Ayn Rand's style and substance can be summed up by the title of one of her books: THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS. She was a gutsy, independent thinker. While I am not philosophically congruent with Ayn Rand, I find myself agreeing with many of her conclusions. And I love her novels.

His influence upon me has diminished over time but I still admire his writing and his choice to live a modest lifestyle. I frequently reread the journal he kept for a brief while (the first book listed below) to regain my sense of grounding. He preferred brief, vivid explanations that (along with deBono) influenced my of presentation of ideas.

My thinking hasn’t been the same after reading Hayakawa’s most famous work. It gleaned the best insights and techniques from a very flawed system of thought (IMO), Alfred Korzybski’s General Semantics. Somehow, I managed not to be affected by the flawed left-leaning politics.

I suppose I can measure deBono’s influence by how it easy it is for me think "laterally", ie, to see in new and creative ways. Naturally, the developer of "lateral thinking" continues to innovate—he came out with the surprising THE DeBONO CODE™ BOOK in 2000. The way I wrote some of my "Think Pieces"—offering them in casual spoonfuls, allowing the reader's intelligence to pull the concept together—may derive from some of deBono's writings.

When I read Ceram’s famous book around 1982, I realized that my heart wasn’t in computer programming. However, two decades later, I have been too poor to engage in archeological field work. However again, this book has led to the realization that my eclectic reading choices over the years were dictated by an anthropological curiosity -- in myself.

If religious thought inhibits understanding, it should not be surprising that thinking which challenges religious conventions can be freeing and potent. By confronting religious dogma (however reluctantly), Darwin has set biology on the most productive path as well as freed minds from their religious straitjackets. I've gotta read his book someday.

Actually, the group of biologists who clarified the means for behavior to be transmitted genetically. Names such as E.O. Wilson and Richard Dawkins. They said that humans aren’t blank slates when they are born. It’s not a spanking-new notion, but these people were able to give it a scientific grounding. The newer term for this is "evolutionary psychology". It is this idea which prompted me to say: Philosophy starts with Biology.

Genetics and monomaniacal self-discipline made Bruce Lee a magnificent martial artist. He didn’t need special effects to render an impressive fight scene. Innovative. Egotistical. Charismatic. Decades after his death, he is still famous and influential.

This Welsh writer became an apostle to British biologist Alistair Hardy and his Aquatic Ape Theory after encountering the theory from British zoologist Desmond Morris, who mentions the theory regularly but noncommittally. There's nothing non-committal about Morgan. She has vigorously promoted it in her own series of books. I first heard of the theory from a wonderful Australian documentary called "Waterbabies". I don’t know if the theory will prove accurate, but it is fascinating in itself—and for the emotional reactions it provokes from scientists.

I remain intrigued with the notion of "focusing" introduced by Gendlin in his book of that name. I wish I could say that I am able to successfully use the method. I guess I'm the type that needs hands-on guidance. At least, the concept of "felt sense" was accessible for me.

It's hard to believe that Conservatives were once considered humorless and shallow (I know, I know, the Left is still milking that image). Buckley changed all that, especially with the very readable "National Review" magazine and his long-running TV show, "Firing Line". Selections from his syndicated column and speeches, etc, are frequently bound into book form for posterity. Too bad he "beliefs in Gott" and Bach.

A rarity—a reputable philosopher with such a knack for clarity that he can explain his and other philosophers' lofty ideas to the layman. He was a high-profile political activist standing for issues that I would have disagreed with, but he deserves a presence on my bookshelf. The book I name below is an easy introduction to his ideas (it's actually a TV interview).

Before I forswore religions and gods, the Baha'i Religion instilled within me the value of rising above partisanship. I remain a partisan on many issues, but, still, I try to find a higher perspective.

Just to prove how pagan I am. Compared to the prim Greek mythology, the Norse mythology is vigorous, even while being fatalistic (the Gods will be defeated at Ragnoruk, and they know it). It permeates our culture in little known ways, eg, the days of the week.

For them, pacifism wasn't the answer, either. Their reputation paints them with a vigor and adventurousness that I envy.