Quotations Books

This is a wonderful collection of poems, musings and essays all revolving around the theme of Nature. You can pick it up anytime, thumb through it, quote it on cards to friends or just when you need some inspiration in this techno existence we're living in. Add it your shelf, why not, it can only do your mind and spirit some good.

Lynne Bachleda calls upon some of my favorite writers and poets (Jeanette Winterson, e.e.cummings, Annie Dillard, Thomas Merton) in order to bring us this marvelous refreshment for the soul. Read all in one sitting, or in bits - it will remind you of how glad you are to be simply alive.

Some of us see the hand of the Devine most clearly in our appreciation of the transcendent beauty of the universe, and in particular that of our home planet. Some of us are in great spiritual pain because what we see happening to the environment and the web of life.

"Blue Mountain" with its wide range of poetry, proverbs, excerpts,and brief essays celebrating the earth was easily the best collection of its kind recently read. It was healing medicine for environmental melancholia and despair. Even though it does nothing to change the daily headlines, the renewal of spirit was a spring tonic for the soul.

Reading it again can even ignite a smoldering ember of hope.

This is a book to take with you on trips, a book to keep by your bedside, to read aloud to friends, or to hold close just for the private joy it brings you. Bachleda's love for the natural world and her wise, humane approach to inhabiting it are a joy. She's a rare and wonderful writer! Amy Lynch

Bachleda has put together an anthology that I would like (and once planned) to have done, but am glad I did not because she has done it so much better. These excerpts are for outdoor folk of any kind, for those who cherish the earth or want to do so more, for hikers and those who enjoy just a sunset or fresh breeze. She has cast a wide net and cites from many ages and cultures and genres of literature, 160 or so indexed authors, passages that are old and welcome friends (like Maclean's "Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it" and Muir's "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings") and many more citations that are new and unexpected gems, even touches of humor like Woody Allen's moose in spats or Marge Piercy shooing the hunters (caw, caw). As in all anthologies everyone will have some favorites that have been left out or will find some selections cited and wonder why. The passages are spiritual and responsible, but without any touch of theological tediousness or political stridency. Bachleda shows us just the beauty, spirit, poetry and wonder of holy earth. Her selections are arranged loosely according to the theme of the hero's journey from desire and need, to marveling and adoration, comprehension and joy, connection and unity, redemption and grace, recognition and compassion, to hope, resolve and beyond. One might read it in that order cover to cover -- which unless done a little at a time would be like eating a giant box of chocolates at a sitting -- but a system of marginal symbols for the elements of nature, the seasons of the year, and the religious sources of the quotations facilitates random access depending upon your location or mood. It is well worth its weight in your backpack or its space on your bookshelf.

I had the privilege of meeting Tom Landry a few times and found him to be the most gracious person you could ever hope to know. These memories really took me back in time. The world is a poorer place without him

It's nice to know what outsiders thought of Landry, but it's nicest to hear from insiders who knew the man. This book fills that need. It's classy, readable, beautifully organized and highly affordable and should be on every Cowboy (or Cowboy hater's) bookshelf.

I bought this book for three compelling reasons. First, I am a long-time Dallas Cowboys fan. Secondly, I always admired and looked up to Tom Landry as a leader and a devoted Christian gentleman. Lastly, I love to collect and use quotes. I loved reading this book for one simple reason - it exceeded all expectations for all my reasons for buying it.

I cried the day Tom Landry died, and again the day after his death when I read articles and listened to television stories about the life and times of Tom Landry. This simple, little book brought back many of those same emotions. This book is not one author's lofty opinions about a man. It is a collection of quotes, stories, and vignettes from scores of people from all walks of life who are united in their deep love and respect for a man among men, a man of unquestioned character and integrity.

You do not have to be a Dallas Cowboys fan, nor know a thing about Tom Landry, nor do you need to collect quotes to enjoy and be motivated by this book. If you are inspired by reading true accounts of moral, spiritual, and successful leaders, then this book will exceed all your expectations, too.

