His, father, Samuel, encouraged him to read some of the great literary classics, providing him with a ten cents reward for each book he mastered. ... Starting with the last book on the bottom shelf, he systematically read, or at least carefully perused, every book in the building. ... Another positive outcome of Tom's response to "The Principia" was that it helped him cultivate a graphically sound and free spirited style of thinking... and a desire to prove all things to himself through practical experimentation. ... And, even though his occasional refusal to accept established engine...

• Word Count: 3349
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This particular book dealt with the notion that the Russian peasantry was a viable revolutionary force, but lacked the capability of developing on its own. ... In response to a letter in a newspaper by writer Maxim Gorky criticizing the Bolshevik actions, Lenin wrote: "As the State is only a transitional institution which we are obliged to use in the revolutionary struggle in order to crush our opponents forcibly, it is pure absurdity to speak of a Free People's State. ... Interesting to note that a young Stalin, then the head of the People's Commissariat for Nationalities, wanted...

• Word Count: 1728
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate