I gained so much insight how "financial innovation has been an indispensable factor in man's advance from wretched subsistence to the giddy heigh...moreI gained so much insight how "financial innovation has been an indispensable factor in man's advance from wretched subsistence to the giddy heights of material prosperity" ... how "the evolution of credit and debt was as important as any technological innovation in the rise of civilization ..."(less)
I enjoy insightful histories, and this is a good one to learn from -- real-life examples of how societies collapsed when they overpopulated and misman...moreI enjoy insightful histories, and this is a good one to learn from -- real-life examples of how societies collapsed when they overpopulated and mismanaged their renewable resources. Certainly an object lesson for our times and a vision of what's likely to happen if we don't ecologically wake up soon.(less)
I got to interview the author of this book on my Pathways radio show (which is podcast at Divination.com). By a Boston College sociology professor, th...moreI got to interview the author of this book on my Pathways radio show (which is podcast at Divination.com). By a Boston College sociology professor, this is a positive and practical treatment on how we can re-orient our values away from a monetary-based way of thinking (and the “poverty consciousness” that comes with it).
First, the author shows how “business as usual” (which she refers to as “BAU”) is coming to an end, whether we like it or not. There is just no way that five percent of the world’s population will be allowed to consume 25 percent of the remaining oil, for instance — no matter how oversized its military may be.
Because of America’s careless indebtedness for consumption (and war), the developing world (where almost all of the oil is) is gaining relative power. Plus, two billion Chinese and Indians want to be over-consumers like us. Even if we reduce our own consumption (fat chance), the overall consumption is bound to grow with BUA. This is a huge problem because the planet cannot sustain higher levels of over-consumption, not to mention possibly violent competition for energy resources!
What can we do? What can YOU do? Schor’s book provides some new and surprising answers. In addition to letting go of BUA thinking — i.e. in which only things that are measured in dollars are considered valuable – the author encourages us to recognize our “true wealth” — things like the value of time, knowledge, community, creativity and nature. She is advocating for a radical change of orientation that includes less full-time “work” and more of a balanced life, based on real enrichment not consumption.(less)
Interesting study of how different cultures relate to time -- do they live by "event time" or "flow time." It's interesting to not...moreInteresting study of how different cultures relate to time -- do they live by "event time" or "flow time." It's interesting to note how, in some cultures, "doing nothing is highly treasured and not seen as merely a break in the action, but as a productive and creative force." The concept of "hurry-sickness' and how we in the US are so afflicted is interesting too.(less)
Just finished the book "The Female Brain." Wow ... I can see that I needed more insight in...moreHere's a blog I wrote about this book:
Just finished the book "The Female Brain." Wow ... I can see that I needed more insight into what you ladies are dealing with ... and am so glad for the increased knowledge!
Every 28 days or so, your brain is bobbing in a surging sea of fluctuating hormones. (Although I haven't read her book "The Male Brain" yet, I'm know that men must be much more boring.) I can see how a better understand of your own and your friends' cycles could improve your social networking! And, for males flooded with massive amounts of testosterone most of the time, it would be useful to have some clue as to when is a good time to approach your sweetie and when is not! (I wish there were more regularity to these damn cycles! :-)
And, of course, women have to deal with monumentally transforming events that involve massive amounts of hormone changes -- things like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause. We males have changes of our own in life, but nothing even remotely like this!
This book should be required reading for everyone (I'd recommend gifting it to your mate). I can tell you, as a man, it has increased my empathy for women (and improved my timing :-). Oh, yes ... sometimes there's tension, but never a dull moment ... viva la difference!
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A must read for anyone who wants to better understand how crazy the reality (or unreality) of our modern society is! It's hard to figure how our fanta...moreA must read for anyone who wants to better understand how crazy the reality (or unreality) of our modern society is! It's hard to figure how our fantasy-based, illiterate populace could possibly redeem itself in less than a few generations.(less)
A bit turgid, this academic history of international banking and the gold standard gave me a lot of perspective on banking and how it came to be the w...moreA bit turgid, this academic history of international banking and the gold standard gave me a lot of perspective on banking and how it came to be the way it is now. Capital is indeed globalized, as necessitated by the need to support foreign exchange in a sane way. (Can you imagine the days when the Bank of England sent clipper ships full of bullion to pay its debts to the Dutch? Feast for pirates!) The book also convinced me that the arguments of the 'gold bugs' -- as to why we need to go back to a currency that is backed by gold -- are fundamentalistic and spurious. For one thing, I am told that if we melted down all the gold in the world, it would only fill up 2 olympic-size swimming pools!(less)
A fascinating biography of a pivotal leader, who tackled the Great Depression in his own upbeat, slightly scattered and creative way. I love these psy...moreA fascinating biography of a pivotal leader, who tackled the Great Depression in his own upbeat, slightly scattered and creative way. I love these psychological portrayals of great leaders, and this one has the ring of truth about it. The book is not very well written, but the subject matter -- for anyone who wonders about government and how ours has survived its worst times -- is compelling.
