Böcker av John Vespasian

History teaches us fascinating lessons about how to stay healthy and live extraordinarily long. This book presents the insights gained in the latest centuries and will teach you: Why Dr Isaac Jennings abandoned traditional medicine to favour natural hygiene.How Margaret Anne Neve managed to live one hundred and ten years.Key insights from Vincenz Priessnitz about health.How Dr Bircher-Benner healed patients naturally.The lifestyle that enabled Norman Walker to live ninety-nine years.Lessons from comedian and centenarian George Burns.Through the analysis of real cases, it shows what works and what doesn't, drawing clear conclusions.

In life, everybody has to face obstacles. Will you panic and fall apart, or take the necessary steps? By using real-life examples, this book will teach you: How Teresa of Avila, a dirt-poor nun, raised funds to start thirty-two monasteries.What enabled Cabeza de Vaca to survive and thrive after being shipwrecked.How Franz Josef I kept an empire running smoothly for 65 years despite constant problems.Xenophon's method for dealing successfully with life-or-death problems.What enabled Cagliostro to rise to fame and fortune after 19 years of dismal failure.This book provides practical advice for solving difficult problems and remaining effective in good and bad times.Table of ContentsIntroductionChapter 1 - Prerequisites of high effectivenessGet better results by applying this perennial recipeThe fountain of enduring strength rediscoveredIf you want a robust performance, here is howA foolish habit that is harming your interestsYou can remove this fundamental problem right awayChapter 2 - The key to remarkable resultsDeal better with adversity by using this metaphorStay away from this unworkable approachPointless crusades for the abolition of foolishnessThis powerful technique prevents defeatismA controversial strategy for getting things doneChapter 3 - How to overcome discouragementGetting unstuck in unpromising situationsThe best way to escape boredom and despairCan you turn seemingly worthless assets into gold?Do this right now in order to stop sinkingA false theory that is causing widespread mayhemChapter 4 - Growing a little stronger each dayDouble your opportunities by adopting winning routinesIf you are being rejected, here is the solutionWhat you need to know about finding new chancesThe fastest path to remarkable improvementGet rid of losing propositions definitivelyChapter 5 - Sentimentality is a curse, not a virtueWhy human beings often misperceive realityThe key to a resilient personality in every seasonDon't let overblown emotions prevent you from winningEmbrace strategies that work and let go of the restUnscathed by lies and propagandaChapter 6 - What you can do to become unsinkableFacing dozens of problems but still highly effectiveDo not let clever acting deceive youBeware of the downside of extreme measuresThere is no excuse for taking inordinate risksDecisions made without margin are likely to bite you backChapter 7 - An inspiring example taken from real lifeStill victorious despite being cheated and betrayedThe key to staying safe in perilous situationsUse protective routines to prevent disasterLearn to love imperfect solutionsConcealment can bring you large advantagesChapter 8 - Advice for thriving during hard timesTwenty-four years trying to get a breakHow to make good decisions with little informationA controversial method to enhance your effectivenessResourcefulness in the absence of support systemsSurvive and thrive against all expectationsConclusionRecommended readingIndex

