There is a reason why everybody hates moral philosophers. Fans of "The Good Place" will enjoy this book. It's written by the show's creator, exploringThere is a reason why everybody hates moral philosophers. Fans of "The Good Place" will enjoy this book. It's written by the show's creator, exploring many of the same philosophies in the show.
The book focuses on non-secular moral philosophy. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, J.S. Mills, Bentham, Singer (...the list goes on) are discussed. He also delves into existentialism/absurdism with a discussion of Camus and his contemporaries.
Do those names mean nothing to you? If so, you might want to pick up this book. Even though all those great philosophers are wrong (except maybe Camus?), their thoughts helped develop Western society.
It's a fun read, even for me... and I think the whole concept of "moral" philosophy is as dumb an idea as "reality TV" philosophy. At the least, you'll enjoy Schur's humor (but only about 1 out of 10 of his attempts). If you get the audiobook, it's narrated by the cast of "The Good Place."
Soapbox: Schur treats all schools of thought with dispassionate respect...except Objectivism. He admittedly doesn't get it and states he gave up reading about it (but can read Kant easily for some reason). He then criticizes it and uses ad hominem attacks against Ayn Rand for some reason to discredit it. Schur, if you are reading this (and you're not): It's all subjective. Rand is as right and wrong as Socrates... wait are you projecting anti-Objectivism ideas because you're in the Objectivism closet?
Ultimately, like every great moral philosopher, Schur doesn't give you any answers and says you are wrong. But whatever, morals are stupid and relative. Read the book. ...more
A definitive take on how cults or "cultish" groups use language to advance their interest. The author, Amanda Montell, interweaves victim, witness, anA definitive take on how cults or "cultish" groups use language to advance their interest. The author, Amanda Montell, interweaves victim, witness, and expert accounts, along with her own personal anecdotes and research to progress the narrative. Divided into six sections, the first section starts with understanding the language behind some of the most notorious cults, especially those that have a tragic end (Jonestown, Waco...). The subsequent sections each focus on cultish organizations, each lesser in severity than the last section, but generally more populous. The last few sections focus on multilevel marketing business and cultish fitness groups like Crossfit.
Montell is not on a crusade against cultish language. She explains why we are wired to fall under its influences, and how it's part of how we operate. This book's objective is to help the reader recognize what cultish language is, know how it can affect themselves and others, and when to know to walk away from it. Highly recommend it to all readers, especially those who prefer to read about contemporary, social science, or political issues. ...more
If you are looking for a challenging book on linguistics that tackles how language affects women, look elsewhere. Because this book is not challengingIf you are looking for a challenging book on linguistics that tackles how language affects women, look elsewhere. Because this book is not challenging at all.
Amanda Montell (a formally trained linguist) superbly communicates how the English language was shaped, used, and where it is going; examining it from a feminist perspective. The writing style is refreshing, somehow personal and academic... like having a friend tutor you in a new subject. It's also humorous, Montell's wit often helps illustrate examples. However, this less formal manner should not be confused for taking the matter lightly.
On a personal note: as a male reading this book, I got a lot out of it. I stopped a few times in introspection because as much as I like to think I'm aware of my biases and "on the right side" of things, I'm not always. A few of the author's examples clearly showed me where I was wrong, so I can say that book has affected my behavior for the better.
Reading the chapter titles should be enough for anybody to want to read this book, so here are some of my favorites:
- Chapter 1: Slutty Skank Hoes and Nasty Dykes: A Comprehensive List of Gendered Insults I Hate (But Also Kind of Love?) - Chapter 3: "Mm-hmm, Girl, You're Right": How Women Talk to Each Other When Dudes Aren't Around - Chapter 4: Women Didn't Ruin the English Language—They, Like, Invented It - Chapter 5: How to Embarrass the Shit Out of People Who Try to Correct Your Grammar - Chapter 6: How to Confuse a Catcaller (And Other Ways to Verbally Smash the Patriarchy) - Chapter 9: Time to Make This Book Just a Little Bit Gayer
A must-read for leaders. It might be uncomfortable and unconventional, but that's why you need to read this and understand....more
Based on its namesake podcast about hidden design and architecture, this is a book about cities. Specifically, many of their features which go unnoticBased on its namesake podcast about hidden design and architecture, this is a book about cities. Specifically, many of their features which go unnoticed; but are intentional. Easy to read topics, loosely tied together by a shifting theme, allows for both ordered or sporadic random reading of chapters. Illustrations support some of the chapters but aren't required (an audiobook version would be just fine without).