Jennifer Briggs' "The Book of Landry" is an excellent tribute to the late Cowboy's coach, Tom Landry. I grew up in Wisconsin, where Landry and the Cowboys were "the enemy." This book gave me a whole new view of a man who is revered in Texas. He was a compassionate, principled, fun-loving and God-led man, a true hero. I keep re-reading chapter after chapter for inspiration! It's a great birthday or Father's Day gift!

Famed football coach Tom Landry passed away in February 2000, leaving behind a life of accomplishment rarely equaled and never surpassed. Former Dallas Cowboys players, assistant coaches, and others close to Landry contributed to The Book Of Landry by offering fresh testimonials and remembrances of the man. Landry quotes are culled from materials published over the decades of Landry's professional and personal life. Here presented are tributes to his childhood, family, coaching philosophy, Christian faith, motivational tactics, and the Landry "Look". The Book Of Landry is "must" reading for all Landry fans.

In the bookstore my heart was really cold and depressed, and oppressed. I was saying the prayer, but not getting anywhere. I mean the prayer is always good, but I couldn't find any peace. This book helped to break through this malaise, and I was grateful. It helped me see my situation of truly needing help, and it was an avenue of receiving help.
Orthodox Christians believe that the saints write out of the direct experience of the Light of God, and they literally write words of light and love, the Love that the Lord Jesus has shared with them, which is Himself. It is the glory He shares with the Father, that comes from the Holy Spirit. This is given in a measure and type perfectly suited to each person. Father John, in the introduction, explains that the Holy Spirit usually reveals Himself to people just starting to seriously seek Him in a way that is different from people who have learned to humbly live for Him, who suffer in their life with Him. In trying to follow His commandments, they suffer at their inability to follow them, and at the obstacles they encounter, inside and outside, when they try to live out a command such as Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself. It is a kind of quiet war, sometimes. So the first stage, I think, is learning to live in this way, that makes you humble, because you see, with the help of grace, how you are not Holy like God, and you don't fit in with Him, and this makes you realize that you deeply need help, so you call out from your heart, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me a sinner." In the second stage He consoles and teaches by sometimes appearing, and sometimes withdrawing. When He seems to leave them without help of grace (He doesn't really leave), they suffer from the war more and become humble, because they remember they need the grace that saves them in the war, so they won't act mean and ugly, or do other ugly things that are not the way the people in Heaven live. Then there is a higher stage of grace, above the war, closer to God, but also with a heavier responsibility. Advice of this type is given in the 3rd section of the book. There are three sections each suited to these three types of people. I'm sorry I don't explain it well, but he does. It is good to read his introduction first, because this is a living tradition, and it good to hear from someone who puts it into practice in his own life, and who belongs to the same tradition as those who wrote the original advice.
Some people, like myself, may have been introduced to the Lord almost as a friend who is always with you, but although you might try to live out what is in the Bible, it is on your own terms, according to what you think is right. It might be hard to see God as Holy (not as a buddy) or it might be hard to know who to trust with authority, because there are a lot of teachers and preachers out there. I gradually trusted the saints from this tradition, the most, but it took a long time. At first I used Catholic saints, like St. Theresa and Saint Francis as my guides, and they are very good, but I found the Orthodox tradition was the oldest, and focused on living such a way where it is possible for Jesus Christ to reveal Himself to you as Light. It doesn't view this as an isolated experience of grace, as many mystics receive, but the normal way of life for people in Heaven with God, or who want to live there. This book helps me to learn what their manner of life is, so I might practice now what I am going to be doing forever, anyway, and so fit in with them. An analogy might be the Hobbits who learned about the way the People of the West lived, suffered on a quest with them, and finally went to live with them. I feel the saints, especially the Mother of God, directly help you have the right attitude and relation to Him, and you can feel the difference after a while through contact with the holy things from the Church. The writings in this book are an example. Everything in the Orthodox church is directed toward seeing Him, and living in union with Him, their prayers, sacraments, songs, icons, everything. I am not meaning to proselytize, but rather I want to say Orthodox view things holistically, so to speak. You can't separate one aspect of the tradition, like this book, from the whole. Of course, anyone is welcome to read it, and benefit, but it is also the tip of an iceberg. A quote from the book: "A lion is known by his paw..."
People familiar with the Narnia books will remember, He's not a tame Lion.
An added note- although I already owned many of the sources of his quotes, in the Philokalia, it also introduced me to some new saints, and it is translated, organized, and presented so well that it is worth it to get it. Also it is good for my friends who want to want to learn this life of prayer but wouldn't be comfortable wading through difficult texts that may not apply to them. This book seems to find you and help you where you are.

