Passion of Mind Books

I bought this inspirational book for myself but my children love it too! I've read the book to my kids and they were able to understand the importance of following your dreams even at their young age. The pictures are my favorite part of this book - they are outstanding!

This book was right on time for me..... As I am finding less and less joy in my current work and looking toward another career. It helped me re-ignite all of the goals and dreams that I have allowed to lay dormant. I enjoyed reading the same topic from different perspectives that reinforces the idea that we are all going through the same things. I found it inspirational and I found the authors down to earth and touchable, they were willing to expose themselves to really drive home the point...Living with PASSION is living a life FULFILLED...
It is a quick and easy read full of inspirational stories and ideas of how to find passion in your life!

Carletus Willis

www.carletuswillis.com

Kim is passionate about people, especially women, taking control of their lives and that comes across in her book. But she is realistic, she knows that everyone has issues and responsibilities so this book is a guide, a way to know how to take the next step and how to keep moving forward. She believes you can do it and she helps you believe too!

Given that universities support research into whatever fields it wishes its students to learn, and that occasionally a professor takes a year at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford to summarize what he has been working on for the last ten years; it still takes a top scholar to produce a book which offers so much basic knowledge to absorb as does THE VEHEMENT PASSIONS by Philip Fisher. Few people would be able to produce a coherent consideration of our fundamental emotional states with so many references to Aristotle, Edmund Burke, Charles Darwin, Immanuel Kant, Plato, Shakespeare, Sophocles, Spinoza, and William Wordsworth. My favorite part of the author index was 21 lines devoted to H-names: Hegel, Heidegger, Albert O. Hirschman, Hobbes, Homer, and Hume. Hegel is barely mentioned, for "Hegel's famous parable of the master and the slave, a parable of fear in which, to save his life, one combatant surrenders and becomes the slave of another, constituting the other as master. With this act begins all of human culture and history." (p. 124). Modern readers might think it had far more important economic consequences, enabling the mindless rich to forget all that whenever it suited them, once things started to go smoothly enough to enable popularity to be determined by entertainment values in a society in which being fab counts for a lot more than being productive. This book is heavy with what the people who keep trying to imagine the world solely as the home of billions of shoppers don't know.

Economic considerations get an early jab in this book's consideration of how an early poem, Homer's ILIAD, shows how "leaders goad, insult, or create anger in the fighters so that something stronger than fear will block fear or make it less likely. This important feature by which the passions can be controlled by preemption has been elaborated in an extraordinary way by Albert Hirschman in his classic study of thirty years ago, THE PASSIONS AND THE INTERESTS. Political society, Hirschman observes, has a deep interest in becoming, first and foremost, an economy, because avarice is the single one of the passions that requires conditions that block out the interruptive, short-term episodes of anger, grief, falling in love, or any other disruption of the smooth unfolding of the predictable future. . . . Episodes of passion within the individual resemble the state of war or a natural disaster in public life. Normal life is suspended for a time, and the pursuit of individual and common interests is set aside. Hirschman has described how our modern political life that identifies each person or group with his, her, or their interests, rather than with passions, permits a brushing aside of the passions and their disruptive effect in social life, while ultimately honoring the one remaining passion of avarice with its link to a stable world of effort." (pp. 33-34).

