.
Glad to see a video from you! I just found your channel a few months ago and subbed, and was surprised to see you post. It seems like your intellectual journey has allowed you to accept Christ via head knowledge, but the longest journey is always from the head to the heart. I think prayer and repentance - and entering into sanctifying grace through the sacraments (baptism/confession) is what ultimately gives you certainty in faith - beyond intellectual certitude. We know sin clouds the intellect, so when we commit sins we are more likely to have greater doubts - which is why most people fall away from the faith during puberty - since lust makes you hate God. From first hand experience, as someone who was a hardcore atheist from age 13- 19, I know that the certitude you get from sanctifying grace through the sacraments far surpasses any arguments. The strictly intellectual approach to the faith completely undermines the reality of grace - the theologians and Christian philosophers were men who prayed first and foremost. Since the Protestant revolution, the rejection of the efficacy of the sacraments has undermined and since they lack the Eucharist they don't have the same spiritual benefits as the early Christians. Go to the mystical theological writings of many of the Catholic saints like St. Bonaventure, or St. John of the Cross, or St. Therese of Lisieux and you will see how theology is an embodied lifestyle that flows forth from prayer. As for your comment on the ancient Christians - I think they point toward the fact that the fullness of Christianity is found in the Catholic Church. The sacramental nature of the Church, the real presence of the Eucharist, the importance of oral tradition and apostolic succession, and the primacy of Rome are all such important doctrines to the Church Fathers - which I believe is fulfilled in the Catholic Church. Furthermore, only the Catholic Church has the 4 marks identified in the Nicene Creed - One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. And knowledge of the Canon of Scripture already presupposes the authority of the Catholic Church which compiled and determine which books in the Bible at the Council of Carthage 397AD. As regards to Rene Descartes, he is the reason modern philosophy has gone astray. It is because he rejects the scholastic realist axiom of "action manifests being", which is why he starts with Cartesian doubt. The Cartesian starting point of starting in the mind will ultimately lead you to Kant - the consistent Cartesian ultimately results in idealism. If you start in the private mental space of the 'mind' and divorce it from objective reality then you will never escape the private mental space. This is why the Scholastics started with being or existence - metaphysics is prior to epistemology. The realist axiom that action reveals being prevents the noumena/phenomena divide, and the mind/world divide. The history of modern western philosophy is an attempt at trying to regain scholastic realism - but with the Cartesian starting point. Which is why you have idealists and phenomenologists - all trying to maintain realism - but starting with the Cartesian Mind. Etienne Gilson has a good book on this called Methodical Realism. Anyone you have a really cool library brother, and I will be praying for you and your family!
Interesting thoughts. I certainly see that much of what you say is true. We aren't Vulcans coldly doing logic, apart from the other aspects of our being. We're human, and our wills, and even physical condition can affect our reason. I have noticed volitional issues in some who don't *want* to believe. I also see hard dualism as a trap. Though I have respect for Kant, I certainly see that Christianity worked to complete Aristotle's metaphysics to give us a more elegant and likely realistic model of being and knowledge than moderns can offer. The Christian worldview escapes gnosticism, materialism, idealism, and hard dualism. In Christ, the transcendent met the physical, which, I have come to understand, lends some weight to the traditional Catholic views you were kind enough to share. Thanks so much for your prayers! I genuinely appreciate that. Have a wonderful night!
Having been saved outside of the Roman Catholic Church myself, I have only become ever more increasingly convinced that Rome has long since departed from being a faithful church of Christ. I’m not looking to start a war here. I also don’t doubt there are many genuine Christians in Roman Catholic churches throughout the world (by genuine I mean born of the Spirit, children of God, inheritors of eternal life). I just want to say to my Roman Catholic friend, please read into the writings of the reformers. Look at what people like John Calvin had to say on the doctrines of Rome that she had adopted over the centuries, particularly the late medieval period. To this day Rome has not repealed the anathemas pronounced against believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (at the council of Trent) - that justification in the sight of God is to be received by faith in Christ alone by His saving work alone apart from works - Romans 3:23-28. And to clear up what you have claimed - historical reformed Protestants do *not* teach the sacraments are inefficacious. We teach they are not efficacious in and of themselves apart from the gracious work of God. Further, we lay claim to being one, holy, catholic, apostolic church outside of Rome. Because true Christians are one in Christ. We are holy in Christ. We are catholic, meaning universal, in Christ. And we are apostolic, holding firmly to the foundation of Jesus Christ Himself and the apostolic teaching. This is precisely why we do not return to Rome. Personally I have read the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church and seen areas in which teaching subverts certain doctrines of the the apostles (e.g. the doctrine of the sacrifice in the Mass and Hebrews 10).
