Analysis
The Prince - Niccolò Machiavelli
Machiavellianism: The term "Machiavellian" is often used to describe cunning, deceitful, and manipulative behavior in politics. However, it's important to note that Machiavelli's work is more nuanced than this stereotype suggests. He was primarily concerned with practical advice for rulers in a world he perceived as harsh and unforgiving. His ideas are rooted in the idea that leaders must do whatever it takes to maintain and consolidate their power, even if it means using deception and ruthlessness. This pragmatic approach to politics is one of the central themes of the book.
By Irma Barbasa2 years ago in BookClub
Now, I AM an Axolotl. Top Story - August 2023.
There was a time when I would think about axolotls a lot. I used to go look at them in the aquarium of the Jardin des Plantes and would stay there hours contemplating them, observing their immobility, their shadowed movements. Now, I am an axolotl. Hubo un tiempo en que yo pensaba mucho en los axolotl. Iba a verlos al acuario del Jardín des Plantes y me quedaba horas mirándolos, observando su inmovilidad, sus oscuros movimientos. Ahora soy un axolotl. JULIO CORTAZAR (1914-1987)
By Rob Angeli2 years ago in BookClub
The twilight series: ALL books review
1-"Twilight" Stephenie Meyer introduces us to a world where vampires exist among humans. Bella Swan's arrival in Forks, Washington, leads to an unexpected connection with the enigmatic Edward Cullen. Their forbidden love story unfolds against a backdrop of danger, immortality, and the struggle between vampire nature and human desire.
By Faisal Gheyath2 years ago in BookClub
Exploring Redemption and Guilt in 'The Kite Runner': Themes and Analysis"
Disclaimer- Image generated with AI "The Kite Runner," a novel written by Khaled Hosseini, has captivated readers worldwide with its powerful exploration of themes such as redemption, guilt, friendship, and the impact of personal choices. Set against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan, the story follows the tumultuous journey of its protagonist, Amir, as he navigates the complexities of his relationships and grapples with the consequences of his actions.
By Shorya Gaur2 years ago in BookClub
Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience — Eighteen Years Later
Authors preface: I first published this review on Vocal two years ago, and before that I had published a version on Medium. With each republication I have updated or revised various sections. Thought it made sense to resurrect it one more time for a Vocal Book Club Challenge to "write about a book that changed you." This particular book, PFoN, I happen to believe, is one of the most important ever written and, it has impacted my own thinking on a huge range of topics very deeply. At the time this was written I was reading tons and tons about neuroscience. Specifically at this time I had recently completed reading a number of works by Patricia Churchland Smith, a neuroscientist/philosopher of great renown. I found her views disturbing and her positions misguided. She is the queen of the mereological fallacy (see below for what this is) often using the brain and the person interchangeably as she views them as one and the same. She also believes that if we fully understood everything about how the brain works, we could recreate particular states of consciousness. She is the ultimate hard core reductionist and views consciousness as nothing more than a particular series of electro-chemical reactions in the brain which, like particular states of consciousness, we could replicate artificially if we fully understood. No body would be required for this miraculous achievement. My guess is the AI crowd is a big fan of her work, myself, not so much. In any event, Dr. Churchland-Smith is a frequent target of Bennet and Hacker's logical breakdowns of various neuroscientific studies and claims about the brain and consciousness, which they dissect and show to be in error point by point.
By Everyday Junglist2 years ago in BookClub
A Review Of Unwind
Unwind is a book by Neal Shusterman published in 2007. It's book 1 in the Unwind Dystology series. I know I'm 16 years behind the curve, but this book is so good that it needs to be talked about. We can't talk about the book and not the author.
By Haylee Sandberg2 years ago in BookClub
The importance of Purpose
Everything in your life that lacks purpose not only brings frustration but can also be wielded as a weapon by the devil to bring about your destruction. Even the beauty that God has bestowed upon you if it is not aligned with a divine purpose, can be transformed into a tool of devastation for both yourself and others. Intelligence without a higher calling, what some may call an "Evil Genius," can be manipulated by the devil to bring about your downfall. Just look at how Satan used the gifts bestowed upon men by God to bring about their destruction. For instance, Samson was granted extraordinary strength, but he failed to understand its purpose. Instead of utilizing his strength to become a judge of Israel, he simply saw it as a manifestation of physical power. Let this serve as a reminder that everything we do should be driven by purpose. Humans possess an inherent longing for life as they are aware that they have yet to accomplish their intended purpose. This is why the concept of death can provoke unease. However, when an individual uncovers their true calling and attains fulfillment in their destiny, they approach death with acceptance and without apprehension. Consider the apostle Paul as an illustration. The profound comprehension of his purpose enabled him to face death without fear. In fact, he actively embraced it,
By william Motaung2 years ago in BookClub
