In this profound and playful book, Nassim Nicholas Taleb presents his ideas about life in the form of aphorisms, the world's earliest - and most memorable - literary form. Procrustes was a character from Greek mythology who abducted travellers and invited them to spend the night in a special bed, which they had to fit to perfection. They never did. Those who were too tall had their legs chopped off; those who were too short were stretched. Every aphorism here is about a Procrustean bed of sorts - we humans, facing the limits of our knowledge, the unseen and the unknown, resolve the tension by squeezing life and the world into crisp commoditized ideas, reductive categories, specific vocabularies and pre-packaged narratives. Only by embracing the unexpected - and accepting what we don't know - can we see the world as it really is.
'A magnificent challenge to conventional ideas' Financial Times'I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It manages to be both challenging and entertaining: it is highly recommended' the Independent '(Greene) send(s) the reader's imagination hurtling through the universe on an astonishing ride. As a popularizer of exquisitely abstract science, he is both a skilled and kindly explicator' the New York Times'Greene is as elegant as ever, cutting through the fog of complexity with insight and clarity; space and time become putty in his hands' Los Angeles Times Book Review
In Either/Or, using the voices of two characters - the aesthetic young man of part one, called simply 'A', and the ethical Judge Vilhelm of the second section - Kierkegaard reflects upon the search for a meaningful existence, contemplating subjects as diverse as Mozart, drama, boredom, and, in the famous Seducer's Diary, the cynical seduction and ultimate rejection of a young, beautiful woman. A masterpiece of duality, Either/Or is a brilliant exploration of the conflict between the aesthetic and the ethical - both meditating ironically and seductively upon Epicurean pleasures, and eloquently expounding the noble virtues of a morally upstanding life.
A clarion call to save humanity's most essential fellow creatures and our health Far beneath our skin exists an unfathomable, ancient universe an internal ecosystem that is critical to our health. Dr Martin Blaser invites us into the wilds of the human ';microbiome', unfurling its inner workings and evolution. For thousands of years, bacteria and human cells have co-existed in a relationship that has ensured the health and equilibrium of our body. But now, much like the natural world outside of us, our internal environment is being irrevocably destroyed. The culprit: some of our most revered medical advances antibiotics which appear to be linked to the epidemics of asthma, eczema, obesity, certain forms of cancer, and other diseases plaguing modern society. In a book that stands as the Silent Spring of its day, Blaser sounds a provocative alarm that we ignore at our peril.
With one famous equation, E=mc2, Einstein proved all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere and it is everything. In this newly updated and engaging introduction, renowned scientist Vaclav Smil explores energy in all its facets from the inner workings of the human body to what we eat, the car we drive and the race for more efficient and eco-friendly fuels. Energy: A Beginner's Guide highlights the importance of energy in both past and present societies, by shedding light on the science behind global warming and efforts to prevent it, and by revealing how our daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're looking for dinner table conversation or to further your own understanding, this book will amaze and inform, uncovering the truths and exposing the myths behind one of the most important concepts in our universe.
The dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest: the search for the solution of how to calculate longitude and the unlikely triumph of an English genius. With a Foreword by Neil Armstrong.'Sobel has done the impossible and made horology sexy - no mean feat' New ScientistAnyone alive in the 18th century would have known that 'the longitude problem' was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day - and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Thousands of lives, and the increasing fortunes of nations, hung on a resolution.The quest for a solution had occupied scientists and their patrons for the better part of two centuries when, in 1714, Parliament upped the ante by offering a king's ransom (GBP20,000) to anyone whose method or device proved successful. Countless quacks weighed in with preposterous suggestions. The scientific establishment throughout Europe - from Galileo to Sir Isaac Newton - had mapped the heavens in both hemispheres in its certain pursuit of a celestial answer. In stark contrast, one man, John Harrison, dared to imagine a mechanical solution.Full of heroism and chicanery, brilliance and the absurd, LONGITUDE is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation and clockmaking.Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content that appeared in the original print version.
