It is always a good reminder...

Incidentally, I agree with you on Night. I have visited Auschwitz 3 times, read widely on the horrors. It is a disheartening, horrible, read and experience to visit, but something more should do, maybe we would have more peace in our world... although I doubt it.

I can see how my exploration of the Mensa list might come across differently than intended. My aim wasn't necessarily to endorse this specific list or the 'IQ club,' but rather to explore the experience, the friction and challenge, that comes from engaging with demanding texts, wherever they are found. For me, it was less about surrendering judgment and more about using the list as a specific, challenging prompt to sharpen critical thinking against difficult material. Perhaps 'exercise regimen' isn't far off, but ideally one that builds perspective rather than just ticking boxes.

Thanks for the recommendation on Christopher Nguyen's "Value Capture".

Fair enough! Ain't nothing wrong with a regimen - I just think reflecting and choosing is part of the challenge.

Great point on the European/American spectrum.

haha - yes, in senior/high school my teachers were the same!

Thank you for sharing the link, I embedded it a few times. How the list is interesting (alphabetical) - I wonder how they are rated by Mensa grade 9-12 year olds overall

Anything by Lem and some early Wells still provide great joy at the age of 61!

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll definitely take a look.

Ah, wish I could claw back that feeling when I burnt candles to read the Dragonlance chronicles when 20.

Have you tried the murderbot diaries? Popular among most people and especially people here.

Thanks, I just put up a hold request in my local library.

Excellent catch, although I loved that book!

I should add that point as a comment on the essay, thank YOU - I will link to it

Fabulous, I did not know about those resources, thank you. Will review carefully.