I pray for our mutual understanding, wisdom and discernment, so that we would hold fast to the Lord and approve of what is good and right in His sight. If we ask with humble and believing hearts our gracious God will grant this to us - James 1:5-6. Many thanks for the video Roger, your dedication and honesty with learning to seek out the truth is inspiring for me.
@@doctor1alex You are misrepresenting our view. The Catholic Church at the Council of Trent Session 6 Chapter 8 says: “In what manner it is to be understood, that the impious is justified by faith, and gratuitously. And whereas the Apostle saith, that man is justified by faith and freely, those words are to be understood in that sense which the perpetual consent of the Catholic Church hath held and expressed; to wit, that we are therefore said to be justified by faith, because faith is the beginning of human salvation, the foundation, and the root of all Justification; without which it is impossible to please God, and to come unto the fellowship of His sons: but we are therefore said to be justified freely, because that none of those things which precede justification-whether faith or works-merit the grace itself of justification. For, if it be a grace, it is not now by works, otherwise, as the same Apostle says, grace is no more grace.” Read any of the Church Fathers and tell me if your ecclesiology or sacramental theology matches. Even John CALVIN recognized that the Church Fathers unanimously taught the Holy sacrifice of the mass, but he rejected the entire consensus of Christendom before him…
@@doctor1alex Thanks for the thoughtful comments, Alex. It is true, from experience, that many modern Christians in fundamentalist and evangelical churches deny the sacramental nature of the sacraments altogether. But it is also true, as you point out, that many Protestant Christians, who are closer to the historical beliefs (at least as I understand them), *do* believe in some sense of efficacy to the sacraments the Lord left us.
That interpretstion of Sartre needs some correction I think. Sartre had a very robust moral system, what he was saying was that morals arent founded in God, they are founded in ourselves. God, who doesnt make himself present on earth, couldnt care less about suffering in the world because he doesnt suffer, we are the ones who care and who suffer. We want to reduce suffering, we want a world with kindness, care and benevolence. We are doing this to look after ourselves. We are our own reason, and life is its own meaning and value. Your life has value because you value it. If you want to find meaning give meaning.
That... is an excellent question... to which I have no answer. I have these, and many more books that somehow migrated out of the library to my bedroom, living room, or are kept in crates.
Man, I couldn’t be happier to see this in my subscription feed. Your original tour is one of my favorite bookish RUclips videos ever.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
Mine, too!
Yea it was an absolutely legendary video
It's like the goat of library tours.
Thank you! I was still a teenager when I saw your first library video and I've since read quite a few of the books mentioned. It's really changed my life for the better.
How wonderful! I'm grateful to hear that.
So thrilled to see you making videos again, Roger! Your first library tour several years ago set me off on an intellectual quest I've never looked back from. Thank you, good sir!
Thanks for your comment! You really put a smile on my face. I've enjoyed watching several of your videos, and it's touching to know you watched mine years ago. Happy Reading!
I am really happy that you have a book about my country, Iran. The book of Iran's wars is amazing. I hope that we, the people of Iran, will be free to have a very good relationship with the West.
I hated reading a few years ago. Never read anything I didn't have to and definitely not for fun. Now I have a bookshelf and read a ton and love it. I watched your bookshelf tour years ago. Keep the faith brother.
Thanks, Carter
Loved the first library and reading videos! They inspired me to add some of the books you had to my own small library. Please keep up the library/reading content, I’ve searched and cannot find anything similar on the web. Thank you!
I'm glad to hear you found some books! Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching.
Thank you for a revisit to your updated library. May the Lord grant you a thousand years to read all of that.
Oh wow, it's been 2 years. Good to see you alive and well :)))
Back at ya! Thanks for watching.
Chesterton is a great writer. I've read his Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man multiple times over.
