Showing results for "Politics" in Art

In this beautifully written and brilliantly reasoned collection of essays, Ayn Rand throws new light on the nature of art and its purpose in human life. Once again, she demonstrates her bold originality and her refusal to let conventional ideas define her sense of the truth. Rand eloquently asserts that one cannot create art without infusing it with one's own value judgments and personal philosophy - even an attempt to withhold moral overtones only results in a deterministic or naturalistic message.

In Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy, Bertrand Russell penned a profound exploration while imprisoned for his anti-war activism during World War I. This work delves into the groundbreaking contributions of late nineteenth-century mathematicians and presents Russells own philosophy of mathematics known as Logicism, which posits that all mathematical truths are ultimately logical truths. He reflects on his earlier significant achievements in addressing the paradoxes that challenged the foundations of mathematics, culminating in the renowned three-volume Principia Mathematica, co-authored ...

In the years leading up to his passing, Professor William James dedicated himself to articulating his thoughts on key metaphysical issues in a book intended for philosophy enthusiasts. He began crafting this introductory textbook for students in metaphysics in March 1909, driven by a deep ambition to complete it. Unfortunately, illness and other demands on his waning strength hindered his progress, and what is now available represents the entirety of his work at the time of his death in August 1910. - Summary by Henry James, Jr.

In Thinking as a Science, Henry Hazlitt presents a timeless exploration of the art of thinking, written in an engaging style that resonates with both young learners and seasoned professionals. Across eleven insightful chapters, culminating in a detailed annotated bibliography, Hazlitt meticulously guides readers through the essential steps of incorporating logic and context into their thought processes. The in-depth chapter on Reading and Thinking sheds light on the critical distinction between simply acquiring knowledge and using reading as a tool to spark genuine thought. For anyone who has ...

Step back in time to Easter Week of 1916, when Dublin became the battleground for the Easter Rising—a bold rebellion led by passionate Irish republicans determined to free their nation from British rule. This gripping account, penned by the talented Irish novelist James Stephens, offers a unique perspective from someone who lived and breathed the tumultuous atmosphere of the city during this pivotal moment in history. (Summary from Wikipedia and iremonger)

James Allens powerful and thought-provoking writings have inspired countless individuals. In The Mastery of Destiny, he guides readers on a transformative journey toward developing essential skills like self-control, willpower, concentration, and motivation. By embracing discipline and mindfulness, we can forge a life filled with lasting happiness, prosperity, and, above all, the mastery of ourselves. (Summary by Andrea Fiore)

Totem and Taboo Resemblances Between the Mental Lives of Savages and Neurotics is a thought-provoking work by Sigmund Freud, first published in German in 1913 under the title Totem und Tabu Einige Übereinstimmungen im Seelenleben der Wilden und der Neurotiker. This collection features four insightful essays, originally published in the journal Imago between 1912 and 1913, where Freud skillfully applies psychoanalytic principles to archaeology, anthropology, and the study of religion. The essays delve into fascinating topics such as the horror of incest, the complexities of taboo and emotional...

In 1906, renowned American orator William Jennings Bryan and scholar Francis Whiting Halsey curated a remarkable collection of the most iconic speeches throughout history. This anthology is thoughtfully organized by both geographic region and chronological timeline, spanning from Ancient Greece to modern-day America. The third, fourth, and fifth volumes focus on the eloquence of British speakers. In this particular volume, we embark on a journey starting in 1781 with a poignant address regarding the American war, culminating in the mid-19th century with a significant speech on the Trent Affair...

In the wake of the brutalities of World War I, Owen Wister penned a poignant call to action in 1915, urging the United States to abandon its stance of neutrality and join the Allies against Germany. His impassioned plea aimed to hasten the downfall of the German regime, which he characterized as embodying a new Trinity of worship the Super-man, the Super-race, and the Super-state. Wister was among many influential literary figures who rallied for this cause. His words resonate powerfully Perhaps nothing save calamity will teach us what Europe is thankful to have learned again – that some ...

This groundbreaking book serves as a manifesto for Progressive beliefs, predicting the shift from competitive capitalism to corporate dominance and the evolution of government towards a welfare state. By the time of Herbert Croly’s passing in 1930, only 7,500 copies of The Promise of American Life had been sold. Yet, its impact was profound, notably shaping the political landscape and influencing Theodore Roosevelt to embrace the principles of The New Nationalism.

