The Damned And Other Stories
In the shadowy corners of the British countryside, where the fog clings to ancient stones and whispers of the past echo through the trees, lies a collection of tales that defy the ordinary. This horror anthology, once lost to time, has been resurrected by Alpha Editions, offering readers a glimpse into the supernatural phenomena and mysterious encounters that define early 20th century gothic fiction. With psychological horror themes that delve into the darkest recesses of the human mind, these supernatural short stories captivate both casual readers and devoted horror enthusiasts alike. The stories, reminiscent of the chilling works of M R James and Arthur Machen, transport readers to a realm where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. Each tale unfolds with a masterful blend of suspense and dread, inviting classic horror readers to explore the eerie landscapes and haunted narratives that have influenced generations of writers. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions, meticulously restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, preserving the essence of a bygone era while introducing its timeless chills to new audiences. For those who seek the thrill of the unknown, this collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of gothic horror.
Seeking Truth
We live in a world that is not governed by Truth. Disagreements surround us. Recent Presidential elections are hotly contested and won by the narrowest of margins. Charges of misinformation, fake news, and bias abound. Everyone claims they are correct; they have the Truth.Seeking Truth looks at both the philosophical and practical issues of Truth to understand how we come to know what we know and why we disagree so much. More importantly, it lays out how we can disagree in ways that avoid division and polarization and instead move to build a consensus on the Truth.Seeking Truth addresses things like how to think about what you believe, how to handle disagreement and errors positively, how do you know if you are open-minded, and how to make better decisions. Seeking Truth uses a lot of examples to make this case. To avoid current disputes, most are drawn from history, as people in various times and settings sought to understand how nature works, what happened in a particular event, or what is the best way to proceed or govern ourselves. Science, history, politics, business, all of these areas involve Truth in one way or another.Seeking Truth will help you become a better thinker, a more critical thinker, and one who moves closer to the Truth.
Contrapaganda
Philosophy, Cultural Criticism"For the whole of modernity thus far, we have relied upon art to counter the 'false consciousness.' But with the advent of information as the general lingua franca of politics, economics, and the technical and applied sciences, we require a different response; one that does not seek to overcome through transcendence, as did art, but rather seeks the immediate and consistent confrontation of the face to face and at each turn. Only then may we regain the practical wisdom of both truth and lie alike."In his ninth volume of essays, social philosopher G.V. Loewen presents the counterpoint of politics and art with a thoroughgoing analysis of how they can function to both support and sabotage one another. The conception of the hero is especially important to this contradictory relationship.Including titles such as "Joan of Arkham," "Littoralism," "Unusual Suspects," and "17 is the New 70," an essay which refers to the turning away from the world by virtually absorbed youth, as well as including a unique analysis of online harm groups, Contrapaganda will challenge many, if not all, our prejudices and visions alike.Author Bio: G.V. Loewen is the author of 67 books on ethics, education, aesthetics, health, religion, and social theory, and has also written fiction. A professor for two decades, he is the chief research officer for IEC, Inc., a digital health and wellness corporation.
Egotism in German Philosophy
Egotism in German Philosophy contains an extended critique of German metaphysics as found mainly in the works of Kant, Fichte, Hegel, and Nietzsche. Writing during the First World War, Santayana viewed egotism, characterized by subjectivity in thought and wilfulness in morals, as the essence of German philosophy. Its authors, he claimed, shared and justified 'that spirit of uncompromising self-assertion and metaphysical conceit' which the German nation was at that time 'reducing to action.' Exhibiting Santayana's erudition and expressive power, Egotism in German Philosophy remains as stimulating today as when it was first published.
The Ontology of Pain
The Ontology of Pain: A New Metaphysics of Existence by Muhammad Taha Alam redefines pain as the foundation of Being, challenging traditional metaphysical views that equate existence with harmony or perfection. ​ Pain is presented as the first vibration of existence-the strain that makes difference, relation, and awareness possible. ​ It is the medium through which Being learns itself, transforming resistance into reflexivity and reflexivity into meaning. ​The book explores pain as the primal mode of contact through which existence becomes aware of its limits. ​ Pain is not merely a biological signal or emotional state but the first sensation that enables awareness. ​ This perspective redefines freedom, not as the absence of constraint, but as the conscious participation in the limits that sustain existence. ​ Reflexivity-the capacity to feel and respond to resistance-is identified as the structural principle of reality, linking pain to the evolution of consciousness, freedom, and agency. ​Ethically, the book argues that compassion is the highest expression of Being's reflexivity. ​ Compassion is not just a moral sentiment but a metaphysical act-a recognition of shared endurance. ​ To act compassionately is to transform suffering into meaning and relation, participating in the reflexive labor of existence. ​ This ethical framework challenges the modern pursuit of comfort and control, offering instead a vision of life as mutual endurance and shared understanding. ​The social critique examines how modern systems-capitalism, technology, and governance-externalize pain, concealing the endurance that sustains them. ​ This externalization has led to alienation, inequality, and ecological crisis. ​ Yet these crises are interpreted as moments of revelation, opportunities to rediscover the interdependence that underlies existence. ​ The book envisions a transparent civilization where institutions distribute endurance equitably and knowledge serves relation rather than domination. ​Philosophical spirituality is central to the book's vision, offering transparency as the ultimate goal of reflexivity. ​ Transparency is described as the state in which awareness understands the necessity of resistance without mistaking it for hostility. ​ It is the equilibrium where pain and pleasure are reconciled, and consciousness perceives the world as mutual endurance. ​ The sacred is reinterpreted as the reflexive structure of reality itself, dissolving the boundary between cognition and devotion. ​The book emphasizes the ethical and spiritual dimensions of transparency, arguing that the good is whatever increases mutual awareness among beings. ​ Justice is framed as the equitable distribution of endurance, and compassion is presented as the practical expression of the sacred. ​ The transparent civilization envisioned in the book integrates ethics, science, and spirituality, transforming institutions into organs of shared reflexivity.Modernity's crises-ecological collapse, social inequality, and spiritual alienation-are framed as the return of the repressed real, moments when Being remembers itself through suffering. ​ The book argues that the exhaustion of the modern project-its denial of dependence and externalization of pain-prepares the ground for a new mode of realism. ​ This realism acknowledges that knowledge is participation, not mastery, and that freedom lies in the conscious acceptance of limits. ​Ultimately, The Ontology of Pain offers a profound rethinking of existence, freedom, and meaning. ​ It challenges readers to confront their assumptions about suffering and to see pain not as an obstacle but as a teacher.