Ably translated and with an informative introduction by Orthodox Christian Priest John Anthony McGuckin (Professor of Early Church History, Union Theological Seminary, New York City), The Book Of Mystical Chapters: Meditations On The Soul's Ascent From The Desert Fathers And Other Early Christian Contemplatives is a hallowed collection of more than three hundred short meditations written by Christians from the second through the fourteenth centuries. Many of these meditations were written by the Desert Fathers, monks who deliberately left behind the corruption of city life for the isolated deserts of Egypt and Palestine. These brief yet moving and heartfelt meditations focus upon practice, theory, gnosis, embracing spiritual enlightenment, and the expansion of one's mind and soul. The Book Of Mystical Chapters is very highly recommended reading for all serious students of Christian Theology, History, and Spirituality, regardless of denominational background or affiliation.

This is a nice collection of short adages that are directed to the seeker of Christ. Assuming that we are created for union with God in Christ and the Spirit, the authors of this collection, all experts from experience, give practical wisdom and advice.

"If you are serious about the life of prayer, take care to be very merciful, for in this way you shall receive a hundredfold reward and even greater things in the future age," writes St. John Climacus.

I never allowed myself to go to bed while I still felt resentment against a person. And as far as I was able, I never allowed anyone else to go to bed either, as long as they still felt resentment against me," said Abba Agathon.

This is the sort of tenor of the book. Other really useful books in this regard would include bishop Kallistos Ware's classic "The Orthodox Way", along with Markides' "The Silent Mountain" and Robin Amis' "A Different Christinaity". If you like anthologies, a good one with useful notes is Olivier Clement's "The Roots of Christian Mysticism". Enjoy!

These "chapters" range in length from one sentence to a page and a half, with most about the length of a short paragraph. They are arranged into three sections ("the threefold ascent") of 100 chapters each.

Don't be tempted, as I was, to read several each day. These chapters were designed to be memorized and then meditated upon, no more than one a day. This is what the translator, John Anthony McGuckin, suggests in his introduction, and his advice is sound.

While many of these spiritual statements are deceptively simple, each one is worthy of serious ruminating.

I recommend this volume highly, but please take your time.

Related titles worthy of consideration are: "The Illumined Heart," by Frederica Mathewes-Green; "The Mountain of Silence," by Kyriacos C. Markides; and "The Art of Prayer," compiled by Igumen Chariton of Valamo.

Christianity has long since forgotten the old saying, "God became what man is so that man can become what God is." Christianity is not merely about "getting saved" and essentially ending your walk with Christ right then and there. Christianity has always been about theosis, becoming holy as God is holy. "Salvation" cannot be reduced to a mere "get out of hell free card"; it is also healing. It is also transformation. Follow this book, and you are well on your way to becoming a Christian mystic; one who experiences God continually.

Since it looks like Amazon isn't selling this book right now, you can get it from Pangea Vegan Products' website (www.veganstore.com) for $10. A portion of the proceeds still goes to the Washington DC Humane Society & their copies are signed by the author!

Hope that helps.

What a wonderful book for all ages. My daughter loves looking at the beautiful photographs over and over again. The quotes magicallly match the expressive cat faces. This book is a great gift for anyone (including themselves) who admire cats and great quotes.

All cat lovers will love this book. The beautiful black and white photos of the cats along with the meaningful quotes are so appropriate. It really touches the heart. I've given the book as a gift to my cat loving friends, and they all enjoyed it. It's also great that the proceeds go to help the Wash DC Humane Society.