Glad to see you again mate after a very long time..Was fervently waiting for you
Thanks for the kind words. I hope you're doing well.
@@rogermaxson2512 You have been an impetus for me to read more and more
What an AWESOME surprise! Roger's back 😎
Your library is wonderful, thanks for sharing it. Inspiring !
Thanks very much for taking time to watch!
Hello, old friend. It has been a couple of years since your last bookshelf tour video, so this was a pleasant surprise. Your library looks more substantial and polished than last time. At 13:35, it was Alfred North Whitehead, who would be an amazing addition to your Philosophy shelf. As I said before, your channel is a little gem encrusted in the platitudes and rubbishness in the RUclips wasteland. Cheers!
Hello, Marcelo! It's good to see you on here. Indeed, it was Whitehead! There are a couple of his books floating around in my Nook.
Thanks, sincerely, for the kind words, and for taking the time to watch. Have a great one.
I've watched your old video many times, and like your taste in books. I'm glad you did this. I also did not enjoy reading until a year or two ago. Nobody in my environment reads on a regular basis. I find my discussion through RUclips and wish I could have dialogue with people about reading..
Thanks for making the time to watch, and for the kind words. One of the good things about social media, for all the bad things, is finding others to share conversation and interests with. Happy reading!
This video is such a treat; it feels like a 5-course meal ❤. You have filled me with so much wisdom and knowledge and have encouraged me on my bibliophilic journey 📚.
Thank you for taking time to watch and comment! I'm so glad to know I could be an encouragement to you. Happy reading!
I was looking for inspiring libraries an I've found you!!
I want to rearrange my small library and donate those books that may be helpful to others.
After that, little by little, I'll buy books that mean something to me.
Thank you for the inspiration!!🇲🇽
Happy reading!
Hey, Roger! This was such a pleasant surprise! Looking forward to watching it!
Thanks Beth! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Have a wonderful day.
i just saw you uploaded this, i absolutely love your videos, even though i am an atheist, i find your intelligence simply amazing and love your thoughts in these videos.
Thanks for watching, John!
Hey Roger, I always had your book tours in the back of my head for a year. I really hope I can some day have a book shelf like yours (I just turned 16 btw). I have been studying western philosophy lately (metaphysics in particular Shoupenhour, kant, Hume, Leibniz etc) and I want to learn more about Leibniz because I know he was a backbone for the philosophy in Germany in the 17-20th century for the discussion of existentialism and metaphysics, but I just don’t know where to start. It would be great to hear some of your book choices (It does not have to be strictly Leibniz if you have anything related to western German philosophy or just metaphysics, logic, ethics, morality, existentialism etc that would be awesome) Keep up the great work!
Thank you for spending time with these videos! For sixteen, well, you have a head start! Great!
As for Leibniz, I haven't spent a great deal of time on him, but I have a book called "Leibniz: Selections" from Charles Scribner's Sons. It's an older book that compiles many of Leibniz's writings on various subjects, like his Monadology and his thoughts on Aristotle's views of matter. It also covers briefly some of his work on calculus.
Frederick Coppleston wrote a pretty wonderful series surveying philosophy from the Greeks onward. They were re-published a few years back. The older editions are (or were) very inexpensive on thriftbooks.com. He touches on Leibniz a bit. The whole series is worth reading! Coppleston covers a lot, including the existentialists.
Also, Sir Roger Scruton, in his book Kant: A Very Short Introduction explains Leibniz's monad theory in order to explain the intellectual backdrop for Kant's thought.
I hope this helps a bit. Happy Reading!
@@rogermaxson2512 Thank you so much, will definitely take a look.
@@Coolbeansoooo83799 In terms of Ethics, read Ethical Intuitionism by David Huemer, probably the best book ever published on Ethics.
I know this is a random comment (but I do like to visit your library tour videos from time to time), but on the topic of reading deeply and reading synoptically, I used to try to read individual books very deeply and try to extract as much benefit as I could out of it, however since all man-made books are naturally limited, I was finding that while I may be getting a decent amount of detail about a very limited topic, my overall understanding was quite lacking.