I found it especially interesting how many prominent Americans at the time, impressed by the efficiency of Mussolini and fascism, were calling for some form of dictatorship here in the USA during the early 30's when things were getting really bad ... much worse than now (so far). The confiscation of personal gold by the government (when banking was still beholding to the gold standard) was fascinating too. It just goes to show how fragile our 'democracy' really is that changing the basic rules can be so easily contemplated, if not effected.
There are many lessons in this book that pertain to our times. Will we heed them? I rather doubt it.(less)
Slightly turgid writing, but highly educational reading for anyone (like me) who wants to understand how modern banking came into being from a time --...moreSlightly turgid writing, but highly educational reading for anyone (like me) who wants to understand how modern banking came into being from a time -- not so long ago -- when foreign exchange depended upon clipper ships full of gold bullion. It's also an illuminating history of the period from WW1 to WW2 through the eyes of the world's four top central bankers (UK, USA, Germany, France).(less)
If this fellow, Irvin Yalom, is as good a therapist as he is a writer, I want to go see him! These stories of the therapeutic relationship are as fasc...moreIf this fellow, Irvin Yalom, is as good a therapist as he is a writer, I want to go see him! These stories of the therapeutic relationship are as fascinating and they are honest, very well told, with lessons on human nature for us all. (less)
It's been a couple decades since I had a teenager at home, and I wish I had this book back then! But I got a lot out of it, nevertheless, because it s...moreIt's been a couple decades since I had a teenager at home, and I wish I had this book back then! But I got a lot out of it, nevertheless, because it so clearly illustrates how different personality types need to receive personal communications in different ways.
We tend to give in the ways that WE like to receive, but that doesn't always work so well!(less)
As the host of Pathways Interview radio for 25 years (divination.com/podcasts), which has a theme of personal and cultural transformation, I see just ...moreAs the host of Pathways Interview radio for 25 years (divination.com/podcasts), which has a theme of personal and cultural transformation, I see just about everything that is promoted by publishers in the self-help category. This one takes the cake!
Hendricks and his wife are famous in the relationship arena, with several books on the subject of committed relationship, including most famously "Conscious Loving." This later work, "Conscious Living," incorporates the best of their relationship wisdom, but goes much further.
The author interlaces the story of his own life, giving the book a straightforward and interesting report of challenges that he faced and how he learned to overcome them be becoming more conscious of what he was actually doing. In addition, he offers useful techniques for using your challenges, even your weaknesses, to advantage rather than resisting the things you don't like about yourself or your life. Resistance, ironically, only further entrenches the thing resisted. Gay provides an easy technique, which I have been using to good effect since reading the book and incorporating some of his advice into my own life. Nice!(less)
This extremely well-written story gives such a superb sense of what it is like to live in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) india ... hey, you can almost smell...moreThis extremely well-written story gives such a superb sense of what it is like to live in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) india ... hey, you can almost smell the place! Having lived in India for one year (albeit 25 years ago) myself, I can attest to the richness of experience that can only be experienced in a country that combines the grittiest levels of overpopulated day-to-day survival experience with the most sublime culture and spiritual philosophy. Roberts captures that juxtaposing dichotomy brilliantly.
It is a long book, but completely engaging, a real page-turner. There were only two things that turned me off here. First, while his descriptions of living in the slum and being in prison were graphically embroidered in a beautifully rich way, I could not buy how absolutely fearless and macho he, the main character in this seeming autobiography, was portrayed. Furthermore, the romantic connections were sorely undeveloped. Not that these should go together (and he didn't do that), but in a book with this much violent fighting for which he spared no detail, one wishes hat the love scenes had been half as graphic!(less)
Having recently read "Unsuspecting Souls", a philosophical history of the 19th century, I was intrigued by a reference there to Sarah Bernha...moreHaving recently read "Unsuspecting Souls", a philosophical history of the 19th century, I was intrigued by a reference there to Sarah Bernhard, the most famous stage actress of the time, and her autobiography. So, just for fun, I downloaded it to my Kindle app on my iPhone for those times in a waiting room, on a subway, etc. where I wouldn't have my larger Kindle device.
