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Restoring Democracy in an Age of Populists and Pestilence
Par Jonathan Manthorpe. 2020
“This global affairs veteran has carved out a solid, mature path, including for ‘flawed democracies’ like the U.S. We’d all…
be wise to follow.” — Vancouver SunFrom the author of the Globe and Mail bestseller, Claws of the Panda, comes a book quite literally for our times. Restoring Democracy in an Age of Populists and Pestilence is a thoughtful account of how we can save democracies from the despots and populists who provide easy answers to complicated situations, dumbing political discourse down to sandbox antics. Manthorpe argues that democracy is more resilient than it appears, and is capable of overcoming the attacks from within and without that have sapped its vigour since the end of the Cold War. He begins with a description of the events of 1989, one of the seminal years in modern history. This saw the end of the Cold War, and the apparent conclusive victory of democracy and its civic values. But the view of these changes as a triumph of democracy — as summed up in Francis Fukuyama’s essay "The End of History" — was short-lived. Russia, shorn of its Soviet empire, and the Chinese Communist Party, re-examining its survival after the Tiananmen Square Massacre, began devising ways to counter-attack the West’s triumphalism and these met with considerable success. Internal pressures and contradictions — wealth disparity being chief among them — threaten the survival of many democratic systems. Abandoned industrial workers turn to the repeated platitudes designed to appeal to those left behind without actually offering them the ways and means to catch up. Immigrants, refugees, and the reformist fixations of isolated liberal elites have provided ammunition for would-be despots. Adding to the pressures building on the political norms of our democracies, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought economic and social stand-still for which no country is prepared.On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times
Par Michael Ignatieff. 2021
Timely and profound philosophical meditations on how great figures in history, literature, music, and art searched for solace while facing…
tragedies and crises, from the internationally renowned historian of ideas and Booker Prize-finalist Michael Ignatieff.When someone we love dies, when we suffer loss or defeat, when catastrophe strikes--war, famine, pandemic--we go in search of consolation. Once the province of priests and philosophers, the language of consolation has largely vanished from our modern vocabulary, and the places where it was offered, houses of religion, are often empty. Rejecting the solace of ancient religious texts, humanity since the sixteenth century has increasingly placed its faith in science, ideology, and the therapeutic.How do we console each other and ourselves in an age of unbelief? In a series of lapidary meditations on writers, artists, musicians, and their works--from the books of Job and Psalms to Albert Camus, Anna Akhmatova, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Primo Levi--esteemed writer and historian Michael Ignatieff shows how men and women in extremity have looked to each other across time to recover hope and resilience. Recreating the moments when great figures found the courage to confront their fate and the determination to continue unafraid, On Consolation takes those stories into the present, movingly contending that we can revive these traditions of consolation to meet the anguish and uncertainties of our precarious twenty-first century.The Miracle of Mindfulness, Gift Edition
Par Thich Nhat Hanh. 1976
A new gift edition of the classic guide to meditation and mindfulness, featuring archival photography and beautiful calligraphy by Thich…
Nhat HanhSince its publication in 1975, The Miracle of Mindfulness has been cherished by generations of readers for its eloquent and useful introduction to the practice of meditation. Readers interested in an introduction to Buddhist thought, as well as those seeking to learn about mindfulness and stress reduction, continue to look to Thich Nhat Hanh's classic work for guidance and inspiration. This new hardcover gift edition features elegant calligraphic illustrations by Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as a dozen photographs spanning his early days as a peace activist to his life in Plum Village, a spiritual community that he founded in France. Also included in this edition is a historical chronology of Thich Nhat Hanh's life and work, and a revised afterword by Jim Forest.Acts of Faith: Journeys to Sacred India
Par Makarand R. Paranjape. 2012
An adventure into the heart of spiritual India that could change the way you think and live …
Acts of Faith Journeys to Sacred India is a sensitive and enriching exploration of the essential meaning and inner dynamics of sacred India Through a series of deeply textured narratives of well-known masters ashrams and sacred sites it engages with that area of contemporary India where the profane and the sacred intersect each transforming the other This unusual pilgrimage shows how the pathway to the Divine is plural and open rather than closed or restricted While there are many travel books on India few combine an inquiry into the meaning of India with actual visits to sacred sites encounters with contemporary gurus and reflections on perennial themes like faith and love Using both textual sources and actual experiences Acts of Faith tries to define what constitutes the sacred making for a highly interesting cartography of India of the spiritTaking Life Seriously: A Study of the Argument of the Nicomachean Ethics