When a Belgian industrialist is diagnosed with cancer and told that he doesn't have long to live, he decides to bet his fortune on Prof. Zirkovsky's research. He convinces Zirkovsky to quit his teaching position in Brussels and set up a laboratory in Charlerois, a small town, in order to conduct experiments with monkeys. When Zirkovsky's research shows the first signs of success, animal-rights activists demand him to abandon his experiments. A series of violent attacks against the lab lead the industrialist to call his insurer, Alfred Grail, a Vietnam veteran living in Switzerland. What Alfred Grail will find in Belgium will shake his beliefs and make him change his life. EXCERPTS FROM THE BOOKFrom Chapter 3On her sixth birthday, Juliette Rooij had stopped speaking. It had happened without warning, threats, or tears. As of that day, Lana Rooij had never heard her daughter say another word.Lana had consulted doctors and done everything to encourage her daughter to speak again. Every evening, she kissed her gently to bed, wishing that life was the same as before, but every morning, Juliette's silence broke her heart."The girl misses her father," a child psychiatrist had diagnosed. Maybe he was right, but Lana Rooij had no idea who Juliette's father was, for in Lana's past, there had been many men.Juliette was a very intelligent child who absorbed knowledge with passion, but refused to answer whenever she was questioned on any subject. When Juliette made drawings, it was always the same picture. On top of the page, a sun whose rays burned the page from end to end. Under the sun, a house with a balcony.A woman and a little girl stood on the balcony. Both had long blond hair and wore skirts. On some drawings, Juliette drew the girl's eyes with such intensity that her pencil pierced the paper. On others, it was the woman's eyes. The woman and the girl never smiled.Lana Rooij had placed one of Juliette's drawings beside the bathroom mirror. Day after day, she stared at the woman and the girl on the balcony, wondering why they didn't move, why they didn't speak, what they were waiting for. From Chapter 5"Vietnam will make a man out of you," his father had said to Alfred Grail on Alfred's seventeenth birthday.His reaction had shocked his parents. "I'm not going to Vietnam. I want to be an artist.""An artist," his father had replied, "what a silly fantasy.""An artist," his mother had reacted, "my poor child will starve."Months later, Alfred had unexpectedly changed his mind, but he had never told his parents why, he had never told anybody. The reason had been a sixteen-year-old girl named Marylou Rose Parker.Marylou was not beautiful, she was not even pretty, but she knew how to listen.One summer afternoon, when Alfred was alone fishing in the nearby river, a girl had walked to him and stood still at his side. She was Marylou Rose Parker."Why do you like fishing?" she had asked."Because I like to look at the water," Alfred had answered."Do you catch a lot of fish?""Two or three each afternoon, but I throw them back into the river."The girl had gone home two hours later, but she had returned the following day."What do you do when you're not fishing?""I read comics.""And when you are not reading?""I draw."Marylou had been the first person to see Alfred's drawings. He had feared what she would say, for she was a girl, and girls could not draw. She had looked at the sheets of paper covered with lines and shadows, images distilled from Alfred's dreams.She had said nothing, but she had nodded, as though she understood. It was only then that Alfred had begun to talk, abruptly at the beginning, enthusiastically as he went on, whispering as the night approached. Marylou Rose Parker had listened to him all the way.As of that moment, the two had become inseparable.

Becoming emotionally unbreakable is a primary skill for achieving happiness. This book presents the principles of psychological strength, together with stories of people who have used those principles: How did Joseph Abbeel survive the Napoleonic wars, and manage to start a new life? Which crucial success principle was discovered by the Ancient Roman poet Ovid? How did Buffalo Bill cope with his tremendous financial mistakes? How did William Turner protect himself against negative criticism? Their stories will show you what to do when you are confronted with severe problems, even when everything seems lost. This book aims at making you highly resistant to adversity. Its principles will enable you to move on with your life despite difficulties, obstacles, and setbacks. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 - Refuse to listen to pessimistic messagesBetter opportunities can be foundPractise this great philosophy every dayImagine a happy outcomeSurviving and thriving against all oddsThere is plenty of light in the darknessA method for preventing serious mistakesThe search for a balanced perspective Chapter 2 - Never stop asking for what you wantThe power of universal principlesA man should be measured by his ambitionsWhen obstacles seem insurmountableIn praise of a polite, courteous approachA simple technique for increasing your self-assuranceThe fisherman and the hookWhen a heavy storm breaks out Chapter 3 - Learn to rely primarily on yourselfPenniless and uneducated, but determinedSurviving a major crisis without a scratchWithout resources and social connectionsLooking for possibilities of advancementA particularly unimpressive manChoose a consistent strategyA machine that functions under any kind of weather Chapter 4 - Keep trudging forwardDecisiveness in the face of adversityHow to thrive after having your reputation trashedA man makes a big mistake and loses his savingsSix lessons that you should never forgetAn embattled man regains his peace of mindNever make a promise you don't intend to keepThe immense value of having a tough skin Chapter 5 - Be relentlessly entrepreneurialTalent development makes fear disappearA popular theory that is completely falseHow to flex your psychological musclesA poor communicator becomes a brilliant instructorObserve the facts, and draw your own conclusionsResilience multiplied by a factor of tenA major mistake and a major lesson Chapter 6 - Identify the crucial elementsA virtue that goes hand in hand with self-confidenceDon't be more cautious than you need toA dominant paradigm blown to smithereensAdopt a straightforward approachProtect your privacy so that it protects your sanityMisunderstood and vilified, but still a winnerKeep your margin of safety during bad times Chapter 7 - Protect yourself from predatorsMaking an unusual career choiceThe courage to call things by their namesBeware of stories that are too good to be trueShun impracticality and wasteHolding a wolf by the earsThe essence of civilized behaviourStay away from ethical decay Chapter 8 - Adopt a realistic approachHere is a down-to-earth philosophyThe great advantage of having clear ideasLike a rock that breaks the wavesHow to judge people and events accuratelyStriving for a well-measured proportionalityBeware of caring more than you should Chapter 9 - Don't be blinded by false argumentsThe question nobody dares to askDealing with widespread passivityThe adherence to worthless dogmasSocial myths and superstitionsBeginning is tough, but obstacles can be surmountedA highly productive second lifeIt is time to overcome self-inflicted blindness