For anyone who has ever been "owned" by a cat. . . a charming collection of photos and quotes sure to please.
A great gift item for cat-lovers everywhere!

I first noticed this little book in a bookstore when I happened to read the blurb on the back cover by Doris Day: "a book reminding us of the wonderful bond between humans and animals" When I opened it, I knew why.

Julia Miles has the eye of a photographer and the heart of a poet. She has composed prose poems in light and shadow and shade to my favorite creatures, the cats.

My favorite photo in the collection, apart from the stunning dual-cat cover, is of two cats, each drooped over each other, headlined by Virginia Woolf: "incessant company is as bad as solitary confinement." Cats and poets can teach us things.

The book is a treasure trove of quotations and philosophical quips for everyday care of the soul, as well as for appreciation of felines. "I can resist everything but temptation" was surely meant for catdom: the photo in question is of a tiger cat-as-stealth-machine-stealing-up-on-a-piece-of-rug, besieging a piece of oriental carpet, mottled after mottled.

Cats are friends, foes (in play), funny, and enigmatic. Most of all, cats are curious (when they're not bored). In fact, cats are most cats when they're absolutely contradictory from one moment to the next. But then, inconsistencies are the "hobgoblins of little minds," as the poets remind us.

Take your mind and imagination out for a stroll by buying this book. It's also a great gift book - for yourself, family, friends, coworkers, for anyone you know, even if they don't like cats (tell them it's a "humor" book).

I should add that I didn't read the very moving introduction until after I'd completely looked through the photos and smiles and words in the text. The fact that Ms. Miles' kittens were rescued from a sure death makes the book even richer and deeper. "Cat Muses" speaks straight to the heart as well as the eye.

Not the kind of book to read cover-to-cover, but absolutely perfect when you are looking for a pithy quote on any subject...and read a few pages when you need a laugh!

Anyone who has to make a speech will make a better one if they have this book.

Alas! A good reason for you not to buy any of those joke books. Instead, acquire this wonderful recollection of funny phrases actually said or written........ Suggested to witty quotation fans, of course, but a must for those that don't possess humor but do have a good memory !!!!! A compilation of hilarious phrases, edited by Fred Metcalf that will not let you down, in any argument or discussion. Good to break the ice, superb to outwit your opponent, it is the perfect tool to keep at bay the drama, in heavier conversations. Talking to the pretentious literati or author, you get to say: "A good writer is not, per se, a good critic. No more than a good drunk is automatically a good bartender..." If he replies: "Critics are like eunuchs in a harem: they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves" then you can say: "I never read a book before reviewing it- it prejudices a man so...." and then add: "Thank you for sending me a copy of your book. I'll waste no time in reading it..."

"The trouble with my car is that it won't start and the payments won't stop"

"I care a lot about my wife's happiness. So much so that's I've hired a private detective to find out who's responsible for it."

This book is an excellent collection of one-liners. Unlike many joke books, over 90% of its jokes are actually funny! There's a good indexing system as well. Though admittedly there's no entry for jokes on bicycles.

This is the only book I keep in the toilet. I read it every time I have to sit down and each time I get such a buzz. This is such an amazing cornucopia of brilliant minds (being very, very witty). I rate it up there with any non-fiction reference book out there for reasonably well read people who need a chuckle EVERY time they open it up.

For Eeyore lovers, this is a must read. It is short, cute and reminded me of "The Tao of Pooh," but Eeyore style. It was gift quality and in good condition. It arrived well packaged with bubble wrap and extra TLC. Thanks!

If you love Eeyore you'll love the Eeyorisms in this Book. The pictures go along with every page of Eeyore Wisdom. I am sure anyone who buys this Book will treasure it--I Really recommend getting Eeyore's(Gloomy)Little Instruction Book.

Just 5"X6" this charming little book, inspired by A.A. Milne, makes an excellent gift. It has delightful illustrations and lots of sage advice from the beloved dreary donkey. Have a copy on hand for yourself to read on those days when you're feeling a bit sorry for yourself and are on the verge of becoming a whiner. It always makes me laugh at myself and there's nothing like a laugh to lift the gloom...but don't tell Eeyore. If you don't like this book just remember what Eeyore said, "Don't blame me."