Par F E Sparshott. 1996
This is the first book in modern times that makes sense of the Nicomachean Ethics in its entirety as an…
interesting philosophical argument, rather than as a compilation of relatively independent essays. In Taking Life Seriously Francis Sparshott expounds Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as a single continuous argument, a chain of reasoned exposition on the problems of human life. He guides the reader through the whole text passage by passage, showing how every part of it makes sense in the light of what has gone before, as well as indicating problems in Aristotle's argument. No knowledge of Greek is required. When the argument does depend on the precise wording of the Greek text, translations and explanatory notes are provided, and there is a glossary of Greek terms. Sparshott offers insightful and useful criticism, making Taking Life Seriously the best available companion to a first reading of the Ethics.Decisions, Uncertainty, and the Brain
Par Paul W. Glimcher. 2003
Winner in the category of Medical Science in the 2003 Professional/Scholarly Publishing Annual Awards Competition presented by the Association of…
American Publishers, Inc. In this provocative book, Paul Glimcher argues that economic theory may provide an alternative to the classical Cartesian model of the brain and behavior. Glimcher argues that Cartesian dualism operates from the false premise that the reflex is able to describe behavior in the real world that animals inhabit. A mathematically rich cognitive theory, he claims, could solve the most difficult problems that any environment could present, eliminating the need for dualism by eliminating the need for a reflex theory. Such a mathematically rigorous description of the neural processes that connect sensation and action, he explains, will have its roots in microeconomic theory. Economic theory allows physiologists to define both the optimal course of action that an animal might select and a mathematical route by which that optimal solution can be derived. Glimcher outlines what an economics-based cognitive model might look like and how one would begin to test it empirically. Along the way, he presents a fascinating history of neuroscience. He also discusses related questions about determinism, free will, and the stochastic nature of complex behavior.Human Nature: A Reader
Par Joel J. Kupperman. 2012
This anthology provides a set of distinctive, influential views that explore the mysteries of human nature from a variety of…
perspectives. It can be read on its own, or in conjunction with Joel Kupperman's text, Theories of Human Nature.Quintessential Dzogchen: Confusion Dawns as Wisdom
Par Erik Pema Kunsang, Marcia Binder Schmidt, Tulku Urgyen. 2006
This hands-on guidebook adapts the Dzogchen path for the modern student while adhering to traditional principles. The book is based…
on the direct, accessible style of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and offers a thorough grounding in how to study, contemplate, and meditate in this rich spiritual environment. Guided by an introductory teaching by Rinpoche, as well as 42 selected teachings from great Dzogchen masters, readers learn to access the pure, clear awareness that lies hidden under the constant flow of anxious thoughts.From the Trade Paperback edition.Fear and Trembling
Par Brittany Pheiffer Noble. 2017
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard’s 1843 book Fear and Trembling shows precisely why he is regarded as one of the most…
significant and creative philosophers of the nineteenth century. Creative thinkers can be many things, but one of their common attributes is an ability to redefine, reframe and reconsider problems from novel angles. In Kierkegaard’s case, he chose to approach the problems of faith and ethics in a deliberately artful and non-systematic way. Writing under the pseudonym “John the Silent,” he declared that he was “nothing of a philosopher,” but an “amateur,” wanting to write poetically and elegantly about the things that fascinated him. While Fear and Trembling is very much the work of a philosopher, Kierkegaard’s protests showed his intent to take a different path, approaching his topic like no one else before him. The book goes on to ask what the real nature of our personal relationship with God might be, and how faith might interact with ethics. What, Kierkegaard asks, can we make of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son, and of Abraham obeying? Arguing the unorthodox position that in following God’s incomprehensible will Abraham had acted ethically, Kierkegaard set out the parameters of a moral argument that remains strikingly novel over a 150 years later.Vegetables and Herbs for the Greenhouse and Polytunnel
Par Klaus Laitenberger. 2013
With our unpredictable weather, there's never been a better time to cultivate vegetables under shelter. Experienced grower, Klaus Laitenberger shows…
how to use the heat and shelter of a greenhouse or polytunnel to maximise crop production and supply tasty, healthy food throughout the year. He gives full details of sowing, planting, spacing and harvesting for all our best-loved herbs and vegetables, as well as introducing exotic newcomers such as pepino and yacon.Message from Heaven – Is anyone Listening 2?: A battle for your Soul!