The factors that lead to prosperity and happiness have changed little through the ages. From the lives of accomplished men and women, we can extract the three principles they have used to build a better future: self-reliance, tolerance, and entrepreneurship. This book presents how individuals can use these principles to overcome adversity and improve their lives. Through the analysis of situations in the areas of relationships, career, health, and investments, it shows how to overcome discouragement, walk the path of least resistance, simplify your life, reduce costs, and focus on opportunities. The ideas are illustrated with examples from the lives of Paracelsus, Jane Austen, Thomas of Aquinas, Gutenberg, Jules Verne and other historical figures, showing how they overcame obstacles and built a better future for themselves. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Achieve basic stabilityNever underestimate what one man alone can doEstablish the foundation of long-term achievementAttack problems one by oneDo not allow vanity to paralyse youPay attention to danger signalsBuild on existing strengthsLearn to view problems in perspectiveWait only the strictly necessary2. Overcome pessimism and discouragementAssess risks rationally, not emotionallyQuantify what you can expectPassive acceptance is not the way to goDispute negative thinking patternsEmbrace a philosophy that leads to happinessAvoid inconsistent decisionsRead inspiring authors3. Walk the path of least resistanceDiscard unworkable plansUse realism to avoid wasteLook at what people are actually buyingAdopt a lifestyle that suits your temperamentUse long-term goals to determine your directionStay out of hopeless venturesAvoid relativism and scepticismFind an outlet for your talents4. Take measures to prevent problemsBe prepared to face misfortuneConcentrate on crucial factorsPay attention only to quality informationIdentify potential threatsLook for simple prescriptionsProtect yourself effectivelyIncrease your resilience against adversity5. Simplify your life and reduce your costsDon't fall in the trap of short-term thinkingEnjoy the benefits of the immigrant mentalityWhen should you be willing to overpay?Choose inexpensive alternativesYou can learn the basics quicklyBeing healthier by consuming lessThe solution to stress: simplification6. Start new projects with minimum resourcesGather support as you goThe danger of getting stuck in abstractionsAvoid inaccessible marketsDo not be intimidated by other people's achievementsMost barriers are psychologicalSmall but regular steps often lead to success7. Focus on real opportunitiesSelect a low-risk approachYou can profit from troubled timesHow to identify promising ideasShould you worry about the state of the economy?Use low-cost marketing techniquesRedefine what is essentialValue creation begins with observation8. Adopt productivity as a way of lifeDo not assign excessive weight to mistakesIn case of doubt, opt for a logical explanationSteady work is preferable to occasional jobsChoose stories that promote achievementA change of speed might be all you needWork only on one major project at a timeLet go of linear expectationsNever entrust your future to chanceKeep flexible and alert9. Take relentless actionFill your days with worthy activitiesExperiment to find out what worksAdopt effective routinesIn crucial matters, do not leave anything untriedContinuous action breeds opportunitiesRewrite your personal historyCan you turn adversity into an asset?Action is the best way to overcome obstaclesConclusion

If you have not yet attained the desired results in your life, this book is for you. If you want to find shortcuts to achieving more with less effort, this book will teach you: How a disoriented man like Philip Neri became extraordinarily successful; What Mozart should have done to grow wealthy instead of working himself to death; How the Count of St Germain made strides in his career by simply keeping his eyes open; What healers like Rembert Dodoens are teaching us about asymmetry; Hannibal's method for finding shortcuts in situations where he was vastly outnumbered.This book presents practical lessons for finding shortcuts to a better life, solid strategies to bring your results to a higher level.

