Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus PDF Summary

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus PDF Ludwig Wittgenstein is widely considered to have been one of the greatest – if not the greatest –philosopher of the 20th century.

At about 80 pages, “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” is the only book he published during his lifetime.

And for some time – if you had asked Wittgenstein and his followers – it was the only philosophical work that was worth your time and attention.

Join us and find out what the fuss is all about.

Who Should Read “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus”? And Why?

Since it is a landmark work in the history of philosophy, everyone who is even remotely interested in philosophy and the history and evolution of thought.

However, considering the fact that it is notoriously complicated, not everyone will be able to do so in the absence of scholarly annotations and copious notes.

So, whatever you do, don’t let the size of “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” fool you: it will probably take you to read it as much as time as it would take you to read Dr. Johnson’s “Dictionary of the English Language.”

And, sorry to say, but unless you are really interested in philosophy and language, of the two, the latter will probably be the more interesting one.

About Ludwig Wittgenstein

Ludwig Wittgenstein was an Austrian-British philosopher, deemed by Bertrand Russell “the most perfect example… of genius as traditionally conceived; passionate, profound, intense, and dominating.”

Born into a wildly wealthy family in Vienna, Wittgenstein first studied engineering in Berlin, and it is with the goal of furthering his education in this area that he went to England, more precisely Manchester.

However, he soon developed a keen interest in mathematics and logic and on 18 October 1911, he arrived announced before Bertrand Russell at Cambridge, with an intention to become the greatest philosopher in history.

Two years later, he inherited a large fortune from his father, but he gave most of it away to artists and poets, and especially to his already rich brothers and sisters.

After three of his brothers had committed suicides – and thinking that he had solved all philosophical problems with the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (published in 1921) – the mentally and emotionally spent Ludwig gave up philosophy altogether and spent the next few years working as an elementary school teacher, gardener, and an architect.

In 1929 he went back to Cambridge where he became a professor in 1939. He died of cancer twelve years later.

“Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus PDF Summary”

Ludwig Wittgenstein’s “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” is one of the strangest and most forbidding texts in the history of philosophy – and, yes, that comes in a field occupied by the likes of Kant, Hegel, and Heidegger.

At least these three left behind them Bible-sized volumes and volumes of works!

Wittgenstein’s magnum opus is barely 80 pages and 526 propositions long. And in young Wittgenstein’s humble opinion, it managed to resolve all philosophical problems once and for all.

Quite a strange thing to think if you take into consideration the fact that, by his own admission – stated in the preface to the “Tractatus”:

The whole sense of the book might be summed up the following words: what can be said at all can be said clearly, and what we cannot talk about we must pass over in silence.

If you had troubles understanding that sentence, then don’t bother reading anything other than this summary.

Really!

Because – we kid you not! – that sentence is probably the least complicated in this book, plagued throughout by such pearls of wisdom as “The world is everything that is the case” and “A proposition is a truth-function of elementary propositions,” by the way, two of its seven main propositions.

However, we did include this book in our list of 15 most important nonfiction works in history, so, all joking aside, there must be some reason why we believe it to be as important as, say, Darwin’s “The Origin of Species.”

And, most certainly, there is!

You see, Wittgenstein’s aim was, through this book, “to set a limit to thought, or rather… to the expression of thoughts.”

In other words, his goal was to find out what we can know and what we can’t know – and if there are some things we will never know no matter how much we think about them (rendering the thinking about them futile and a waste of time).

In trying to solve that, he developed a radical philosophy of both language and thought – one that may even explain why you had that quarrel with your partner today over that completely unimportant and trivial matter.

And as Wittgenstein himself tried to point out over and over again, this philosophy is actually fairly simple!

He first had an inkling of it when he read in a newspaper about a court case in Paris, during which the judge suggested that the crime scene be reconstructed with model cars and pedestrians.

Why?

Because language wasn’t clear enough; if it had been, nobody would have needed a reconstruction of the scene since everybody would have had the same picture of it.

And that’s the gist of Wittgenstein’s famous picture theory of language.

Namely, if the world is made up of certain facts (i.e., things which are the way that they are) and language is made of certain propositions which we utter in relation to these facts, then everything that we say must be either true (if it presents the facts truthfully) or, otherwise, false.

In a nutshell, every single proposition is basically a picture of a fact the same way a map is a picture of the world; and the same way a map of Paris can present the real Paris the right and the wrong way, a proposition can be either true or false.

Now, a map testable: if you follow a route and you get to the place it suggests you will, it is the correct map; if you don’t, it is a poor picture of reality.

Well, Wittgenstein says that even though mapmakers don’t have the luxury of being wrong (you won’t buy the map which pictures reality wrongly), philosophers seem to have been privileged to say everything they like with impunity!

In Wittgenstein’s belief, this is the root of all the world’s problems: every single proposition which doesn’t picture facts, he claims, is meaningless.

Consider, for example, this sentence: “Love is grand.”

Even though fairly logical and comprehensible, in Wittgenstein’s opinion, this sentence is meaningless since it’s not a picture of the world, for the very simple reason that there’s no definition of what love is and, consequently, this can be a lie as much as it can be the truth.

But does that mean that Love doesn’t exist?

No – and this is where Wittgenstein becomes even more interesting: “There is indeed the inexpressible,” he notes at one place (6.522). “This shows itself; it is the mystical.

In other words, there are things which are grand and mystical; the problem is they cannot be put into language exactly because of that:

The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. (5.26)

Key Lessons from “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus”

1. Propositions Are Picture of Facts
2. What We Talk About When We Talk About Love… or Many Different Things
3. Silence Is Golden

Propositions Are Picture of Facts

Wittgenstein’s picture theory of language is a fairly simple one, based on two straightforward propositions and the relation between them:

#1. Language is made up of propositions
#2. The world is made up of facts
#1-2. Propositions are pictures of facts and can be either true or false; if neither – they are meaningless.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love… or Many Different Things

Some propositions – such as “the cat sat on the mat” – are obviously related to the world: if the cat did sit on the mat, then this proposition is true, and if it didn’t, then it is false.

But what about a proposition such as “Thou shalt not commit adultery”?

Well, in the opinion of Wittgenstein, this proposition is a meaningless one, since it doesn’t picture anything that is a fact outside of language.

Ethics,” notes Wittgenstein, “is transcendental,” i.e., “It is clear that ethics cannot be expressed. (6.421-6.422)

Silence Is Golden

And, now, for the twist: the propositions of the “Tractatus” themselves are not pictures of the world in the strict sense we analyzed above.

Then, how are they different from the other meaningless expressions?

In this, and this way only:

My propositions are elucidatory in this way: he who understands me finally recognizes them as senseless, when he has climbed out through them, on them, over them. (He must so to speak throw away the ladder, after he has climbed up on it.) (6.54)

Which leads to Wittgenstein’s most famous dictum:

Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent. (7)

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“Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus Quotes”

Language disguises thought. Click To Tweet

Ethics and aesthetics are one. Click To Tweet

For an answer which cannot be expressed the question too cannot be expressed. The riddle does not exist. If a question can be put at all, then it can also be answered. Click To Tweet

We feel that even if all possible scientific questions be answered, the problems of life have still not been touched at all. Click To Tweet

Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

Retrospectively, Wittgenstein’s “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” may have caused just as many problems as it has actually solved.

But, even so, it’s a landmark work.

And you should give it a try!

The Daily Stoic PDF Summary

366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

You want to live a happier and more fulfilled life?

Then, please do – with Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman’s “The Daily Stoic.”

There’s a lesson here for every day in the year.

And each of them is timeless.

Who Should Read “The Daily Stoic”? And Why?

You don’t have to be interested in philosophy to read “The Daily Stoic.”

In fact, the goal of the book is to show that the Stoics were the original self-helpers and motivational coaches, and that, moreover, they were far better (because smarter) than their contemporary colleagues.

So, think of this book both as an introduction to Stoicism – if you need one – and as a guide through life – because, let’s face it, we all need one.

About Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

The Daily Stoic PDF Summary Ryan Holiday is an American author, media strategist, and marketer.

