So this is what they asked the WTO executive Supachai in a recent review. Here's how it goes: If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island, what five books would you take with you?

Here's a link to an article of the interview -- http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/trade/2003-11-19-wtochief_x.htm

i think i'd prefer things like 101 ways survive on a desert island, etc.

oh, and a boy scout manual.

I'm shocked!

Seems no buddy reads Mickey Spillane, anymore!!!


;)

Originally posted by MajiPirate
i think i'd prefer things like 101 ways survive on a desert island, etc.

oh, and a boy scout manual.



I agree that it would be good to have some practical books in that situation. However, I think you would need at least one book to keep you company as it were. Of course, if you are on the island for a long time I guess it wouldn't really matter since you would be reading the same thing over and over. But at least it would keep your mind occupied for a while. And give you something to do when you weren't busy trying to survive. Having said that, I have no idea what book(s) I would want to take for entertainment value. It would be a hard choice. Maybe I could be stranded with a library? ;) Oh, and maybe a librarian who just happens to be a survivial expert? lol

I think this question intends to see what, in your opinion, are books that you will read simply to savor its wisdom or ingenius language use, over and over and over again, even if you will never have a chance to use it practically or share it with anyone else. It doesn't make sense to really consider how you are going to survive or escape the island.

My list would probably look like this:

1. A thorough, general, rigorous and high-level treatment of either mathematics or physics. The kind that if one completely worked out and understood cover-to-cover, one would understand or be able to derive all of mathematical or physical knowledge we have compiled thoughout history. It would also by nature be a very effective time killer. Good candidates are such books as Hardy's "A Course in Pure Mathematics" (or maybe thicker books) or a Quantum Theory book (with actual treatment of problems and derivations, not those "reading for the mass" science books in Barnes & Noble) that includes and compares itself with Classical Physics.

2. An anthology of men's best poetry. Poetry is definitely something you normally read just for the pleasure of savoring its words, and is perfectly suited for this situation. It's also by nature something you read over and over again. I would bring "300 Tang Poems" (Chinese). However there are very large poetry anthologies out there that include 300 Tang Poems along with English/American poetries.

3. The Oxford Dictionary of English. It will kill a lot of time simply because of its raw size (the complete version weighs like 50 pounds). It will also serve as a mental medium between myself and the world I used to live in, since a book including all words in our language naturally includes all things we have. I could reminisce by flipping through its pages. A fair amount of our history is also naturally included in such a book. Eventually you could play word games with youself. If you want to write poetry, it will help you perfect it. Killing a lot of time in the process.

4. A thick, colored-photo laden, glossy and lush collection of our best pornography. It is obviously something you will never get tired of. Being alone, it will serve as an intimate companion in a way none of the other 4 books could.

5. I have three candidates for the last spot. Either the entire collection of Shakespear's Plays (in one think book), a selected anthology of men's greatest philosophers' ideas (Western & Oriental both), or a colored-photo laden Art History (thick as 5 bricks).

None of the five books are fiction. I am still trying to determine if one must be fiction, what book would be my candidate. It's very hard.