I would not call it a great book, but it is a fascinating look into a life of glamour and fame in a century gone by. For instance, I was fascinated by the fact that when she came to America (via steamer from France), which took many weeks, she came with 42 trunks of clothing. In America, for her grand tour, she was provided her own 3-car train to get around the country (well, at least as west as the Mississippi River) from New York and Boston to New Orleans, and points in between.
Her story, undoubtedly embellished (by herself), gives a fascinating peak into the consciousness of a natural prima donna who is entirely unashamed to be one. I wish she had been willing to reveal kiss-and-tell details of her personal life (it is written elsewhere that she was bi-sexual), but even given that great omission, it is a fascinating read for a) anyone interested in 19th century history and mores and b) anyone interested in the lives of the glamour stars the public spawns.(less)
Die Broke is a bit dated (and I would not follow his investment advice), but it is primarily a book about personal monetary philosophy. His arguments ...moreDie Broke is a bit dated (and I would not follow his investment advice), but it is primarily a book about personal monetary philosophy. His arguments against passing on an estate to heirs, or worrying about such things, are compelling ... and, actually, altruistic.
This is a book about changing your monetary philosophy and budgeting to spend what you can while you are alive, even if that spending is helping those you love (while you are still alive. It is also about waking up the fact that you work for yourself, not your boss, and the pitfalls of using short-term credit. The author advises cutting up credit cards and switching to cash as much as you can -- only buying what you can afford to pay cash for -- as a way of life.
I wish there were more help in the book for calculating what one could be spending without worry -- based on one's assets, income, etc. -- but I suppose that is too personal a problem for a philosophical book like this. Still, I enjoyed it immensely, found it helpful.(less)
We now live with humongous online social networks, but human beings have always had them -- in fact, it is one of the very things that defines being "...moreWe now live with humongous online social networks, but human beings have always had them -- in fact, it is one of the very things that defines being "human." Or says this book, which is a must read for understanding the power that social networks have had from the beginnings of human history and how that works.
This book provides a magnificent explanation of how central our connections to others have always been, going back to the tribal. In addition, the authors posit that our need to be so connected in part explains our need for such a big brain.
It's fascinating to understand how our tastes, our habits and our decisions are influenced by people we've never met, but this book explains how that works -- how if a friend of a friend starts drinking or stops smoking that can affect you. They've proven it with amazing analysis of extensive social network data. Such is the power of social networks. My favorite quote that the book cites is by Erik Hoffer, which goes "When people are given the freedom to do as they choose, they usually imitate each other." Ain't that the truth!
This book is going to be help me be more mindful of this living "super-organism" -- the social network -- how it supports me and how I can use it to support myself and others altruistically.
Pathways Interview: For my Pathways radio show (divination.com/podcasts), I had the pleasure of having lunch and taping an interview of this author, T...morePathways Interview: For my Pathways radio show (divination.com/podcasts), I had the pleasure of having lunch and taping an interview of this author, Thomas Frank, soon after the book was released by his publisher. As we dined at Portland's Aquariva waterfront restaurant, I was impressed by his down-to-earth personality and sense of humor.
But I was even more impressed by the book. In fact, I can't understand why this book is not required reading for everyone who seeks to understand how the U.S. government has so gotten high-jacked by free-market conservatives, the champions of deregulation, and their multi-national corporate sponsors.
It takes a lot of skill at deceit to run for government office while running the government down -- both in your speeches and your subsequent policies if you get elected. The effort to demonize government got its highest stamp of approval when Reagan, our national CEO, would repeatedly (and smugly) denounce government's capability to do anything right, as if he was some kind of visionary.
It's obvious that any CEO of any public institution would be summarily fired (or impeached) by shareholders the minute he staked his authority on the proposition that his institution was hopelessly bad rather than on his ability to improve it. The conservative solution to improving government -- get rid of it by destroying it, to the direct profit of their political benefactors, huge industries that spend billions of dollars 'lobbying' government with lucrative monetary gifts to influence legislation in their favor.
Franks illuminates very clearly exactly how the conservative movement is organized around starving government's ability to do anything, how quick to religiously condemn anything our govt might actually try to do. The overall effect of Fox News, for instance -- a purely political channel if there ever were one -- is to repeat the big lie that government itself is simply a bad thing in our lives, rather than the democratic representative ideal it is supposed to be, 'of the people.' Well, it is true that government is no longer of the people in the U.S. -- it is more representative of the interests of big oil, health insurance and war merchants -- but the conservative megaphones refuse to analyze the real reason that government policy is now bought and sold. And by whom? Their sponsors, of course!