So recently, I've been more focused on speed reading (don't kill me Mr. Adler!) various (non-fiction) books on a particular section (say ancient Iraq or ancient Greece) and thankfully I've been finding that I'm still getting a good amount of details from these various books, but I've also been able to make many more connections (since I'm reading far more widely), even if I don't master each individual book. Plus, I've been finding it easier to understand material better since different books in a general subject tend to repeat a number of common things over and over, so something poorly explained in Book A may be better explained in Book B and then Book C may provide additional nuances that weren't found in Books A, B, C. So the more you read in a given topic, the more your familiarity with it increases and thus the easier it becomes God willing, whereas trying to read a single large tome and trying to understand it inside and out may be overly cumbersome and frustrating.
In short, if a person is mostly reading non-fiction, it is important to remember that reading a book is simply a means of obtaining information and knowledge, so it may be profitable to speed read through many books of a given subject rather than trying to understand any single (man-made) book inside and out whilst neglecting the various other books on the subject. It is also super important to take notes and keep a Commonplace Book, as well as think about what you read when you're driving or other times in the day.
(of course, this advice doesn't necessarily apply to certain subjects like logic and mathematics which require you to not only think deeply about them but also to practice them over and over until they become intuitive)
Yes! I think you are on to something here! (I apologize for the late reply).
As you know, some books are worth reading more than once (Aristotle's Metaphysics, or the Bible, for example). Someone said if a book is worth reading, it's worth reading three times to understand it. But... it's not realistic for busy people to read every book three times!
I think your insight that some books explain certain concepts better than others is a good one. Maybe I read Bertrand Russell explain a concept of philosophy but found that Copleston or Feser explain it better. So, I'll give more time to Copleston or Feser. Etc.
To add to your point, some sorts of books, for me, are mostly for reference. Especially about something like current events or recent history. A mentor with a Ph.D explained to me years ago (when she was preparing her book for publication), that she simply can't read *everything*. So, she will get some books that are relevant to a topic, which one must be familiar with to be well versed in said topic, but won't read them all cover to cover. Other books, of course, she would read and refer back to many times! But even one she referred to for one small slice of the larger topic would go in the bibliography.
My general rule of thumb for my own life is to work on mastery (or at least working familiarity) with the big ideas found in the most influential books in world thought, usually reaching deep into the past (say, Aristotle, Aquinas, etc). Then, with that foundation, I will certainly be able to understand later thinkers or even peripheral ones (Kant, Nietzsche, Feuerbach, Freud, Foucault, Friedan, etc.). Since they will inevitably be referencing or alluding to the earlier, or more core ideas and thinkers. Or at least talk about ideas that are a departure from the earlier ones.
Eventually, my mind was able to engage quickly with various thinkers and ideas because I was "schooled up" on the larger conversation, as it were.
It sounds as if you've really been working on sharpening your understanding! This speaks very well of you! I hope you are well.
Hey Roger! I found your first library several years ago and really loved it. Even though I disagree with many of your points -I'm an atheist for the record. So, it was a real treat to see this when I took a glance at your channel. I really love your enthusiasm with which you talk about these ideas. It makes me want to read. Haha.
If it's okay, I wanted to leave you with a few suggestions on things you might be interested in reading. First, I saw this I your collection, but in case you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend reading Moby Dick. Often considered THE great American novel, epic in scope, biblical but could also be read in a postmodern light, I think. For literature, I can also recommend Siddhartha by Herman Hesse which wrestles with some eastern philosophy and with the meaning of life, but is written by a German. For ethics, I notice you don't have any Peter Singer who I definitely an important contemporary voice. The Life We Can Save and Animal Liberation are both good. Oh, and since you mentioned Icelandic poetry, I highly recommend looking into the sagas. Very strange literature. There is a big book that Penguin did with something like a dozen different sagas in it.
I enjoyed reading Melville's novel as a teen! (OK, I didn't like to read at the time, and found it work. But I still enjoyed it and it stuck with me.)
I do have some of Singer's books, Ethics in the Real World. I find some of his views morally problematic, but, indeed, he is a contemporary voice.
Thanks for the suggestions, and thanks for watching the video.
I'm so glad you uploaded again! I used to watch the old library tour all the time, found it therapeutic for some reason lol
I’ve been on a similar path as yourself. Trying to understand where we are and how we got here.
Tracing the thread from nominalism to postmodernism helped me understand the contemporary world.
Exploring the meaning of Christianity helped me understand myself and much more.
