Maxim Books

Rich Moran has done it again. He has managed to compile thoughts of business people and list them in neat, little book that fits in anyone's briefcase. Not a "how-to," necessarily, but a compendium of "tips" which can help improve interactions between business people. It's not often one can find a book that is amusing and helpful at the same time.

As someone starting my career, or my so called life, there are tidbits no one tells you. Bullets like "the fastest way to give yourself a raise is to work less" come in handy for someone who couldn't get through the new employee manual. This is highly recommend. If you read Fast Company, you will like this book.

Richard Moran's book meets two of my tests for good business books. First, it has ideas I can use Monday morning; there is something useful here for everyone in business. And second, it has ideas I will remember long after I put the book down.

This book is not actually a book but rather a list of business and success tips. Out of all the tips, I found about one-fifth actually useful. However, it is small and compact and would make a 'neat' little gift for anyone who works.

Colin S. Gray's "Fighting Talk" is one of those rare books that must be read by anyone who wants to be an informed citizen, voter -- or human being. Approve of War or disapprove, we still have to understand this violent phenomenon that has dominated human history. In 40 concise, punchy essays Dr. Gray, the dean of contemporary strategic historians, explains strategy, military power and warfare, security and insecurity, and, finally, the history and future of War. When you are finished you will understand the nature and phenomenon of War better than 98 percent of Americans, including especially, regretfully, the resident of that large, white dwelling on Pennsylvania Avenue. LTCOL Terence J. Daly USAR(Ret)

It's all here, in a series of maxims, which Gray admits is a format abjured by the master, Clausewitz.
Instead of the silly and ahistorical pronunciamentos of some, you get a fantastic sweep of
history, policy, strategy, and on and on. I wish that I could round up our ridiculous political class
and force them to read this. Inspiring!~

A first-rate book. If our national leaders had read this book it would have educated them on strategic matters and maybe kept this great nation out of the troubles it now faces. Unlike most books of maxims or principles, this one is extremely useful. Although the forty maxims in the book can be read in any order, it is best to start with the introduction and go maxim by maxim. I hope our next president has this book on his (or her) desk for reference every day he (or she) is in office.

Jim

Colin Gray's "Fighting Talk" is far more than a collection of maxims. It's a collection of 40 short, original essays each devoted to a specific aspect of strategy. Gray combines his masterful command of classic strategic theory (such as Thucydides, Sun Tzu and particularly Clausewitz)with clear writing to produce a book that is full of insights for both practicing strategists as well as students of international relations and security studies. Gray is at his best when discussing how strategy serves as the bridge between government policy and military action, making a convincing argument that a sound strategy can overcome weak tactics but the best tactics cannot correct an unsound strategy. Another of the book's strong points is Gray's explanations of Clausewitz's more well known theories such as the trinitarian model and friction. Gray makes these concepts understandable to readers who may have never heard of "On War", as well as providing insights for those who have studied the Prussian for years. The book's one weakness (which does not affect its five star rating), is Gray's neglect of the work of naval strategists, such as Julian Corbett. Gray does compensate for this by overtly stating that students of strategy who truly concentrate on the works of Thucydides, Sun Tzu and Clausewitz will receive a thorough education in their field. There is not much one can say to contradict this statement, beyond the fact that a specific study of the impact of sea power on strategy can only complement that which is learned through studying the masters recommended by Gray. I recommend this book without reservation to students; practicing strategists in government, business and the armed forces; and to those members of the citizenry wanting to make sense of what they view on CNN.

My college students take turns choosing and sharing an affirmation a week from this book. This much-loved book is now falling apart after more than 300 students have taken a turn with it. I'm ordering a new copy today!

CHILD CARE WORKERS ARE SO IMPORTANT IN OUR CHILDREN'S LIVES. WHAT A GREAT LITTLE TREASURE OF STORIES AND AFFIRMATIONS TO REMIND US OF THAT AND TO GIVE TO THESE SPECIAL PEOPLE TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION!

I bought this book for my sitter to let her know how much we appreciate her. There are short anecdotes, and a quote which is part of the affirmation.

The stories are sweet and really let your caregiver know how much their contribution is valued and respected. A few of these readings made me smile, and a few made me cry. A wonderful gift for that special sitter who makes a difference in your life, worthy of 5 stars.

A quote for each of the 365 days of the year to lift the spirits and affirm the choices of anyone involved in the care of children

Great Inspirational reading- also a great source for lesson planning. Each Chapter covers a different virtue-

A great source of encouragement under any circumstance- On page 34 begins LOVE IS SRONGER THAN DEATH- This really helped me know what to say to a friend whose husband died unexpectedly...

