Other The Books

This book was mindblowing to read. The ideas presented in this book feel like logic that should be taught in schools, but sadly its not.

I dare you to read this book and disagree with its philosophy.

First of all, I'll concede that it's tough to find someone who argues better for libertarianism in practical, understandable terms than Mary Ruark. Moreover, her book's a very simple read and paints vivid examples of what a libertarian world *might* look like.

But this brings me to my first minor critique. Ruark provides examples of the way a free nation might run, but she elaborates on them in such detail that one begins to get the impression that she's arguing for the examples themselves. When she discusses a system of free-market private schooling, she describes the schools she envisions in intricate detail, and they don't remotely resemble what I think schooling in a libertarian country would look like. Now - Presuming I weren't a libertarian and even slightly objected to the school system she describes, I might simply reject all her ideas based on my objections to her illustrations of them.

Secondly, I just disagree with Ruark's anarcho-capitalistic version of libertarianism. I really am - as some libertarians would say - myopic enough to believe that we need government to provide public goods (I'm talking about the real ones like defense, police protection, and criminal justice). And call me a statist, but I think we'd have to fund these government activities with taxes. Of some kind. Somehow. Of the unvoluntary sort. With - yes - government force to ensure compliance.

Otherwise, though, this book should make an interesting read for libertarians and non.

I love this book. Really.

Dr. Ruwart's political philosophy's foundation is about non-aggression. This is nothing new in the libertarian creed, and the difference is that instead of concentrating on arguments of property rights, she really drives home with the non-aggression principle. She avers that by using aggression (i.e. force) to solve our problems, we end up only worsening our lives. We create a world of zero-sum games instead of a system that respects individual choices so long as they do not harm our person or property.

What also makes this book a pleasure to read is that it its tone is very friendly and accommodating. Many people (rightly) expect books on political philosophy to be badgering or aggressively written, so I like that Dr. Ruwart ditched the popular approach. Plus, her compassionate way of writing makes it difficult to call her a bloodthirsty free-market fan -- she does care about matters like helping the poor and making healthcare accessible.

Every issue she looks at shows the failures of aggression (i.e. government) to be effective, and conversely non-aggression (i.e. voluntary, private cooperation) has been more successful. Healthcare intervention? It's aggression, and it's bad for our health (and our wallet). The Federal Reserve? Central banking is aggression that monopolizes the money supply and creates the "boom & bust" cycle. The public school system? It might be obvious that the Department of Education doesn't actually educate anyone, but the whole setup is aggressive too, and children suffer because of it.

The principle of non-aggression is also applied to pollution, crime & punishment, the FDA, gun ownership, and -- the one especially important these days -- foreign policy. Non-aggression wins every time, and very few issues go untouched.

A cool touch to Dr. Ruwart's book is that she puts tons of great, great quotes in the margins, which work wonderfully with the topic at hand. One of my favorites comes from the first chapter (about the basis of non-aggression): "...we are living in a sick Society filled with people who would not directly steal from their neighbor but who are willing to demand that the government do it for them," says William L. Comer. That's classic! There's a lot of great ones, many of which I didn't recognize.

Please, read this book. This is a world where governments keep getting bigger, and that will always mean more aggression as the State invades more aspects of our lives. Know what's scary? In Chapter 19, "The Communist Threat Is All In Our Minds", Ruwart shows that the United States has implemented eight of ten policies The Communist Manifesto declared necessary for a transition into socialism. Darn. So, getting the word out on liberty is always a good thing. Please see Scott Ryan's excellent review of this book too.

There are two books I recommend as introductions to libertarian thought. One of them is Murray Rothbard's _For A New Liberty_. This is the other.

Dr. Mary Ruwart's _Healing Our World_ is in some ways a better general introduction suitable for a broader audience, in large measure because it appeals to the better nature of everybody from conservative Christians to hippie mystics: she really _does_ mean, and quite rightly, that libertarian principles are the means for healing our world. Her essential point is that, _whatever_ our goals and beliefs, we can best serve them by honoring our neighbors' choices so long as they aren't threatening our lives or property. For when we do so, everybody wins; my gains aren't your losses, and there really is a common good at which we can both aim.