Mortality plays a much larger role than comedy (and Nietzsche is not mentioned at all) in this book. Humor is reduced to being a reaction to harmless variations of the usual comic bits, far removed from our normal expectation that evil can be gleefully destroyed. "The scale that I have evoked here extends from comedy and laughter at harmless evils, evils without consequence, to evils that have consequences on a familiar scale where we feel pity, sympathy, and fear, to, finally, the shudder of terror we feel at the larger unraveling of the world in cascading consequences, unique in their severity and finality, and so disproportionate to the initial cause that the subsequent events terrify us about causality itself." (pp. 38-39). The Stoics get credit for being at the beginning of our intellectual tradition in this field. "But Stoicism was at war with the passions and viewed them as suffering rooted in false belief. The Stoics contrasted passions with actions, bending an earlier history back against itself." (p. 5). Our intimate familiarity with gothic novels and frightful movies "or any other fear-based form uses most of the inner details of the fear experience, among them suddenness, surprise, dilated experiences of time, and nearly unbearable suspense in the moments of pause before the dreaded thing at last happens." (p. 9). Consideration of the emotions that readers and spectators feel help create sophisticated expectations for "the shape of time . . . the familiar arc and pace of time within the vehement states themselves. Wonder, anger, grief, and fear reveal different ways that time is rushed, dilated, ordered, and used up. Works of art modeled on those states follow distinct recipes for the use of time." (p. 9). "Literature's reliance on moments of experience, rather than summary, generalization, or long perspectives of time, gives to vehement states an important position as one central matter for literature. This includes the fact that the duration of such states and their consequences, the time span of rage and its immediate consequences, the time span of falling in love and its immediate consequences, of grief and its immediate consequences, happens to match the particular kind of timescale on which literature operates best." (pp. 21-22).

Chapter 2, Paths among the Passions, includes an intellectual assessment. "No topic in our culture shows such persistence and self-identity even in passing through the phase of Christian theology as the account of the passions of the soul from the time of Homer, Plato, and Aristotle to the edge of modernity with Descartes, Spinoza, Hobbes, and Hume, and then continuing in the later reprise of this work in Darwin and modern scientific psychology." (pp. 32-33). By the time the book gets to Chapter 6, Rashness, "Oedipus Rex" gets to share the stage with "Romeo and Juliet" on page 95. Chapter 7, Mutual Fear, finds, "The ultimate usefulness of fear for a theory of political life increases within modernity." (p. 113). Read up on the spiritualization of this quest, if you dare.

I was initially hesitant when I read the title of this book, "Zen & the Art of Intimacy." Being unmarried and deeply involved in the Christian faith, I wasn't sure what I would find. However, I was extremely pleased with the practical meditation tips that it provided. I actually used what I learned to help me get over the stress during my Law School Admissions Test - it helped me get a better score. The first half of the book focuses on appreciating yourself more, which in turn allows you to have more meaningful relationships with others. I highly recommend this book, especially if you struggle with self-doubt, frustrating thoughts, or difficulties getting close to others.

"Mind of the Raven" is science accessible to the non-scientist.

This very interesting narrative describes a biologist's quest to figure out how ravens work - is their behavior innate, governed solely by genes, or do they have some sort of thinking process? Each field experiment answers some questions and raises others, leading to further experiments, some worked in the wild, and some with birds he raised in captivity.

Bernd Heinrich finds that these birds apparently have an intelligent approach to life: they can learn from experience and have the ability to deal with potential predators, to hide food from competitors, and to figure out puzzles.

The reader gets a fascinating look not only at the behavior and mind of ravens but also insight into how a biologist's mind works.

I originally got this book out of the library, but liked it so much I bought two to give as gifts.
Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds

See others by the same author, for instance Bumblebee Economics

Heinrich is a fine scientist with a flexible mind who enjoys animals, nature and adventure. He also writes well. While Heinrich knows all the rules of producing successful journal articles, he is sensitive to the anecdote which can also be enlightening.

Ravens are an interesting subject because they are very bright, are a social animal, and enjoy play. They also have language mimicking capabilities just like parrots, but unfortunately, no one has tried to systematically teach ravens to understand and use human language as they have with parrots. This may be because they are not very easy to have as pets. In fact one of the most enjoyable chapters is Heinrich's account of a couple who actually keep a raven indoors as a pet, although the raven often accompanies them outside, untethered.