After dropping out of college at the age of 19, Holiday went on a successful professional writing career, during which he has so far authored seven bestselling books.

This is the fifth one we have summarized. Check out our other four summaries: “Trust Me, I’m Lying,” “Growth Hacker Marketing,” “The Obstacle Is the Way” and “Ego Is the Enemy.”

Stephen Hanselman is a literary agent, bookseller, and publisher.

“The Daily Stoic” is his first book.

“The Daily Stoic PDF Summary”

“Of all people only those are at leisure who make time for philosophy, only they truly live,” wrote Seneca once. “Only an ingrate would fail to see that these great architects of venerable thoughts were born for us and have designed a way of life for us.”

In an age when life is understood to be an adventure and when basically every social media site abounds with testimonies that living your life to the fullest means drinking huge amounts of alcohol and taking selfies – it sure seems strange to see this passage quoted as an epigraph to any non-academic book, let alone one which aims to teach you the art of living.

But that’s how “The Daily Stoic,” “a beautiful daily devotional of Stoic meditation,” begins: with a sincere belief that living will always be the end result of thinking about life, and not what happens after you press the pause button of your brain.

But, wait a second!

You want us to believe that only philosophers – aka “no-thank-you-I’d-rather-spend-my-night-reading” nerds – truly live?

I won’t buy that!

Well, you should – because if you stretch that definition a bit, the answer to your question is “yes.”

Just a quick comparison:

Remember that time when you broke the screen on your iPod, and you couldn’t get your act together for the next month or so?

Well, Epictetus – one of the stars of this book – was a slave with a disabled leg and he was supposedly capable of accepting both things, spending most of his life without ever feeling angry or sad.

Fast forward two millennia, and you have William Ernest Henley, a poet with an amputated leg, Nelson Mandela, a prisoner for 27 years, and James Stockdale, a Vietnamese prisoner of war – all surviving through some of the worst things that can happen to anyone in life, by reading Epictetus and the other great Stoic philosophers.

If you want to join their company, then “The Daily Stoic” may be the best book you can find on the market.

No summary will do the book enough justice, since, as we said above, it’s structured as a daily devotional, meaning you should read one page of it per day.

Every single page contains a newly translated quote from some of the most important Stoic philosophers – mainly, the holy triumvirate of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, but also some lesser-known Stoics such as Zeno, Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus – along with a commentary provided by the authors.

These are in turn divided into three parts (coinciding with Stoicism’s three critical disciplines):

#1. THE DISCIPLINE OF PERCEPTION

This part refers to how we perceive (and how we should perceive) the world around us.

It contains the first four months of the year, during which you’ll learn how to achieve clarity in your vision (January), how to restrain your passions and emotions (February), and how to be aware (March) and unbiased (April).

Needless to say, the book starts (January 1^st) with Stoicism 101, i.e., Epictetus’ dichotomy of control:

The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own…

#2. THE DISCIPLINE OF ACTION

This part is all about how actions should always be taken with the end in sight, as the product of clear and unbiased perception.

In May you’ll learn about right actions, in June about problem-solving, in July about duty and in August everything you need to know about pragmatism.

Here (June 7^th) you’ll happen upon Seneca’s brilliant advice from “On the Shortness of Life” concerning role models (aka, why people write and you should read this kind of books):

We like to say that we don’t get to choose our parents, that they were given by chance – yet we can truly choose whose children we’d like to be.

#3. THE DISCIPLINE OF WILL

The Discipline of Will part is dedicated to the problem of “how we deal with the things we cannot change, attain clear and convincing judgment, and come to a true understanding of our place in the world.”

Or, more precisely, to fortitude and resilience (September), virtue and kindness (October), acceptance/amor fati (November) and meditation on mortality (December).

It is in this part that, on October the 3^rd, you’ll come across Marcus Aurelius channeling his inner… Martin Luther King Jr.:

Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe. For in a sense, all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other — for one thing follows after another according to their tension of movement, their sympathetic stirrings, and the unity of all substance.

All in all, a book you should own.

Because, as Kipling implicitly put it in “If–,“ becoming a Stoic is not that much different from becoming a man.

Over to you!

Key Lessons from “The Daily Stoic”

1.      The Three Stoic Interests
2.      The Three Stoic Disciplines
3.      The Easiest Way to be a Stoic: The Four Fundamental Habits

The Three Stoic Interests

Stoics were interested in only three aspects of philosophy: logic, physics, and ethics.

In fact, they often used the analogy of the fertile field to describe their endeavors.

In the analogy, physics (or Nature) was the field itself with all of the laws governing its existence; logic was the fence protecting the field from outsiders (think: superstitions, false beliefs… khm… alternative facts); finally, ethics was the crop you produce, that is the life you manage to extract out of what you are naturally endowed with.

The Three Stoic Disciplines

Now, in order to extract as much as possible out of life, the Stoics were profoundly interested in mastering three disciplines: the discipline of perception, the discipline of action, and the discipline of will.

The discipline of perception was all about learning to see the world clearly; the discipline of action dealt with the decisions and actions we take – and to what end we take them; finally, attaining a discipline of will meant conquering your fears and doubts by accepting what you can’t change.

The Easiest Way to be a Stoic: The Four Fundamental Habits

These are the four steps to becoming a Stoic:

#1. Learn how to differentiate between what is true and what is not and accept only the former;
#2. Try to harmonize your needs and desires with what you can control;
#3. Embrace that which you can’t;
#4. You are part of humanity: work toward the common good.

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“The Daily Stoic Quotes”

Knowledge—self-knowledge in particular—is freedom. Click To Tweet The more you say no to the things that don’t matter, the more you can say yes to the things that do. Click To Tweet Pretend that each event—whether desired or unexpected—was willed to happen, willed specifically for you. Click To Tweet Having an end in mind is no guarantee that you’ll reach it—no Stoic would tolerate that assumption—but not having an end in mind is a guarantee you won’t. Click To Tweet Serenity and stability are results of your choices and judgment, not your environment. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

“The Daily Stoic” is “The Upper Room” for secularists. So, no reason why – to quote Jack Canfield – you shouldn’t make it “your guide and [start growing] in clarity, effectiveness, and serenity each day!”

In the meantime, check out The Daily Stoic’s website and browse through it for free.

If you find it appealing, then do buy this book.

And grow into a Stoic – day by day.

What Truth Sounds Like PDF Summary

Robert F. Kennedy, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America

The old America vs. the New one? Are there any differences? Michael Dyson plunges right in the middle of the debate that has made a fuss over civil rights in the US.

Mainstream liberalism, or non-democratic segregation?

Who Should Read “What Truth Sounds Like”? And Why?

Apparently, one may assume that this book was written for the African-American community, and it strictly targets their movements.

In our opinion that is incorrect. First of all, “What Truth Sounds Like” reveals the aspects which spread like cancer and endanger the democratic reforms within a country.

Therefore, we warmly recommend this book to anyone willing to explore the depths of inequality.

About Michael Eric Dyson

Michael Eric Dyson is a well-known author, preacher and radio host born on October 23rd, 1958.

He is the author of many books which focus on numerous accepts all closely-related to the struggle against oppression and racial injustice.

“What Truth Sounds Like PDF Summary”

Racial tensions had always been like a string or a tight loop wrapped around the necks of millions. Renowned sociologist and political commentator Michael Dyson questions history and provokes a reaction to understand the triggers behind this iron curtain.

The emphasis falls on a 1963 meeting, which made Kennedy’s administration go through a series of testing in the heat of the 60s. The Vietnam war was a blemish scattered throughout the community and further inflamed by racial intolerance.

Something had to be done. In 1963, John F. Kennedy decided actually to take precautions and somehow improve the civil rights of the black community in America.

This had to executed professionally, as a practice that must be transformed from a lip-order into an omnipresent reality. He even sent troops to guard and protect the first African-American – James Meredith who enlisted at the University of Mississippi.

Behind the scenes, he also tried to loosen off the strain between the white and black community by releasing Martin Luther King from captivity. Bobby authorized Burke Marshall to help him to fulfill his plans and set free literally hundreds of protesters who were detained at Birmingham Jail.