Moreover, Ruwart carefully and compassionately explains why the libertarian approach is a better way to bring about the (entirely legitimate) goals of the more modern sort of liberal: for example, improving the quality and availability of medical care (including alternative medicines), reducing pollution, saving the environment, and so forth. Readers of, say, the Objectivist/Randian literature might come away with the impression that concern for the well-being of persons other than oneself (let alone the "environment"!) is just incompatible with libertarianism. Ruwart argues that in fact libertarianism offers not only the best way to _promote_ such concern but the only viable way to put it into practice. (On this ground alone, there are probably lots of _libertarians_ who could profit from a close reading of Ruwart's book just to pick up its tone and tenor. Her example of tolerant understanding could lead more "brittle" thinkers to enter empathically into values that haven't exactly been common among libertarians.)

Lurking in the background of Ruwart's exposition is her clear sense of the "market" as simply voluntary human interaction within a framework of obligatory respect for others' well-being. This view should appeal even to readers who don't care for the term "market"; it might, for example, be attractive to various sorts of communitarian and others who worry about the reduction of social life to economic exchange. The essential point is that human society, community, is an organic network of interacting centers of voluntary activity, not a bureaucratic order that imposes mechanical top-down rules via statute or regulatory agency -- and that trying to turn it from the former into the latter is just a fancy way to destroy it.

Ruwart's outlook should delight everybody from Calvinists to Hayekians to Taoists. And there has never been a time at which it's been more important to get the word out on liberty. Get this book at once and pass out copies to your friends; Ruwart's libertarianism has something to say to people of every political and/or religious persuasion or none.

By the way, you can pre-read it online if you know where to look. Amazon doesn't permit URLs in reviews, but write me if you want to know.

Well, maybe just the young idealistic legislators. The career legislators will probably pooh pooh the idea that we might be alright making our own decisions.

I found the information to be very helpful in understanding the worlds of working in the entertainment industry. Having insider information on the Hollywood industry should provide guidance for people deciding if this is the work career place they want. I got the book out of curiosity about the industry that provides the public with amusement products. The information is well arranged and easy to understand. The publication does not hold back from warnings about making mistaken moves while working in Hollywood.
It comes across as a very useful workplace guide.

This book is very funny with practical experience for just about everyone! I brought it on my honeymoon and both my husband I couldn't help but read it aloud. The book has great tips for anyone, not just those looking to work in Hollywood. It is very well written and really keeps your interest.

Absolutely hilarious. If you work in the biz, everyone will be jealous when you bring this book to the office. They will all want their hands on it. Taking the quizzes out loud in a group is the most fun you'll have. Unlike some books, it's not just a clever title/idea- it's perfectly executed. You'll be laughing out loud. You'll be learning too. A must if you're are an asst, want to be an asst, used to be an asst, or if you just feel sorry for your asst friends and want to feel so glad you're not one.

It's 85% humor and 15% real sold advice. Seems like the 15% could be extremely helpful and the whole thing goes down like candy.

I received the book right away in the mail and read it one day! It has great advice about people wanting to move to LA and doesn't beat around the bush. You get honest suggestions and advice through experienced people. There is a great sense of humor throughout the book to keep you laughing while you realize the crazy things you do if you want to become a Hollywood assistant!

What a light and extremely entertaining read! The authors do a great job of explaining the "true" life of a Hollywood assistant, which definitely debunks the glamorous notion we all assume to be reality. This hilarious book had me laughing every time I picked it up! I highly recommend The Hollywood Assistants Handbook to anyone, whether you're looking to enter the entertainment industry or are simply just curious about it!!!

Kornfield has an amazing way of helping to understand meditation and how it can be relevant and practical in the "real world" in which we live. His delightful stories and guided meditations make this book a real joy!

If you are new to meditation this is a must have for anyone taking the first step. It answers all the questions you may have, as well as serving as a guide for this lifelong journey.

Very good way to learn meditation or, specifically, Vipassana meditation. An experienced Zen meditator, I wanted to learn Vipassana, so my teacher suggested I look for CDs by Jack Kornfield. This is an excellent set which can be listened to once a week, with practice in between, just as the workshop was originally given. Each class session includes a meditation period where you use what he has been talking about. Jack Kornfield is clear, funny, and compassionate - a really good teacher.

it was by chance that i discovered my first jack kornfield's cd for meditation.

since then i have been talking about him to everyone.......

anyway, i just ordered this second 6 / 7 cd set, expecting it to get here in anout 4 to 6 weeks.

it came in 5 days.

when you meditate with JK, the force is with you

way to go man

dharma

I had this set of cassettes out from the library - following a 12 week course in the course of 14 days, I had to do one week a day.