Run_A_Way
Run_A_Way inquires into the staging of running through the author's own experience as a high-level athlete. Perhaps it displaces the format of the handbook, paving linear methods to approach a state of being through practice. Following a research on the philosophical concepts behind the current running hype, this text aims to offer a timeless perspective from running, in order to talk about mankind's dynamic relation with its surrounding space - therefore a form of design.
Computational Creativity
Technophany is founded in view of the need to create a singular and unconventional space for reflections on philosophy and technology, which is diminishing today due to dogmatic academic practices and their reluctance to confront challenges imposed by the industrial world. Technophany aims to facilitate original reflections and provocations on the philosophy and history of technology and contribute to the reshaping of the contemporary landscape of thought.This special issue of Technophany explores the profound intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Creativity. The volume challenges traditional human-centric notions of creativity, examining the philosophical and ethical dimensions of AI-generated artistic output. It focuses on computational creativity, which is the study and development of algorithms capable of performing tasks considered creative if done by humans, and its role in augmenting and transforming human expression. Discover how AI compels us to reconsider the essence of creativity and the evolving relationship between humans and machines.
God Consciousness & Physical Existence
The complex nature of reality is constructed from three fundamental elements: God, consciousness, and physical existence. Each of these components plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe, yet they are deeply interconnected, creating an intricate interplay that resists simple interpretation. God represents the ultimate source of meaning and purpose, a divine entity that transcends human perception. Consciousness constitutes our subjective experience, endowing us with the ability to attain awareness, engage in reflection, and achieve self-understanding. Physical existence grounds us in the material world, providing a tangible framework within which our experiences manifest. Collectively, these elements form a unified system in which the essence of one cannot be completely understood without considering the context of the others. This fundamental interrelationship underscores the profound connection that unites all aspects of reality, suggesting that our understanding of existence is significantly enriched by recognizing how these elements interact and inform one another.This analysis proposes a detailed metaphysical framework, suggesting that reality, as defined above, is constructed through a hybrid of quantum and subquantum physical paradigms. From this perspective, consciousness-rooted in the subquantum domain-interweaves with the electromagnetic processes occurring within our brains. Although we inhabit our reality on Earth, we engage with it through the prism of self-awareness and sentience, which result from a dynamic interaction between electromagnetic quantum phenomena and the enigmatic subquantum framework. In this elusive interplay, our consciousness emerges as an integral component of a greater whole, reflecting the essence of the divine as we navigate the profound dimensions of existence.
Thinking
Unlock the power of your mind and transform your life with this book on mastering your thoughts. Learn how managing your thinking can lead to greater happiness, a positive attitude, and a surge in self-confidence. This, in turn, boosts your attractiveness, deepens your relationships, and drives success in every area of life. Inside, you'll discover what thoughts are, the elements that shape them, and how to conquer the distractions that hold you back from becoming your best self. Gain clarity, sharpen your focus, and watch as all these benefits and more become your reality.
Cognitive Cosmogenesis
The author's mother was a very devout Catholic and played a significant role in his decision to join the Catholic Order of Preachers. There, he fell in love with the work of Thomas Aquinas, who based Christian theology on the philosophy of Aristotle. During the Second Vatican Council, he saw an opportunity to repeat the work of Aquinas using modern science. Since science is based on observation, this project implies that the universe is divine-a heresy for which he was expelled from the Order. This book is a personal account of that history and a justification for the belief that the universe itself is divine. The core idea is that we could solve all our problems by ditching strange gods and facing this fact. The universe creates itself; if we interpret our knowledge of physics properly, we would arrive at a credible scientific theology. The world has a natural intelligence far in excess of any artificial one. If we can understand how it organises life-from cells to forests-then organising world peace will be a pushover. Modern theologians must recognise that a physical point of view, rather than ancient texts, is the true source of credible theology. Religion and politics have been bedfellows since time immemorial... The model of creation presented in this book completely rejects the imperial intent of genocidal holy wars.
The Complexity of Being Human
The Complexity of Being Human is a thoughtful exploration of personal reflections and beliefs. It delves into the diversity of humanity and the ways in which people interact as they strive for harmony, respect, and acceptance. The variety within Homo Sapiens shapes the outcomes of these interactions. It influences not only harmony and respect but also conflict, religion, cruelty, and joy. Ultimately, the book argues that the ability to accommodate and accept one another is the true foundation for a better, more compassionate world.
Principles of Persuasion
In a world where opinions are plentiful and voices compete for attention, Principles of Persuasion offers a measured and thoughtful exploration of the delicate art of changing minds, not through loud insistence, but through gentle persuasion. Drawing upon the enduring traditions of logic, rhetoric, and the ever-shifting influence of circumstance, this work examines the subtle forces that shape belief, inspire agreement, and guide human decision. It is not a treatise on manipulation, but a meditation upon persuasion as a refined craft, an exchange between speaker and listener. Witty in its reflections, yet gracious in its tone, it reveals that true persuasion is neither a matter of force nor a matter of flattery, but a cultivated art founded on integrity, clarity, and mutual respect. These pages offer not a manual of tricks, but an invitation to influence with honour and purpose. Let this be your invitation to persuade and influence with its enduring principles.