With little options on the table, Kennedy’s administration was on the lookout for ideas that would help them to prevent a full-scale escalation on the Northern side of the country.

The first step was hiring James Baldwin to compile a list of Influential African-Americans and invite them to peace talks in New York City.

John. F. Kennedy relented and demanded from this group of eminent African-Americans to find common grounds, which would be the turning point in this time of social disgust and anger.

The group expanded, and several other prominent figures also took part in the heated argument. Among them were: singer Lena Horne, musician Harry Belafonte, Jerome Smith – a freedom fighter who was nearly beaten to death.

The meeting quickly escalated, and by pressuring the American President, the blacks finally managed to find “Ears” which would at least listen to the other side of the story. Kennedy was on the brink of collapse because at the time, violence snowballed and he had to put a stop to the hatred that swapped the country.

Black America was beginning to show signs of life!

According to Dyson, this moment in history will be remembered as a symbol which incited the defiance of tyranny. The only way to tackle imperialism is to present concrete evidence which showcases the suffering of low-privileged minorities and communities.

The author believes that the mainstream liberalism was gaining momentum; as a brimming coup filled with hypocrisy, which sooner or later would implode. The truth, however, is a dangerous game, and many simply refuse to take part in similar endeavors.

Dyson adds the finishing touch by bringing together the missing links, which further testify about the mistreatment of the Blacks. Among them are Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Dyson’s monitoring of the 2016 Presidential Race, provided an in-depth overview of the progress the American society has made in the struggle against racial segregation and abuse of human rights.

Black Lives Matter movement founded in 2013, attempted to reach out to Hillary Clinton and explain to her how to the police mistreats the African-Americans almost if nothing has changed in the past five decades.

In the meantime, the author gives credit to Clinton for embracing and encouraging change, which is an inevitable asset in a democratic country. Unlike Donald Trump, Clinton believed that without police reforms, the state would stagnate and concrete plans should be devised – as soon as possible.

Over and over again, the author returns to the decisive meeting between Kennedy and Baldwin. He praises their efforts in reducing the stigma attached to “finding the truth.”

Probably, this discussion represents the point of no return in a race against time, which could have torn the US apart or drag it into another civil war.

He and his fellows believe that black folks should stand up, and speak against every sign of injustice or oppression. In doing so, they’ll improve the synergy between all minorities and create a better society.

Key Lessons from “What Truth Sounds Like”

1.   Lack of confidence
2.      Vote for greater good
3.      What is your goal?

Lack of confidence

Dyson raises doubts regarding Donald Trump’s policies as the 45th President of the US.

He believes that the likes of him, are not prepared to solve potential issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Vote for greater good

Although America is country enriched with thousands of unique cultures and communities, it still has some problems in terms of providing equal treatment to everyone.

Overwork or the inability to render equal hiring opportunities are still destroying the society from within. Endorse policies that will eventually put a stop to that!

What is your goal?

When we do leave this world, we have to make sure that it’s a better place than we found it. Robert Baden Powell encourages us to expand our horizons and strive for a revolution in terms of peace.

Find your motives and embark on a journey, you’ve got nothing to lose!

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Our Critical Review

Every person on this planet knows that some debates cover topics, which require a higher dose of sensitivity and broadness to arrive at a conclusion.

This one is no different. So, before we say anything, it’s best if we take all elements into account!

You should do the same.

The 21st Century Gold Rush PDF Summary

How the Refugee Crisis Is Changing the World Economy

The media often reports about the refugee crisis, which affects the new world order.

In this book summary, we outline the main triggers and explain the whole confusion.

Who Should Read “The 21st Century Gold Rush”? And Why?

If you can’t make heads and tails of this issue, stay with us to learn more about the crisis. It’s impossible to chew everything down to the bone, but we can at least provide some basic coverings.

The 21st Century Gold Rush is an excellent book for all those people whose countries are inhabited by immigrants. Knowing their story will help you understand them better.

About Malia Politzer and Emily Kassie

Malia Politzer is an award-winning journalist and author who is an expert in European affairs, especially in refugee crisis triggered by immigration.

Emily Kassie is also a renowned journalist who is an expert in social injustice and matters that affect the entire society.

“The 21st Century Gold Rush PDF Summary”

Every single day, a river of immigrants appears on the news, which evidently illustrates the biggest resettlement in modern history. Driven by an unfortunate turn of events, these refugees populate the regions of Western Europe, trying to find jobs, and integrate into the society.

Nonetheless, not every soul feels pretty much the same way, because deceitful people have identified a way to bypass the law and turn immigrants into profits.

Let’s start in Agadez, the largest city of Niger. For years, this town with an estimated population of over 115, 000 people has been labeled as the main transit point for smuggling drugs, people, and weapons.

Generally speaking, smugglers and real lawlessness have prompted the people of Sub-Saharan Africa to look for a way out and find an alternative route to escape the scarcity of food and jobs.

On the way over to Europe, they settle in Libya temporary. On the Niger-Libyan border, there have been serious allegations of bribable activities by the officials, but nothing has changed.

Especially in Nigeria, but also in other African countries, female refugees are turned into prostitutes, a business that is as profitable as smuggling weapons.

These women try to get out of the way of Boko Haram, and instead of landing on European Soil, they fall into the hands of other criminals. They are promised jobs in Europe, but after they arrive at Agadez, they are threatened and forced into “slavery.”

Over the years, transporters and traffickers found many alternative routes that lead to the desired destinations, with an intention to avoid bribing and police searches as much as possible.

Although these drivers make a lot of money by transporting people, their primary business is smuggling drugs across the borders.

After the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi regime, many groups that had strong ties with European Mafia started to gain momentum and expand at the cost of many emigrants.

The Libya-Italy route has never been more active, and some of the refugees that managed to land on the shores of Italy got asylum and settled across the country.

One of these large networks is the Sicilian Mafia – Cosa Nostra. This organization successfully managed to establish a fruitful partnership with many trafficking groups, and therefore expand its influence over the continent.

Once these refugees arrive in Italy, Mafia members extort massive amounts of money, by intimidating and threatening the emigrants that if they don’t pay they will get killed, tortured, or deported back.

Indeed, Cosa Nostra has to evaluate the strength of newly formed Nigerian gangs, which may in the future outnumber the Italian Mobsters. The methods involving revenge, or reprisal are not that effective with immigrants who don’t have anything worthy or nothing to protect.

When it comes to the country torn out by war – Syria, a real wave of immigrants has decided to “colonize” some parts of Turkey, making it very difficult for native Turks to prosper. According to them, the Syrians are responsible for the bad economy, and the hostility is growing with each passing day.

Although these low-skilled Syrian workers have a hard time integrating into the Turkish labor market, many business people have identified loopholes.

As we mentioned, the Syrian businessmen have created a network that is able to export tons of food and other resources to the people of war-demolished Syria. According to foreign statistical analysts, the value of these goods has surpassed $1.4 billion in 2014 alone.

Many wonder – why does Germany accept so many refugees? Experts argue that the German people, don’t want to be labeled as nationalists once more, after Hitler, so they are prepared to give up their space for the sake of the refugees.

Angela Merkel acknowledged that the German Society wasn’t well-prepared for accommodating the basic needs of so many immigrants.

The government plans to spend approximately $100 billion in the next five years to assist the refugees and help them to fit into the German society.

Not all private business owners were “in high spirits” about this decision because the economy is experiencing a massive shock due to the changes which are triggered by the resettlement.

For the time being, the German officials had opted to place a large portion of the immigrants in abandoned buildings before the “hotel offer” was set in motion. Immigrants received €50 vouchers to stay in some of the hotels, which the hotel owners perceived as an opportunity to make money.

Ordinary citizens also offered rooms, garages, everything possible to those newcomers who could pay. The Government didn’t realize that the refugee program is not effective, and without a permanent solution to this problem, the economy would stagnate.

If the German Society and the European Union fail to provide the immigrants with jobs, and settlement, the whole system could collapse.