I found myself excited to go home & sit on my cushion & examine my mind.

I was already quite familiar with meditation when I got this, this is what jumpstarted my practice into a regular practice that has stuck now 10 years later...

This lady is slowly turning my life around. Everything in the book is common sense but in today's busy world we no longer think that way. I've gained a new outlook on life and am approaching situations that would normally leave me stressed in a more peaceful way. It has something for everyone.

This book offers practical strategies to help readers achieve inner peace in a busy, chaotic world. Each of the 52 strategies are realistic and simple to implement. Dr. Borysenko offers strategies in each of the main areas of our lives including: overall life, taking care of yourself, time, managing your mind, developing compassion, kindness, and clear communication, and creating wisdom and purpose. She offers a specific action for each strategy so the reader can begin transforming their life immediately.

"Inner Peace for Busy People" is definitely worth the time to read.

Chapters are short. Nice read before bed. Good and thoughtful information. Worth the money.

As a big believer in the need for personal peace to achieve our life purpose and a huge fan of Dr. Joan Borysenko's wisdom, I treasure this book!

Who among us in this high speed world isn't stressed by the environment in which we operate? And, who among us hasn't seen that our health and performance is better when we have inner peace? The challenge is to maintain our inner peace in this busy world. And, this book provides 52 thoughtful strategies and tactics for doing so.

Other reviewers have done a fine job of summarizing the contents of this gem. So instead of replicating that which they have summarized, let me share how I use this book. This is one of a handful of books that are my life guides (Cheryl Richardson's Unmistakable Touch of Grace, Judith Orloff's Positive Energy, Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life). I reread these books frequently. Each also stands as a powerful tangible reminder of that which I believe I must practice. And, each has directly contributed to profound, positive changes in my life.

Beyond the personal benefits of this book, I am just enough of an idealist to believe that the best anecdote to the absence of peace in this world is for each of us to become more peaceful. To be a beacon of peace, and a practioner of kindness. This is as good a guidebook as you will find in setting forth a holistic approach to personal inner peace.

Joan Borysenko's book, Inner Peace For Busy People, is an intelligently written, thought provoking read. She has demonstrated a deep understanding of those things that create familiar feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed to the max, and better yet, she gives practical solutions on ways to cope with that stress. The chapters in this book are short, one page or a little more. I found that the best way to read this book was to read a chapter a week and attempt to instill these lessons gradually. I can honestly say that it helped me to find new ways to relax and enjoy life, in spite of feeling at times as though I am "crazy busy" as the author discusses. I highly recommend this book. Unlike other self-help books, this guide doesn't overgeneralize, or have within it's pages unrealistic expectations that people would have difficulty implementing in their own lives. I found it to be incredibly practical and life-changing. I feel more rested and relaxed than I have in a very long time.

OH this book is wonderful. You should also list it for Young Adult readers on Diversity. Many schools and other programs are always looking for books on teaching the lesson of different but worthy. I love the story line and the illustrations just added the right touch. Anyway iI thought you might like some unsolicited praise. Many Kudos to you! ! ! !
Dana M Burns, Mystic

A wonderful, new twist on the classic fairy princess story. The book is great fun to read and then surprises you with its depth.

KANDIDE is a welcome, refreshing change from the trend of dark, edgy YA faerie books. First time author Diana S. Zimmerman introduces a rich fantasy world full of enchantment, beauty, charm and themes that are deeply relevant to our times. Australian faerie artist Maxine Gadd's colorful illustrations bring the characters into vivid life. A must read book for faerie lovers of any age - and the first of a trilogy too!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3BFJ0QPHCZSV3 Diana Zimmerman is an enchantress. In her spectacular 25-year career as "America's Foremost Female Magician," she created and performed amazing acts (many of which have continued on by her friends Lance Burton and other magicians). She now has turned that mystical power into writing and "Kandide and the Secret of the Mist" is a lovely story with a wonderful lesson.

I had the opportunity to interview Diana on her national book tour and she was indeed inspiring! Such a nice person with a glowing, positive energy and her book shows it. It is an enchanting book - just like Diana.

Diana also believes not only in the faeries in her books but also in the females in her life who bless her with their support and friendship. She gave the perfect girlfriend interview to Girlfriendology.com. Thanks Diana!