The thesis of this book is that the dominant ideas about how to reduce stress are ineffective because they are irrational. They hardly provide any short- or long-term relief. Reason is the only workable method to relieve stress permanently, a method that requires work and dedication, but provides excellent results. This book presents many real-life examples that will show you how to eliminate stress in tense situations, bring peace of mind to your life, make choices that enhance your self-reliance, avoid nerve-wrecking inconsistencies, and lead a good life based on reason. The principles presented in this book are supported by extensive historical evidence, logical arguments, and workable strategies. If you are serious about reducing the stress in your life, this book is for you. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. The key skill for overcoming negative stressWhat to do when problems begin to accumulateDon't let difficult people get you downHow should you deal with unfairness?Living happily despite rejection and negative criticismThe essential element for sleeping well 2. No more stress from financial difficultiesBreaking out of a stressful lifestyleRaising yourself from disasterDon't make this major mistake if you can avoid itWhat you shouldn't do if you value your timeHere is a recipe proven by experience 3. A structured approach for reducing stressThe characteristics of effective remediesFacing rapid changes and excessive pressureAn unusual method that produces wonderful resultsHow to reduce your tension by improving your routinesThe temptation to do things you don't need to 4. The straightforward way to eliminate conflictsThe man who painted himself into a cornerWhen situations get out of controlSurviving and thriving in the face of conflictLong hours don't necessarily lead to successThe most dangerous threat you can encounter 5. Get rid of anger definitivelyDon't let this popular nonsense mislead youUnderstanding where negative emotions come fromThe drop that makes the glass overflowEight powerful strategies for reducing anger 6. Learning to overcome discouragementDon't adopt these counter-productive strategiesHow to stay afloat during difficult timesComing out a winner despite severe adversityA great formula for leaving discouragement behind 7. How to become immune to sadnessA challenge that millions of people continue to faceThe main reason why people feel stressedBreaking out of pessimism once and for allDiscarding ineffective emotional reactions 8. The end of worry and preoccupationSerenity amidst poverty and sicknessHow to reduce your exposure to emotional falloutPractical techniques for getting rid of worryLearning to be optimistic 9. The type of lifestyle that minimizes stressDo you want to function better?Here is a lifestyle worth imitatingOvercoming your constraints in a clever wayNever be embarrassed to do the right thing 10. The escape from stressful routinesHow to put your dissatisfaction to good useBold steps can create exciting possibilitiesIf you are tired of boredom, here is some adviceThe adoption of effective practices 11. Advice for seemingly insoluble problemsWhen no solutions are in sightAn advantage that you can always create for yourselfStay away from defeatism and resignationThe critical skill for surmounting daunting obstacles 12. Keeping a clear mind in the face of prejudiceWhat to do in the face of overwhelming social pressureStay alert and don't overlook these threatsAre you inadvertently following a terrible example?A safe method for navigating dangerous waters