There are a few negatives, none of which should discourage anyone from reading this book. In the early chapters, it seemed to me that too much time was spent discussing investigations that turned out not to be very enlightening. For me ravens are not as likeable as some other animals: they are too devoted to expressing dominance, even when it doesn't seem to provide evolutionary advantages; for example, they will expend great effort to keep other birds from bathing, ultimately fruitlessly, and without any benefit to themselves. Finally, Heinrich is convinced that genetic evolution has resulted in the symbiosis between raven and wolf, when it seems to me that he cannot rule out cultural evolution; Heinrich himself notes Raven culture, and its importance is indicated by the fact that ravens don't mate for 3 or 4 years, even though they grow to adult size in a few weeks. During that 3-4 years, they are learning.

Very informative yet not too scientific. Contains many facts not commonly known about these intelligent birds. This book could change your mind about them.

I knew the raven had many interesting feature to them before I opened this book but after reading "mind of the raven" I will say I was amazed of both the research Bernd Heinrich has done and of this remarkable bird. Heinrich are presenting his findings about the ravens where he is taking the subject (the raven) seriously and simultaneously managed to make it attractive for people that have not specialize in beaks and feathers.

I agree with most reviewers that this book fascinates the reader with interesting science and anecdotes about ravens. There are countless facts and amusing information provided about the intelligence, behavior and antics of both wild and tame ravens. One of the more humorous sections was on vocal communication, particulary mimicking. Heinrich provides descriptions of captive ravens making perfect renditions of radio static, toilets flushing and a motorcycle being revved up. There was also a scientist in a national park who distictly heard several times: "Three, two, one, bcccchhhh", sounding as if coming from a speaker. This was acually a raven who was sufficiently impressed with the park rangers conducting avalanche control to repeat the count-down and sound of the explosion. Hilarious...
The experiments and observations the author describes of wild ravens in the forests of Maine, Alaska,the western states & elsewhere are also superbly written and provide insights into the interactions and cooperation of ravens with large (and dangerous) predators including Man.

I wasn't happy with this book as it definitely relates to woman's issues.
Yes, it is helpful and can be used as a reference, but wasn't as interesting.

Great book. Was delivered timely.

This is the first book I read on meditation that actually helped me start to meditate. I am a beginner, and have always been frustrated by the sit-down-and-sit-cross-legged approach. Maurine says it's okay to stand up, look at water, or even walk around if that is what helps. She also says it's not necessary to try to silence your mind, and actually that can be counter-productive. This made meditation seem more accessible and feasible to me. She really caters to the issues that come up for women, including our need for self-care, to deal with stress, and to work through relationship issues. I can't recommend this book more highly.

Historically, meditation is of the realm of holy men, monks and Eastern religions. This book redefines meditation as effortless and enjoyable, a practice that is alive with imagery, emotion and physicality. A wonderful, practical, comprehensive book for anyone who wishes to explore, excavate and revel in her(or his) true nature.

Since humans naturally seek something beyond themselves in this life, it stands to reason that those of us who are self aware continue to explore the inner world in meditation. The authors of this book bring out another important perception that there is no one way to meditate, and that women, too, have a voice in it's definition.

Dawn writes with such beauty and poetry; each sentence touches your soul. I was deeply moved with the book and the way she shares herself with such candor and potency.

For people who are constantly "seeking" the truth and answers, Dawn teaches that it is within us by being still and listening. A book filled with great wisdom and understanding of the human process for longing to find oneself.

Terri

To say "I LOVE THIS BOOK", is an understatement. I bought "I will not die a unlived life" in the early 2000's and never read it. It sat on a bookshelf and then ended up with a handful of book I took with me when I moved away. It's amazing how the Universe works. The book kept falling out of wherever It was I stuck it, I don't know how many times it did this before I caught on. I read the Poem "Living Wide Open: Landscapes of the Mind" and I was hooked. I felt like a Phoenix, I was dying off, but I was ready to be re-born and this book started that process.
I was on a Spiritual Quest, I just didn't know it yet, Dawna jump started this process. From the first page I was captivated and have read it at least 7 times I know of. Each time using a different colored pen or marker to underline new passages I need or like, my book is so worn it's falling apart. If you feel there is something you just can't put your finger on BUY THIS BOOK, it will lead you to what it is your missing.
Thank you Dawna, you changed my life FOREVER