The Essence of Living
Everyone is subject to these three main feelings: Fear; Desire to know; Desire for happiness, freedom, and fulfilment. Attainment of Self-knowledge fulfils all of these desires. The highest purpose of life is to know and realise your true essential nature: the Consciousness-Awareness, known as the inner, changeless, ever-present, blissful Self. The Self is the witness to your thoughts, feelings, experiences, and perceptions. The changeless Self is your true identity. You are not the body-mind or ego-personality. You are the subject and the body-mind is the objects of your awareness. Your original state of being is Oneness, in which there is no separation, and no duality. It is the ego, the separate-self, that constructs the subject-object duality, a separate-I, and false identification with the mind-body. It is because of self-ignorance that we have forgotten our true spiritual nature and feel different and separate from others and God. The illusion of separation and misidentification is the cause of our suffering and bondage. The ignorance of this illusion disappears with knowledge of the Self (Self-Knowledge). This book is a constant, daily reminder of our true essential nature. It is a contemplative book for all those who have forgotten or are unaware of their true spiritual identity. It is for all those who are seeking to know the Truth, God, Ultimate Reality, lasting happiness, security, inner peace, love, contentment, and spiritual fulfilment. You are destined to be spiritually enlightened! This book in the form of spiritual comic strips will open your mind and heart to remember, recognise, and know your true nature - the Self - to set you free in peace, love, and joy!
Cognitive Cosmogenesis
The author's mother was a very devout Catholic and played a significant role in his decision to join the Catholic Order of Preachers. There, he fell in love with the work of Thomas Aquinas, who based Christian theology on the philosophy of Aristotle. During the Second Vatican Council, he saw an opportunity to repeat the work of Aquinas using modern science. Since science is based on observation, this project implies that the universe is divine-a heresy for which he was expelled from the Order. This book is a personal account of that history and a justification for the belief that the universe itself is divine. The core idea is that we could solve all our problems by ditching strange gods and facing this fact. The universe creates itself; if we interpret our knowledge of physics properly, we would arrive at a credible scientific theology. The world has a natural intelligence far in excess of any artificial one. If we can understand how it organises life-from cells to forests-then organising world peace will be a pushover. Modern theologians must recognise that a physical point of view, rather than ancient texts, is the true source of credible theology. Religion and politics have been bedfellows since time immemorial... The model of creation presented in this book completely rejects the imperial intent of genocidal holy wars.
Extraterrestrials, Humans and their Religions, The evolution of evolution
This book is about the potential impact that first contact with more advanced extraterrestrials may have on human civilisation, with particular emphasis on major religions. The book attempts a realistic review of the present physical, intellectual, ethical, social and religious state of humanity and the risk it faces of causing its own demise or even extinction. The book examines the violent nature of Darwinian evolution and argues that humanity is not doomed to remain in this violent stage of its development by force of anything in the universe. Its continuation is the default position that arises from humanity's failure to rise to the challenge of change and social growth.
The Human Mind
The Human Mind: Ripple of Awareness is a groundbreaking exploration of the mind through consequence, coherence, and field intelligence. In this third volume of the Chavanian Philosophy Series, Sandeep J. Chavan reveals the mind not as a mechanical organ but as a living field-a dynamic ripple system where thoughts, emotions, identity, and healing follow the same universal grammar that shapes the cosmos.Through the Chavanian model, the mind is redefined as ripple activity generated by the soul and illuminated by consciousness. Anxiety becomes a high-frequency disturbance, trauma becomes a frozen wave, ego becomes a contracted ripple, and healing becomes the natural return to coherence. Instead of treating psychological pain as pathology, Chavan reframes it as energetic misalignment-a temporary distortion seeking resolution.This volume offers a complete architecture of mind: - how ripples form from intention, memory, and emotion, - how misalignment creates mental entropy, - how awareness dissolves distortion by observation, - how coherence restores clarity, - how identity, ego, and suffering arise from forgotten field continuity, - and how the mind naturally realigns through stillness and attention.Readers learn practical tools such as Awareness Tracking, Ripple Mapping, Emotional Coherence Practices, and Silence Observation, enabling them to sense inner turbulence before it grows and navigate life with clarity.Blending physics, psychology, and contemplative insight, this book shows that the mind does not need to be controlled-it needs to be aligned. When awareness becomes the tuning fork of the inner field, suffering transforms into understanding, conflict becomes feedback, and life becomes a coherent flow of consequence.The Human Mind: Ripple of Awareness is not merely a book to read-it is a field to inhabit. It prepares the foundation for Volume IV, Universal Skill: Navigating Consequences, where awareness becomes mastery in action.
Fingerprints in the Unseen
Fingerprints in the Unseen - Volume I: The Witnessing Field is a profound exploration of what remains of us when everything familiar dissolves. Drawn from a near-death encounter that revealed the hidden architecture of consequence, this book invites the reader into a world where every choice emits a trace, every intention shapes the unseen, and every soul carries a record more precise and luminous than memory.Through three transformative Soul Traces - bridging metaphysics, morality, NDE research, philosophy, and experiential truth - the book uncovers the "Witnessing Field," a dimension in which one's inner life becomes visible, measurable, and undeniable. Here, time becomes light, actions become echoes, and the moral weight of one's being forms a living imprint.This volume speaks to seekers, thinkers, and those who sense that life is more than physical existence. It merges spiritual insight with conceptual clarity, offering a new framework for understanding the soul, consequence, and the unseen laws that govern our journey beyond the body.Both intimate and universal, Fingerprints in the Unseen is an invitation to read the record already carried within you - and to live with a deeper sense of presence, responsibility, and awe.