The truth is, this massive undertaking has triggered many right-wing political parties to express their anger towards this integration process. The reports of violence and abuse caused by immigrants, inflame the situation even further.

Finding a peaceful solution is easier said than done, we’ll see what happens next.

Key Lessons from “The 21st Century Gold Rush”

1. Measure twice cut once
2. Integration is not a straightforward process
3. Violence solves nothing

Measure twice cut once

It seems as high circles of power direct this whole crisis.

These sources are often operating in the shadows, and it’s evident that we didn’t lay the groundwork to handle the massive wave of refugees.

Integration is not a straightforward process

People with divergent backgrounds who decide to settle in Europe, cannot merely absorb the European way of life – in a flash.

It takes time and well-devised strategy to make them blend into the group.

Violence solves nothing

Anger and hatred lead to more destruction, and we have to be wise regarding this sensitive issue.

Hopefully, we must locate some of the missing links to deal with the escalating tensions.

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“The 21st Century Gold Rush Quotes”

The refugee crisis may be the greatest logistical, political, economic challenge to face Germany since reunification. Click To Tweet Germany is showing the rest of the world how to monetize refugees on an industrial scale. Click To Tweet Around one-third of Syrian families in Istanbul now rely on their children’s income to pay rent and buy food. Click To Tweet With the help of a growing pool of child workers, Syrians are manufacturing goods to send to their stricken homeland. And in the process, they’re fueling the very war that they fled from. Click To Tweet After the sun goes down and devout Muslims answer the fifth and final call to prayer, the pimps release the prostitutes, they lock up all day into the streets to approach potential clients. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

Excellent, well-researched book that answers the biggest problem in modern history. Political leaders have a duty to impart moral principles to the ordinary citizens.

To untangle the clues of this dilemma, one needs to be open-minded, we consider ourselves as such.

Taking Rights Seriously PDF Summary

Taking Rights Seriously PDF Do we really need to discuss such matters in the digital era? – Unfortunately, we do.

We put in a nutshell what needs to be done, and how to give refuge to these minority groups, whose rights are cast aside!

Who Should Read “Taking Rights Seriously”? And Why?

At some point in life, we all encounter a situation in which, a specific group of individuals is getting better treatment than the others.

The fundamental nature of liberty is the idea of providing everyone with the same service.

The idea of a right to liberty is a misconceived concept that does a disservice to political thought.

The governing legal bodies must take precautions to tackle corruption and put the rights of the ordinary people on top!

We recommend “Taking Rights Seriously” to all people who at one point in life felt abandoned by the social and legal system.

About Ronald Dworkin

Ronald Dworkin was an American Philosopher, a scholar of United States constitutional law, and the author of several books.

He will be remembered for his contribution to rebuilding the legal system in the States and help those affected by its transgression.

“Taking Rights Seriously PDF Summary”

If there are no laws and regulatory compliance, legal positivism wouldn’t exist. If the power of certain individuals or systems can’t be restricted, the world will fall beneath an authoritative jackboot. In general, no standard should be enforced out of this context.

If the social system understands the cause to enact certain measures to avoid lawlessness, there’s nothing to be worried about.

Indeed, the approval of these laws and norms, requires signature and support by an executive legal body, to adjust the existing precedent and jurisprudence.

Indeed, from the beginning of time, the legal system of a country was modified and transformed to accommodate the needs of the ruling class.

These changes were brought into line with the positivist view, by which all the other verdicts, complaints, lawsuits, and quarrels were set in motion.

It’s pretty evident that being in tune with the legal side of things relies on the ability to build on positivism, whereby no rules are enacted outside of the loop.

Is it ethical only to rightfully use the legal power in the courtroom, or is it the right of every human being? Judges and juries hinge on the state regulative and enforced laws when they need to carry out the adjudication. In the same fashion, positivism errs must be linked to moral values and principles.

That being said, the ethical side is neglected on a regular basis. The core of the sentencing process is on the same wavelength as the governing bodies, whose regulative is never perfect.

Defending someone’s legal and constitutional rights, in terms of practices, requires a distinct skill-set that binds on the moral side of the law.

Political rights are creatures of both history and morality.

If the client-attorney privileges, for instance, are not honored, or if the client doesn’t enjoy full-discretion, the proceedings would hold no meaning.

Another example:

It comes as no surprise that if the government institutions had issued a decree to proceed with the trade, the executives must honor their side of the agreement. The whole legal gamesmanship affects the country’s position in the global arena.

So, the question is how to categorize rights?

Absolute or non-absolute
Abstract or Concrete
Institutional or background

Who deserves all the merits, and how to enforce the law on all levels of the society? When it comes to absolute rights, it refers to something called full-enforcement, without any hidden policies in the back pocket.

Abstract rights, on the other hand, can’t be defined nor excluded from the rest, with just a written note. These standards cover a broader area such dignity, integrity, mission, goals, ideas, vision, and so forth.

What differs concrete rights from the others, is their specific nature, that complies with specific standards that ascertain the deprivation of rights, or something similar.

Background rights are tightly linked with the social system, as the claims or demands are made upon the society, generally speaking.

When I appeal to fairness I pose a moral issue; when I lay down my conception of fairness I try to answer it

Do we all need to abide by the same principles, or is the magnitude of the problem that decides how we behave?

Precedents can more easily tip the balance in favor of the suspect during the proceedings because it heavily promotes fairness.

Likewise, if the state has failed to reach a level of total control over the legal system, the country will collapse.

If the international law doesn’t advocate for liberty and social justice, which grants every individual the freedom of speech, or the rights to express its opinion publicly, we are leaning towards catastrophe.

These fundamental conventional rights, serve as a guarantee that all people will receive fair treatment.

Amplifying these weak signals gives rise to a new order, which takes into consideration the wishes of all.

All citizens or people that are inhabiting the Earth must be given the right to choose their way of life. It’s the democratic right of every person, to vote, or not to go along with the agenda of the political candidates.

As we can see, the democratic system should Take Rights more Seriously and thus improve the well-being of the global population.

Key Lessons from “Taking Rights Seriously”

1.   Social problems in the spotlight
2.      Democracy to the full extent
3.      Take a firm stance from an impartial perspective

Social problems in the spotlight

Social and economic issues can’t be detached from arguments, and laws enacted to ensure justice and equality.

Although democracy and monarchy meet on controversial grounds, the act of enforcing these laws is in sync with the country’s regulation and government liberty.

Democracy to the full extent

In the 21st century, anything other than deciding a punishment based on democratic norms is considered to be a disaster.

If you can’t endorse, you can at least act in accordance with your political or social liability in the area of influence!

Take a firm stance from an impartial perspective

Creating an image before sentencing or confining the areas of prejudices, can help the judge to put principles before personal agenda.

Having the power, invested in you by the state, is another aspect for you to remain neutral and unbiased when you pass judgment or incarcerating anyone.

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“Taking Rights Seriously Quotes”

We must take care not to use the Equal Protection Clause to cheat ourselves of equality. Click To Tweet So long as the law appears to make acts of dissent criminal, a man of conscience will face danger. Click To Tweet We cannot assume… that the Constitution is always what the Supreme Court says it is. Click To Tweet If the Government does not take rights seriously, then it does not take law seriously either. Click To Tweet It is part of the job of governing to ‘define’ moral rights through statutes and judicial decisions. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

Many people all around the world are suffering deprivation of rights and are being exploited to safeguard the interests of certain individuals.

This book reveals how to oppose these influences, by pleading for social justice and equal rights for everyone.

The World Is Flat PDF Summary

A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century

Let’s run through what is triggering the 21st-century thought of free society.

You have to think broader than merely moving your career into the fast lane. With this in mind, you have to strive to get the hang of the possibilities which are fueled by globalization.

It all boils down to 1k+ words, in which we’ll mix the author’s and our perspective on the topic.

Who Should Read “The World Is Flat”? And Why?

Well, when a book this progressive is written, we are left with both hands tied behind our back – which means that it’s pretty evident that “The World Is Flat” speaks to everyone.

We, think highly of Thomas Friedman, and putting a good word for his book, is a straightforward job to us.