This is a fun, clever book to read and leave on your coffee table for the uninitiated. For listeners of the podcast, there isn't much new material; reading is still enjoyable. ...more
Amateur etymologists will love this book. Stephen Fry takes the confusing, anachronistic, and ambiguous record of Greek mythology and expertly shapes Amateur etymologists will love this book. Stephen Fry takes the confusing, anachronistic, and ambiguous record of Greek mythology and expertly shapes it into a cohesive narrative. From before the beginning of time until the end of the gods' age, many of the most famous stories are imaginatively retold. Fry takes time to connect accounts and names to their modern-day incarnations, whether in vocabulary, astronomy, or contemporary religious text.
Entertaining, light, and perhaps educational, not a bad read. ...more
"There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide."
Camus answers this statement in this essay and gets awarded the Nobel Pri"There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide."
Camus answers this statement in this essay and gets awarded the Nobel Prize for it. He takes the philosophy of French Existentialism to its extreme and arrives at Absurdism. Serious thought is put into the dilemma of continued existence, and this thought is difficult to follow. However, its conclusion is plain enough to understand: even without purpose, meaning, hope, god, a future... man should keep living.
Where this essay will likely fail for most contemporary readers is its constant reference to outside texts. Citations of works by other philosophers, religious books, or classical literature strengthen his arguments. The references obfuscate the way to the conclusion. Nevertheless, when distilled, the philosophy of this essay is profound.
Recommended to readers who enjoy philosophical essays, recommend looking at the Wikipedia entirely for others.
There are many, many interesting quotes in this essay. Here are some that do not require much context:
"We get into the habit of living before acquiring the habit of thinking."
"there is no truth, but merely truths."
"All things are not explained by one thing but by all things."
"There, too, there are several ways of committing suicide, one of which is the total gift and forgetfulness of self."
"A fate is not a punishment."
"I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! One always finds one's burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. He too concludes that all is well. This universe henceforth without a master seems to him neither sterile nor futile."
An informative, but bias picture of the addiction some suffer from pornography. Its central premise is that pornography addiction is a real thing, eveAn informative, but bias picture of the addiction some suffer from pornography. Its central premise is that pornography addiction is a real thing, even if not officially recognized by some medical experts or sex-positive activist. Beyond the studies it discusses, both the ones that affirm its conclusion and don't, there is a heavy reliance on personal stories about addiction and recovery.
Some of the scientific explanations of body chemistry, similarities with other addictions, and the rise in sexual dysfunction in young men are eye-opening. At times the book feels like more of a self-help book than a discussion, and other times it delves too deeply in defending its premise. Even with these faults, it is worth reading for its target demographic (young men) or anyone interested in the subject....more
Am I a Racist? No. Is that enough? No. Am I an Antiracist? I am now.
Kendi's book is an in-depth exploration of the concept of race, from its roots in sAm I a Racist? No. Is that enough? No. Am I an Antiracist? I am now.
Kendi's book is an in-depth exploration of the concept of race, from its roots in slavery to its present branches of discrimination. His account is partially biographical, using his experiences to illuminate ideas, define words he has learned, and then relearned. Each chapter begins with terms and definitions and expands into his narrative. Subjects covered are broad (power, biology, capitalism, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, gender, color, success).
Hearing the author speaking on television and not liking his, what I mistakenly thought, militant attitude on race, I purchased this book as part of my "outside of my comfort zone" genre. These are usually books I do not want to read but will give a chance because they have buzz. They are also books I think will be a waste of time (in this case because I was already "not racist", what else do I need to learn?). But every once in awhile I read something so different, it changes me. This is one of those books.