The Wireless Operator
Government agencies and rival factions were closing in. His look-alike had already fallen victim to professional hitmen and his once-powerful allies in Cuban intelligence and the DEA could no longer guarantee his safety. How did a boy from Manchester revolutionize the criminal world and become the largest marijuana trafficker in history? This is the never-before-told story of Harold Derber, the debonair British Merchant Navy veteran who invented the modern drug trade with his groundbreaking invention: the drug mothership. Through his ghost fleet of drug ships, Derber eventually become the chief supplier of marijuana to post-war America. This gripping true tale follows Derber from humble beginnings in Manchester, England to his assassination in the sun-kissed streets of Miami. Along the way, Derber's story takes in some of the most significant events of the twentieth century - the Second World War's Battle of the Atlantic, the Cuban Revolution and the murky shadows of the Cold War. Shedding light on a litany of plots including arms and refugee smuggling, large-scale stock fraud and Derber's rise to the pinnacle of the drug world, this remarkable transatlantic story paints a complex picture of a singular figure and brings his extraordinary life into focus for the first time.
The World Doesn't Need You
This book is a compass for anyone who feels the ground shifting beneath them and is asking, "Where do I go from here?" It reveals why knowledge is no longer enough, how to navigate the turbulence of this transition, and how to uncover the wisdom advantage only you can bring to thrive in the Age of AI.The Knowledge Economy is collapsing. For generations, society rewarded us for what we knew. But artificial intelligence already out-thinks, out-remembers, and out-produces us. Degrees and titles no longer guarantee value.Lawrence Ford has guided CEOs and heads of state, and walked with thousands of people through financial decisions, corporate transitions, and deeply personal crises of identity and change. He has helped catalyze movements in partnership with the United Nations, represented commerce as a force for peace at Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, and has been called "The Shaman of Wall Street" by The Washington Post, "The Finance Guru" by NPR, and "a man of two worlds" by The Economist.That uncommon combination is exactly what makes him one of the clearest guides for this moment--when both the systems we've built and the selves we've become are being tested by AI.History will remember this as the moment everything changed. How you show up will define your future--and this book is your guide.
The Magic Kingdom and the Meaning of Life
What truths and life lessons can we take away from a seemingly trivial theme park in Orlando, Florida? Father and philosopher Adam Kadlac reflects on his own visits to Walt Disney World, arguing that Disney theme parks are a remarkably fruitful environment in which to reflect on the human condition. On the one hand, engagement with the worlds of Disney is a pervasive feature of many people's everyday experience. On the other hand, the fantastical nature of Disney theme parks casts light on aspects of our lives that may otherwise seem unremarkable. If, on a day out at the Magic Kingdom, we pause to absorb our surroundings, our thoughts can quickly turn to all sorts of important topics and questions: authenticity and pleasure; what it means for corporations to play such a large role in our culture; whether nostalgia is always bad; and, of course, princesses (so, so many princesses. The Magic Kingdom and the Meaning of Life will challenge Disney lovers and sceptics alike to think more deeply about the things that matter to them.
Ignorance and Bliss
"A wise and wonderfully enjoyable book. Mark Lilla treats weighty matters with a light touch, in an elegant prose style that crackles with dry wit . . . Invigorating." --John Banville, The GuardianA dazzling exploration of our wish to remain innocent and ignorant--and its consequences. Aristotle claimed that "all human beings want to know." Our own experience proves that all human beings also want not to know. Today, centuries after the Enlightenment, mesmerized crowds still follow preposterous prophets, irrational rumors trigger fanatical acts, and magical thinking crowds out common sense and expertise. Why is this? Where does this will to ignorance come from, and how does it continue to shape our lives? In Ignorance and Bliss, the acclaimed essayist and historian of ideas Mark Lilla offers an absorbing psychological diagnosis of the human will not to know. With erudition and brio, Lilla ranges from the Book of Genesis and Plato's dialogues to Sufi parables and Sigmund Freud, revealing the paradoxes of hiding truth from ourselves. He also exposes the fantasies this impulse lead us to entertain--the illusion that the ecstasies of prophets, mystics, and holy fools offer access to esoteric truths; the illusion of children's lamb-like innocence; and the nostalgic illusion of recapturing the glories of vanished and allegedly purer civilizations. The result is a highly original meditation that invites readers to consider their own deep-seated impulses and taboos. We want to know, we want not to know. We accept truth, we resist truth. Back and forth the mind shuttles, playing badminton with itself. But it doesn't feel like a game. It feels as if our lives are at stake. And they are.
Stoicism Today
Stoicism isn't just ancient philosophy - it's a toolkit for living well today.Stoicism Today brings together engaging essays that show exactly how Stoic thinking can help with stress, anxiety, relationships, work, discipline, and emotional resilience in a fast-moving modern world.If you've read Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus or Seneca - or modern Stoics like Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson or Ryan Holiday - this book will feel like the natural next step: real Stoicism, lived in real lives.In these pages, you will discover: - How Stoic principles improve resilience, calm and emotional balance- Real examples of philosophy applied to grief, work, conflict and decision-making- Reflections from people using Stoicism to build strength, meaning and purpose- Practical advice for thinking clearly, reducing reactivity and developing inner stability- A bridge between ancient wisdom and everyday challenges - written for real readers, not academicsWhether you're new to Stoicism or deepening your understanding, Stoicism Today offers a relatable, human guide to cultivating strength, clarity and a more grounded way of living.Ancient wisdom. Modern life. Stoicism made practical.