As a matter of fact, we recommend this masterpiece, to all those troubled by the 21st-century mainstream agendas!

About Thomas Friedman

Thomas Friedman is an eminent, and highly appreciated American Journalist, and award-winning author, whose work has been featured on the New York Times – Magazine.

He is an expert in global affairs, foreign exchange, terrorism, international trade and so on. He also wrote Hot, Flat and Crowded.

“The World Is Flat PDF Summary”

The World is Flat is an out-of-the-box and historical masterpiece, whose conventional narrative is based on facts and personal viewpoints. All the anecdotes and tales go into detail and throw light upon the elements of a flattened-world!

So, why “Flat”? What will flatten the world?

We sincerely hope nothing, and these events would remain only remain in our memory because any further experiments will endanger the progress.

The ideal country in a flat world is the one with no natural resources because countries with no natural resources tend to dig inside themselves. They try to tap the energy, entrepreneurship, creativity, and intelligence of their own people-men and women-rather than drill an oil well.

The author covers a wide range of topics, from various cultures and industries, who are brought into line with the problems that plague the world. Tackling them down is easier said than done, and we must give some thought to solving it, from an unbiased perspective.

According to Friedman, globalization commenced long before the technological and digital era. It was all set off by Columbus and other significant military conquests, which marked the beginning of worldwide integration.

Jerry Rao, one of the people Thomas met up with, has an essential role in digging up information and evidence regarding the New World.

Jerry, give the main points on the capabilities of the information-exchange era, where you can literally buy a plane, or get a hair appointment with a click. Geographical boundaries are thinned out, which introduces outsourcing as a “lethal” and profitable asset for the business community.

In the spotlight, the author outlines ten forces/factors which not only trigger but sustain the level of a globalized world. In a minute well get to them, but first, take a moment to learn something, and gain insights into the pros and cons of global integration.

With the dissolution of the Iron Curtain, the transition from authoritarian rule to a democratic society was eased, but not even that served as a guaranteed for streamlining the globalization processes.

Communism was a great system for making people equally poor – in fact, there was no better system in the world for that than communism. Capitalism made people unequally rich.

When the Internet was launched, the proceedings took a turn for the better, and open the doors to forming an invisible union.

List of Ten Forces

The collapse of Berlin Wall–11/89: This event, supposedly ended the Cold War and merged the East and the West. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, except on paper. The economic system collapsed, and as a result, a free economy emerged in the Eastern Bloc, which was influenced by other foreign factors as well.
Netscape: The scope of the Internet proliferated, and transited from “Geeky” thing, to a worldwide sensation. Now, a significant portion of the population has internet access, and the communication is on another level.
Workflow Software: The human eye, and eagerness to advance, sparked innovation and creativity to build machines which can perform various rational functions. As reported by Friedman, these three forces can be labeled as the new platform for global cooperation.
Uploading: Indeed, the digital era presents an abundance of opportunities, such as to upload, edit, delete, or modify online projects, with people on the other side of the planet. Open source software, such as Wikipedia is the best example in this regard.
Outsourcing: This force emphasizes the importance of cost-efficiency, and evidently, the manufacturing or service-providing process is split into multiple pieces, all done separately to ensure the best cost-effective ratio.
Offshoring: Offshore Companies are representing the manufacturers who thrive on outsourcing.
Supply-Chaining: As stated in this book, Friedman refers to the retail supply-chain as a river, and puts in the spotlight Wal-Mart, which is the perfect example, on this subject. An organization which consolidates all processes and streamlines the production.
Insourcing: As the name implies, this force indicates that someone within the company’s structure accomplishes a service. Beyond the regular assignments, some managers or associates are utilizing their resources to get something done.
In-forming: Search Engine Companies such as Google, Yahoo, Bing allows the users to be one-click away from their desired information. All the data available today, allows the users to find, order, locate or execute any other task, in the comfort of their home.
“The Steroids“: This force speaks on behalf of all digital devices, and protocols, which are established to protect the user’s data, and stimulate communication.

Friedman provokes a new mindset, something that can oppose or support the flattening of the world. Are we really on the same wavelength?

Progressive and digital societies put the individual’s needs in the first place by allowing imagination to swoop in and spark interaction with the global community on a deeper level.

Key Lessons from “The World Is Flat”

1. Globalization swings at the world
2. Cast doubt upon the learning process
3. Develop a new mindset

Globalization swings at the world

Michael J. Sandel conducted an interview on the modern exploration problem which was triggered by globalization.

Is the outsourcing becoming a world-wide issue; new modern colonization, which spreads like a plague? Perhaps, we are not prepared to willingly acknowledge our misconstrue of exploitation.

Cast doubt upon the learning process

Friedman expands on Michael revelations and opens up a discussion that questions America’s educational system.

He puts under the radar the “things” an average Joe needs to do, in order to get through the flattening of the world. The scarcity of resources obstructs the process, but hopefully, a new system will emerge.

Develop a new mindset

Friedman lays emphasis on self-learning mastery and advises parents to help their kids grow outside the school frame.

The professional future is at stake unless we adopt the right set of mind-skills. We must oppose the replicable nature of humans, and thrive on creativity, something that robots cannot accomplish, ever.

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“The World Is Flat Quotes”

When you study history and look at every civilization that has grown up and died off, they all leave one remnant: a major sports colosseum at the heart of their capital. Our fate can be different; but only if we start doing things… Click To Tweet Goods are traded, but services are consumed and produced in the same place. And you cannot export a haircut. But we are coming close to exporting a haircut, the appointment part. What kind of haircut do you want? Which barber do you want?… Click To Tweet To learn how to learn, you have to love learning—or you have to enjoy it at least—because so much learning is about being motivated to teach yourself. Click To Tweet But there is another statistic, much harder to measure, that I think is even more important and revealing: Does your society have more memories than dreams or more dreams than memories? Click To Tweet You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future! Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

Is the world-flattening? – That would be a “Yes.” We can’t do much, except endorse Thomas’ outlooks and ideas to the full extent.

Moving from segregation to integration has been one bloody process, time will tell whether we made the right move as a society.

The World’s Religions PDF Summary

Our Great Wisdom Traditions

Do we need to close our eyes to the prospect of peace and understanding? How to achieve it, when we know very little about each other?

Huston puts an end to this ignorance, by introducing the world to the idea of diversity.

We summarize the central teachings and express our point of view in this regard.

Who Should Read “The World’s Religions”? And Why?

Who speaks on our behalf? – Well, to overcome this half-knowledge one must be ready to examine its agenda and beliefs. You must relieve yourself from judgmental notions, and thrive, as a sensitive person.

“The World’s Religions” as the name implies, comes suitable for all people because it speaks to everyone. It promotes a new concept, in which one can exploit the other.

About Huston Smith

Huston Smith was a religious scholar who died at the age of 97 in the U.S. Although many define his work as comparative religion; he never acknowledged such orientation.

He wrote many books, on various religious topics and stretched the boundaries of human knowledge.

“The World’s Religions PDF Summary”

At first glance, one may assume that this book, is merely focusing on the comparison between all major monotheistic religions.

Nonetheless, The World’s Religions, as a masterpiece, is not the judge nor the jury; it simply emphasizes some key moral aspects that are linked to some theological principles.

In other words, Huston Smith comes out with an unbiased review of what these religions offer, and how they contribute to the global religious literacy. From today’s perspective, it’s contrary to reason to express intolerance and shallowness about cultural diversity.

In truth, Dr. Smith wants to bring all these religious backgrounds and denominations on a new level of mutual understanding.

He strives to destroy stereotypes and prejudices, to the point where all these differences will no longer represent an obstacle, nor an issue to plunge into discussions.

So, which religions are we talking about?

Christianity
Islam
Buddhism
Taoism
Hinduism
Confucianism
Judaism

As you can see, the focal point of cultural intelligence is represented through the seven major religions. Each religion has its own chapter, in which the reader can expand its horizons about a certain group.

Do you abide by some principles, what is your core belief?