I truly believe that this book should include a disclaimer: if the reader dares to enter the pages of Ms. Markova's book,it could forever alter the way one lives their life.
At a certain level, I see I WILL NOT DIE AN UNLIVED LIFE as an important treatice for women at a demarcation point in their spiritual journies. I hesitate to call it a "chick book," although I do believe it will appeal to more women than men. I, however, am a man that was drawn by the title and then mesmerized by the content. Ms. Markova gifts her readers with a stunning and intimate look inside her beautiful Soul, and she never winces when we can't help but but stare right back. The book has quite simply yet irrevocably changed my life. It relentlessly yet tenderly asked questions of me that I had been too afraid to ask myself. She invites a deep and thorough inner exploration, and she artfully demonstrates the journey by revealing the profound depths of her own inner quest.
The look inside of the author is at once breathtaking and life giving. She not only shares of her own inner landscape, but I came away with not only a knowing but also a love for her family and her day-to-day life experiences. The rawness of certain passages left me in tears. Her candor and courage are nothing short of spectacular.
This book is a must read for anyone who suspects that that they are living a life too small for who they are at depth. There is no longer any reason to die an unlived or an unloved life. This pioneer of human heart-intelligence has led the way through an inquiry that will lead to a fullness of passionate purpose that leaves one transfixed and transformed. I have and will continue to give this book to people I love enough to want to shake them from the rafters of habitual mediocrity. Buy the book- and then enter courageously. You have nothing to lose except a false sense of self.

This is one of the few books I recommend to my clients on a regular basis. Dawna is an inspirational writer with a real handle on how to break through your resistance to living your purpose. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond

Profound. That's about it in a nutshell. Friends have picked this book up at my house and then have gone out and bought their own copy. The words just wash over me and are calming to my soul, almost meditative - absolutely not preachy. I read the poem or at least say the words, "I will not die an unlived life" everyday.

I first read this book when it was titled The Passion Paradox: Patterns of Love and Power in Intimate Relationships and it was a revelation to me. What is so brilliant about this book is that instead of pathologizing the feelings of those who are 'one-down'/insecure/needy in their relationship, like many books do, it simply and clearly explains how easy it is for these kinds of feelings to happen given the logic of the situation. This is not about fault-finding or blaming anyone, it is about explaining how a normal person can become insecure and desperate in one relationship while being super confident and independent in another - and how this can switch round when there is a change. For example, if you are a high-flying high-paid lawyer and your man is insecure and clingy with you, the shoe could be on the other foot in a few years time when you leave your job and have kids and no job and meanwhile your man has got promotion and has become much more confident. The author gives a superb example of how a person who is having an affair can feel one-up (confident and secure and often slightly annoyed and irritated by the partner's insecurity and neediness) in his or her marriage... and one-down (the insecure, needy, cling stuff) with a person with whom he or she is having an affair -- simultaneously one-up and one-down. This highlights the fact that it is often the logic of the situation that gives rise to these feelings of insecurity -- it isn't necessarily that the insecure needy person is somehow inherently needy and insecure.

Having explained this phenomenon very clearly, the meat of the book is about what you can do to correct these kinds of imbalances in your relationships. An absolutely brilliant book. I can't understand why anyone would give it a poor review or rating. It has helped me so much. I recommend it to everyone who has ever felt either insecure in a relationship OR repulsed, irritated, annoyed, impatient with a loved one's insecurity or neediness.

