SlipknotRlZZ Wrote:His Dark Material.
That series is largely responsible for who I am today. I read them as a kid and loved the story and the worlds and the characters very intensely. I re-read them a few years ago and was able to appreciate all the not-so-subtle religious subject matter: the condemnation of the catholic church, the reverse telling of Milton's Paradise Lost / the fall of man, and the celebration of a life lived unfettered by superstition and false myths thus recognizing the true beauty of morality and love in an otherwise absurd existence.
There's a particular passage near the end of the series that caused to decide to quit my job and return to school to follow my passion: music. I'll try to paraphrase without spoiling anything.
SPOILERINESS UP AHEAD FOR A BOOK YOU PROBABLY DON'T CARE ABOUT!?!?!?
When Lyra loses her ability to read the aleithiometer at the end, a skill which normally requires an inordinate amount of study and dedication, she panics because for the first time she cannot predict her future with any certain. When she asks one of the angels what she should do with her life, the angel responds "Learn to read the aleithiometer again." Lyra says, "How long will that take?" The angel replays "A lifetime. What you could one do by grace you will learn to do again through study. In this way you will gain knowledge that is much greater, and it is a knowledge that will never leave you."
I'm paraphrasing a bit, but not by much. It made me realize that there is no finish line in life. We view education as a means to an end with a big dollar sign over the exit door. It made me want to study a craft and be satisfied that I will always be learning, and that it is the process of learning which is the reward. Philip Pullman said once that so many children's stories in our culture (Peter Pan, Chronicles of Narnia, etc.) tell children that they should never grow up. That to be young and innocent is the best thing and adulthood and responsibility are things to fear. He said that children's stories should teach kids how to grow up and that responsibility and education are far more gratifying and thrilling than anything.
Sorry I spilled out so much. I just get excited whenever I hear about anyone else who likes those books. It's embarrassing how much I value what is ultimately a children's book, but there ya go.