The author tries to cover as much as possible, in order to help you to broaden your viewpoints, and thus become a more open person. Moreover, Smith analyzes larger sects within each religion, and how they differ from the central teachings.

The book has received wide-spread positive critical acclaim, for its orientation towards the reader – meaning that the book is not filled with complex terminology. Written in an easily digestible manner, it makes it easier for all potential readers to scan through its takeaways.

Heaven and earth are my inner and outer coffins. The sun, moon, and stars are my drapery, and the whole creation my funeral procession. What more do I want?

As it turns out, the second chapter on Hinduism is getting extra attention due to various sub-teachings in this religion.

In addition, it’s fair to say that India has always been the center of spiritual wisdom, and because of the religious diversity, it deserves special analysis.

Smith dives deep into the unknown and tries to absorb its mysteries, but because of his western agenda, it’s pretty challenging to interpret the scripts as an Indian.

In his discoveries, he managed to cross the threshold of Buddhism and Hinduism successfully and made a bit smaller strides towards other Asian-based religions.

After the examination on Hinduism, Smith embarks on another adventure, now about Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama – The Buddha, had a pretty unusual life-flow, in which he gave up on worldly pleasures to chase higher meaning.

Same as the other founders, the Buddha didn’t want to create a religious movement, that was done after his death.

Next up, Smith introduces Confucianism and Taoism and links them to the cultural background which is co-dependent of the original teachings. Unlike other religions, where you can find believers from all over the world; these far-eastern disciplines are more geographically-bound.

Historical figures lose their center when they become anxious over the outcome of their actions.

Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all derive from the same source, and the original message of the movement slightly differs from one another. In these chapters, the author fixates attention on the homogenous aspect, rather than on pointing out the contrast of the group.

According to many, the most mind-blowing chapter is the last one “Primal Religions.” In this section of the book, you’ll be introduced to the oral tradition, which is older in time, than any other religious background or culture.

Now, Smith can give us a clue about these movements, whose members in the past were persecuted and punished.

It’s fair to say that Smith dropped a research bomb, and examined the core of each religious teachings. We come to a conclusion that every organized religion has its roots embedded into an oral tradition.

From what we acquired through this book, it can be said that “The World’s Religions” makes an effort to brings each group closer to the other by accepting diversity and embracing each other’s beliefs.

Key Lessons from “The World’s Religions”

1.   Be impartial and tolerant
2.      Don’t be a sinking ship
3.   Become a listener

Be impartial and tolerant

Do we really need to say this?

Sadly, we do, because if there’s no scarcity of something – that would be our judgmental nature.

We are saddened by the thought that we failed to find that little place within us, which embraces everyone and everything.

Don’t be a sinking ship

Before you draw any conclusions, it’s best if you educate yourself first. If you are at your wit’s ends, you might need a change of pace and routine.

Stick to broadness, elevate yourself from the restrictions you imposed on yourself, and explore the world to its fullness.

Become a listener

People that talk too much have hardly ever anything valuable to share.

If you listen, perhaps you’ll learn something, and this simple trick will prevent you from judging the book by its cover.

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“The World’s Religions Quotes”

Among the languages of American Indians, there is no word for ‘art,’ because for Indians everything is art. Click To Tweet If it is possible to be homesick for the world, even places one has never been and knows one will never see, this book is the child of such homesickness. Click To Tweet Science makes major contributions to minor needs; Justice Holmes was fond of saying, adding that religion, however small its successes, is at least at work on the things that matter most. Click To Tweet To try to extinguish the drive for riches with money is like trying to quench a fire by pouring butter over it. Click To Tweet To find meaning in the mystery of existence is life’s final and fascinating challenge. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

If you are an open-minded person who’s prepared to explore the depths of various cultures, then this book would be like a gift from heaven to you.

Dive into its mysteries, and don’t be afraid to question your ideas!

Celebration of Discipline PDF Summary

The Path to Spiritual Growth

Whether we like it or not, we are all on the same journey. Each person is trying to get at least a slight portion of the universal energy in order to refill its internal-batteries.

In this book summary, we encapsulate all the main findings, which would hopefully trigger a change in behavior.

Who Should Read “Celebration of Discipline”? And Why?

Although this book is easy to digest, not everyone will find it life-altering and amusing. Burying the hatchet is the key message, but you need to gear yourself up with the right mindset to do likewise.

We believe that “Celebration of Discipline” is best equipped for those individuals, who refer to themselves as Christians.

On the other hand, we can’t simply single out one group and neglect the rest, so it’s all comes down to your openness.

About Richard Foster

Richard Foster is a theologian and author born in 1942, who mainly focuses on Christianity. His works target the Christian community, and he strives for inciting change on a global level.

He is the author of several books, related to Christian philosophy.

“Celebration of Discipline PDF Summary”

Celebration of Discipline, as a book, can be portrayed as a spiritual manual, which places emphasis on the idea of aligning with the one Universal Power. In such regards, getting the big picture, and absorbing the twelve Spiritual Disciplines, open the doors to a mind-blowing revelation.

Getting closer to God is a straightforward process if you have the right approach. What does it take for a person to be conscious of the far-greater controlling power?

First and foremost, it’s necessary to give some explanation on how Richard divides these disciplines into three groups of 4 – Inward, Outward, and Corporate.

Before taking any further steps, it’s an absolute necessity to outline all the Twelve Disciplines:

Meditation
Prayer
Fasting
Study
Simplicity
Solitude
Submission
Service
Confession
Worship
Guidance
Celebration.

Each discipline or step brings us one step closer to God; if discussed and executed correctly. However, not taking decisive actions, can pause your progress, and backfire rather badly. It’s important to mention that each discipline goes along with specific scriptures and examples.

The first four Disciplines (Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, and Study) evidently belong to the Inward category. From an impartial perspective, not all of us, are eager to dig up all those tendencies that keep us away from discovering the real spirituality.

The second batch or the Outward Discipline (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service) throw light upon the world, and why need to stick up for everyone. Taking someone who’s in trouble under your wing, speaks about your readiness to follow the Outward practices.

Silence is one of the deepest Disciplines of the Spirit simply because it puts the stopper on all self-justification.

Last but not least, the last four disciplines fall into the Corporate category (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration).

As one can assume, these practices concentrate on the interpersonal relationships and the service to the community.

Absent real conviction, and faith, one can’t get closer to God. Persons stubborn to the bone, cannot find shelter in God’s kingdom.

The quality of your spiritual journey heavily depends on the ability to rise to the occasion, because each individual must be held accountable for its actions.

In efforts to breaks down the details of every discipline, Richard extracts critical information from scriptures and variety of examples.

He wants to give the lowdown on what’s happening behind closed doors, and how a practitioner can recognize the timing to react.

Not one discipline is relegated and put to secondary rank, all of them are equally important for getting the balance required to become a spiritual individual. In the book, you may find techniques, which must be utilized in order to get the most out of each discipline.

Submission reaches the end of its tether when it becomes destructive.

From what’ve acquired so far, it’s fair to say that spiritual growth is literally a transformation in mind, body, and habits.

By doing so, you enter inside God’s grace, and you no longer need to struggle for survival. All the energy feeds your beingness, by allowing it to connect with the ever-present Truth.

Clear your path to mindfulness by tackling all those meaningless limitations that you have embraced.

Generally speaking, the disciplines are bounded to neither cultural nor personal background. Every person in the world can dive right into them. Your social status doesn’t mean anything to God, which tips the balance in favor of the people.

You Christian background is not an obstacle, and regardless of your tradition, it can be said with utmost sincerity, that God is there for you.

Make peace with yourself, and understand that there is not a single person in this world without any blemish.

Key Lessons from “Celebration of Discipline”

1. Strive for greatness in spiritual terms
2. Kiss and make up
3. Accept the consequences of your decision-making

Strive for greatness in spiritual terms

What is your motto? – Have you ever questioned or conducted an inquiry to find more about the actual meaning of life?

We assume that this existence is more than just money, and fight for interests. Growth is inevitable if you transform your mindset.

Kiss and make up

Intelligent and spiritual people back away when that’s necessary, unlike egoistic personalities who follow the same principles amidst all the confusion and masquerade.