Sparkling, enchanting, captivating. When you pick the book up, be prepared to travel to a dimension of wonder that you won't want to leave.

This is must for true RMS Titanic robust person who is in love with story that is Titanic.
Ken's artwork is always great and much sought after for a reason. One look at this fine book will squelch all doubts about a pictoral Titanic history. Even in the book his early in life drawings of the Titanic are better than most accomplished artists. It focuses some on his fascination with his favorite subject Titanic. It even gives a fictional look at what the Titanic was cheated out of --- a New York welcome. The book is also one that will capture anyones imagination of the true, and fiction of Titanic. If your a true lover of White Star Lines, or Titanic buy the book!

Ken Marschall reveals a stunning display of beautiful Titanic artwork AGAIN!!!!!!!!Ken also shares with ushow his interest started with Titanic and his amazing paintings. Packed with excellent imformation, but do not get this if you are a beginner historian on the "unsinkable ship", stick with books that you could learn until you're up to my and tons of other's levels of Titanic knowlede on the ship.

Ken Marschall reveals a stunning display of beautiful Titanic artwork AGAIN!!!!!!!!Ken also shares with ushow his interest started with Titanic and his amazing paintings. Packed with excellent imformation, but do not get this if you are a beginner historian on the "unsinkable ship", stick with books that you could learn until you're up to my and tons of other's levels of Titanic knowlede on the ship.

I discovered this wonderful book at a Titanic Historical Society convention and it is one of my most prized possessions of all my books on the subject. Ken Marschall is not only a foremost Titanic historian, but a maritime artist of great talent. Like many, he fell in love with Titanic legend as a child and his passion for art soon combined with his passion for the "unsinkable" ship. This book is a presentation of his love, from art he did as a young boy, to his later paintings. There is art of Titanic in her moments of grand triumph when she was the "ship of dreams" -- and then heartwrenching ones of her in her final moments that freezing April night. We see detailed, haunting Marschall works of how she is now in a watery grave, based on photographs taken by Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreck site in 1985. Near the book's end, however, is one of my favorite Marschall drawings, one of a scene that never happened, a beautiful Titanic entering New York harbor as her maiden voyage ends. This alone is worth the price of this magnificent book that belongs in any Titanic buff's library.

Ken Marschall has become the definitive artist of the Titanic, and his art has the reality of the photographs we so often lack. This book includes much of his Titanic work, including his very first painting of the great ship, and as a bonus includes some of his other liner artwork, of the Lusitania, Mauretania, Queen Mary, Normandie, and the Andrea Doria, as well as Titanic's two sisters Olympic and Britannic. The Titanic was simply the most beautiful ocean liner ever built - her lines are absolutely perfect - and Marschall captures her with love and respect. Very highly recommended.

First advice--don't try this (or any other type of diet therapy) without consulting the correct professionals--in this case, a neurologist and a registered dietitian. Having said that, my daughter began having severe seizures just before her third birthday. Medications helped marginally. We then started her on the Modified Atkins Diet, a spin-off of the Ketogenic Diet pioneered at Johns Hopkins by the authors of this book. This updated edition contains info about the Modified Atkins Diet. Long story short, my daughter has been seizure free for nearly a year and a half and we are weaning her off her medicine. THIS HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING--for someone with epilepsy, this book is of critical importance as a serious alternative to anti-convulsive medications.

This book contains up to date information in relation to the ketogenic diet and other seizure control options that is also easy to read and understand by non professional people.

I'm interested in unusual therapies, and know someone who has a child with multiple disabilities including a seizure disorder. I found a videotape about this diet at a rummage sale a few years ago, and while it makes the diet sound relatively simple, this book says otherwise and goes into detail about people who are good candidates for the diet and those who are not. Many testimonials and case studies are presented as well.

The woman I know was given this option and said, "We don't want to starve our child." After reading this book, I can see where she was coming from. The restricted calories don't concern me as much as the fluid restriction, which could potentially be very dangerous and the book addresses this problem as well.

For the proper person, this diet could potentially be a lifesaver and it's worth trying if all factors are appropriate.

I bought this book for my daughter who has a child with epilepsy. It was very imformative and helpful. Reading the case histories and the mistakes that were inadvertently made, diet-wise, helped us lookout for the same pitfalls. I would highly recommend this book.