Stoicism & Western Buddhism
What can Stoicism learn from Buddhism - and what can Buddhism learn from Stoicism?This book explores two ancient paths to peace, resilience and meaning, showing how they complement one another in powerful ways today.Stoicism & Western Buddhism is a clear and accessible guide to living with presence, purpose and emotional steadiness. Rather than arguing for one tradition over the other, Patrick Ussher shows how Stoic self-mastery and Buddhist mindfulness can work together - helping us face stress, anxiety, illness, uncertainty and moral challenge with calm strength.Inside you will discover: - How both traditions teach resilience, compassion and clarity of mind- Why Stoic discipline pairs naturally with Buddhist mindfulness- Practical ways to reduce emotional reactivity and rumination- Insights on desire, acceptance, suffering and the nature of control- Tools for building a calmer, kinder, more grounded inner life- A bridge between ancient practice and modern psychological needsFor readers of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca, and for anyone drawn to the work of modern interpreters like Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson or Ryan Holiday - this book offers a unique perspective: Stoicism and Buddhism not in competition, but in conversation.Two traditions. One aim: a life lived with clarity, calm, and awakened responsibility.
Kant on Property Rights and International Law
This Element argues that property rights and the territorial rights of states in Kant's legal theory provide a strong justification for the expansion of international law. Central to the argument is Kant's theory of legal obligation, according to which a right to external things is only possible if it can genuinely bind all those on whom it must impose an external duty. Given the global scope of this legal obligation in Kant's account, it can only be achieved through the implementation of a shared international legal order regulated by a principle of reciprocity in external relations. Kant's conception of legal obligation thus requires us to leave the state of nature beyond domestic legal systems towards an international legal order. The author also examines how the international legal order differs from a world state, and how it can be consistent with national legal systems.
The Chains We Choose
"Freedom isn't taken from us - we give it away. This book shows how to stop it."Why do we keep building the very cages we long to escape?In The Chains We Choose, Gary Hewitt exposes the patterns of control woven through religion, politics, and everyday life-and offers practical ways to break free, stay free, and choose freedom every single day.
You Are Not Civilized
We like to believe we are civilized.History suggests otherwise.In this provocative book, Gary Hewitt argues that humanity never outgrew its emotional childhood. The evidence is everywhere: political tantrums, leaders driven by insecurity, tribal identities masquerading as morals, and cultures terrified of uncertainty.- When fear rises, we choose strongmen.- When trust dies, imagination fills the gap.- When truth is hidden, conspiracy becomes faith.You Are Not Civilized exposes the psychology behind our most destructive behaviors-obedience, denial, projection, moral outsourcing-and shows why civilizations stumble into fascism, fanaticism, and fantasy when adulthood is avoided
The Philosophy Of History Vol. I
The philosophy of history Vol. I lays a foundation for viewing human development, not merely as a succession of events, but as a structured evolution shaped by cultural, intellectual, and spiritual forces. Beginning with reflections on the author's own formative influences, including classical thinkers and dramatists, the work positions ancient literature as crucial to understanding the foundations of modern civilization. The narrative critiques linear and empirical views of history, favoring instead a vision in which historical moments are interconnected by shared ideals and metaphysical truths. Philosophical history, as presented here, highlights language, mythology, religion, and art as essential expressions of the human spirit, tracing how they influence the rise and transformation of societies. The early sections suggest that history must be read not just with factual accuracy but with an awareness of its moral and aesthetic dimensions. Through this approach, the work proposes that understanding the past requires recognizing enduring patterns in humanity's intellectual and cultural legacy.
wild Oats
When I discovered the place where I was born did not accept me, I found freedom in the unknown world.At the bottom of an empty well, hanging on a rope facing two frightened and aggressive wild dogs, I found something unexpected: patience.At the loss of a great and gentle friend, I found forgiveness for the sorrow that was passed on to me.Have you ever woken up afraid, but rose to seize the day?Have you ever felt pure joy for more than a few minutes?Have you ever dared to fight when you knew you weren't ready for it?Have you learnt to feel the wins and the failures, and welcome them as one and the same?Have you ever felt a deeper awareness of the self, beyond your immediate reality?Have you ever felt eager for the future, fond of the past, and found them to weigh the same?These poems are reflections of these questions, through the lens of an individual, Kalinga.Since there is more that unites us than divides us, these are all of our stories, painted in rhyme and sketch to communicate a sense of inevitable common ground.The world is changing, but it always is. Remember that your journey is yours, and you can carve it as you see fit.
Meditations in Ten Minutes a Day
Find strength, peace, and purpose--in just ten minutes a day.Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and timeless Stoic thinker, left behind one of the greatest guides to personal wisdom and inner strength ever written. In Meditations in Ten Minutes a Day, his powerful reflections are brought to life in a fresh, accessible format that fits into your modern schedule--without losing the depth of his original intent.This streamlined edition offers updated, approachable language while preserving the soul of Marcus's teachings. Each reflection takes just minutes to read but offers lifelong tools for resilience, clarity, self-discipline, and peace of mind.Perfect for daily reading or meditationAdapted for modern readers without losing the timeless truthsDiscover the core of Stoic philosophy in plain, powerful languageWhether you're navigating stress, seeking calm, or trying to build a life rooted in purpose, Meditations in Ten Minutes a Day gives you a steady hand, a quiet mind, and a grounded spirit."Happiness comes from within and depends on your own actions and attitudes." - Marcus Aurelius
Pictures Of Southern Life, Social, Political, And Military
Pictures of southern life, social, political, and military offers a firsthand account of Southern society in the period leading up to the American Civil War. Through detailed observations made during travels across states like South Carolina and Georgia, the work examines regional attitudes toward independence, governance, and cultural identity. Opening in Charleston shortly after secession, the narrative explores conversations with Southern elites who express disdain for Northern influence and idealize a return to monarchical rule. These views reveal a society deeply polarized, shaped by pride, fear, and resistance to change. The account captures the complex emotional and ideological landscape, portraying preparations for war alongside reflections on social structure and racial hierarchy. It provides commentary on slavery, state rights, and the myth of Southern nobility, highlighting contradictions between tradition and political rebellion. The writing is grounded in direct experience, revealing the cultural and political forces behind the growing national divide. Rather than glorifying the South, it presents a nuanced portrait of a region on the brink, shaped by sentiment and determined by history.