I found your last library tour very helpful over the last couple years. So thank you for that.
Isn't it wonderful to have access to the wisdom of the past? I'm humbled to have been a small part in helping others find the great tradition. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@rogermaxson2512
It is wonderful. It's made me a more courageous and considerate person.
Are you familiar with the work of Jacques Ellul? I think you'd find his “The Technological Society” and his “Propaganda” very insightful. I recommend him because I believe the question of technology is of central importance.
The great theologian Henri de Lubac once said, “As man had once to free himself from the contemplation of the world, without ceasing on that account to be filled with wonder at this world which is the work of God, so must he now free himself from the manufacture of the world, without ceasing to pursue in it the work that God entrusts to him.”
@@crowley445 Quite interesting. Whether I like it or not, technology has run amuck. What you say makes sense. I'll add them to the cart. Thanks for the recommendations!
@22:03 Where did that edition of The Spirit of the Laws come from? Do you have the ISBN for it?
I appreciate your video, your library is impressive. Thank you for the tour. I too had a similar experience when I began my book journey, but the other way around. My atheology was stregnthened. I hope to do a bookshelf tour in the near future. I believe promoting reading is important for many reasons, especially in todays world of misinformation and sound bites.
AHHHHHHHH!!
I feel like such a nerd that I almost jumped upon seeing that there is a part 2!
Your original video help give my English library a massive, massive boost and very much inspired me (I have benefitted and improved greatly as a result, thank God), so I very much look forward to this one
I'm grateful to hear that! Thanks for watching!
Wonderfull, divine library ! I loved it ! I have one , too. Congratulations!
Good to have you back Roger ! Very interesting and inspiring library of yours.
Thanks, Jose. And thanks for watching.
Wonderful video Roger, I've been a fan for years. Im an atheist but i always learn something from your perspective and topics you discuss
Thanks for taking the time to watch, Johnny.
@@rogermaxson2512 you have inspired me to always be on the hunt to expand my library and knowledge and are an inspiration to me, and have inspired me to make videos on intellectual topics I enjoy. thank you for everything Roger
So glad to see you friend
Thank you! It's good to see you on here, too.
I was looking to rewatch your first library tour only to be pleasently surprised to stumble on the part two! Really respect and admire the wide array of subjects you try to incorporate into your library, even with certain books and figures you heavily disagree with, and it's something I try to work on with my collection aswell coming from a Muslim background. I really liked what you mentioned about looking back towards tradition in order to address the follies of the modern world, there's a lot that has been lost on the modern man that can only be rediscovered through reading the works of those who have come before us. This reminded me of a relevant quote by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf on the importance of reading, who I recommend for a how well he's able to string together the common lessons of both the Islamic and Western traditions: "One of the greatest benefits to reading the great works of the past is an acquired immunity against the follies of the present. A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village. The person who knows the past has lived in many times and therefore, to some degree, is immune from the great cataract of nonsense that pours from the press and microphone of his own age."
I'd also recommend checking out Blogging Theology's channel on YT if you aren't already familiar with it for some good recommendations regarding the topic of Islam and interviews with academic/expert figures on its theology, philosophy, history, etc. The role of Islam, both in the "East" and "West", is one that cannot be ignored in influencing the world that we live in today in almost every aspect of life.
May God guide us all to the straight path in the pursuit of truth!
Thank you for the kind words, for watching the videos, and for the quote you shared. There is great wisdom in those words.
I will pray for you tonight, my friend.
You have inspired my reading habits so much!
It amazes me that intelligent people spend a lot of time with researching history and christianity and still believe that it is the only one true religion.
Such people rarely explore other alternatives in true depth
Mr. Behemoth, it’s because they’ve spent a lot of time researching history and Christianity. They came to the conclusion by logic.
@@richardpowell1772nice rethoric, but the biased was built priorly to the research and reinforced through it
Not an argument
True being the operative word!
Bro great video so far just started watching
Thanks for watching, Man! Cool to see you on here.
So glad to have found you, you introduced me to great works. Keep it up!
Thanks for the kind words! They are very encouraging to hear. Happy reading!
@@rogermaxson2512 I wanted to serve but couldn’t. What is like to serve? If I got this part in the video wrong, feel free to correct.