Let bygones be bygones and make peace with everyone.

Accept the consequences of your decision-making

Do you dare to take full credit for your achievements, and carry out the heaviest burden?

Those two are intertwined; you can’t reach stability and success while rejecting to take full responsibility for your actions. In the meantime, you can bring leadership into play, to expand your viewpoints and agenda.

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“Celebration of Discipline Quotes”

The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people. Click To Tweet Love, not anger, brought Jesus to the cross. Golgotha came as a result of God's great desire to forgive, not his reluctance. Jesus knew that by his vicarious suffering he could actually absorb all the evil of humanity and so heal it,… Click To Tweet Of all spiritual disciplines, prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father. Click To Tweet Stop trying to impress people with your clothes and impress them with your life. Click To Tweet Humility, as we all know, is one of those virtues that is never gained by seeking it. The more we pursue it, the more distant it becomes. To think we have it is sure evidence that we don't. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

It’s critical to ascertain the causes for this ignorance that swept the world.

It’s about time we start perceiving life from a more spiritual perspective and unravel its mysteries.

The Seat of the Soul PDF Summary

The Seat of the Soul PDF Who can identify the location of the soul? – Even if you are an atheist, you must have asked yourself – What’s the purpose of this existence?

What am I doing here?

We encapsulate Gary’s most profound revelations and key takeaways.

Who Should Read “The Seat of the Soul”? And Why?

Extolling the virtues of others or yourself doesn’t quite reflect your politeness. The real strength derives from silence, and the ability to plunge into psychological war and drill down to the core of your intentions.

“The Seat of the Soul” deserves all the praises, and as such, it’s suitable for the broader audience, regardless of cultural, personal, or religious background.

About Gary Zukav

Gary Zukav is an award-winning author of several best sellers. He has appeared on numerous occasions on Oprah Talk Show, sharing his views and main findings.

He also wrote: Self-Empowerment Journal, The Mind of the Soul, Soul Stories, The Dancing Wu Li Masters, etc.

“The Seat of the Soul PDF Summary”

The Seat of the Soul gives the readers a highly unusual mix of disciplines, which endorse the idea of discovering the primary purpose of this existence.

The blend of spirituality, knowledge (science) and philosophy allows each and everyone to get a glimpse of the evolutionary process, which signifies the human development in psychological and spiritual terms.

Behind closed doors, the author emphasizes the value of getting the big picture regarding the internal shift that is about to take place.

Switching off the external perspective, and embracing the broader sense of self, best illustrates what the author is trying to convey.

Generally speaking, all the knowledge acquired through the capabilities of the senses, represents what is known as – the external power. According to Gary Zukav, this influence is variable, and it can be changed in a flash.

To put it in other words, whatever is floating around, can be absorbed by various individuals. Furthermore, this process defies the concept of uniqueness and opposes the idea of self-knowingness. Generally speaking, this know-how or expertise can evaporate just as easy, as it once came.

Changing the world begins with the very personal process of changing yourself, the only place you can begin is where you are, and the only time you can begin is always now.

It’s in the interest of the society to put an accent on the internal forces because that’s the only way to find our hidden treasure.

A down-to-earth approach is not sufficient to handle the difficulties that are just waiting to pop up. Hardship and struggle can be erased only if you have a clue about your inner powers and how to use them.

The evolution that we talk about so often, and what the kids learn in school, is in fact, the same process of human development – referred to as a physical enhancement.

The process of progression from single-cell organisms to conscious human beings is merely an illustration of this evolution.

The body and mind of all creatures on this planet have reached a phase, which either supports or neglects their superiority over other beings.

For instance, a cow is much more evolved than a worm or a fish. To get to the bottom of this enigma, one must thrive on digging deep and finding unknown secrets.

The author puts in the spotlight the authenticity of knowing thyself and encourages you to dig deep until you find the roots of existence. Unfortunately, this authentic power can neither be traded nor earned. It’s neither inherited nor found, it’s simply there, where the core of your being is.

An authentically powered person lives in love. Love is the energy of the soul. Love is what heals the personality. There is nothing that cannot be healed by love. There is nothing but love.

A person who identifies with this revelation is unmistakably empowered to change the human behavior, by neither acting nor portraying anyone as a victim.

Being an easy target doesn’t make you an authentic person at all. If you are bold and eager to identify with your deepest self, nothing can stop you.

We are inclined to agree and go along with many concepts that don’t apply to our views. The real question is – Is evolution restricted to the lifespan, and does it have beginnings and ends?

There are two sides to any story, and this theory is no different.

The external reality that is promoted and shared through the senses is attached to the body and its life-period. This personality can’t go beyond the superficial existence as a form and rubs its face into the five-sensory perspective.

From another point of view, what any monotheistic religion refer to as a soul, can outlast this lifetime, and extended the evolution by a fraction.

The immortality of the soul and its synchronization with an identity proves that beyond the physical form, there’s a higher source of power.

Gary expands on karma and reincarnation, and how these two abstract phenomena are intertwined with evolution. The physical battlefield is filled with shallow energies, whose intentions don’t allow the real power to kick in.

The critical level in understanding the full picture of evolution can be reached, only if you pay exclusive attention to your deepest intentions. If you are aware of them, you’ll never be at the mercy of negative people and evil agendas.

Key Lessons from “The Seat of the Soul”

1. Love conquers all
2. Lead the way
3. Think smart, and find the deeper meaning in everything

Love conquers all

Every experience in life subtly is bringing your personality closer to your soul. A perfect alignment would clear the path to internal harmony and mental stability.

The physical aspect, on the other hand, must not be sidestepped, especially if you intend to explore the meaning of love.

Lead the way

No matter how bitter the truth is, it’s always much more beneficial than comfortable lies.

If you want honesty to back up your decision-making, you must be willing to push yourself to the limit and destroy the hidden fears.

Think smart, and find the deeper meaning in everything

We form our opinion in correlation with the outer and the inner world.

You must gird your loins to get the most out of this existence and free yourself from ignorant thinking patterns.

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“The Seat of the Soul Quotes”

Eventually, you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is. Click To Tweet Nonsense is that which does not fit into the prearranged patterns which we have superimposed on reality...Nonsense is nonsense only when we have not yet found that point of view from which it makes sense. Click To Tweet If you want to have the kind of relationship that your heart yearns for, you have to create it. You can't depend on somebody else creating it for you. Click To Tweet What is nonsense, and what is not, then, may be merely a matter of perspective. Click To Tweet Acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western religion, rejection without proof is the fundamental characteristic of Western science. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

Gary is no stranger to the public, and his words have touched millions of hearts. From the bottom of ours, we believe that this book has a story to tell.

Even though it discloses many scientific secrets, the main philosophy is fueled by simplicity and broadness.

The Feminine Mystique PDF Summary

The Feminine Mystique PDF Summary You scoff at the person claiming that you have been destined to be a housewife as you are booking your next flight to an all-girls holiday in the Bahamas?

Well, in case you didn’t know, you have Betty Friedan to thank.

And her 1963 seminal book, “The Feminine Mystique”!

Who Should Read “The Feminine Mystique”? And Why?

Inspired by her 1957 survey of former college friends, Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique” is one of the books – if not the book – which created the feminist movement.

It is based on the simple premise that many women are unhappy with their roles as mothers and housewives.

And that, if there are such things as human free will and human choice, they should be able to live their lives differently.

Feeling somewhat similar?

Then “The Feminine Mystique” is where you should start searching for solutions.

Don’t look away, men – you should read this book even sooner than women.

It talks about your unhappy wives.

About Betty Friedan

Betty Friedan was an American feminist writer and life-long activist, a leading figure in the women’s movement in the United States during the second half of the 20^th century.

She was propelled to this role in 1963 when her book “The Feminine Mystique” first identified “The Problem That Has No Name” for so many women in the world. Three years later, she became the first president of NOW, the National Organization for Women.

In 1970, she organized a nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality, the largest of its kind up to that moment.

She remained politically active until her death, authoring six books and participating in many debates on controversial women’s rights topics.

