Here is the general idea. A compilation of comprehensive treatises on various aspects of nature and our humanity that we can refer to as being a comprehensive representation of human knowledge, without having to invoke faith:
1) The Book of Penrose: A Road to Reality
Just found this recently. Its a mammoth treatise, over 1000 pages long, the first 338 of which are devoted exclusively to laying a mathematical foundation for the reader to understand the Physics to follow, which deals with the laws that govern our Universe, ranging from relativity to quantum mechanics.
2) TODO - Suggestions welcome
A treatise on biology, dealing primarily with the origin of life. Tempted as I was to put 'The Selfish Gene' by Richard Dawkins here, I did not want to put a book that offers the brilliant alternative way of thinking about genes that the book is primarily about. I'd rather that we go with something that deals dispassionately, comprehensively and rigorously with the subject of our biological origins.
3) TODO - Suggestions welcome
A treatise on real, rigorous Philosophy. I have read close to nothing so I urge anyone stumbling upon this to point out suggestions.
4) TODO - Suggestions welcome
A treatise on the history of Civilization
5) TODO - Suggestions welcome
A treatise on the history of Religion
6) TODO - Suggestions welcome
A treatise on the history of Humanities - Art, Music, Literature and Architecture
Compilation of these texts may help with the stimulation and standardization of discussion on each of the major aspects of human knowledge I have described above. Parts 4,5 and 6 are not mutually exclusive, however I think its fair to give history of religion a place of its own, given its impact on our history and while Part 6 covers too much ground to deal with in a single book I am optimistic about finding a great book out there that would do justice to all of the aspects it deals with.
Have I left out anything? I am open to suggestions. For eg. linguistics almost seems to be needing a place of its own. Not sure. A separate treatise on mathematics perhaps?
My brother pointed out, on hearing my only concrete suggestion for a book to go into the list, that this compilation might end up like all scripture: one that is revered universally but hardly ever read, and never really understood.
True as that may be, I'd rather that I go to my grave, grappling unsuccessfully with the understanding of these texts rather than pretending to have understood elaborate and poorly written myths.
Wouldn't you?