@@TheJudgeandtheJury I considered it an honor to serve.
I usually just listen to audiobooks that are on RUclips before going to sleep. I'm gonna go to my local library though to see if they might have some really good books.
Thanks for the excellent tour of your superb library. I'm curious to know more about your readings of the early Christians, and how their views are causing you to wrestle with your own. The truth is, I've run into similar findings on my journey of searching for the truth. May God bless you and your family, brother. Thanks for sharing your library and your heart with us.
Thanks for the kind words, and for watching, my Friend. I'm still reading and wrestling through that topic. But, in time, it's plausible I'll make a video discussing it.
Best wishes on your search. May God bless you and yours as well.
Hi sir, could toy tell me the name of that series of books about ancient christianity that chronicle the first couple hundred years of Christianity that you have at 08:31? Really appreciate the video. God bless.
Great video. Awesome to see the theology and apologetics stuff (especially Strobel). I'm a presupp guy myself (Van Til, Bahnsen, Frame) but enjoy the Classical/evidential side as well.
God Bless.
Also cool to see Boaz, Hayek, Nozick and of course Thomas Sowell. Again, great collection!
Thanks for taking the time to watch! Always glad to meet fellow readers.
I've got a few questions - what percent of these books would you say you've read? How fast a reader are you? (how long does it take you to tear through a book typically?) Do you finish the majority of the books you read or do you mostly browse/skim through most of your books without finishing them?
Hi, Frederick. I'll try to answer your questions.
It would be difficult to say what percentage of the books in my library I've read. I've read some more than once; say, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics or the Qur'an. As is the case with several volumes, I've read portions (say, a volume compiling John Chrysostom's works, I will read his comments on what I am studying, but not the volume in its entirety cover to cover). And, I'm constantly adding books!
I can say honestly I've read a great deal of these books. Some more than once. Some I haven't read. Some I need to read again.
When I started reading non-fiction, I was a very slow reader. Some of the concepts were foreign to me. I didn't understand what some philosopher or scientist or theologian would assume the reader knew before picking up their book... I had to read other things first. But, over the years, I've built knowledge, understanding, and improved my ability to read in general. Now, I can pick up a complicated technical work and understand it quickly, comparing what the author said to other authors. I can read popular level works rapidly, and understand them. But I didn't start being able to do this. We can all build on our skills!
Currently, I don't invest time in a book unless I think it will be worth that investment, so, yes, I'll look at the table of contents, repute of the author, etc. before reading cover to cover. But, often, I read historical source texts or academic works referenced by other books, so I know they have value before I purchase them.
Thanks for watching, and happy reading!
Great collection -- impressive.
Thanks, Andrew!
Thank you for another tour Roger!
Curious if you have interacted with John Frame's History of Western Philosophy and Theology?
Beautiful library Roger!
Thank you! And thanks for watching.
What an amazing collection! Since you mentioned wanting to explore fiction more, I think you would love Gene Wolfe, a science-fiction and fantasy writer who, in the opinion of his passionate fans, writes on the level of the literary greats. He was influenced by Chesterton, Dickens, and Tolkien, all of whom I noticed in your video. Check out The Book of the New Sun series sometime if you are in the mood for a dense science-fantasy work that explores some Catholic themes in a very unique way.
Also, your comments about the problems with modernity made me think of two very interesting books I've read recently that seem to be your cup of tea: Why Liberalism Failed by Patrick Deneen and The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl R Trueman.
❤❤
Hey Roger could you make an updated reading list? I’d love to know your top theological books
Now that you have the Church Fathers in your Logos software, I will happily supply you the opportunity to free up some shelf space and take the physical set off your hands. 👍
Ahahaha. Not a chance.
@@rogermaxson2512 😢
Thaks for this video!! Keep posting, maybe some book recomandation, but in a particular format, it will be great!! Btw, do you read bible commentaries?
Denis, I do read commentaries. More than ever, actually. I might make a video as to why. But, I read commentaries from a variety of perspectives: DA Carson, FF Bruce, classic Protestant like Calvin, Aquinas, contemporary Catholic, etc.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary is worth a check.
@@rogermaxson2512 wow, that s so amazing. I really like your library.🙏🏽
Hi Roger,
Very interesting library as usual. I watched the last two videos of yours about your library tours.
