A very interesting idea came to me while reading one of the great science fiction novels of the era- H.G. Well’s: The Time Machine. The part in which the narrator goes back to rebuild the Eloi civilization. In his absence it is noted that all he took with him were three books. The book does not speculate on the identity of the three books but rather leaves it up to the reader to decide. Now this poses an excellent question- Which three books would you have taken?

Well In order to rebuild an entire civilization the choices must be weighed accordingly. One might ask the question- why limit it to only three? I think the author was trying to make a point by saying that something as mighty as modern civilization could all be based on the simplest of knowledge. As to my own choices two are quite practical and would probably be met with agreement while the third would receive its usual hostile greeting.

The first of my choices would be a current edition of the dictionary. Its always been said by many that the written word has been mankind’s greatest achievement and with this I would agree. Language of any kind is quite an achievement, but to preserve that language so future generations may benefit from it is astounding. Certainly a future world ravaged by neglect and treated as a monstrous smorgasbord of cannibalism could use a useful form of a written language.

The second would be a book of modern mathematics, since of course math is referred to as the universal language. The foundations of civilizations since the beginning of time have been reliant on a solid founding of mathematics. Irrigation, buildings of all shapes and sizes, farming and agriculture, computers and the like would all be impossible without math. I surmise that this particular choice would meet with the approval of almost everyone trying to reestablish a once forgotten civilization.

The third is the most controversial. Since I believe that the roots of any civilization should include religion, I would incorporate the Bible. Now this would be default of any Christian or Christian following. Now as to the other religions such as Hinduism, Islam or Buddism, the Koran or the teachings of Siddartha Guatama would replace the Bible as their religious manifestation. However I suppose just the concept of religion to be introduced to a future civilization no matter what religion it happed to be would spark debate. Religion has played vital roles throughout history in the building progress of various nations. Not to include it would be a crime in my eyes.

Of course trying to rebuild an entire civilization on the back of your own personal knowledge and three books would be a tremendous burden on anyone. But in the aide of rebuilding a ravaged world I suppose any book would be useful. You decide.