What is a classic?

I recently finished reading the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver Van Demille.  I enjoyed it.  There are many thoughts that I will incorporate into the education of our children.  The main idea behind the book is that there are two critical components of a good education, namely mentors and classics, meaning classic books. There are classics for every field, but when people think of classics, generally they think of classical literature.  That said, I think the definition of a classic will apply to all fields.

I think there are books that are classics in the minds of other people that I will not choose to include in my own library of classics. 

My definition of a classic so far is: 

1. Something that will help me teach the morals and characteristics that I want myself and our children to possess

2. Something that will help us appreciate the blessings that we have been given and the incumbent responsibilities that we have.

3. These will usually have stood the test of time, but I won't eliminate things based on their lack of age if they fit the other two criteria.

That is what I have come up with so far.  What are your thoughts?  Would you define a classic differently?

Heidi

I recently finished reading Heidi.  I think it is one of my most favorite books ever.  I love the imagery.  I love getting to know Heidi and wanting to be like her.  She loves to help other people and is so in tune with their communication both verbal and non verbal.  She wants others to be happy and does what she can to help them choose to be happy.  I love the book for the truths it teaches about God, about prayer, about faith and about repentance.  I love the book because it has application for me in my life and has already helped me to see differently and to be better -truly the mark of a great book!