Do you read the full book or you read the part your need to reference?
BTW, I messaged you on facebook couple of times.
Hey, just found your channel today, love it. I think you'd like Andrew Willard Jones's work, based on some of the things you mentioned in this video. The Two Cities, which is more popular book and Before Church and State is his more academic work. He's the man (also found at Newpolity)
I will look into that, thank you for the recommendation.
Question, but where did you find that edition of the Spirit of the Laws. I'm dying to find a good quality copy and that caught my attention during your tutor.
It's a Cosimo Classics hardback edition, 2011. I'm afraid I can't recall where I bought it!
@@rogermaxson2512 Do you have the ISBN number?
I see that you don’t have much books on reformed orthodoxy. You need to explore reformed orthodoxy.
If you enjoy different perspectives on art and if you enjoy Star Wars you might enjoy some of Camille Paglia's books about art.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have found some of her work interesting.
@@rogermaxson2512 You're most welcome. Hey, I loved your second bookshelf tour and especially the reflections you brought forth throughout. I'll definitely stay on board for future tours.
@@solovief I genuinely appreciate that. Have a wonderful night!
Where can I find these bookcases?
They're not too expensive. I purchased these at Target.
Glad to see a video from you! I just found your channel a few months ago and subbed, and was surprised to see you post.
It seems like your intellectual journey has allowed you to accept Christ via head knowledge, but the longest journey is always from the head to the heart. I think prayer and repentance - and entering into sanctifying grace through the sacraments (baptism/confession) is what ultimately gives you certainty in faith - beyond intellectual certitude. We know sin clouds the intellect, so when we commit sins we are more likely to have greater doubts - which is why most people fall away from the faith during puberty - since lust makes you hate God. From first hand experience, as someone who was a hardcore atheist from age 13- 19, I know that the certitude you get from sanctifying grace through the sacraments far surpasses any arguments.
The strictly intellectual approach to the faith completely undermines the reality of grace - the theologians and Christian philosophers were men who prayed first and foremost. Since the Protestant revolution, the rejection of the efficacy of the sacraments has undermined and since they lack the Eucharist they don't have the same spiritual benefits as the early Christians. Go to the mystical theological writings of many of the Catholic saints like St. Bonaventure, or St. John of the Cross, or St. Therese of Lisieux and you will see how theology is an embodied lifestyle that flows forth from prayer.
As for your comment on the ancient Christians - I think they point toward the fact that the fullness of Christianity is found in the Catholic Church. The sacramental nature of the Church, the real presence of the Eucharist, the importance of oral tradition and apostolic succession, and the primacy of Rome are all such important doctrines to the Church Fathers - which I believe is fulfilled in the Catholic Church. Furthermore, only the Catholic Church has the 4 marks identified in the Nicene Creed - One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. And knowledge of the Canon of Scripture already presupposes the authority of the Catholic Church which compiled and determine which books in the Bible at the Council of Carthage 397AD.
As regards to Rene Descartes, he is the reason modern philosophy has gone astray. It is because he rejects the scholastic realist axiom of "action manifests being", which is why he starts with Cartesian doubt. The Cartesian starting point of starting in the mind will ultimately lead you to Kant - the consistent Cartesian ultimately results in idealism. If you start in the private mental space of the 'mind' and divorce it from objective reality then you will never escape the private mental space. This is why the Scholastics started with being or existence - metaphysics is prior to epistemology. The realist axiom that action reveals being prevents the noumena/phenomena divide, and the mind/world divide. The history of modern western philosophy is an attempt at trying to regain scholastic realism - but with the Cartesian starting point. Which is why you have idealists and phenomenologists - all trying to maintain realism - but starting with the Cartesian Mind. Etienne Gilson has a good book on this called Methodical Realism.
Anyone you have a really cool library brother, and I will be praying for you and your family!
Interesting thoughts. I certainly see that much of what you say is true. We aren't Vulcans coldly doing logic, apart from the other aspects of our being. We're human, and our wills, and even physical condition can affect our reason. I have noticed volitional issues in some who don't *want* to believe.