Much more than you will expect to find in a single source.

This book is hard to find in stores and is a wonderful collection of many authors that one recognizes to include, Mother Teresa and Billy Graham. The various authors have broken down scripture and provide expalantions that one can understand easily. It can be read over and over again. It's a book I treasure and one I enjoy giving to others.

Great Inspirational reading- also a great source for lesson planning. Each Chapter covers a different virtue-

A great source of encouragement under any circumstance- On page 34 begins LOVE IS SRONGER THAN DEATH- This really helped me know what to say to a friend whose husband died unexpectedly...

Much more than you will expect to find in a single source.

"God's Treasury of Virtues" picks up where Dr. William Bennett's "Book of Virtues" left off. Wonderfully organized by utilizing God's listing of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5 as chapter headings. One can simply find a area of interest and peruse the inspirational collection of stories, quotes, hymns, poems and scriptures found in that area. I enthusiastically recommend "God's Treasury of Virtues" as a practical support in our daily endeavor to walk the Godly walk that we have been called to.

Tatyana's put together a wonderful inspirational gem of a journal. I find myself turning each day to that day's journal entry, to see what quote of wisdom Tatyana has chosen for the day. One of my favorites quotes is on October 23 (I peeked ahead), by Francois Voltaire... "The ability to do mischief can be found a hundred times a day". Perfect!

This journal is so different from any I have seen. Not only are the quotes unusually thought provoking -- the way the book is designed to open and lay flat like a notebook makes it so comfortable and inviting to write in. A gold star for GOLD MIND!

I bought this as a present -- for my wife -- but ended up getting another for myself. this is the first journal i've ever been motivated to keep daily -- been doing it now for over five months. the motivation comes from the 365 often very inspiring epigrams & quotes the author presents. there's one on each page that stimulates -- then the author asks for your personal response. the result is a stimulating daily session i'd never have written without the journal's prodding. also unexpected fun has come from comparing my entry with my wife's ... the book is unique and a great idea!

GoldMind was the best gift I received when I was pregnant. I needed a little inspirational journal to encourage me to take the time to reflect on each and every day. The daily quotes are fun, thought-provoking, inspiring. Every day holds a quote and questions that prod you to look a little deeper. A gratitude journal is the perfect gift for anyone undergoing a personal journey of some kind but Goldmind is so rich in look and content that it is the only journal I've actually been able to keep.

I bought this book at a book sale for $2.00 and was surprised at how much I liked it. I recently had a difficult decision to make, picked up this book, and it actually helped! I am going to buy one for my children and grandchildren. It is not only "good advise" but a lot of fun to read. I sit down to read just a few sentences and stay a lot longer than I intended. Great for a coffee table, guest room, or bathroom!!

This book is overflowing with good advice. 400 pages and 2000 quotations of wisdom from the sages of the ages. The authors go through the alphabet and give several quotations for a whole bunch of topics starting with each letter. For instance under the letter "R" he covers;Reading,Reality,Reason,Recreation,Regretting,Relationships
,Relatives,Religion Reputation,Resignation/Acceptance & Resolution.
Now ,with that much coverage for every letter ,you'd think they would have touched on everything. Well,not so,they have made one glaring ommission---they never did get around to giving any advice as to what to do with all that good advice.Now ,maybe that isn't too bad because that allows us to do with it as we see fit.
Personally,I intend to apply it to myself rather than to lay it on someone who needs it more;which is highly unlikely.People have been giving me advice all my life ;but the only advice I ever followed is what I figured out for myself.
With that said;here are a few bits of advice that struck me as pretty good:

"Wherever you go ,have a woman friend" -Irish Proverb

"Love your neighbor,but don't tear down the fence." -German
Proverb

"When in doubt,tell the truth." - Mark Twain

"Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you." -American
Proverb.

"Remember The Alamo!"
"Remember The Maine!"
"Remember Pearl Harbor!"
--War Slogans
To which we should now add:
Remember 9/11!

"When you strike at a king,you must kill him." -Ralph
Waldo Emerson

"Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain
a master." -Demosthenes

"Don't be a fool and die for your country.Let the other
sonofabitch die for his." -George S. Patton

"If your head is wax,don't walk in the sun." -Ben Franklin

"Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear,but
around in awareness." -James Thurber

And lastly,even some good advice from Nikita Khrushchev;

"If you cannot catch a Bird of Paradise,better take a wet hen."

You can't go wrong with the advice you'll find here.