Are you trying to live rationally and facing all kinds of difficulties? How do you deal with people who won't listen to logical arguments? How should you react to situations of massive unfairness? This book provides practical advice on how to live rationally and maximize your chances of happiness in every situation.Amongst others, it will show you how to minimize stress and maintain your peace of mind, benefit from the advantages of non-linear thinking, avoid short-sighted decisions, and increase your resilience during times of adversity.Each chapter contains real-life examples of individuals who have used reason to surmount obstacles, solve personal problems, and recover from setbacks. The ideas presented in this book will help you make better decisions, increase your effectiveness, and enjoy the benefits of rational living.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Become conscious of your uniquenessA method for building an unshakable self-confidenceOvercome weaknesses in one area by strengths in othersLet go of distractions and focus on your unique talentsIt is time to discard meaningless comparisonsWhy do millions of people waste their talents?2. Dream in decades, but live by daysGet rid of work overload and improve your resultsThe type of deadlines that generate little stressQuick relief for those who are about to quitThe right way to deal with adversityBefore you make a rash move, read thisA proven solution to a critical problem3. Understand that most people won't understandAre you afraid of rejection and failure?The most effective method for overcoming self-doubtWarning: irrational motivation can wipe you outDo not trust inaccurate interpretationsWhen the wrong choice turns out to be rightMaking difficult decisions with as little risk as possible4. Look for healing in natureCan you maintain your good habits in difficult times?Three inexpensive remedies for everyday complaintsHow emotional stability helps you lead a good lifePractical steps to reduce harmful stressDo you want to become a centenarian?The fountain of youth has already been discovered5. Call things by their namesTwo thieves that are stealing your life awayHow to become immune to manipulationExotic explanations are seldom trueA powerful idea that has brought relief to manySeven types of irrational behaviour to stay away fromThe courage to keep asking questions6. Find serenity in silent placesThree mistakes that can destroy your peace of mindThe dire consequences of short-sighted behaviourHow an overstressed celebrity regained his serenityPeople who are free of anxiety do this every dayAn ancient formula for tranquillity in times of turmoilStay away from theories that don't work7. Embrace non-linear thinkingA widespread delusion that can kill your motivationFour practical lessons you can learn from monksThe opportunities that lie behind disruptive eventsHow to produce good results with few resourcesA non-linear approach is often the only one that worksFor those who believe that they have no opportunities8. Stay away from evil peopleThe personal benefits of a peaceful philosophyIndividuals seldom change in any fundamental wayAvoid recklessness and you'll have a brighter futureNobody can explain colours to the blindWithdrawal is a mighty weaponA true story that showed me how to stay safe9. Make resilience your biggest strengthIgnore fairy tales and you will do wellHow rationality reinforces your strengthsIf you want to sail far, keep the wind on your backEnjoy the luxuries of a simple lifestyleIs the best option so close to you that you cannot see it?Avoid the temptation to exaggerate your problems

Sequentiality provides a simple, but highly effective prescription for personal development. By means of real-life examples, this book will show you how to find the right sequence of steps. Amongst others, you will learn: How Luigi Cornaro overcame terminal illness and got to live 102 years.The reason that made Giotto go backwards in his artistic development in order to attain financial success.Which steps Giacomo Casanova took in order to become wealthy.How biologist George Mendel failed miserably in his career goal, but still found happiness.The huge error that destroyed Charles Dickens' life, and how to avoid it.If you want proven ideas instead of impracticable theories, this book is for you. Are you willing to put sequentiality to work in your favour?Table of Contents1. The importance of asking the right questionsHow confusion is created, cultivated and magnifiedThe most widely accepted explanation happens to be falseDiscard harsh schemes before they do you inHow deep dissatisfaction gives birth to improvementsWhy most people cannot even get startedBeware of the human tendency to self-delusion2. You can figure out what steps to take nextHow much nonsense are you willing to listen to?Painfully torn by adversity: a escape by nightDon't let indignation undermine your missionPath widening and deepening: two great strategiesStarting in life without the benefits of wealth or educationHow a disciplined genius turned into an incongruous loser3. Trial and error are the norm, not the exceptionThe right move after having crashed and burnedQuick rebound after a downfallWhat you can do to accelerate your recoveryHere is the antidote against stagnationProven advice to improve your resilience and resultsThe danger of perfectionism: the teachings of Chuang-Tzu4. It's all about method improvementCareer remedies against career mistakesTaking steps to find new opportunitiesWhere a big plan fails, small solutions can winCan a clever man get stuck in a stupid situation?Learning to grow wiser and strongerTrain yourself to detect inflection points5. How to speed up your progressWhy you'd better tick every box on the check-listThe human inclination to rationalize passivityIndividuals with good ethics make fewer mistakesThe theory and practice of system buildingCan you apply your creativity each day?What I learned from a man who worked miracles6. Your steps should be logical, not randomLearning to think long-term in a short-term worldThe number-one cause of devastating errorsA strong warning against self-inflicted blindnessZero chances of finding the right steps in the darkFigure out the logic, so that you can prevent mistakesAmbition without logic is not a sign of wisdom7. If only you could cut your mistakes by halfMake fear your friend, and prudence your blessingA wide margin of error is a necessity, not a luxurySome people throw themselves to the wolvesThe right steps are often the smoothestDealing effectively with ignorance and prejudice8. Let organic growth determine your stepsNatural growth is better than artificial formulasHistorical experience is the best source of wisdomThe false narrative of motivation and enthusiasmFlawed arguments can be deliciously sweetWhen something breaks, it's showing you the wayEye-opening events are meant to make you change9. The philosophy behind sequentialityThe key to improving your personal effectivenessCan self-acceptance lead to better results?The trap of psychological defensivenessWhat works and what doesn'tDon't let high ideals make you irrationalThe mortal sin of hypersensitivity10. Why it's so difficult to see the winning pathMake sure that you stay alert and proactiveTaking action to seize market opportunitiesExpand your activities and maximize your successYou don't need to reinvent the wheelImproved old concepts can lead to great successHow a stonecutter found the winning pat