If you have or know a child with epilepsy, THE KETOGENIC DIET: A TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN AND OTHERS WITH EPILEPSY is a 'must' for your consideration: it offers a solution beyond medication which provides a doctor-supervised diet high in fat and low in carbs and proteins, which limits calories - and is proven to control seizures. There've been many advances in the field, so this updated 4th edition is essential even for library holdings with prior editions. Besides the latest research, this book includes a new section on the Atkins diet and other alternative nutritional therapies. Very highly recommended as a top alternative to medication for kids with epilepsy.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

this is a great phenomenal saga. an adventure that rarely successfully delivered with a pen. 'the last hero' is a modern classic that should be on your bookshelf with 'lonesome dove', 'brules', 'shantaram', 'the kite runner', stephen hunter's 'point of impact' swagger series, robert ludlum's genuine creations from 'the gemini contender' to 'the matarese circle', all of a. j. quinnelle's novels, all of louis la'mor's westerns....they are all good memories, touched your soul and made your life more vividly colorful.

This book is quite simply amazing. From the first page you are hooked and become an invisible member of the crew hacking your own way through the Ituri Forest. Stanley is brought to life along with many other real-life people, including Tipoo Tib, the slave dealer. Read this book and you will never forget it, the whole atmosphere of unexplored Africa and its hidden tribes will be with you always. The unknown beauty of the Congo River and its people take you into a new world with different standards, different morales and a very different slant on life. The actions of Emin Pasha will move you to tears and the whole experience of this book is one that every person should enjoy.

Compulsively readable, thrilling story, vivid evocation of darkest Africa and a potrait of Henry Morgan Stanley that leaps right of the page and grabs you by the throat, this story of the insane expedtion to rescue Emin Pasha's people from the conquering dervishes is everything you want a serious book of historical fiction to be. Especially recommended for those interested in the literature of exploration and discovery into land's unkown in the Western world in the 19th century. How many 700+ page books are you sorry to see come to an end? This is such a one. Enjoy.

This awesome novel of exploration into Central Africa during a time of civil unrest is by far one of the best books I have ever read. The characters are well developed and the tale gripping, based on actual historical events, the novel is a must read. Once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down. Since reading this novel, I have acquired all, of the late, Peter Forbath's novels. His vivid detail of the surroundings, the authority figure that demostrates both compassion and understanding as well as harsh punishments, and the intertwining of the characters' lives make this an amazing tale of Central Africa events in the late 1800's.

The story told in "The Last Hero" is that of Sir Henry Morton Stanley (of "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" fame, but that's another story) who, in 1885 organized and led a mission to rescue Emin Pasha, governor of Equatoria, the southernmost province of the Egyptian Sudan, which was surrounded by the Mahdist uprising. Amazingly, Stanley decided to approach Equatoria from the Atlantic side of Africa by going up the Congo river and overland through central African forest. The expedition crossed hundreds of miles of then-unknown Africa, encountering every obstacle and difficulty along the way. The eventual end of the mission is one of history's great ironies, but I don't want to give anything away.

"The Last Hero" is a very well-written adventure story, all the more interesting because it is true. My only complaint (a very minor one) concerns the absence of notes and bibliography which could have given some historical documentation and sources.

Another good book is "The River Congo: The Discovery, Exploration and Exploitation of the World's Most Dramatic River" (nonfiction) which is also by Peter Forbath (a journalist who reported on Africa). Henry Morton Stanley was also a bestselling author, he wrote: "How I Found Livingstone" (1872); "Through the Dark Continent" (1878); and "In Darkest Africa" (1890).

Once more, with feeling! Damned if Dr. Gould didn't do it again, or, more accurately, kept right on doing it. In this eighth collection of his monthly essays from Natural History magazine, Stephen Jay Gould continued his exploration of how science works (and doesn't). His reading and comprehension of history, both natural and social, produce delicious juxtaposition, insight and humor. Month after month in what became the longest running science commentary series ever to see print. Gould is adept at finding the particular instance which illustrates the general, and discerning errors of presupposition which stymie or paradoxically further scientific inquiry. In one of the title essays of this collection, for example, he demonstrates that Leonardo Da Vinci's motive for analysis of fossil clams -- a study which appears in retrospect to be marvelously modern and ahead of his time -- was offered in defense of an extremely antiquated and fallacious view of the earth as a living body. In other words, Leonardo got the right answer for the wrong reason, and though he knew his view of the earth was flawed, he never got beyond his backward bias. So, while we tend to view Da Vinci as a prescient wizard, he was perhaps more of an obsessed antiquarian, albeit a brilliant one. Great stuff in here about dodoes and Irish elk, neanderthals and missing links, princes and principles, with the arts, artists and religious texts thrown in for good measure. As I have said before ( see reviews of BULLY FOR BRONTOSAURUS, W.W. Norton & Company, 1991, and QUESTIONING THE MILLENNIUM, Harmony Books, 1997), Gould was one of our greatest modern essayists.