Are you doubting a walk down the isle? I was. I felt horrible because..after 2 years..I should know right? So, I purchased this book to dig and find out what is going on in my head and heart! What was wrong with me? Well, I did get some of the answers. What this book did was force me to be HONEST with myself. Also, I finally felt as if someone UNDERSTOOD the feelings that have been going thru my mind. My head said, you are crazy to walk away from this ..my heart said..you must not settle..he's not "the one". My head said but your 37 and want kids..he loves you. My heart said.. take a chance and the perfect one for you will show up. Look, this is not a lite read..this is tough stuff. If you are on the other side of this-you know for sure you want to marry but your partner is NOT SURE, this is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ. The book will HELP big time. But again, you must know this is not a "he's just not into you book"..this is compelling and gut wrenching and painful relationship REVIEW. I have cried reading it. I hope this helps. I have never written a review on here but I feel this subject is so important and I know others are going thru this too. Good luck.

It was my therapist who recommended this. I read it in two days, I could not put it down. Ever since I read it I have never suffered the same indignities again, I now totally understand the dynamics of relationships and how to correct them if things fall out of balance. This book is priceless, a real gem. Every friend I lend it to has to be reminded to give it back. It's full of truth and insight. Probably the best book on relationships that is out there. How not to be trodden on, abused, mistreated, unloved. How to be equal and hold your power, how to be respected and truly loved. Buy this, I promise you will be so grateful! A real gem. A masterpiece of human psychology.

In short: this book explains the dynamics that take place in every relationship and the forces that create imbalances in relationships. Ultimately, it discusses how to keep a relationship balanced. It's one of the best books I've ever read and has helped me understand my personal relationships (past and present) with a greater degree of clarity than ever before. I highly recommend everyone read this book!

Hello. I am always looking for good relationship books. This is not one of them. All the reviews except for two are fake. Just look at who wrote the review and you will see they have not written another review for any other products. Good Luck.

I loved this book- as an Italian American woman, I was able to relate a lot, laugh, and learn about some great life lessons on how to deal with family, friends, in rough situations. It is a very motivating book that encouraged me. I gave it to my mother to read-- it was awesome!

I couldn't believe how beautifully written this book is. Whether Italian or not we can all stand to learn the Italian art of living well. From relationships to a good dish of pasta Dr D'Agostino covers it all. This book will stay with me forever. Grazie mille!

Anyone older than that will be put off by this simplistic bit of fluff. The author has pieced together quotes and statistics from other sources and throws them around liberally. It has the feel of a high school writing project. The advice she gives reads like something out of an article in "Seventeen Magazine". For example, here are some of her tips for cultivating friends, Italian style:

1)Spend the time it takes to cultivate new friends.
2)Go beyond the superficial to create intimacy.
3)Practice giving and receiving affection.
4)Be willing to listen.
5)Show loyalty in your words and actions.

I bet you never would have thought of those things on your own, right?

Well, pay the $15.00 for this book and you can read 205 more pages full of equally valuable "Italian" advice.

Buy it for a teen, or better yet, save your money.

I bought this book because I'm taking my first trip to Italy, and I wanted to soak up all the culture I could before I step off that plane. In addition to that, I learned why the Italian people have always seemed so well-adjusted to me. Their focus on time spent - daily - with family, friends and good conversation. They eat well, live well, and love with every ounce of their being. I learned so much more than why I wanted to visit Italy. Now I aspire to bring their attitude on living fully back with me.

I purchased this book thinking it would be in the style of the popular French culture books (Entre Nous, A Year of Beauty, French Women Don't Get Fat), but this book goes to another level. It doesn't discuss fashion, decor or portion control. It's about family, friendship, the dignity of work, self-respect.

Although I was raised in an Italian-American family, I didn't understand the richness of my familial inheritance until I read this book. But it's not only for those of Italian ethnicity; the values Ms. Mautner describes are the true core of "la dolce vita" and make the illusory fantasies of "Roman Holiday" seem shallow. And the sweet life is what we all strive for...committed families, solid friendships, "wealth beyond money" (to quote Ms. Mautner), an optimistic outlook.

I know I will reread this book several times over the years. I highly recommend it.