Par Les Feast. 2016
Lost in life, not sure of your purpose for living? How did you get here: incarnation or just reproduced? Maybe…
you are an alien from another place/planet? Matters to ponder in life and death and what it all means. Is there a Satan and a God doing battle for your soul? If there was, what would be the outcome for you to avoid the traps of hell and damnation? Questions to ponder and a compelling story to inspire and uplift you in the excitement of this journey through life -- from before you were born until Death. May your journey be truly blessed and may you enjoy this read. Love and light, Les Feast AuthorFinding Our Way Again
Par Brian Mclaren. 2008
Shines a practical light on the spiritual disciplines that have been in use since the time of Abraham. In a…
sense, every day of our lives is labor. It is questionable if you can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices that have been in use for centuries, everything from fixed-hour prayer to fasting to sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality?Brian McLaren guides us on this quest for an explanation of these spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, we discover the beauty of these ancient disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide. Why have certain spiritual disciplines been in use for centuries and why is it important? It is questionable if one can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices, such as fixed-hour prayer, fasting and sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality?Brian McLaren guides us on this quest for an explanation of these spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, we discover the beauty of these disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide.Vegetable, Fruit and Herb Growing in Small Spaces
Par John Harrison. 2010
Whatever the size of your garden - whether it's a tiny patio or even if you only have a windowbox…
available - John Harrison can help you to grow fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, runner beans and much more to provide delicious food for your table.? Discover which are the easiest vegetables and fruit to grow in your particular situation? Make the most of your containers and growbags? Find out about dwarf fruit varieties? Benefit from John's practical experience and his no-nonsense advice? Enjoy the taste of homegrown produce, free of chemical residuesThe Wildlife Garden
Par John Lewis-Stempel. 2014
With the erosion of native wildlife habitats, gardens increasingly provide an invaluable source of food and shelter for Britain's fauna…
and flora. The Wildlife Garden is the essential guide to attracting birds to your bushes, butterflies to your buddleia and a whole array of other creatures into your garden - even if you only have a window box. Whether you just want to make an existing family space more wildlife friendly or go the whole hedgehog and turn your back garden into a mini nature reserve The Wildlife Garden will show you how to do it. There is full information on what plants are best for wildlife, on how to make refuges for insects and homes for bats, on making a pool for frogs, all whilst adding scent and colour to your surroundings.How to Store Your Home Grown Produce
Par John Harrison, Val Harrison. 2013
It's wonderful to grow your own fruit and vegetables but what do you do when it all ripens at once?…
How do you cope with the glut which threatens to overwhelm you?Will help all those who grow their own fruit and vegetables to store their produce properly so that it will last for months and feed the family when the garden's bare.Easy and practical advice on how to bottle, dry, freeze and even salt home grown fruit and vegetables.Discover the taste of your delicious homemade jams, chutneys and ketchups.John and Val Harrison reveal just what you can do with that bountiful harvest and share their 30 years' experience of growing fruit and vegetables and you'll never waste another tomato or courgette again.Praise for John Harrison:'Britain's greatest allotment authority'. Indpendent on Sunday.Whatever the size of your garden or allotment, you can grow your own vegetables. Even if you only have a…