Gould's eighth collection of essays from his long-running feature in "Natural History" magazine explores the human history of scientific discovery; the use of observation to bolster preconceived notions and theories, and mistaken, sometimes humorous interpretations of fact.

Gould organizes the book in six broad categories: "Art and Science," "Biographies In Evolution," "Human Prehistory," "Of History and Toleration," "Evolutionary Facts and Theories," and "Different Perceptions of Common Truths."

With his customary eloquence and classic organization, Gould opens each essay with an intriguing anecdote leading to a brief discussion of his subject, then a clear statement of his intent. In the opening piece on Leonardo da Vinci's paleontology (the book's best and the one Gould himself admits to being "most proud of") Gould acknowledges the "truly prescient character" of Leonardo's observation. He then raises "two questions that expose the early-sixteenth-century context of Leonardo's inquiry: first, `What alternative account of fossils was Leonardo trying to disprove by making his observations?' and, second, "What theory of the earth was Leonardo trying to support with his findings?"

Leonardo's startlingly modern observations were employed forcefully to disprove that Noah's flood was the cause of fossil distribution or that fossils were some mystical outgrowth of rock itself. Leonardo's theory, shored up by his accurate observation, argued that the earth was a macrocosm of which man was a microcosm: "as man has within himself bones as a stay and framework for the flesh, so the world has the rocks which are the supports of the earth." Painstakingly, Leonardo proved his quaintly elaborate analogy with a wealth of breathtakingly accurate fossil detail.

This fascinating contrast of fact and human interpretation joyfully engages the reader in Gould's humanist views. While many of these myths have become famous for revealing cultural prejudice - women are inherently non-scientific, the best cave paintings must necessarily be the most modern, the dodo was an inferior evolutionary design - Gould's approach celebrates the vigorousness of human intellect in misguided pursuit.

Gould, who was evolutionary biologist and professor of zoology and geology at Harvard, makes his arguments from many sources, educating the reader on lesser known scientists and theories and revisiting favorites such as Darwin and the persisting misconceptions about the theory of evolution.

His elegant, stately prose conveys his own fascination and amusement and celebrates intellectual accomplishment, however mistaken.

Readers of Gould's other collections of science essays will be delighted with most of the material he presents here. With his usual scope and fine prose, he presents us with carefully researched and captivating subjects. All his essays are stimulating exercises in challenging traditional ways of thinking on a wide spectrum of subjects.

The opening essay on Leonardo da Vinci provides a picture of a thinker challenged by mysterious evidence, expertly addressed. Da Vinci displays more humanity here than revealed by viewing his works. Fossil seashells at mountain peaks were puzzled over for centuries. Leonardo's vivid analysis might have enhanced scientific inquiry greatly if his ideas had not ran counter to church dogmas.

The remaining essays span the usual gamut of resurrecting the reputations of scientists now often lost to view. While restoring some scientists in our estimation, he manages to erode that of others just a bit. Huxley, having been knocked off a high pedestal by an earlier essay of Gould's is subtly chided here once more for racist opinions. Richard Owen, who used some truly underhanded tactics in responding to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection, is given more leniency. Racism is a durable commodity, as Gould himself readily admits in describing his own feelings about taxing pedal-powered vehicles in Africa. It behooves him to grant Huxley a bit of leeway. Huxley, 'Darwin's Bulldog' in his unqualified support for natural selection, must necessarily be besmirched a bit in keeping with Gould's own efforts in evolutionary revisionism.

Having addressed NOMA in comments about Gould's bizarre work ROCKS OF AGES, dwelling on the essay here would be inappropriate. Suffice to say, the concept verges on the irrational, a rare circumstance in Gould's otherwise fine collection. Far more impressive are the two essays, As the Worm Turns and Triumph of the Root-heads are among his best work. Every new discovery in biology raises our consciousness of our place in Nature. The description of the bizarre parasites inhabiting the body's of crabs is a superb challenge to rigid thinking about evolution's methods. We're frequently reminded that evolution never works 'backwards', but this essay confirms again how unpredictable life can be in adapting to new environments. Keep this book where the children can reach it. It will provide hours of delightful reading - not just one reading, but many.