"This important guidebook shows in detail and with great humor and insight the way to practice the Buddha's universal teachings here in the West. Jack Kornfield is a wonderful storyteller and a great teacher."-Thich Nhat Hanh"Jack is helping to pave the path for American Buddhism, bringing essential basics into our crazy modern lives. And the language he uses is as simple and as lovely as our breath."-Natalie Goldberg Perhaps the most important book yet written on meditation, the process of inner transformation, and the integration of spiritual practice into our American way of life, A Path with Heart brings alive one by one the challenges of spiritual living in the modern world. Written by a teacher, psychologist, and meditation master of international renown, this warm, inspiring, and expert book touches on a wide range of essential issues including many rarely addressed in spiritual books. From compassion, addiction, and psychological and emotional healing, to dealing with problems involving relationships and sexuality, to the creation of a Zen-like simplicity and balance in all facets of life, it speaks to the concerns of many modern spiritual seekers, both those beginning on the path and those with years of experience. A Path with Heart is filled with practical techniques, guided meditations, stories, koans, and other gems of wisdom that can help ease your journey through the world. The author's own profound-and sometimes humorous-experiences and gentle assistance will skillfully guide you through the obstacles and trials of spiritual and contemporary life to bring a clarity of perception and a sense of the sacred into your everyday experience. Reading this book will touch your heart and remind you of the promises inherent in meditation and in a life of the spirit: the blossoming of inner peace, wholeness, and understanding, and the achievement of a happiness that is not dependent on external conditions. Sure to be a classic, A Path with Heart shows us how we can bring our spirituality to flower every day of our lives. It is a wise and gentle guidebook for an odyssey into the soul that enables us to achieve a deeper, more satisfying life in the world.
Explore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher's guide!
Prepare to embark on a journey through space and time with The NASA Archives, a visual celebration of humankind's unstoppable urge to travel away from Earth to worlds beyond. Featuring more than 400 historic photographs and rare concept renderings, this collection guides us through NASA's 60-year history, from its earliest days to its current...
A comprehensive guide to the understanding and practicing Buddhist meditationThe very idea that the teachings can be mastered will arouse controversy within Buddhist circles. Even so, Ingram insists that enlightenment is an attainable goal, once our fanciful notions of it are stripped away, and we have learned to use meditation as a method for examining reality rather than an opportunity to wallow in self-absorbed mind-noise.Ingram sets out concisely the difference between concentration-based and insight (vipassana) meditation; he provides example practices; and most importantly he presents detailed maps of the states of mind we are likely to encounter, and the stages we must negotiate as we move through clearly-defined cycles of insight.Its easy to feel overawed, at first, by Ingram's assurance and ease in the higher levels of consciousness, but consistently he writes as a down-to-earth and compassionate guide, and to the practitioner willing to commit themselves this is a glittering gift of a book.In this new edition of the bestselling book, the author rearranges, revises and expands upon the original material, as well as adding new sections that bring further clarity to his ideas.
Tells the story of the search for a rocket propellant which could be trusted to take man into space. Acclaimed scientist and sci-fi author John D. Clark writes with irreverent and eyewitness immediacy about the development of the explosive fuels strong enough to negate the relentless restraints of gravity.
A succinct, startling and lavishly illustrated guide to discoveries that are altering our understanding and threatening some of our most cherished belief systems, The Grand Design is a book that will inform - and provoke - like no other.
The 'extended phenotype' is Dawkins' key contribution to the gene's eye view of evolution given in The Selfish Gene. He shows that the influence of genes can extend far beyond the bodies in which they reside, manipulating the environment and the behaviour of other individuals. A worldwide bestseller and a classic work of scientific exposition.
Winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics Ever since Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity burst upon the world in 1915 some of the most brilliant minds of our century have sought to decipher the mysteries bequeathed by that theory, a legacy so unthinkable in some respects that even Einstein himself rejected them.
Outstanding translations by leading contemporary scholars--many commissioned especially for this volume--are presented here in the first single edition to include the entire surviving corpus of works attributed to Plato in antiquity. In his introductory essay, John Cooper explains the presentation of these works, discusses questions concerning the chronology of their composition, comments on the dialogue form in which Plato wrote, and offers guidance on approaching the reading and study of Plato's works. Also included are concise introductions by Cooper and Hutchinson to each translation, meticulous annotation designed to serve both scholar and general reader, and a comprehensive index. This handsome volume offers fine paper and a high-quality Smyth-sewn cloth binding in a sturdy, elegant edition.
PIHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved) is a classic in the psychedelic genre by psychopharmacologist Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin, co-authored with his partner Ann, which provides details of his research, synthesis, and investigations into the use of a range of psychedelic compounds for the study of the human mind. The book focuses on phenethlyamines and explores their physical properties, dosages used, and duration of effects observed, and commentary.
'I believe it is an ethical imperative for all clinicians who treat women in menopause or women with breast cancer to alert their patients to this book' Michael Baum, MD, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and visiting professor of Medical Humanities, University College London'A thorough, careful and unbiased assessment . . . This extremely valuable message deserves to be widely disseminated' Lord Turnberg, former President of the Royal College of PhysiciansA compelling defence of hormone replacement therapy, exposing the faulty science behind its fall from prominence and empowering readers to make informed decisions about their health. For years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was hailed as a miracle. Study after study showed that HRT, if initiated at the onset of menopause, could ease symptoms ranging from hot flushes to memory loss; reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and some cancers; and even extend a woman's overall life expectancy. But when a large study by the Women's Health Initiative announced results showing an uptick in breast cancer among women taking HRT, the winds shifted abruptly, and HRT, officially deemed a carcinogen, was abandoned.Now, sixteen years after HRT was left for dead, Dr Bluming, a medical oncologist, and Dr Tavris, a social psychologist, track its strange history and present a compelling case for its resurrection. They investigate what led the public - and much of the medical establishment - to accept the Women's Health Initiative's often exaggerated claims, while also providing a fuller picture of the science that supports HRT. A sobering and revelatory read, Oestrogen Matters sets the record straight on this beneficial treatment and provides an empowering path to wellness for women everywhere.
Living Deliciously is the ritual of prioritising your joy and rest, choosing to notice the beauty of everyday existence, and taking the initiative to create small, considered moments for yourself. This book will help you cultivate a sense of agency in your everyday life through intentional actions so that you're able to enjoy your life moment to moment, instead of counting on the big, momentous life events. Too many of us have lost connection with ourselves and what makes us happy because our attention is drawn to external and material things that ultimately leave us feeling dissatisfied. Living a delicious life is an achievable and sustainable way of enabling our bliss and allowing time for what makes us feel good.It's time for us all to fall in love with ourselves and our own lives.PRAISE FOR WOMEN DON'T OWE YOU PRETTY by FLORENCE GIVEN 'An incredible mouthpiece for modern intersectional feminism.' - Glamour'A fearless book.' - Cosmopolitan'A hugely influential young woman.' - Woman's Hour'Rallying, radical and pitched perfectly for her generation.' - Evening Standard
"This indispensable guide reveals expert tips for traveling with kids"--]cProvided by publisher.
- THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER -You can get happier. And getting there will be the adventure of a lifetime.In Build the Life You Want, Harvard Professor Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey invite you to begin a journey toward greater happiness, no matter how challenging your circumstances. Combining their decades of experience studying happiness from every angle, they show you how to improve your life right now - instead of waiting for the outside world to change. You will learn how to:- Manage your emotions so they no longer control your outlook and behaviour- Turn life's inevitable difficulties and challenges into opportunities for growth- Strengthen your family ties by managing your expectations and building trust- Create and preserve deep and lasting friendships at any age- Develop an approach to work that fits your life and brings satisfaction- Find your inner peace with a spiritual practiceBuild the Life You Want introduces you to the cutting-edge science that can change your life, in understandable terms and with actionable strategies. Along the way, Arthur and Oprah share hard-earned wisdom from their own lives and careers. In every page, your happiness skills will grow, and you will learn amazing information you can't wait to share with others. Build the Life You Want is your blueprint for a better life.