The idea that we should be vilifying government's role in our lives ignores lessons America learned long ago: Privatizing everything (think police, fire departments, parks, the post office, schools and libraries), like health insurance, does not work so well. Allowing monopolistic cabals to have near absolute freedom in the market led to the Great Depression, and could do so again, now that similar cabals have successfully lobbied for their own deregulation (think Goldman Sachs).
Franks does an excellent job of reporting in very readable language how the 'Wrecking Crew' operates and the socially bankrupt ideology that is eroding our ability to govern ourselves, which is what a representative democracy is supposed to mean.(less)
Every so often I interview an author on my Pathways radio show who presents a unique idea. Professor Barry Sanders is one such person. Observing the c...moreEvery so often I interview an author on my Pathways radio show who presents a unique idea. Professor Barry Sanders is one such person. Observing the culture wars that are being fought in the press, I was surprised from reading his new book to realize to what extent our strong cultural attitudes -- and conflicts -- were formed during a spooky 19th century. I enjoy history when it is made as interesting as this!
Sanders give us the background for our tendency for escapism, wherein we would usually rather imbibe the shadow images of film (via movies and tv) more than we care to FEEL our bodies, our feelings, all of our senses. As a result, he says we have become largely disembodied creatures, losing what he refers to as a "haptic" sense of life (I love learning new words :-).
"Unsuspecting Souls: The Disappearance of the Human Being" is the history of how humanity lost its bearings -- how we had an identity-crisis, if you will -- in and throughout the 19th century. It is an extremely readable and fascinating history of the period, as well as an examination of how the trends that took hold then are still plaguing us now. We have been steadily losing our souls -- i.e. that which defines us as 'human' -- and the process has only been accelerating since 1800, especially since the dawn of moving pictures.
This is the story of the rise of science (and opposing it, fundamentalist strains of religion clinging to the church's "divine order" of things), the industrial revolution with all of its dehumanizing effects, plus a cornucopia of time and labor-saving inventions -- including the clock, rapid transportation, telephone, camera, motion pictures, amusement parks and automatic weapons. Worst of all, we had the experience of violent mass carnage of an extent the world had never seen, taking place right here on American soil, via the Civil War in which the equivalent of what would be 6 million Americans today slaughtered each other.
Meanwhile, the literature of the period reflected the de-souling of human beings, with almost every major author producing works that featured ghosts, the "undead," man-made monsters, etc. as well as popular strains of "spiritualism" arising to promote contact with spirits unseen via seances, psychics, etc. Adding to the hallucinating quality of the period was the synthesis in the west of opium, heroin, cocaine, nitrous oxide, ether -- all of which were extolled by the leading minds of the time as gateways for mystical experiences and the meaning of life -- promoted by the same authors and Sigmund Freud himself.
It is a fascinating period, rendered all the more intriguing by the author's meticulously researched details, presented in the form of true and almost unbelievable vignettes, that reads like an adventure story. What a catalyzing time was this!
This is not a book that can easily be boiled down. It is a profound work that deals with what are essentially spiritual issues. Who (or what) are we? What is the difference between being alive and "having a life" (and how is the concept of "having a life" a natural byproduct of becoming a "human resource," a cog in a soul-crushing machine)? When does human life begin? How can we conquer death by prolonging life (our ongoing preoccupation, as opposed to returning to a celebration of the natural 'human' aspects of life)? What does it mean to be alive? What does it mean to be human? Listen to my Pathways interview (http://www.divination.com/podcasts/bio.p...) to hear our discussion on these topics!
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This book changed the way I think about food, which was already very progressive. I love the way he takes his formidable journalistic chops into the r...moreThis book changed the way I think about food, which was already very progressive. I love the way he takes his formidable journalistic chops into the realm of where what we eat comes from. And the great experiment-adventure of the book -- his goal of taking 100% responsible for growing, havesting, gathering or hunting the food, as well as preparing and cooking one entire feast. And this was the goal of a guy who'd never hunted, or even shot a gun before -- which was a very difficult adjustment, but one he felt he had to make if he was going to be completely responsible for the way he eats. Not only fascinating but extremely well written too!(less)
This is a must read for anyone who cares to understand the swings of political and economic power between conservative and liberal forces over the pas...moreThis is a must read for anyone who cares to understand the swings of political and economic power between conservative and liberal forces over the past 100 years. Fascinating to learn that the rise of the middle class (in the 50's) -- which is what made America great -- was the result of FDR and govt intervention, not 'natural market forces' at all. Now that inequality is greater than ever between the rich and the poor -- and we have an administration that is trying to redress the imbalance (with health care for all, for instance), it behooves us to understand this stuff. For an economist (Nobel Prize winner, no less) Krugman is an excellent writer.(less)
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