I also see hard dualism as a trap. Though I have respect for Kant, I certainly see that Christianity worked to complete Aristotle's metaphysics to give us a more elegant and likely realistic model of being and knowledge than moderns can offer. The Christian worldview escapes gnosticism, materialism, idealism, and hard dualism. In Christ, the transcendent met the physical, which, I have come to understand, lends some weight to the traditional Catholic views you were kind enough to share.
Thanks so much for your prayers! I genuinely appreciate that. Have a wonderful night!
Having been saved outside of the Roman Catholic Church myself, I have only become ever more increasingly convinced that Rome has long since departed from being a faithful church of Christ.
I’m not looking to start a war here. I also don’t doubt there are many genuine Christians in Roman Catholic churches throughout the world (by genuine I mean born of the Spirit, children of God, inheritors of eternal life).
I just want to say to my Roman Catholic friend, please read into the writings of the reformers. Look at what people like John Calvin had to say on the doctrines of Rome that she had adopted over the centuries, particularly the late medieval period. To this day Rome has not repealed the anathemas pronounced against believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (at the council of Trent) - that justification in the sight of God is to be received by faith in Christ alone by His saving work alone apart from works - Romans 3:23-28.
And to clear up what you have claimed - historical reformed Protestants do *not* teach the sacraments are inefficacious. We teach they are not efficacious in and of themselves apart from the gracious work of God.
Further, we lay claim to being one, holy, catholic, apostolic church outside of Rome. Because true Christians are one in Christ. We are holy in Christ. We are catholic, meaning universal, in Christ. And we are apostolic, holding firmly to the foundation of Jesus Christ Himself and the apostolic teaching. This is precisely why we do not return to Rome. Personally I have read the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church and seen areas in which teaching subverts certain doctrines of the the apostles (e.g. the doctrine of the sacrifice in the Mass and Hebrews 10).
I pray for our mutual understanding, wisdom and discernment, so that we would hold fast to the Lord and approve of what is good and right in His sight. If we ask with humble and believing hearts our gracious God will grant this to us - James 1:5-6.
Many thanks for the video Roger, your dedication and honesty with learning to seek out the truth is inspiring for me.
@@doctor1alex You are misrepresenting our view. The Catholic Church at the Council of Trent Session 6 Chapter 8 says:
“In what manner it is to be understood, that the impious is justified by faith, and gratuitously.
And whereas the Apostle saith, that man is justified by faith and freely, those words are to be understood in that sense which the perpetual consent of the Catholic Church hath held and expressed; to wit, that we are therefore said to be justified by faith, because faith is the beginning of human salvation, the foundation, and the root of all Justification; without which it is impossible to please God, and to come unto the fellowship of His sons: but we are therefore said to be justified freely, because that none of those things which precede justification-whether faith or works-merit the grace itself of justification. For, if it be a grace, it is not now by works, otherwise, as the same Apostle says, grace is no more grace.”
Read any of the Church Fathers and tell me if your ecclesiology or sacramental theology matches. Even John CALVIN recognized that the Church Fathers unanimously taught the Holy sacrifice of the mass, but he rejected the entire consensus of Christendom before him…
@@doctor1alex Thanks for the thoughtful comments, Alex. It is true, from experience, that many modern Christians in fundamentalist and evangelical churches deny the sacramental nature of the sacraments altogether. But it is also true, as you point out, that many Protestant Christians, who are closer to the historical beliefs (at least as I understand them), *do* believe in some sense of efficacy to the sacraments the Lord left us.
Roger do you have the Talmud there?
Selections, yes!
@@rogermaxson2512 you also read the quran?
That interpretstion of Sartre needs some correction I think.
Sartre had a very robust moral system, what he was saying was that morals arent founded in God, they are founded in ourselves.
God, who doesnt make himself present on earth, couldnt care less about suffering in the world because he doesnt suffer, we are the ones who care and who suffer. We want to reduce suffering, we want a world with kindness, care and benevolence. We are doing this to look after ourselves. We are our own reason, and life is its own meaning and value. Your life has value because you value it. If you want to find meaning give meaning.
Don't read. Comprehend!
You got me to read Mortimers book a couple years ago. Huge help.
Wonderful!
How many volumes do you have there, Roger?
That... is an excellent question... to which I have no answer. I have these, and many more books that somehow migrated out of the library to my bedroom, living room, or are kept in crates.
Great Speeches by Native Americans 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 alright dude