Use this deluxe, faux-leather Lord of the Rings™–inspired journal to record the experiences of your next adventure or write your life’s story. This notebook is the perfect companion, no matter where your path takes you in Middle-earth™.184 RULED PAGES: Includes 184 pages of high-quality paper to give you plenty of space to record your notes and thoughts or to chart a course back to the Shire™. STAY-CLOSED ELASTIC BAND WITH CHARM: Keep your thoughts secure with the elastic band closure, accented with a metal and enamel Leaf of Lórien™ charm to inspire bravery and Elvish honor. HIGH QUALITY AND ETHICAL: The journal has a durable, vegan faux-leather cover featuring a golden design of the One Ring™’s inscription in the Dark Tongue of Mordor™. CONVENIENT SIZE: This 5.75 x 8.25-inch journal is a comfortable size to journal anywhere and easily fits in a bag or backpack to take with you on the road. PERFECT FOR STUDENTS AND ADULTS: Whether you are new to the world of Lord of the Rings™ or a seasoned fan, this hardcover journal is perfect for any admirer of the books or films. COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION / COLLECT THEM ALL: Collect more great stationery products from Insights inspired by The Lord of the Rings™, including The Lord of the Rings: One Ring Traveler's Notebook Set, The Lord of the Rings: Stationery Set, and The Lord of the Rings: The One Ring Glass Candle. The Insights Lord of the Rings™ stationery line makes a thoughtful gift for any Middle-earth™ fan or budding, avid reader.
The classic work from the "father of value investing"¿fully updated for today's generation of investorsFirst published in 1934, Security Analysis is one of the most influential financial books ever written. With more than million copies sold, it has provided generations of investors with the timeless value investing philosophy and techniques of the legendary Benjamin Graham and David L. Dodd.Security Analysis, Seventh Edition features the ideas and methods of today's masters of value investing, who discuss the influence of Graham and Dodd on today's markets and contextualize the philosophy that has influenced so many famous investors.The successful value investor must constantly be in the process of reinvention, of raising his or her game to navigate the terrain of new eras, novel securities, nascent businesses, emerging industries, shifting standards, and evolving market conditions. With the diverse perspectives of experienced contributors, this new edition of Security Analysis is a rich and varied tapestry of highly informed investment thinking that will be a worthy and long-lived successor to the preceding editions.
Put yourself back in control of your mind and your life with these meditation practices proven by neuroscientific research.In this modern digital age, many of us feel overwhelmed, panicked and short on time. The practice of meditation is an ancient and scientifically proven antidote to that frenzied feeling. Combining scientific expertise and spiritual wisdom, this is a practical guide on how it can help you feel calm and in control.With chapters on Breathing, Compassion and Worry, it is full of empirically proven and easy-to-follow exercises that will help you tackle mental obstacles, including issues such as self-doubt and negative thought patterns. This is a fresh perspective on meditation that will uplift and soothe your mind, whether you're new to it or not.PRE-ORDER THE LATEST BOOK FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, DANIEL GOLEMAN
This glorious, authoritative, and unprecedented retrospective of Doré's prints and paintings, drawn from an oeuvre of more than 10,000 works, comes in a spectacularly ornate package that reflects the artist's own dramatic style. If you were a consumer of literature in the nineteenth century, chances are the volumes in your library featured the illustrations of Gustave Doré. From the Bible to Shakespeare, Balzac to Milton, Cervantes to Poe, Doré's intricate, romantic, and exuberant drawings brought great works to life, and were as treasured as the stories and poetry they depicted. Furthermore, as this magnificent book reveals, he was also a skilled sculptor, painter, and cartoonist. This book spans Doré's entire career, with chapters dedicated to specific works such as The Divine Comedy , Don Quixote , Tennyson's Idylls of the King , and medieval fairy tales-each featuring exquisite full-page reproductions that allow Doré's genius for line, shading, and texture to shine through. The authors also provide a background on the techniques that Doré employed to achieve his exquisite works. Fans of Doré will appreciate this volume's spectacular production, which features quarter binding, gold foil stamping, embossing on the cover and spine, a belly band, and silkscreen printing on three edges. Filled with incisive analysis and expert historical perspectives, this book is the consummate collector's item-a volume as expansive and sensational as the artist himself. Ausstattung: Mit 3D-Prägung und drei verschiedenen Folienprägungen auf der Covervorderseite und Rücken; Banderole mit Prägungen; Farbschnitt mit Buchtitel
Prenumerera på vårt nyhetsbrev för att få fantastiska erbjudanden och inspiration för din nästa läsning.
Genom att registrera dig accepterar du vår personuppgiftspolicy.