This book helped me realize my thoughts on race had stagnated. What I mistakenly thought was a full understanding of this issue, was in reality, understanding just what I was comfortable with. I started reading before the death of George Floyd, and after his death, reading each word weighed heavier. The concepts explored in this book did not ring hollow, but my old thoughts on race did.
Change does not happen overnight in an entire population, but it can happen overnight in an individual. Reading and applying this book are my first steps toward change. I implore everybody to read this book, especially those who label themselves as "not racist" and see no gain from this book. You can be better; You can do better.
Some quotes:
The language of color blindness—like the language of “not racist”—is a mask to hide racism.
The defining question is whether the discrimination is creating equity or inequity. If discrimination is creating equity, then it is antiracist.
The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination.
In my first course with Mazama, she lectured on Asante’s contention that objectivity was really “collective subjectivity.” She concluded, “It is impossible to be objective.”
Part history book, part owner's manual- Bryson writes a fantastically entertaining and informative narrative. From head to toe, he discusses how the mPart history book, part owner's manual- Bryson writes a fantastically entertaining and informative narrative. From head to toe, he discusses how the machinery in each of us is set up, operates, and malfunctions. The stories behind the doctors that unlocked its secrets are wildly more scandalous and full of intrigue than one would assume. He makes sure to weave them into his account of each subject discussed. Written in a style that doesn't require the reader to recall past chapters or continuity, it's an easy read that will stay engaging. Highly recommend....more
Written by a former addict turned neuroscientist, the author uses her experience as a vehicle to explain the science of addiction. She makes a compellWritten by a former addict turned neuroscientist, the author uses her experience as a vehicle to explain the science of addiction. She makes a compelling case for those affected, and her first-hand view of the subject is poignant. The science is very dense and difficult to understand. However, it's not cumulative. Not understanding some parts will not make the rest of the book unreadable. The book has a strong start, but requires an effort on the reader's part to keep going, although worth it. I highly recommend to anyone interested in the science of addiction.
"The opposite of addiction, I have learned, is not sobriety but choice."...more
An interesting, albeit somewhat suspect, discussion on the topic of breathing. The author explores how breathing affects the development of the mouth/An interesting, albeit somewhat suspect, discussion on the topic of breathing. The author explores how breathing affects the development of the mouth/jaw, can cause or alleviate many chronic conditions (snoring, apnea, headaches), and improve athletic and mental ability.
He does this with anecdotes, self-sponsored studies, and interpretations of historical texts. Independent hard data is not the primary source of conclusions, but some are there. Additionally, the way the topics are presented makes breathing a panacea for all ailments (right up until the epilogue, where the author finally discusses its limits).
This is not to say that the book's conclusions do not have merit. This topic is one most readers will find value in and is worth exploring for those interested. Highly recommend to those who search for ways to improve body performance or those who have pulmonary issues. ...more
Well written, entertaining, and informative. The author has an excellent way of navigating through medical jargon and explaining concepts simply. He tWell written, entertaining, and informative. The author has an excellent way of navigating through medical jargon and explaining concepts simply. He takes pains to weave in historical significance and tangents that make the narrative engaging. This includes significant pharmaceutical contributions made by minorities and women, often ignored. Additionally, the narrator is slightly unreliable, which is usually a plot device in fictional stories. In this case, it is the author discovering and reforming ideas as he learns more about drugs and the industry. Highly recommend to all readers, except medical professionals; the cognitive dissonance caused by reading this would be too much for them....more
Part autobiography and part writing class, King brings together two subjects he's very familiar with, just a bit disjointedly. His childhood is interePart autobiography and part writing class, King brings together two subjects he's very familiar with, just a bit disjointedly. His childhood is interesting, but not as exciting as one would think, given the horrors that have come from his mind. Some aspects of his life are easily seen in his fiction, especially his early work. The portion of the book that discusses writing is very philosophical. Writing is an art, and King does not teach how to paint, but what makes a painting enjoyable. There are some instructive rules he provides, but at the core, it's practice, reading, and talent that makes a good writer in his estimation. An excellent read for fans of his fiction....more
American history, as told from the perspective of the entire domain of power and population. This book recalibrates traditional US history through theAmerican history, as told from the perspective of the entire domain of power and population. This book recalibrates traditional US history through the eyes of non-white, non-mainland, and non-powerful Americans. The book is separated into three sections; initial westward expansion, territorial gains through war, and World War 2 and modern globalism.
