People don’t read much anymore. The once glorious novel has been left to gather dust while we play videogames and watch Netflix. I’m as guilty as the next person so I’m not pointing fingers, but I still think it’s a shame. After all, most of what I know about the world comes from reading fiction. Here is just some of the stuff I’ve learned from literature.
Never, under any circumstances, give pigs any power.
Animal Farm
Never volunteer for anything.
The Hunger Games
If you think your lover has committed suicide get a qualified second opinion before you proceed.
Romeo and Juliet
If you’re going to invade Russia make sure you bring back-up.
War and Peace
Don’t be fooled by contemporary propaganda, children are savages.
Lord of the Flies
Contrary to popular belief, family isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.
Kidnapped
If you live in Wessex, England you’re pretty much screwed.
Anything by Thomas Hardy
It’s not a good idea to party with aristocrats from Transylvania – especially after dark.
Dracula
Be nice to the French. They tend to hold a grudge.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Don’t drink and drive.
The Great Gatsby
Whatever you do, stay away from Southwest Texas.
No Country for Old Men
Female teachers with Scottish accents are dangerous.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Sometimes, finding Nemo is not necessarily a good thing.
20,000 Leagues under the Sea
Expect the unexpected.
The Collected Works of O. Henry
On closer examination the meat packing industry is not as glamorous as one would think.
The Jungle
Never hunt whales. It will always end badly.
Moby Dick
If you find yourself in the woods with a talking rabbit … go home, you’re stoned.
Alice in Wonderland
And finally:
Make digital copies of your books just in case we all go crazy in the next couple of years.
Fahrenheit 451
WD Fyfe 
That last one is a must – and hide them where no stupid idiots can find them.
Really enjoyed your list, you’ve got a great way of pointing out the things we should take notice of.
Excellent list. But don’t forget “Never underestimate the power of a woman.” Anything by Ian Fleming.
Including “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
Maybe particularly Chitty Chitty Bang Bang between Mimsie, the daughter whose name I can’t remember, and the car itself. CCBB was a she, wasn’t she?
You got me buddy. I hardly remember the movie (never mind the book) but I think you and I are the only people in the world who remember Fleming wrote it. cheers
Absolute favorite: Anything by Thomas Hardy. 😀
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