In a world where philosophy is often reduced to catch-phrases and empty theories, this is a passionate defence of logic and consistency as the keys to happiness. Personal effectiveness, the basis of well-being and success, results from rational goals, workable plans and relentless action. In the areas of career, health, relationships and investments, this essay shows how to let go of wasteful propositions, pursue compatible goals, cultivate perseverance and resilience, minimize problems and maximize opportunities. Inspired by the teachings of Aristotle, Maimonides, Erasmus, Montaigne, Epictetus and Spinoza, the book encourages readers to embrace rationality and adopt a self-reliant, entrepreneurial attitude. TABLE OF CONTENTS1. The untold key to success and happinessTen positive trends rarely reported by the mediaThe way to independent thinkingTrust only your own statisticsAchieving happiness through rationalityWake up to a sharp vision of realityImportant lessons from historyIn search of principles that make sense2. Fundamental skills that everybody should masterRelentless initiative creates opportunitiesAn active mind looks for alternativesCultivate perseverance and resilienceAvoid waste and embrace frugalityShun overcommitment and worry3. The easy way to prosperitySelect a career where you can make a good livingPrinciples of accelerated learningUsing Ancient Mongol tactics to find employmentDiscard the myth of career planningGrowth sectors in the 21st centuryThose who can sell are always received well4. Philosophical ideas to make the best of your lifeTake the perspective of a lifetimeFocus on practical solutionsSelf-confidence arises from preparednessPursue compatible goalsConcentrate your resources on essential tasks5. Get out of losing situationsImmobility is the enemy of achievementTrain yourself to face nonsense calmlyThrow away unworkable plansRead the writing on the wallTake simple measures to protect yourselfYou have more options than you think6. Avoiding major mistakesPreserve your independent thinkingDon't make the same mistake as ConfuciusEntrepreneurship is the opposite of resignationAbandon perfectionism right nowWaiting for the world to change is a waste of time7. How to find love without making a mess of sexRational values are the basis of great relationshipsOvercoming the main obstacle to meeting new peopleThe high cost of short-term romantic involvementThe entrepreneurial factor in love and friendshipWhat is the crucial success element in dating?Break free from artificial social constraints8. Saving and investing to secure your futureTake control of your financial lifePrinciples of rational investmentTechniques for reducing riskHow to develop self-confidence as an investorSaving regularly brings peace of mindThe advantage of turbulent times9. Principles of optimal healthThe teachings of MaimonidesLiving in accordance with natureHow psychology can improve your healthModern theories about prolonging lifeHow some people live to become 100 years oldThe low-cost approach to good nutritionEffective methods for minimizing stressSleeping well by natural means10. Seeking personal growth one day at a timeEmbrace rational principlesThe link between personal effectiveness and happinessBecome an entrepreneur in your everyday lifeDo not be discouraged by your limited resourcesClear thinking gives you the ultimate advantageIt is on slow days when you make big breaks11. ConclusionThe human need for logic and consistencyAchieving happiness in a chaotic worldPhilosophy summarized in a single sentenceIt takes a while, but it can be done

Learning a simple formula for thriving in difficult times is everybody's wish. We all want to be able to surmount obstacles and move through life smoothly, without becoming intimidated by difficulties.The Ancient Greeks took pride in their practical approach to life: How they assessed situations, made decisions, and pursued complex goals. This book presents the principles they used for solving problems and getting things done.Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world as it was twenty-five centuries ago, and learn what the Ancient Greeks had to say about all important aspects of life? The examples presented in this book will help you increase your effectiveness, and thrive in difficult times.

