Literature that changed lives: books from international guests in the library exposition of the National Centre RUSSIA
International participants of the "Inventing the
Future" International Symposium have donated books to the library
exposition of the National Centre RUSSIA — books that had a profound impact on
them. The guests noted that these works played a key role in shaping their
worldview and could serve as an inspiration for Russian readers.
Architect
and founder of James Law Cybertecture, James Law (China), donated a copy of
Herbert Wells' "The Time Machine." He recalled how, as a child, he
found this book in a library without realizing that it would define his future.
"Reading
'The Time Machine' was more than just a childhood adventure — it was a turning
point that laid the foundation for my career as a futuristic architect,"
James Law noted.
According
to him, the novel influenced his philosophy and shaped his belief that
architecture should strengthen human connections rather than isolate people.
John
Molera, Director of Policy and Research at DD Geopolitics (USA), donated two
books: Arthur Clarke's "Childhood's End" and Boris Groys' "The
Communist Postscript." As a child, he was fascinated by Clarke's novel,
particularly the idea of humanity transitioning to a new level of development.
"Even
at such a young age, I approved of the efforts of the 'Overlords' in guiding
human evolution and striving toward a unified goal," said John Molera.
Later, his
perspective was broadened by Groys' work on communism in the post-Soviet era,
which he considers essential for understanding a multipolar world.
Majed
Al-Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future in the UAE, donated
books by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "My Story," "My
Vision," and "Reflections on Happiness and Positive Thinking."
He noted that the words of the Sheikh, who transformed Dubai into a megacity,
continue to inspire him: "The future belongs to those who can imagine it,
design it, and bring it to life. It is not something you wait for, but
rather something you create yourself."
Honorary
Consul of the Russian Federation in Canada, John Stewart Durrant, donated
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London and "The Empire Annual for
Boys." He shared that these books belonged to his grandfather and were
significant to him in his youth.
Italian
science fiction writer Roberto Quaglia donated Robert Sheckley’s "The
Alchemical Marriage of Alistair Crompton" to the National Centre RUSSIA. This
book marked the beginning of his fascination with Sheckley’s work, which later
influenced his own writing career.
Serbian
science fiction writer Goran Skrobonja gifted a copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s
"Slaughterhouse-Five," emphasizing the novel’s impact on shaping his
literary style and worldview.
The book
donation took place as part of the First International Symposium "Inventing
the Future", aimed at strengthening international cooperation and dialogue
between nations.
The Second International Symposium "Inventing the Future" will be held at the National Centre RUSSIA in October 2025. The first meeting of the Symposium's moderators has already taken place, bringing together representatives of state partner organizations of the National Centre RUSSIA, science fiction writers, and literary scholars. Experts discussed key, in-demand support measures for the science fiction genre and topics for discussion at the upcoming Symposium.
The library exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA began
taking shape during the First International Symposium "Inventing the
Future." The first editions were donated to the library by international
guests.
Hosted festive events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Association of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East of the Russian Federation, and the 95th anniversary of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra.
The international campaign "Victory Dictation" took place in Moscow on April 25 across 497 venues.
Essayist participating in the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" took a guided tour of the interactive exposition "Journey Across Russia".