...doesn't mean you're going to get any honey." That's kind of how I felt. This book, overall, wasn't quite as witty as I had anticipated. But then, don't the teachings of Eeyore the wise prepare us for such a moment?:) There were a few very cute quotes, but most of it was fluff. The art was most enjoyable, though, and I loved the book despite the fact that it fell short of my expectations. I wouldn't recommend Eeyore's (Gloomy) Little Instruction Book to just anyone. But the artwork and the few really good quotes, not to mention the beautiful binding and quality paper, make this book the perfect gift for every Eeyore fan; indeed, their library will not be complete without it!

This small book makes an appropriate gift for anybody who appreciates a nice laugh while reflecting on life. Each page takes you through some of the adversity and fortuity that Eeyore encountered in the A.A. Milne books. Cute quote: "When someone says `How-do-you-do,' just say that you didn't." It's remarkable regarding the optimism that comes from our beloved little donkey.

Once you pick up this book, you will be hard-pressed to put it down. I fully enjoyed reading this book of quotations of one of the most influential people in recent history. A wide selection of topics are covered including quotations about his colleagues. If you like Einstein, you will enjoy this.

A very quick read and I read this book as fast as I could. It was hard to put down, as it was very enjoyable. There are quotes that I will use over and over again in my life, writing, and public speaking. You'll find yourself saying, Wow!, this is his best quote, only to be surprised again on the next page.

It showed the good and bad of Einstein (this was not a happily married man), and readers will probably get a better sense of the man than reading some sappy one-sided lovefest biography.

If you're anything like me, you hate learning about a subject through a biased source. Be it the news, history, or a biography, when knowledge is passed on second hand, one is always left wondering what was lost in the translation, intentionally or otherwise.

This is why The Expanded Quotable Einstein is such a breath of fresh air; it allows one to learn about Einstein, his life, his thoughts, his character, in the purest way--through his own words. With over 400 pages of quotes, many of which are as poetically astute as you would expect from a top-notch professional writer, you can discover all there is to know, and draw your own conclusions, instead of being lead there on a leash by an author. Also, with factual information mixed in without the propaganda associated with a full-length biography, one can learn as many dates-names-places as one needs (unless you wish to write a complete fact-based synopsis of his life) and get to the heart of the matter: his spirit.

I feel that overall, this is the best way to present a historical figure, especially Einstein, whose thoughts and ideas need no embellishment, and for whom his own words serve as the best guide through his intricate mind.

One note: many people equate Einstein with E = MC^2, however do not be scared; this is a book of his quotes on everything, from politics to family to religion. No knowledge of mathematics or physics is required to enjoy the surprising insightful and well-rounded character that is Albert Einstein.

I absolutely love this book, and the myriad of areas Albert Einstein touches upon.
From deeply personal thoughts about himself, to humankind, science, music, life, war and peace, religion, God, and philosophy, Alice Calaprice did a fantastic job in collecting and compiling the moving and meaningful quotes in this book.
Here are three of my favorites:

On Pacifism: " No person has the right to call himself a Christian or Jew so long as he prepares to engage in systematic murder at the command of an authority, or allow himself to be used in any way in the service of war or the preparation for it."

On Success: "Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value."

On His Family: (To Mileva, 10-3-1900 in a love letter) "I am so lucky to have found you - a creature who is my equal, and who is as strong and independent as I am."

Einstein's wisdom is timeless. Whether you want to just read his wisdom, or share it with others, this is one great compilation. Highly recommended!

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and If God Was Like Man
Editor, inspire! magazine

There are all kinds of quotes from Einstein to all sorts of people in all sorts of situations including many that are meaningless to anyone other than the person that he spoke or wrote to. For example, here is a quote to the Lebach family: "Here in Pasadena it is like paradise....Always sunshine and fresh air, gardens with palm and pepper trees, and friendly people who smile at one and ask for autographs." Here is another quote, this one to Ernesta Marangoni "The happy months of my sojourn in Italy are my most beautiful memories."