The first section of the book discusses the plight of the Native Americans and the pioneers settling the frontier. It makes the mistreatment of the indigenous people a point of fact and introduces some not so well known episodes of how badly they were treated. However, it does not dwell on this. Instead the author states this section of the book is to explain how America developed its imperial policies in its treatment of new lands and people.
The second section explores imperial America in its heyday. This is when the empire expanded to include Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, parts of Cuba, Philippines, and other territories — making all these lands and people American. It discusses the seldom talked about concentration camps in Alaska, where 10% of the natives died. The targeted sterilization, experimentation, and murder of Puerto Ricans by mainland doctors to help the "population problem". It explains how the US allied with Philippine's independence army to win the Spanish-American war then turned on this very allies.
The final section discusses how the idea of empire has changed since World War 2. How, with the advent of airpower, vast territories are no longer required for the reach of empire. The author focuses on military power projection and the "pointillist empire" the US now is. How the US treated Japan and other counties it occupied after the war, especially its territories.
Highly recommend this book to anybody interested in expanding their views of American history. It is a sobering account that is an essential perspective to help both complete the picture of America and understand how history is presented.
Regardless of how history is written, it is always revisionist. This book seeks to revise it with the account of the American people that were forgotten. ...more
Sinek adeptly explains how organizations that play to win aren't playing the game right. You cannot win business. You cannot win life. There is no winSinek adeptly explains how organizations that play to win aren't playing the game right. You cannot win business. You cannot win life. There is no winning in an infinite game.
Many leaders choose not to understand this. They run their businesses like they are in a finite game, as if winning is the goal. They do this by focusing on short term earnings, "moonshots", or some other purpose which they surround with impressive meaningless platitudes. With the rise of Milton Friedman's almost religious fervor to please shareholders, this myopic point of view has become the standard (and justification for ethical lapses).
Sinek proposes leaders should have a "just cause" that motivates them, not metrics of growth, profit, or dominance. This just cause is not an end goal...in fact, it's an unachievable goal. Achievable end goals are for those who are playing a finite game.
His discussions about the dangers of ethical fading in finite minded organizations gave me pause to reconsider my organization. As soon as I did, I saw cracks in a foundation I thought reliable. But seeing the cracks and being honest about them is the first step to fixing them.
Books by Simon Sinek always give me hope for the world, not because they have the answers to the world's problems, but because they argue there are answers to the world's questions. We just have to work together to find them.
I highly recommend this book to everybody, because everybody is a leader, and can become a better one. ...more
Claustrophobic, poetic, fever dream. When picking this book up, one wonders if they are reading the same book they put down. Exploring the world underClaustrophobic, poetic, fever dream. When picking this book up, one wonders if they are reading the same book they put down. Exploring the world under the seen, Macfarlane travels to some of the most darkly vibrant places. Spending days without sunlight in crypts, caves, and mines, he describes his perilous encounters in an ethereal manner. His travels take him through underground fungal networks, nuclear waste repositories, and into the heart of a glacier. A mostly slow burn read, punctuated with scenes of fear, wonder, and beauty.
Quotes:
"We are often more tender to the dead than to the living, though it is the living who need our tenderness most."
"I look across the bay to the northern shore and there, there, by the glimmering birches is a figure standing dark on rising ground, where no figure should be."
"We are part mineral beings too – our teeth are reefs, our bones are stones – and there is a geology of the body as well as of the land."...more
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