The Philosophy Of History Vol. II
The philosophy of history Vol. II lays a foundation for viewing human development, not merely as a succession of events, but as a structured evolution shaped by cultural, intellectual, and spiritual forces. Beginning with reflections on the author's own formative influences, including classical thinkers and dramatists, the work positions ancient literature as crucial to understanding the foundations of modern civilization. The narrative critiques linear and empirical views of history, favoring instead a vision in which historical moments are interconnected by shared ideals and metaphysical truths. Philosophical history, as presented here, highlights language, mythology, religion, and art as essential expressions of the human spirit, tracing how they influence the rise and transformation of societies. The early sections suggest that history must be read not just with factual accuracy but with an awareness of its moral and aesthetic dimensions. Through this approach, the work proposes that understanding the past requires recognizing enduring patterns in humanity's intellectual and cultural legacy.
Pioneers Of Evolution From Thales To Huxley
Pioneers of evolution from Thales to Huxley is a historical analysis of how the concept of evolution gradually emerged from philosophical speculation into scientific theory. The narrative begins with early thinkers who rejected myth and pursued natural causes, marking a turning point in human inquiry. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of change and continuity in nature, challenging the notion of static creation. These initial inquiries laid foundational ideas for future scientific revolutions. The text explores how dominant doctrines delayed progress, yet seeds of rational inquiry persisted and reemerged over time. As new methods advanced empirical investigation, earlier suppressed ideas found renewed strength. The work transitions to a modern reintroduction of evolution through evidence and reasoning, contrasting faith-based systems with natural explanations. It highlights the persistence of critical thought and the gradual dismantling of supernatural explanations in favor of material causation. The early chapters provide a sweeping view of intellectual development, celebrating the resolve of those who questioned prevailing beliefs and helped ignite one of science s most significant transformations in understanding life and its origins.
Untimely Papers
Untimely papers presents a critical reflection on the effects of war on personal identity and societal expectations, emphasizing the tension between individual freedom and collective conformity. The collection of essays explores how war challenges and reshapes ideals, exposing the pressures that force people to suppress their true selves in favor of societal norms. It critiques the intellectual class s support for the conflict and highlights the psychological burdens carried by those caught between personal beliefs and external demands. Through vivid analysis, the work reveals the erosion of autonomy under widespread apathy and the demands of nationalism. It examines the struggle to maintain individuality amid cultural forces pushing for uniformity and loyalty to the collective cause. The essays call for a deeper understanding of how war influences culture and identity, advocating for the preservation of personal integrity during times of social and political upheaval. Untimely papers stands as a thoughtful exploration of the challenges faced by those striving to remain authentic in an era marked by turmoil and conformity.
The Strenuous Life
The strenuous life presents a vision of existence rooted in effort, responsibility, and purposeful struggle. The work promotes the belief that true success arises from dedication to meaningful tasks rather than the pursuit of ease or comfort. It reflects on the value of hard work, resilience, and courage in shaping both individual character and national destiny. The narrative emphasizes that moral strength and greatness emerge when people willingly confront challenges rather than retreat from them. Through reflections on history and civic duty, it highlights how collective and personal progress depend on embracing difficulties as opportunities for growth. The book encourages engagement with the world through action, stressing that fulfillment comes from striving toward higher ideals and contributing to the greater good. It calls on readers to reject idleness and instead commit to lives of service, effort, and integrity. The work ultimately invites reflection on the enduring connection between struggle and moral advancement.
The Right Knock
The right knock examines spiritual awakening and the search for deeper purpose through the experiences of a woman shaped by society, loss, and inner transformation. Beginning with her status as a respected hostess in elite circles, the narrative quickly introduces questions about fulfillment and the emotional emptiness that can accompany wealth. A tragic fire disrupts this illusion of stability, forcing her to confront both material loss and personal vulnerability. As she begins to recover, her journey leads her into the realm of Christian Healing, where physical ailments are seen not just as medical conditions but as reflections of spiritual imbalance. This turn toward metaphysical inquiry opens up new understandings of happiness, prompting her to reevaluate relationships, roles, and aspirations. The early chapters focus on quiet shifts in belief, rooted in conversation, contemplation, and growing dissatisfaction with conventional thinking. Through her inner transformation, she begins to influence those around her, suggesting that personal insight can ripple outward into broader change. The story s opening layers social commentary with spiritual reflection, setting the stage for an introspective narrative driven by self-discovery.
Philosophical Letters
Philosophical letters or modest reflections upon some opinions in natural philosophy examines foundational questions in natural philosophy through a series of thoughtful correspondences that critique dominant ideas of the time. Written with clarity and resolve, the author challenges prevailing theories by offering a distinct vision rooted in the belief that matter is both rational and sensitive. The work begins with an acknowledgment of the boldness required to enter philosophical discourse while affirming the legitimacy of intellectual inquiry from any voice. The early letters highlight the conviction that body and soul are not separate entities but integrated aspects of a unified whole. Mechanistic views of nature are questioned, and instead, internal vitality and reasoning are proposed as governing forces. The approach remains respectful of established thinkers while being firmly committed to advancing original interpretations. Rather than seeking controversy, the aim is clarity and thoughtful contribution. These opening letters establish the work as both critique and proposal, encouraging readers to reconsider accepted ideas and explore the universe as a rational, dynamic, and living system.