“The Feminine Mystique PDF Summary”

In 1957, at their 15^th-anniversary reunion, Friedan conducted a survey of her former Smith College classmates.

Back when they studied together, most of them were smart, ambitious, capable, dreamy-eyed. But, in 1957, almost all of them were unhappy, unfulfilled, empty.

Simply put, they struggled with the fact that what they were expected to be was nothing more than housewives and mothers.

And since nobody taught them before that they may be some other way, each suburban wife struggled with this “problem that has no name” alone:

As she made the beds, shopped for groceries, matched slipcover material, ate peanut butter sandwiches with her children, chauffeured Cub Scouts, and Brownies, lay beside her husband at night – she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question – ‘Is this all?

And Friedan goes on to answer that – no, it isn’t.

Or, at least, it shouldn’t be.

In Chapter 1, “The Problem That Has No Name,” she turns her attention to the fact that women are getting less and less happy with every passing year.

In her opinion, the reason behind this is simple: they marry earlier, and they have more children.

And they have no idea what to do after.

“We can no longer ignore that voice within women that says: ‘I want something more than my husband and my children and my home.'”

Now that is the actual name of the problem.

Chapter 2, “The Happy Housewife Heroine,” shows how even in the 1960s we weren’t that far off from Mary Wollstonecraft’s 18^th century.

Sure, education was better and more democratic, but women’s magazines – almost exclusively owned and edited by men – still portrayed women either as happy housewives or unhappy careerwomen.

Pretty unbiased, won’t you say?

If you have problems guessing the choice most women made in the 1960s, Betty Friedan explains how most women would think by describing her personal journey in Chapter 3, “The Crisis in Woman’s Identity.”

She didn’t have time to think about education and work.

As her biological clock started ticking like this, and she watched her friends getting married and giving birth to their children, she started believing that if she doesn’t do the same as soon as possible, she would never fulfill her anatomical destiny.

And that she would be a failure.

Chapter 4, “The Passionate Journey,” is a magnifying glass: Friedan moves from her personal to the journey of the whole feminist movement, from suffrage to the 1950s.

In Chapter 5, “The Sexual Solipsism of Sigmund Freud,” Friedan picks up a fight with none other but the father of psychology.

How could she not?

This is what Freud had written once:

I believe that all reforming action in law and education would break down in front of the fact that, long before the age at which a man can earn a position in society, Nature has determined woman’s destiny through beauty, charm, and sweetness. Law and custom have much to give women that has been withheld from them, but the position of women will surely be what it is: in youth an adored darling and in mature years a loved wife.

Highlights: women’s destiny has been biologically determined, and they can be either adored darlings or loved wives.

Nice going, Freud!

Friedan’s point:

None of it is proven. Especially not the concept of “penis envy” (and women’s neurosis which stems from it) which people (read: men) in her days threw around as if it as certain as gravity.

Time has had Friedan’s back: most of Freud’s theories have been proven to be just a bunch of baloney!

Chapter 6, complexly titled “The Functional Freeze, the Feminine Protest, and Margaret Meade,” challenges the idea of structural functionalists who believed that society functions because all participants have functional roles within it.

You get zero points for guessing whose functional shoes women were supposed to fill in!

Chapter 7, “The Sex-Directed Educators,” extends the discussion on functionalism and its effect on education which was designed to create a specific role for women: that of a housekeeper.

Congratulations, Mary Wollstonecraft: you were two centuries ahead of your time!

Chapter 8, “The Mistaken Choice,” examines how World War II and the Cold War have resulted in a world as prehistoric as prehistory itself! Even though women had to – and did – take men’s jobs during the war, they were still looked at as housewives, since only men were capable of fighting.

And ads made sure that women’s place is their homes and kitchens.

Speaking of which –

That’s exactly what Chapter 9, “The Sexual Self,” goes on about. The advertising industry, in the eyes of Friedan, has invented a career out of housekeeping and created a multi-billion industry in order to sell women millions of unnecessary products!

Chapter 10, “Housewifery Expands to Fill the Time Available,” is based on few interviews with housewives.

Its findings?

Devastating!

Women are not only unfulfilled housewives but also housewives who purposefully invent housekeeping tasks even when they are none, so as not to feel left behind.

Because – what else are they going to do?

In the controversial Chapter 11, “The Sex-Seekers,” Friedan gives a provocative answer: sex. Because, basically, it is the only fun thing they can do besides caring for their children and their husbands.

However, sex is also unfulfilling, and it often leads to infidelity and marriage problems.

Chapter 12, “Progressive Dehumanization: The Comfortable Concentration Camp,” examines the most troubling effect of this type of unfulfillment: emotionally immature children.

Namely, unfulfilled mothers try to live their lives through their children, causing them to lose the sense of individuality and grow up into underdeveloped adults.

Chapter 13, “The Forfeited Self,” sets this proto-sex-vs-gender discussion against Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, concluding that, unlike men, who have the opportunity to reach self-actualization, women are purposefully trapped at the lowest and basest physiological stage of their existence.

Finally, Chapter 14, “A New Life Plan for Women,” presents several case studies of women who managed to outgrow their feminine mystiques and become successful self-actualized careerwoman much instead of being enslaved as merely mothers and housewives.

Key Lessons from “The Feminine Mystique”

1.      The Feminine Mystique: The Problem That Has No Name
2.      Happy Housewives and Unhappy Careerwomen
3.      Beyond Physiology: The Self-Actualized Woman

The Feminine Mystique: The Problem That Has No Name

Betty Friedan – just like millions of American women in her days – suffered from a serious case of “knowing-not-what-life-is-all-about.”

She was taught that her objective is to get married, have children, and raise them into perfect adults.

Now that she was in the position to do that, she realized that it’s not as fulfilling as people told her it’d be.

And while doing a survey of her former classmates, she had a revelation: it never was.

Women were lied to for centuries so that they can become what men wanted them to become. And they were manipulated for so long that now even they don’t know that life can be more than being a mother and a housewife.

“We can no longer,” writes Friedan, “ignore that voice within women that says: ‘I want something more than my husband and my children and my home.'”

And, indeed, we can’t.

Happy Housewives and Unhappy Careerwomen

During the 1950s, most editorial boards of famous magazines were men-only. And almost all of them depicted women either as happy housewives or unhappy careerwomen.

Psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and even controversial anthropologists such as Margaret Meade went no step further, infantilizing women and defining them mostly relationally.

It’s all just a big lie, said Friedan.

No science backs any of these claims.

Moreover, women’s unhappiness should be enough in itself to refute them.

Beyond Physiology: The Self-Actualized Woman

Betty Friedan applies Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to both sexes and comes to upsetting results.

Namely, while men are allowed to reach self-actualization, women’s role in society is defined solely on a physiological level.

In other words – if they can give birth and lactate, they should be mothers and nothing more.

But, as Hume has shown us, there’s a big difference between what is and what ought to be.

And Betty Friedan says: women ought to be happy self-actualized humans.

Do you have anything against it?

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“The Feminine Mystique Quotes”

The only way for a woman, as for a man, to find herself, to know herself as a person, is by creative work of her own. Click To Tweet The choice to have a child makes the whole experience of motherhood different, and the choice to be generative in other ways can at last be made, and is being made by many women now, without guilt. Click To Tweet It is perhaps beside the point to remark that bowling alleys and supermarkets have nursery facilities, while schools and colleges and scientific laboratories and government offices do not. Click To Tweet The feminists had destroyed the old image of woman, but they could not erase the hostility, the prejudice, the discrimination that still remained. Click To Tweet Who knows what women can be when they are finally free to become themselves? Who knows what women's intelligence will contribute when it can be nourished without denying love? Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

“The Feminine Mystique,” almost singlehandedly, sparked second-wave feminism in the United States, inspiring many women to fight more dedicatedly for their rights, and many lawmakers to finally listen.

Consequently, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that we decided to include this book among our “Top 15 Nonfiction Books in History.”

That says a lot how we feel about it.

To quote Arianna Huffington: “If you’ve never read it, read it now.”