Authored anonymously by a seasoned medium with two decades of experience, this captivating book served as a source of inspiration for the young Harry Houdini. Once a rare find, it became more accessible with the release of a facsimile edition in 1922, after numerous copies were purchased and destroyed by spiritualists. The preface promises readers that the mediums remarkable phenomena will be thoroughly unveiled and dissected, equipping you with the knowledge to perform these astonishing feats yourself. - Summary by Jordan

In The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell offers an engaging and accessible exploration of the key dilemmas in philosophy. He emphasizes knowledge over metaphysics, inviting readers to dive into thought-provoking discussions. Russell skillfully distinguishes between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description, while introducing pivotal theories from influential thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes, David Hume, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Georg Hegel. This work serves as a foundational guide for both casual readers and scholars eager to embark on their ...

Dive into a captivating collection of historical tales where commoners don the guise of royalty and kings slip into the shoes of the everyday. Discover the intriguing story of a Dutch merchant who sought a kiss from the disguised wife of Peter the Great, and unravel the mystery surrounding a farmers daughter born in 1750 in England, whose fame spread far and wide, even as rumors of her death were met with disbelief. Explore early legends of vampires and ghosts, and uncover the answers to these tales and more within this fascinating book. (Summary by mleigh)

Dive into Marius the Epicurean, a thought-provoking philosophical novel by Walter Pater, first published in 1885. This richly crafted narrative explores Paters vision of the aesthetic life, celebrating beauty and its profound impact on human experience, while contrasting it with mere asceticism. The book laid foundational ideas for the Aesthetic movement, influencing iconic figures like Oscar Wilde, who was inspired by Pater during his time at Oxford. Experience the elegance of Paters prose as he invites you to ponder the pursuit of beauty as an essential ideal.

George Edward Moore, commonly referred to as G. E. Moore, (1873 – 1958) was a prominent and influential English philosopher. Alongside notable figures such as Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and the earlier Gottlob Frege, he played a crucial role in establishing the analytic tradition in philosophy, shaping the way we think about ethics and the nature of moral understanding.

In the realm of psychology, the concept of imagination has often lingered in a semi-mythological state, evading clear scientific understanding. Traditionally viewed as an elusive quality reserved for the geniuses of society, imagination has been shrouded in mystique. Yet, as M. Ribot masterfully articulates, this notion is misleading. Imagination is not a celestial gift but a fundamental function of the human mind, present to varying degrees in everyone—from commercial innovators and pragmatic leaders to the most eccentric romantic dreamers. The key distinction lies not in the existence of ...

Explore the profound reflections of Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American writer, poet, and mystic, through two of his captivating short books. Delve into themes of existence, purpose, and the essence of life, all intertwined with Gibrans unique poetic style. His most renowned work, The Prophet (1923), serves as a testament to his literary brilliance. In The Madman, journey through thoughts on love, ambition, and the human experience, while The Forerunner offers insights on wisdom, knowledge, and the complexities of life. A must-listen for anyone seeking deeper meaning and inspiration.

In Book of Life, the renowned novelist, essayist, and playwright Upton Sinclair shares his most cherished insights on faith, reason, love, virtue, morality, and mortality. These two thought-provoking volumes are filled with his kind and witty advice that invites readers to reflect and discover wisdom that resonates across generations. Prepare to be both challenged and enlightened with each turn of the page. (Summary by Rom Maczka)

This book transcends a mere examination of Russian Jews; it is a profound exploration of the Russian soul. It reveals that the vast majority of Russias intellectuals—including nearly all of her remarkable literary figures—stand firmly against the persecution of Jews and any other race. Their unparalleled capacity for empathy and understanding of humanity sets them apart from others around the globe. Few works capture the essence of Russias genius and compassion as brilliantly as this one does. Here, not only the leading writers but also esteemed statesmen and economists come together, ...

In Long Road of Womans Memory, Jane Addams recounts a captivating tale surrounding Hull House, the renowned settlement house she founded in Chicago in 1889. A peculiar rumor had emerged that a Devil Baby resided within its walls, drawing many women to Hull House in hopes of catching a glimpse of this mythical child. As these women shared their often heart-wrenching stories with Addams, she was inspired to explore the intricate interplay of myth and painful memory in their lives. Revered for her groundbreaking work at Hull House, Addams was a distinguished sociologist, activist, and author, ...