Feelings
Feelings is a poetic exploration of the inner universe we all carry the quiet, intelligent language of emotion that speaks beneath thought and beyond words. Blending psychology, spirituality, and lyrical insight, this book invites readers to rediscover their emotional world not as chaos to control, but as wisdom to understand.Each chapter reveals how emotions fear, joy, anger, sadness, and more are not random moods but purposeful messengers. Through vivid metaphors, ancient symbolism, and modern understanding, Feelings guides you to listen to your inner signals, balance logic with intuition, and transform even heavy emotions into creative, life-giving energy.From the fire of anger that forges courage, to the water of sadness that cleanses the soul, to the air of joy that uplifts, and the earth of peace that grounds, Feelings helps you see emotion as the sacred architecture of growth. It's a manual for emotional alchemy: the art of turning reaction into awareness, and pain into purpose.Through reflection exercises, elemental wisdom, and timeless storytelling, Feelings teaches you how to read your emotional compass and navigate life with clarity, authenticity, and grace.A luminous journey for anyone seeking inner balance, deeper connection, and a return to the quiet truth within the truth that to feel is to be fully, beautifully alive.
The Revolt Eclipses Whatever the World Has to Offer
A series of reflections surveying the events of an ailing country traversed by civil war on multiple fronts. What is it to be Black in America? It is to be constantly given unsolicited advice on how to run your life by people of all stripes, cultures, races, and opinions, so that the message is, by its very design, inconsistent with itself. However, there is one common feature that unites them all, besides their arrogant insistence to respond to what no one has asked of them: you can be sure that not one of these philistines has read--let alone understood--a single line of Plato. It is with this guiding insight that the author seeks to think his own material existence and resolves that philosophy must implicate itself in the utter demise of the alienated and oppressive wasteland in which he has been thrown.
Discourses and Selected Writings
A new translation of the influential teachings of the great Stoic philosopher Despite being born into slavery, Greco-Roman philosopher Epictetus became one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Discourses and Selected Writings is a transcribed collection of informal lectures given by the philosopher around AD 108. A gateway into the life and mind of a great intellectual, it is also an important example of the usage of Koine or "common" Greek, an ancestor to Standard Modern Greek.
I Suffer Therefore I Am
In the West today, suffering has become a new sacred cow. Once a common feature of the human condition, it is now a special trait you can use to impress your contemporaries. It provides you with a borrowed identity, transforming you into an exceptional being who can show off on the public stage at little cost. Everyone flaunts their certificate of affliction, positioning themselves above their peers. Even those who are well-off and powerful seek to find a place in the aristocracy of the margins, creating new castes of the dispossessed at the expense of the truly unfortunate. Infused with bitterness, this cult of the victim glorifies the martyr figure and feeds into the passions of revenge and resentment. This is the message of our age: we are all victims and entitled to feel sorry for ourselves. The submissive humanity of Christianity and the arrogant humanity of modernity have now been replaced by a victimized humanity allergic to distress. Pampered, coddled, raised in fear and sensitivity, how will younger generations be able to confront the chaotic world that awaits them, marked by war, violence, terrorism and climate chaos? Who will teach them the courage to endure, to face setbacks head-on, without faltering in the face of misfortune?
Berlin Childhood Around 1900
An elegant new translation of Benjamin's moving evocation of the experiences of his urban childhood Composed in exile in the 1930s and pub­lished as a whole only after his death, the miniatures that make up Benjamin's Berlin Childhood are crystallized images of child­hood experienced in a city later surrendered to fascism. No ordinary autobiography, the book is a Proustian experiment in memory and a meditative tour of the iconic spaces of a city irretrievably lost to the adult. Instead of details of family and friends, these minia­tures evoke the sensory richness of childhood in images of the squares and courtyards, the parks and monuments of Berlin, the child's schoolbooks and the gloomy flats of elderly relatives. As Benjamin's friend Theodor Adorno writes in his afterword, 'the images the book brings up into a disturbing prox­imity are not idyllic and not contemplative. The shadow of Hitler's Reich falls across them. Dreamlike, they unite that horror with something that has long existed.' This new translation includes an introduc­tion by Antonia Hofst瓣tter, highlighting the way this nearly century-old work resonates with contemporary readers and inspires hope by providing access to strata of experience not governed by instrumentality and domination.
The Trial and Death of Socrates
Considered one of the most influential writings in Western philosophy, the account of The Trial and Death of Socrates is a compilation of four dialogues by Plato--Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo. These world famous dialogues rank with the writings of Aristotle as the most important and influential philosophical works in Western thought. They chronicle the final days of the philosopher Socrates. These texts provide insight into his trial, defense, and execution. Euthyphro: Set outside the Athenian courts, this dialogue features Socrates' encounter with Euthyphro, who is prosecuting his own father for murder. They discuss the nature of piety, setting the stage for Socrates' upcoming trial. Apology: Socrates presents his defense against accusations of corrupting the youth and impiety. He argues that questioning and challenging societal norms is essential for finding truth and wisdom. Crito: While imprisoned, Socrates is visited by his friend Crito, who urges him to escape. Socrates discusses justice, the social contract, and his commitment to Athenian laws, ultimately choosing to accept his death sentence. Phaedo: This dialogue depicts Socrates' final moments, engaging in philosophical discussions about the immortality of the soul before drinking the hemlock that will end his life.Together, these dialogues explore themes of ethics, justice, and the philosopher's role in society, offering a profound reflection on Socrates' unwavering commitment to his principles even in the face of death. Scholars have selected this work as being culturally important, and a large part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. Plato is among the most influential philosophers of all time. Along with his teacher Socrates and his pupil Aristotle, he can be said to have laid the foundations for Western philosophy, science and ethics, as well as establishing the first academy for higher learning in the Western world.