Is your life running smoothly, always filled with success and happiness? Or do you sometimes face disruptions and periods of chaos? If this is the case, you need the lessons contained in this book: How industrialist Savva Mamontov could have prevented disruption from destroying his life.Why Albert Schweitzer only grew happy and famous after turning his life upside down.The disruptive strategy that enabled Joseph Paxton, a simple gardener, to become wealthy.How it is possible that the all-powerful Knights Templar were wiped out overnight.The method conceived by Abbot Suger in the twelfth century for running projects smoothly.Which variation of positive thinking Emile Coue invented for overcoming disruptions.This book presents real-life lessons that can massively increase your ability to succeed in the face of disruptions

In order to improve your life, you don't need to place your hopes on a lottery ticket or wait for the world to grant you the perfect opportunity. There is a better way and it is condensed in the principles of rational living, principles such as "think like an entrepreneur, not like a crusader," "ignore the noise and focus on results," "stay away from high-risk situations," "find people who share your values," and "develop strong long-term passions." This book presents the principles of rational living in great detail, with numerous examples of people who have applied them successfully. The principles of rational living are sound ideas that can dramatically improve your life. Learn all about them and start applying them today. EXCERPT FROM THE TABLE OF CONTENTS1. Think like an entrepreneur, not like a crusaderA recipe for getting ahead in good and bad timesDebating and arguing are a waste of timeThe true believer is the one who preaches by exampleEntrepreneurs thrive on trouble and inconvenienceUnlike resources, opportunities are infinite2. Ignore the noise and focus on resultsIf one road is blocked, take anotherHow to keep calm when you are surrounded by nonsenseThe effective way to handle work overloadLearning from people who never feel discouragedA proven strategy against career stagnation3. Live inexpensively and invest for future incomeWhy the stock market offers the best opportunitiesCommon traits of great businessmen and investorsWhat kind of companies should you invest in?A simple strategy is all you needAdopt a realistic and practical approach4. Choose a simple and healthy lifestyleDon't just eat well, eat wonderfullyWhat is healthy, tasty, and easy to cook?How to reduce everyday risks to your healthEating healthily when you are travellingIs it possible to slow down ageing?Why it is so difficult to lead a simple life5. Find people who share your valuesWhy you should ignore most of what you hearThe ugly duckling story repeats itself every dayOvercoming the resistance to changing jobs and relocatingDon't be original, be uniqueProven strategies for building great relationshipsWould you recognize yourself in the crowd?6. Listen to your emotions, but check the factsBeware of exaggerated romantic talesIn dating and cooking, choose natural ingredientsHow far are you willing to go for happiness?Conflicting values lead to contradictory behaviourThe short distance between infatuation and obfuscationDo not waste your best years pursuing unworkable ideals7. Accept the inevitable hassles of lifePutting an end to exaggerated fearsExtreme reactions are foolish and wastefulIn praise of caution and circumspectionCan you remain self-confident in times of trouble?How impatient people become stoic philosophersNever grant problems more weight than they deserve8. Stay away from high-risk situationsDeath statistics make great bedtime readingTranquillity seldom comes cheapDo not make an obsession of the perfect professionThree situations that you should avoid like the pestEvery archer needs more than one arrowThe jungle never sleeps9. Acquire effective habitsAn hour has sixty minutes, a day twenty-four hoursIn praise of staying behindHow a proactive attitude helps you overcome difficultiesLet go of the dead weight of prejudiceSmooth operators get more out of lifePersonal effectiveness depends on patterns10. Develop strong long-term passionsComparing yourself with other people makes no senseDon't drink the poison of contradictionWhat heroes are made ofThe myths of the single skill and the unique opportunityBecome tolerant of mistakes, since you will make so manyThe link between integrity and passion

In a world where philosophy is often reduced to catch-phrases and empty theories, this is a passionate defence of logic and consistency as the keys to happiness.In the areas of career, health, relationships, and investments, this essay shows how to let go of wasteful propositions, pursue compatible goals, cultivate perseverance and resilience, and maximize opportunities. Inspired by the teachings of Aristotle, Maimonides, Erasmus, Montaigne and Spinoza, the book encourages a self-reliant, entrepreneurial attitude.