The 1974 movie Zardoz, depicted a civilization structured according to L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz". What other novel could you build a civilization on? How would that civilization be better or worse than our own?
By 'novel' I mean a fictional book. This would exclude sacred texts (The Bible, The Qur'an, The Tanakh, The Veda, etc) as well as the writings of classical and modern philosphers.
Arthur the stray dog
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Excellent question! Boy... you got my mental juices going.
I can't chime in w/ specifics (right now) but several of the "Peaceful Warrior" books by Dan Millman immediately came to my mind. They stress personal growth, excellence and responsibility amidst any (even chaotic) circumstances. I would also probably take Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged", but temper it's objectiveism with "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse. Also too, "Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah" by R. Bach, would probably by in my selection.
That is the short list, for now, but really good question! I'm not a novel kinda guy myself , but I can't wait to see some of the suggestions.
Baron VonHiggins
Wow, you're definitely set upon putting the cart before the horse, Icky.
No, I wouldn't "build a civilization" on a novel. In fact, the presumption of a constructed or built civilization is an obstacle for/to philosophy. Why? Well, because the origins of civilization are related directly to the alternative, barbarism. Now, what would be responsible for the successful conversion of a barbarian to someone you, Icky, would accept as "civilized". Here's another way of conceiving the obstacle: was the Sioux indian aware that he was a barbarian prior to his contact with the Pennsylvania gentleman, prior to the gentleman's efforts to remake/actuate the indian? That a human being maneuvers on the variegated platforms of civilization, from the sophisticated cerebral one you take for granted, Icky, to the simpler one that follows Nature's text, is more likely. This movement is non-imperative, just as the contrary is non-imperative. With certitude I can see the degenerate inclination of your question, mainly because it is oblivious to the selfish appropriation of another's ideas for a dubious project.
Anonymous
The Fountainhead or to a greater degree Atlas Shrugged. Slapstick or Lonesome No More.
Marvin the Martian
I would say Animal Farm, by George Orwell. I believe that civilization could be built upon such because it also demonstrates the pitfalls of the very society that the animals created, enlightening us on how to avoid such mistakes.
Anonymous
I would like a civilization based on the magical kingdom by terry brooks, but i would settle out of court for something learned from atlas shrugged by ayn rand.
Ayaan Ali's Autobiography was very interesting and would be my anti civilization.
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As far as religion and philosophy go I prefer teachings of Jesus Christ and Confucius most. [I know you didn't ask]