There are many pearls in this book to be sure, but I feel that just because Einstein said it, it is not necessarily noteworthy.

I am very pleased with the book, it is a good reference material

thanks

Marineus

This book is so sweetly put together. The images were carefully chosen; so beautiful and elegant. Ratisseau did an exquisite job. Her Mermaid book is just as lovely too. One will also like Lori Eisenkraft-Palazzola's books too if they like this one.

This beautifully crafted little book is a thin volume just 7 1/2" x 8 1/2" with silvery accents on the cover. It is a satisfyingly enchanting compilation of rare fairy art and delightful quotations on the subject of fairies. If you have been a fairy lover for any length of time you will have probably seen a few of these wonderful paintings but most will probably be new to you as Elizabeth Ratisseau has done a brilliant bit of treasure hunting to come up with these images. The work is broken down into sections for each of the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, as well as a section on Fairies of Childhood. Usually, I find several disappointing images sprinkled among the good ones in compilations or calendars featuring fairies but each and every one in this book is truly magical, hauntingly fey. I encourage you to get this as a treat for yourself or any other fairy person you love.

For not yet published...I find it odd that I have a copy. Needing more copies for friends,which they will also enjoy. The pictures are truly wonderful, and children love them. The adults will love the quotes. A must. I truly enjoyed the book.

At first, I didn't know if I would like this book. But, I really enjoyed it. I love to look at the pictures. This is a good book for any child, especially if they are into fairies. You should get this book!

American Destiny: God's Role in America is an inspirational quote book like no other. It motivates the reader to investigate and understand our American forefather's true vision in founding our Constitutional Republic.

Even though it is part of American history, the strong faith of our Nation's Founding Fathers is unfortunately absent from many educational programs today. This handy book offers a welcome introduction to the inspiration and motivation of our Founding Fathers, and anyone interested in history will appreciate it.

WOW...What a book! I knew that we were founded as a "Christian" nation, but I didn't realize the magnitude of it. This book will give you a whole new view of the mighty men who founded this nation, and the passion in which they did it are found in their words. I am so thankful for this book. Everyone American should be required to read it, especially our young students! If our young people can understand our heritage, it will fill our nation with hope once again. Don't go any further without getting this book

I am amazed that this is out of print! I wanted to find a few copies for gifts. This is a book of quotes from our founding fathers that reveals the true Christian origins of our country. Until I read this in History class, I never knew what the second amendment REALLY said. I wish every politician and lawmaker would read this book. It should be required in every civics/history class in America. If you want to know what really made America great, find this book and read it...you'll pass it around, I guarantee it.

Not only would I highly recommend this as a great coffee table gift book, but it's also a fantastic resource for `history lessons' and how they relate to contemporary America. It's a great conversation starter as well. Especially interesting to me was some of the quotes and documentation related to the founding of our nation's top Ivy League universities. The publisher's web site is another terrific related resource. Read. Enjoy. Give.

In these times, any book that encourages free-spirited inquiry is especially welcome. It's inherently true of James Sanford's Great Freethinkers, a commonplace book on free thought that is, so far as I can tell, without precedent or equal in recent decades. With so many unaware of the significance of skepticism and free thought in human history and especially within the American experience, the appearance of such an anthology is not just opportune. It offers an essential corrective, at a time when the spiteful, destructive influence of misshapen religious ideologies is increasing both here and abroad.

The people quoted in the work were discerning thinkers who questioned dogmas of any kind, be they social, political, or religious. Agnostics, atheists, non-conformists, skeptics, unconventional theists, and advocates of religious freedom, to cover just some of the categories of belief represented, they have achieved their own kind of immortality in this useful anthology.

Some of them-- John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Benjamin Franklin, for example--are most certainly not forgotten. Yet they are nevertheless poorly understood in a culture in which virtually every candidate for major office vaguely casts himself or herself as a Christian--while providing no real insight about what that means.