This work gives life- advice by subject. Each subject such as "Resignation" "Resolution" "Rest- Relaxation" "Restraint" has around five to ten quotations devoted to it. The quotations are from a wide variety of sources, and provide the kind of 'dipping in ' pleasure that books of this sort usually do.
The idea is that " the more than 2,000 quotations' are to help you live your life.
Whether or not they will do that is of course a real question. My suspicion is most books of this kind have their chief value in the small pleasure we get from them while reading them.
But who knows what 'Eureka' any particular reader will find on any page.
In any case there is much here to delight in( and not a little to overlook and ignore.")

"If you wish yur merit to be known, acknowledge that of other people." Jewish proverb

"Be not ashamed of mistakes and make them crimes." Confucian proverb

"Go forth to meet the shadowy Future, without fear, and with a manly heart." Longfellow

"Get pleasure out of life... as much as you can. Nobody ever died from pleasure." Sol Hurok


"I don't think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains... My advice is: Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you and be happy! Anne Frank

The two Mr. Safires express their joy in finding such concise expresions of good advice. Like poetry, good advice does sum up a whole lot of feelings and thoughts in one or two punchy phrases. Language is really neat that way, and I like the book for that, too. But what I love about this book, and why I bought it for myself and my littlest brother, is that each sentence reminds the reader that each of us is mulling over the same worries, and same concerns and the same desires... for success, for friendship, for self improvement. So the good advice is all the more useful, because it comes with a connection to other people who were thinking just like you at some point.

While I was browsing, I saw this book. I glanced through it & decided to buy a copy for my daughter. That evening, I decided to read it through.
I couldn't put it down. IT WAS SO VERY INSPIRING. I decided I wanted to buy 6 more copies for gifts. Everyone can use this very uplifting and inspiring book. It applies to everyday life and is a real gem.
DONNA ANN DUDEK

There is nothing better than to be able to reach for my Hope Happens book and let it open randomly...I am amazed at how the right saying will appear for the right situation and uplift me out of my despair and dejection. Having initially read this book from cover to cover I have found many a favourite saying which has got me through tough times. This is definitely a book that should be left on your table top at work and at home and not shelved in your bookcase. Hope Happens is only ever a hands reach away.

This book gave me a lift so I kept it by my bedside...but it kept sprouting wings and traveling around the house. I have three daughters aged 11 to 15 and they loved it. One started sending the motivational quotes by IM to her friends. They loved the quotes and want the book, too. Now I am picking up several for quick gifts...it works for all ages. From teen to granny, there is quick, easy stress relief on every page of this book. I finished with the realization that our only limitations in life are those we put on ourselves.

Couldn't believe that such a simple, easy to read book could make such a difference to help anyone feeling down in the dumps to start looking forward again and find a little hope in seemingly hopeless situiations that we all face from time to time. I gave a copy to a friend in hospital and it was such a huge hit with the all the staff, I had to buy another copy. Truly inspiring words and beautiful photos and presentation.

Simply wonderful! The root verses of Ven. Master Hsing Yun so eloquently and articulately translated for English readers by Dr. & Mrs. Manzo are essentially the mystical key that unlocks the innate compassion and profound wisdom within the human mind. It definitely has rich and lasting benefits for someone who is on a spiritual path. An uplifting experience for readers searching for inner peace and understanding the underlying spirituality of humankind. A invaluable book to be had for any home library.

Yes. These are the stuff that you've asked for for so long.

If you are asking yourself how to deal and manage your feeling, mind, and dealing with people, then Master Hsing Yun is sharing his wisdom, his heart, and true experiences with you.

But this book and read it. It is what you've been asking for.

Humble Table, Wise Fare written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a profound collection of philosophy and thoughts, following the Dharma, that can be easily enjoyed and understood not only by practicing Buddhists but by all people. The philosophy that he shares with us are conveniently put together into simple complete thoughts that make sense and can be directly applied into our daily life. This book is a great tool for us to enhance our own knowledge of ourself and our relationships with other people. After completing the book, I have been able to use it in my Buddhist practice by flipping back through it and picking one or two thoughts for a given day. Then taking those thoughts contemplating on them and applying them as I have gone on through out my daily routine. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to deepen their knowledge and relationship with themself and others.

I was most impressed by the way 'Humble Tale Wise Fare' brings the wisdom of the dharma into daily life, and showed me how to apply the teachings in work, studies, relationships, etc. Written in poetry, the style brings out the natural beauty, simplicity and directness of Ch'an, and throughout remains readable and readily comprehensible. Most importantly, it really delves into the essence of of the teachings, and produces understandable knowledge which really connects with me, and which helps me handle the worlds within and outside my mind with much more confidence, wisdom and skill. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in bringing the spirit of the dharma into their lives and developing themselves and their practice.

