Showing results for "Science and Religion" in Literature & Fiction

On the surface, this is a biography of an accomplished seeker who mastered the practices of yoga and brought a system for understanding the mysteries of body, mind, and spirit to students in the West. But, like the life of Swami Rama, this audiobook offers more than a sequence of astonishing events. As you read the stories of authentic guru-disciple relationships Swami Rama had both with his master and with his own students, you will see how the spiritual wisdom is transmitted through generations. This book also serves as a guide to advanced practices of yoga and tantra not commonly understood in modern times.

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 ...

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. H. G. Wells wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898, when there was much speculation about life on the planet Mars. The book is considered to be one of the first science fiction novels. In the story, an English gentleman narrates the events of a violent and fast paced Martian invasion. The frightening images of people fleeing from gigantic tripod machines and the prospect of life under Martial rule have served as a bottomless well of inspiration for popular culture. The novel has served as a template for many derivative or inspired works, including comics,...

The Lord of the Rings trilogy has delighted millions of fans worldwide in book and movie form. With the theatrical release of the two-part film The Hobbit slated for 2012 and 2013, attention will once again turn to J. R. R. Tolkien's classic works. In a culture where truth is relative and morality is viewed as old-fashioned, we welcome the chance to view the world through hobbit eyes: we have free will, our choices matter, and living a morally heroic life is possible....

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.

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 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)

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 ...

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, ...

In Critique of Practical Reason (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft), Immanuel Kant delves into the realm of moral philosophy in this pivotal second critique, first published in 1788. Building upon the foundations laid in his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant explores the essence of ethical reasoning and the principles that govern our moral actions. This work significantly shaped the evolution of ethics, establishing itself as a cornerstone for ethical theories that prioritize the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions over their consequences. Known as deontological ethics, Kants framework laid ...

In this intriguing 1920s American classic, renowned public speaker and self-help figure Elsie Lincoln Benedict introduces her controversial system of Human Analysis. She asserts that humanity can be divided into five distinct sub-types, each characterized by unique traits and appearances that have evolved over time. Benedict aims to equip readers with the skills to identify these types and appreciate their inherent differences. Although her theories have been dismissed by the scientific community, this book remains a staple in its genre and continues to captivate audiences today. (Summary by ...

In a world where education and status are supposed to open doors, Barbara finds herself struggling to secure a teaching position that would help support both herself and her ailing mother. Faced with adversity, she makes the difficult decision to take on the role of a hired girl in her community—a choice that challenges her sense of self-worth. Can service truly be devalued? Will the trials and judgments she encounters in this new role strip her young life of meaning, joy, and the dreams she holds dear? - Summary by HannahMary

Dante's Divine Comedy is considered to be not only the most important epic poem in Italian literature, but also one of the greatest poems ever written. It consists of 100 cantos, and (after an introductory canto) they are divided into three sections. Each section is 33 cantos in length, and they describe how Dante and a guide travel through Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.

Millions of listeners worldwide have treasured the visionary brilliance of Carlos Castaneda, who first explore the world of the Yaqui Indian sorcerer in The Teachings of Don Juan. Now, at last, Don Juan returns in The Power of Silence - wise, infuriating, capable or working miracles and playing practical jokes, but always seeking the wisdom of the warrior. The Power of Silence is Castaneda's most astonishing book to date - a brilliant flash of knowledge that illuminates the far reaches of the human mind.

Revivification des Sciences de la Religion est une série consacrée à l’œuvre maîtresse de l’imam Abû Hâmid al-Ghazâlî. Chaque épisode explore un livre de l’Ihyâ’ ʿUlûm ad-Dîn et met en lumière la richesse spirituelle, la profondeur morale et la sagesse pratique de cette tradition. Une immersion claire et fidèle dans les enseignements qui purifient le cœur, élèvent l’âme et guident le croyant sur le chemin de Dieu.

Frankenstein: or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. This is a classic (gothic) horror story, and one of the earliest examples of science fiction. The main characters are Dr. Frankenstein and his creation, the daemon. Shelley called the scientist a "pale student of unhallowed arts" and his creation a "hideous phantasm of a man." This story is not only delightfully frightful, but arguably represents one of the clearest criticisms of science during a time when, like the daemon, it was leaving its own infancy and, like Dr. Frankenstein, testing its ethical boundaries. As ...