balcony or a small paved area outside your kitchen, you can grow more than you ever thought possible in pots, containers and raised beds.Experienced vegetable grower John Harrison takes you through the entire vegetable year so that, for all the main vegetables, you'll know exactly when you should sow your seeds, dig your plot and harvest your crops.Choose the most appropriate vegetables for your particular soil and select the right position so that they flourish. Discover how to make your own compost and organic fertilisers, as well as the best methods of controlling pests. Find out how to extend the season by buying or building your own cloches and cold frames.Put an end to worries that your shop-bought vegetables contain chemical residues or to concerns about the air miles such vegetables have flown en route to your table!The Kitchen Herb Garden: A Seasonal Guide To Growing, Cooking And Using Culinary Herbs
Par Maureen Little. 2012
This book is full of inspiration and practical advice on cultivating a kitchen herb garden,and on using its fresh,home-grown herbs…
in your cooking. There is detailed information on how to plan,plant,grow and maintain thirty selected herbs in a herb garden that will always be productive.Additionally,there are over sixty delicious recipes - from soups to sauces - for using herbs in your kitchen.The book includes information on:Which culinary herbs to plant,and how to grow them. Illustrated planting plans for designing different types of herb garden. Using herbs to flavour oils, vinegars, butters,sugars and jellies. How to harvest,dry and preserve your herbs How to grow herbs in containers. How to match herbs to ingredients in your cooking.How to cultivate a lot of home-grown vegetables from the smallest possible space. When space is at a premium, growing…
decent food to eat might seem an impossible task. Patio Produce is about just that; growing delicious, wholesome fruit and vegetables in the smallest spaces. It shows you how to make the most of pots and planters; how to create decorative but edible displays; how to plan for a reasonable yield; and how never to run out of at least something special to eat. If you have a balcony on a high rise, a roof garden or a patio, you can immeasurably enhance your quality of life, maintain your health and enjoy some amazing meals from the freshest and richest ingredients. Patio Produce goes from plant pot to plate. Think quality, freshness, flavour and put these thoughts into your ever greening fingers. Inside there are detailed step-by-step instructions how to grow on the patio - not just for novelty's sake, but for flavour and an enhanced eating experience. You might not have all the space in the world, but you can enjoy all the flavour in the world. To know you have grown, nurtured, harvested and cooked to perfection your own vegetables and fruit, will make this book into an old friend.Contents: Preface; Chapter 1: The Environment of the Patio; Chapter 2: Planning for Crops All the Year Round; Chapter 3: Plants Grow Differently in Pots; Chapter 4: The Patio Gardener's Year; Chapter 5; How to Grow Vegetables on the Patio; Chapter 6: How to Grow Fruit on the Patio; Chapter 7: How to Grow Herbs on the Patio; Chapter 8: Varieties of Fruit and Vegetables; IndexTantric Ethics: An Explanation of the Precepts for Buddhist Vajrayana Practice
Par Jeffrey Hopkins, Gareth Sparham, Je Tsongkhapa. 2005
Tantra, or Vajrayana, Buddhism is a set of esoteric practices that involve mantra recitation and complex visualizations. Tantra constitutes the…
fabric of a Tibetan Buddhist's daily practice, but no practice of tantra can be successful without adherence to the tantric precepts, the highest of three complementary sets of vows. Tsongkhapa is perhaps the greatest philosopher ever produced by Tibet's Buddhist culture, and this book is a translation of his explanation of the tantric precepts.The Common Good: Chinese and American Perspectives
Par David Solomon, P C Lo. 2014
This book addresses the Confucian philosophy of common good and deals with the comparative philosophy on eastern and western understandings…
of common good. The common good is an essentially contested concept in contemporary moral and political discussions. Although the notion of the common good has a slightly antique air, especially in the North Atlantic discussion, it has figured prominently in both the sophisticated theoretical accounts of moral and political theory in recent years and also in the popular arguments brought for particular political policies and for more general orientations toward policy. It has been at home both in the political arsenal of the left and the right and has had special significance in ethical and political debates in modern and modernizing cultures. This text will be of interest to philosophers interested in Chinese philosophy and issues related to individualism and communitarianism, ethicists and political philosophers, comparative philosophers, and those in religious studies working on Chinese religion.