Showing results for "Politics" in Science & Engineering

Tornadoes, cyclones, tsunamis… Weather can be deadly – especially when it strikes without warning. Millions of Americans could soon find themselves at the mercy of violent weather if the public data behind lifesaving storm alerts gets privatized for personal gain. In his first Audible Original feature, New York Times best-selling author and journalist Michael Lewis delivers hard-hitting research on not-so-random weather data – and how Washington plans to release it.

Are we deranged? The acclaimed Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh argues that future generations may well think so. How else to explain our imaginative failure in the face of global warming? In his first major book of nonfiction since In an Antique Land, Ghosh examines our inability - at the level of literature, history, and politics - to grasp the scale and violence of climate change.

Boarding an airplane strikes at least a small sense of fear into most people. Even though we all have heard that the odds of being struck by lightning are greater than the odds of perishing in a plane crash, it still doesn't feel that way. Airplane crashes might be rare, but they do happen, and they’re usually fatal. David Soucie insists that most of these deaths could be prevented. He’s worked as a pilot, a mechanic, an FAA inspector, and an aviation executive. He’s seen death up close and personal - deaths of colleagues and friends that might have been prevented if he had approved certain safety measures in the aircrafts they were handling.

The Quantum Rules applies the laws of physics to explain everything from relationships and human nature to the effects of globalization. It achieves the impossible task of making quantum physics deeply relevant to all listeners - even those with no interest in science. With a lively and engaging tone, author Kunal Das ponders the underlying truths and patterns in our shared and common life experiences, using insights derived from the fundamental laws of physics.

The story of human civilization can be read most deeply in the materials we have found or created, used or abused. They have dictated how we build, eat, communicate, wage war, create art, travel, and worship. Some, such as stone, iron, and bronze, lend their names to the ages. Others, such as gold, silver, and diamond, contributed to the rise and fall of great empires.

Dive into Oscar Wildes captivating exploration of individuality and artistic freedom in Soul of Man. Originally published as The Soul of Man Under Socialism, this work transcends conventional political analysis, presenting a vibrant manifesto advocating for the Individual. Wilde argues that socialism, by harnessing technology, liberates humanity from the shackles of soul-crushing labor, allowing the State to fade away and paving the way for a joyful, anarchic hedonism. He provocatively asks, Is this Utopian? and asserts that a world map without Utopia is incomplete, as it neglects the one ...

In this captivating two-part exploration, Princess Catherine Radziwill reveals Rasputin not as a powerful mystic, but rather as a charlatan and unwitting pawn of Germany. Part one delves into the social and religious landscape of pre-WWI Russia, analyzing the unique cultural conditions that enabled Rasputin to rise to prominence. Radziwill dismantles the myth of Rasputins significant influence in the Russian government, portraying him instead as a hedonistic, illiterate peasant manipulated into furthering Germanys agenda. Through firsthand accounts from Radziwill and others, listeners gain an ...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the ideas of John McTaggart, a British metaphysician renowned for his philosophical idealism. We explore his seminal article in the periodical Mind, where he presents the intriguing concepts of the A, B, and C series—a framework that has significantly shaped our understanding of the nature of time.

Step back into the Court of Liang around 300 B.C., where philosophers were honored guests of the reigning king, enjoying lodging and sustenance as they pursued truth and wisdom. While the origins of Yang Chu remain a mystery, his choice to settle in the Wei State during King Hwei’s reign is well noted. Here, he lived as a modest proprietor until his death around 250 B.C. Imagine a life reminiscent of Epicurus in his renowned Athenian Garden, where the philosopher of pleasure and contentment welcomed students and disciples for enlightening discourses. These discussions, much like those in ...

This investigation delves into the deportations of individuals classified as unlawfully present in the United States during the years 1919-1920. Its aim is to shed light on practices that contradict the core American values of justice and fairness. - Summary by Constantine Panunzio, from the introduction

In the prelude to World War II, amidst the fervor of the Modernist movement in philosophy, George Santayana crafted five insightful essays. He delves into John Locke’s sensationalism, explores British Idealism, examines the implications of the Theory of Relativity, dissects Freud’s psychological theories, and reflects on Julien Benda’s discourse on the relationship between God and the world. Join us as we navigate these profound ideas and their relevance to contemporary thought. (Summary written by Gary)

Dive into a thought-provoking critique of classical socialism through a series of engaging letters addressed to Mr. Smith. Authored by the former editor of the New York-based Common Cause magazine, this work offers insightful commentary and analysis that challenges conventional perspectives. Summary by KevinS.

In Twilight of the Idols, Nietzsche offers a powerful critique of the old truths that have long dominated our thinking. As he notes in Ecce Homo, this work serves as a swift guide to understanding how the world has been turned upside down before his time. The “Idols” he refers to represent the outdated beliefs that are now crumbling. This book stands as a vital resource for anyone seeking to grasp the essence of Nietzsche’s philosophy. Here, he masterfully engages in the transvaluation of values, wielding his language with precision and depth. However, be warned this is not an easy read....

In Psychopathology of Everyday Life, Professor Freud unveils the intricate world of psychoanalysis by examining borderline cases of mental illness, including hysteria and compulsive neurosis. Through a meticulous study of his patients lives, Freud demonstrates that seemingly arbitrary symptoms harbor profound meanings, each linked to specific conflicts within the individual. His groundbreaking work reveals that the boundary between normal and neurotic behavior is surprisingly thin, with the mechanisms of psychopathology often appearing in milder forms in everyday people. This exploration led ...

“Nature has granted to all to be happy if we but knew how to use her gifts.”—Claudius. We all experience moments of feeling down or low, even when we arent clinically depressed or in need of medical intervention. This podcast explores, in accessible language, the roots and repercussions of mental struggles, while offering practical suggestions to uplift our state of mind. Please note that some listeners may find the views on homosexuality expressed in this work to be reflective of its time. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

Discover a collection of publications from the Friends of Ukraine, released during the tumultuous period following the First World War, as Ukraine fought valiantly for its independence. (Summary by KevinS)

Dive into the world of spectral phenomena through the eyes of a skeptical author who examines famous ghostly encounters. Drawing on early 20th-century scientific research in psychology, he sheds light on concepts like suggestion and hallucinations, while also exploring his intriguing beliefs in mesmerism and telepathy. The journey concludes with a fascinating look at ghost hunters and those who investigate psychic phenomena. - Summary by Rapunzelina

Ambassador Morgenthau’s memoirs from his time serving the United States in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) serve as a vital primary historical source for understanding the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the harrowing events of the Armenian Genocide. During this tragic period, an estimated 1,500,000 Armenians living in Anatolia were systematically murdered in a concerted effort to eliminate Turkey’s non-Turkish populations. Morgenthau left Turkey feeling deeply frustrated, having exhausted every diplomatic avenue to stop the atrocities, yet witnessing the horrors unfold without ...

In this insightful exploration, Jung delves into the intricate transformations and symbolisms of the libido, providing a significant contribution to our understanding of the evolution of thought throughout history.

Dive into a thoughtful and philosophical exploration of the French Revolution and the intricacies of the Old Regime. In this profound work, Alexis de Tocqueville meticulously captures the essence of French political society under the monarchy, revealing the true sources of power and their impact on the daily lives of individuals. He examines the conditions of various social classes, including the nobility, clergy, middle class, common people, and peasantry, highlighting what set France apart from its European neighbors and why a revolution was not just likely, but inevitable. The insights ...