I think the average immigrant in America today may not
have a lot of time to read because of the demands of
making a living. But to appreciate the immigrant
experience, there is nothing like understanding the
ideas that made this country evolve the way it has.
This means that he must take the time even for just a
few minutes a day to read, read, read - even in tiny
doses at regular intervals.

Highly focused, meaningful reading can be done by
reading quotations. This book has selected the best
thoughts put into words by great men.

This quote book is just right for those with little
time to spare. It is also perfect for older children,
even teen-agers in immigrant communities who are just
beginning to figure out their roles in life.

I think every library in America should have this book
on its shelves together with "The Complete Success
Guide for the Immigrant Life", a book which The New
York Times" has called a "remarkable new book."

I feel like I came out a better person because of it. Brilliant!

a charmingly witty compilation of quotes from the wise for all to enjoy.

I'm drawn to quotations. They speak to the soul, provide guidance in good times and bad, and give glimpses into the past. I have built a collection over the years, which I carry with me each workday. What pulled me especially to Ms. Maglaya's book was a quote cited on the back, The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated by quotations (Disraeli). I couldn't have said it better.

This is a companion book to Ms. Maglaya's *The Complete Success Guide for the Immigrant Life.* Scan it and you quickly realize that, like The Success Guide, the quotes she selected are useful to everyone, not just immigrants. Those looking to immigrate to America, along with those already here, will find this book particularly useful for the insights it gives to significant parts of our cultural heritage. Everyone will find wisdom and practicality in these quotations. Some quotes will make you smile; many will make you pause and think.

So, good show, Ms. Maglaya! This little book is a winner.

I just read "It's Okay to Ask'em to Work" and it's the most practical business book I have ever read! Every page contains something I can take away and put to immediate, practical use in the workplace.

I particularly like the author's way of summarizing key points into simple,easy-to-remember maxims that help me retain the information.

Some of the maxims I found most helpful: 1)Paint a Clear Picture of the Target, 2) It's Okay to Ask 'em to Work, 3) Life is Mostly Packaging, 4) Everybody Wasn't Raised at Your House, and 5) You Don't Have to be Mad to Give Corrective Feedback. (I also liked "The Madder You Get -- the Dumber You Are! ")

I wish Frank McNair would write a book on sales, or parenting for that matter!

Buy this book and read it! You'll be glad you did!

It's OK to Ask 'Em to Work... is a terrific resource for anyone whose profession involves people management (I certainly wish my old boss had been able to read it!). The advice that Mr. McNair has to offer is clear, witty, concise, and very well-organized. I wish this book was required reading in all management training programs -- it would help avoid the morale-squashing mistakes that most managers seem prone to make (and repeat!). I heartily recommend this book as an invaluable support tool for anyone who works with people.

This is a "must have" resource for those who manage people and those who care about doing it well. Frank McNair is witty, easy to read and his suggestions are on the mark. Reading this book will positively change the way you and your employees do business. When you finish reading, you'll wish there was more.

McNair provides 119 "essential maxims" which are distributed within ten lively chapters. For example, Chapter 1 presents and discusses aphorisms relevant to "Vision and Planning" whereas the subject of Chapter 5 is "Feedback and Performance Management: What You Reward Is What You Get" and the subject of Chapter 9 is "Leadership." At the end of each chapter, McNair summaries its key points and then poses "Questions for Reflection."

Here's an excerpt from Chapter 2 which is representative of McNair's style. In it he discusses the assertion that "No One Can Motivate Anyone to Do Anything." After having reviewed a number of motivational films, he concluded:

Motivation "doesn't come out of film cans. It comes from people's heads and hearts. And we can't get into their heads and hearts --we are forever wholly elsewhere, in an orbit totally outside them. So we cannot ever motivate anyone to do anything -- it has to come from inside them. But we can [italics] create an environment in which others motivate themselves."

McNair describes himself as a "reductionist -- as a simplifier" who expresses complicated concepts in basic language. Moreover, he really means it when he suggests that "No one is sane; you're looking for compatible craziness" or "The madder you get, the dumber you are."

Obviously, McNair is fond of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain but also, I suspect, of Oscar Wilde. Who will derive the greatest benefit from McNair's maxims? First, those who have only recently embarked on a business career and will appreciate practical, no-nonsense advice in a conversational format. Also, others who have been swimming laps in a corporate blender for quite a few years and need a fresh perspective or two. And perhaps a reason to smile. As you read his book, you will learn or be reminded of numerous "nuggets of wisdom"...and enjoy yourself in process.