Others, like the accomplished essayist and Randolph Bourne and the unmatched Republican orator Robert G. Ingersoll, have been utterly and undeservedly neglected. These men were intellectual giants in their time, and timeless in their insights, and Sanford has done us a service by making it possible to become (re)acquainted with them.

It's crucial, too, to remember that freethinkers went beyond the realm of philosophy, furthering human freedom and enlightenment in the arts, humanities, politics, and the sciences. Those whose wise insights are collected here include Arendt, Bourne, Darwin, Delacroix, Dewey, Du Bois, Edison, Einstein, Mencken, Shaw, Spencer, Twain, Whitman.

Should they read it, those inclined to simplistically condemn free inquiry as "atheism" will be surprised to encounter a complexity and variety of thought on such subjects as God, the soul, virtue, self-knowledge, human nature, death, evolution, freedom, and more. For those who consider themselves free thinkers, the book will serve as a reminder that they are in excellent company.

This selection of quotes deserves a spot by the beside where it can be taken up occasionally. A quote a night would be a good way to handle the book, much as one could do with Bartlett's Quotations. There is food for thought and amusement in these carefully selected quotations on the most serious of subjects, from sex to religion.

Conformist thought has its needed critics and you will find them all, and their words of inspiration, in "Great Free Thinkers". I found the section on religion especially meaningful, when religion so sadly seems to becoming a thing of unexamined doctrine, as opposed to inspired spirituality. Making waves in the face of oppression and meanness is all our responsibility and this good book introduces us to those who have done it with great grace and influence in the past.

"Great Freethinkers" is a treasure trove, a buffet of pithy quotations on all the things that matter--religion, ethics, love, war, sex, human nature, and much more. The selections prod, poke, nudge and challenge the reader to shake off ideas grown stale. Some selections will be illuminating, while others may infuriate, all of which serves the book's main goal: awakened consciousness and fresh thought. They comprise an astonishing range of writers and thinkers, from the Chinese sage Hsun Tzu, the Muslim philosopher Averroes, and the Roman Lucretius, to Thomas Paine, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass, and Albert Einstein. These short selections are appetizers: to delve deeper into the argument, one need only read more of the source.

In these times, any book that encourages free-spirited inquiry is especially welcome. It's inherently true of James Sanford's Great Freethinkers, a commonplace book on free thought that is, so far as I can tell, without precedent or equal in recent decades. With so many unaware of the significance of skepticism and free thought in human history and especially within the American experience, the appearance of such an anthology is not just opportune. It offers an essential corrective, at a time when the spiteful, destructive influence of misshapen religious ideologies is increasing both here and abroad.

The people quoted in the work were discerning thinkers who questioned dogmas of any kind, be they social, political, or religious. Agnostics, atheists, non-conformists, skeptics, unconventional theists, and advocates of religious freedom, to cover just some of the categories of belief represented, they have achieved their own kind of immortality in this useful anthology.

Some of them-- John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Benjamin Franklin, for example--are most certainly not forgotten. Yet they are nevertheless poorly understood in a culture in which virtually every candidate for major office vaguely casts himself or herself as a Christian--while providing no real insight about what that means.

Others, like the accomplished essayist and Randolph Bourne and the unmatched Republican orator Robert G. Ingersoll, have been utterly and undeservedly neglected. These men were intellectual giants in their time, and timeless in their insights, and Sanford has done us a service by making it possible to become (re)acquainted with them.

It's crucial, too, to remember that freethinkers went beyond the realm of philosophy, furthering human freedom and enlightenment in the arts, humanities, politics, and the sciences. Those whose wise insights are collected here include Arendt, Bourne, Darwin, Delacroix, Dewey, Du Bois, Edison, Einstein, Mencken, Shaw, Spencer, Twain, Whitman.

Should they read it, those inclined to simplistically condemn free inquiry as "atheism" will be surprised to encounter a complexity and variety of thought on such subjects as God, the soul, virtue, self-knowledge, human nature, death, evolution, freedom, and more. For those who consider themselves free thinkers, the book will serve as a reminder that they are in excellent company.