As Stephen Jay Gould's writes another book of thought provoking essays, here he toys with us with the title to this book.

The title is about two seperate essays and they are well written. Understanding nature itself is what Gould is doing here... making a point in his customary brillance. There are short biographies, puzzles and paradoxes, all the time Gould is leading us through his thought prossess and reasoning.

This is a very good collection of essays and well worth the time to read.

Read and enjoy.

Stephen Jay Gould has done it again - Exposes the racist side of the foundation and development of Western Scientific Knowledge, which sadly enough, although to a much lesser degree persists to this day. Fortunately, there are more credible and enlightened men and women of science like Stephen Jay Gould to challenge and expose it. So many of the so-called men of science were heavily influenced by racism - racial and gender.

Gould for example mentioned that with the exception of Friedrich Tiedemann, professor of anatomy at Heidelberg University, all early-nineteenth-century European scientists of eminence shared the view that blacks and women belonged to the lower forms of human life, because we have smaller skulls and therefore smaller brains.

Gould also, rightfully so, singled out Richard Owen for praise, who although shared the same racist perspective as other eminent men of science, that (African, Papuan/Melanesian) blacks and women belonged to the lower races, wrote that: "Although in most cases the Negro's brain is less than that of the European, I have observed individuals of the Negro race in whom the brain was as large as the average one of Caucasians; and I concur with the great physiologist of Heidelberg, who has recorded similar observations, in connecting with such cerebral development the fact that there has been no province of intellectual activity in which individuals of the pure Negro race has not distinguished themselves."

What is even more relevant, is that the negative stereotype against blacks is still wide spread and persists to this day. Gould is such a decent and honest man, that he mentioned, even he is not immune to the persistent stereotypes against blacks, as for example when he narrated an incidence on his last visit to Zimbabwe. Fortunately he caught and corrected himself, which to me is the power of his message - not to deny, bristle and bury our heads in the sand and pretend it does not exist. Although we have undeniably made progress, in some ways things have not changed a ding (I can personally testify to that). In my view, it is human failure, not an American, European or Caucasian alone. Like SJG, we should forever be alert to the distinct possibility that our actions may be harmful, unfair and based on negative stereotypes.

Another important issue addressed in the book, is along the same line, namely, the mindset of even men of science to operate from the mistaken belief that human development is linear, in other words, all cultures/ societies, go through same stages of development i.e., based on a blueprint. Gould would have non-of that, in his view, which I share and based on more recent scholarly scientific work, like the rest of nature itself, things don't develop based on human models of how it should be, nature pretty much does its own thing. It will develop regardless of our desire to control it. For sure, we are making progress in many ways to direct, alter and influence nature - we can only do that to a certain point, the rest of it is beyond human control.

One of the best books I have ever read, strongly recommend it.

I enjoyed this book - it is a powerful guide. As in Creating Extraordinary Joy by Chris Alexander, this book is packed with useful information.

To read this book is to see Hilda Villaverde from her core. Her honesty is refreshing as she guides the reader through her unique experiences with fear and her overwhelming desire and commitment to live on the "other side", Love. Her inspiration is infectious and inspiring. This jewel of a book offers ideas and affirmations to assist you in transforming your life from fear to love. Living in Arizona, I have been blessed with the honor of meeting and getting to know Hilda as a minister and speaker. She is a remarkable, beautiful woman filled with love, compassion and courage. You will be blessed with wisdom, candor and hope when you step into Hilda's journey. Rich blessings to each of you as you journey along your own unique path.

Hilda provides an extremely reader-friendly text, reminding us that spirituality surrounds us each and every day. Her grass roots experiences allow you to realize no special skills are required to open this dimension. A book which truly provides peace and confidence to the reader.

I started reading Ms. Villaverde's book on a plane and I could not put it down. Her story is compelling, her narrative powerful. Even though we each have a little different story, so many of us embrace the same fears. Reading this book changed my life in a very visceral way. It will change you, too.

This book is a valuable experience for anyone who reads it. As Hilda faced her challenges, she learned about herself and her spirituality. It is a great example for each and everyone. Once you read it, you'll want to share it with friends, family and strangers. Well worth the time.