Lead by Letting Go
In a world addicted to speed, constant updates, and overmanagement, the leaders who stand out aren t the ones doing the most they re the ones creating the right conditions and stepping back. This book reveals how the ancient principles of taoist leadership can solve the modern problem of burnout, disengagement, and decision fatigue, replacing control with calm, clarity, and precise influence. Rooted in the Taoist practice of wu wei leadership strategic non-doing you ll discover how to make fewer, better-timed decisions, design clean constraints instead of rigid rules, and shape outcomes without smothering your team. By learning to lead without micromanagement, you ll unlock a style of leadership that is more resilient, less reactive, and capable of thriving in complex, fast-moving environments. Inside, you ll find practical strategies drawn from systems thinking, organizational behavior, and real-world case studies, including: - How to spot when intervention will help and when it will only make things worse - Simple tools for decision-making under uncertainty - Ways to design boundaries that guide action without creating bureaucracy - How to read the flow of events and act at the exact moment of highest leverage Perfect for executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone tired of leading by constant push, this book turns the philosophy of non-doing leadership into an actionable, modern framework. Whether you re scaling a startup, steering a corporate team, or managing complex projects, you ll learn how designing constraints for teams and working with not against natural dynamics leads to calm authority, higher trust, and results that last. Stop overcontrolling. Start leading like water and watch your team perform at its best without you having to force it.
The Advanced Stoic - A Field Manual for a World in Decline
The Advanced StoicA Field Manual for a World in DeclineThe world has grown restless. Noise has replaced thought. We scroll through outrage, call it truth, and mistake speed for strength. Yet beneath the noise, a rare strength still waits to be rediscovered: the ability to remain calm, lucid, and unshaken.The Advanced Stoic is a field manual for clarity in chaos, a guide to thinking, feeling, and acting with precision in a time built on distraction.Rooted in timeless Stoic wisdom and reimagined for the modern era, this book delivers simple yet powerful tools to master attention, govern emotion, and live with integrity when the world trembles. Each page acts as a compass: direct, sober, and immediately useful.Inside You Will Learn- How to build inner stillness that resists pressure and urgency- The art of emotional mastery and the strength of measured response- Practical frameworks for decision, discipline, and calm leadership- How to transform stress into clarity and adversity into growth- Methods for attention, speech, habit, and courage in daily life- A philosophy of presence that builds reliability and quiet powerThe Advanced Stoic blends philosophy, psychology, and daily practice into a single architecture of calm. It is not a theory book. It is a manual for living upright when everything around you bends. Through 20 concise chapters and actionable lessons, you will return to what depends on you and release what never did.Why This Book MattersWe live in a century that rewards spectacle over substance. Visibility has replaced depth, and noise has replaced reflection. True strength, however, is silent, precise, and deeply human. This book restores silence to its rightful place, not as emptiness but as clarity. It teaches that calm is not a mood but an architecture; not a retreat but a deliberate way to stand.This is not about becoming cold or distant. It is about fidelity to your values, your craft, and your people. The Advanced Stoic is an antidote to anxiety and performance fatigue, offering a way back to presence, precision, and peace.Who It Is ForFor readers who want to think deeply without losing practicality.For leaders, creators, and professionals who seek strength without arrogance, calm without apathy, and meaning without show.For anyone who wants to stand upright again with dignity and grace.The PromiseYou will not find slogans or quick fixes here. You will find a discipline that reshapes your posture, your words, and your mind. After reading, you will speak less and mean more. You will act slower but strike truer. You will stand straighter, breathe deeper, and bring calm into rooms that have forgotten it.The Advanced Stoic is not about escaping the modern world. It is about mastering it. It is the architecture of calm, the craft of presence, and the art of holding firm in a world that keeps shaking.Open it once, and you will return to it often, as a companion for every season of turmoil.
Whereof
This book of poems is about the much-discussed, highly influential philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 -1951), some of whose gnomic sayings have now acquired near-proverbial status. Christopher Norris is a Swansea-based philosopher-poet and Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University who has often read, taught and written about Wittgenstein's work over many decades. Norris takes seriously Wittgenstein's assertion that 'philosophy should only be written as poetry', but not quite as Wittgenstein intended. Rather, Norris evokes the most salient traits of Wittgenstein's writing - aphoristic, metaphorical, cryptically revealing, sometimes koan-like - and treats them in formal (rhyming and metrical) verse which draws out senses subtly or strikingly at odds with received accounts. The result is a sequence of close-focused poetic reflections, engagements, and intertextual dialogues where aspects of Wittgenstein's work and life-history are passed in sympathetic but critically incisive review. It will certainly flutter some of the more staid or like-minded academic dovecotes whose coo-filled interiors, as Norris has long maintained, could do with the occasional fluttering.This volume will make a notable addition to Norris's earlier verse-collections on Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Derrida, and Rilke.
Life in a Dance on Words
While at times you may dance with others and other times alone, the movements you make as you forge your life's path also represent a dance. Although the steps may vary, the finish line remains constant, so it's time to recognize life for what it truly is, a dance, one that you must learn to master in order to transcend towards ultimate freedom.
Liberalism That Wins
Liberal democracy is losing ground. Across Britain and beyond, inequality is rising, trust in institutions is collapsing, and political extremes are seizing the initiative. The political centre, once a source of stability, is stuck in short-term fixes and stale orthodoxies - unable to answer the challenges of a changing world.This is not just a crisis of leadership. It is rooted in flawed assumptions built into the post-war liberal consensus - ideas that once secured peace and prosperity, but now leave democracy exposed to stagnation and decline.Liberalism That Wins offers a way forward: a framework for democratic renewal that is morally credible, politically unifying, and strong enough to out-compete the extremes. It rejects empty nostalgia and blind technocracy in favour of a vision grounded in reality - one that can restore trust, rebuild legitimacy, and renew the democratic centre.
Children's Mental Health Resources for the Church
Today's many stressors have increased the demand for effective children's mental health providers. Yet, there are insufficient numbers of skilled service providers to meet that demand. Could your church help fill in some of the missing pieces by providing services to help meet the needs of young people? This book provides ideas for starting a program to help meet the mental health needs of today's children, offering case studies, easy-to-understand explanations of mental health and developmental concepts, and practical tools to help your church get started. Written by a skilled family therapist, the resources in this book provide inspiration and accessible knowledge to shape an effective mental health support ministry.
