Through a series of insightful essays, the author delves into the complex relationship between humans and animals as portrayed in literature and culture. He explores diverse topics, including iconic works like 'The Man from Snowy River' and contemporary issues such as veganism and wildlife culling. With a keen focus on how these discussions reveal deeper societal attitudes, the author challenges readers to reflect on the implications of our interactions with other species and the necessary steps for progress in understanding these vital connections.
"'We need to organise politically to defend the weak, empower the many and prepare the ground for reversing the absurdities of capitalism.' - Yanis Varoufakis. 'Capitalism over the past twenty-five years has been an incredible moral good.' - David Brooks. The Munk debate on capitalism: There is a growing belief that the capitalist system no longer works. Inequality is rampant. The environment is being destroyed for profits. In some western nations, life expectancy is even falling. Political power is wielded by wealthy elites and big business, not the people. But for proponents of capitalism, it is the engine of progress, not just making all of us materially better off, but helping to address everything from women's rights to political freedoms. We seem to stand at a crossroads: do we need to fix the system as a matter of urgency, or would it be better to hold our nerve?'"-- Provided by publisher
The Social Animal is for anyone who wants to understand why we do the things we do, and what makes some succeed while others fail. It presents an entirely new way to think about achievement and happiness.
The No. 1 New York Times bestseller on the secret to leading a good life We live in a Big Me culture: universities and businesses alike reward goal-oriented superstars and those who self-promote are most likely to thrive. But what does this say about us? David Brooks argues that our hunger for wealth and status is eroding our ability to create meaningful inner lives. To show us how to live better, he looks at people whose sense of humility was fundamental to their success. What they all understood was a simple but counterintuitive truth: in order to fulfil yourself, you must learn how to forget yourself.
This title includes contributions from Richard Dawkins, Stephen Pinker, Daniel Dennett and Brian Eno among many others. It offers ideas, strategies and arguments that will help all of us understand our world and its future.
Are you on your first or second mountain? Is life about yourself or others? Are you self-improving or committed? Mainstream culture teaches us that human beings pursue our self-interest - money, power, fame. But at some point in our life we might discover that we're not interested in what other people tell us to want. We want to want the things that are truly worthy of wanting. At this point, you have moved to your second mountain. What does it mean to elevate your desires, to look beyond consumption and find a moral cause? To forget about independence and discover dependence - to be utterly enmeshed in a web of warm relationships? What does it mean to want intimacy, devotion, responsibility and commitment above individual freedom? In The Second Mountain David Brooks explores the meaning and possibilities that scaling a second mountain offer us, and the four commitments that most commonly move us there- family, vocation, philosophy and community. Inspiring, personal and full of joy, this is the start of a deeper journey into the world.
David Brooks excels at making complex social research accessible and engaging. His work presents a compelling narrative that encourages a return to self-restraint and humility in an age dominated by self-promotion. He emerges as a countercultural leader, inviting readers to explore the lives of figures like Frances Perkins and Saint Augustine while sharing his own reflections on their significance. The book is marked by a calm, fair, and humane voice, showcasing Brooks's moral and spiritual insights.
His approach is original and thought-provoking, reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell, as he synthesizes ideas from various thinkers to create a larger narrative. Brooks's introspective journey to combat his self-perceived shallowness leads him to literature, revealing wisdom often overlooked in contemporary social science. The book challenges readers who seek validation of their uniqueness, offering instead a thoughtful critique that is worth the time away from social media.
Through powerful stories of individuals like Augustine and George Eliot, Brooks inspires a deeper understanding of character. His writing blends moral urgency with philosophical elegance, making it a clarion call for a more meaningful existence. Overall, the book serves as a vital exploration of personal morality in today's materialistic society, emphasizing the importance of humility and virtue.
In his bestselling work of “comic sociology,” David Brooks coins a new word, Bobo, to describe today’s upper class—those who have wed the bourgeois world of capitalist enterprise to the hippie values of the bohemian counterculture. Their hybrid lifestyle is the atmosphere we breathe, and in this witty and serious look at the cultural consequences of the information age, Brooks has defined a new generation. Do you believe that spending $15,000 on a media center is vulgar, but that spending $15,000 on a slate shower stall is a sign that you are at one with the Zenlike rhythms of nature? Do you work for one of those visionary software companies where people come to work wearing hiking boots and glacier glasses, as if a wall of ice were about to come sliding through the parking lot? If so, you might be a Bobo.
A social critique of middle-class America notes the pervasiveness of barbecue grills, supermoms, suburban restaurant chains, and other elements, identifying the motivations that prompt many people to strive for fantasy-based goals.
Master the art of JavaScript with a comprehensive guide that covers both fundamental concepts and advanced techniques essential for web development. This book empowers you to create dynamic, interactive, and engaging web applications, making it an indispensable resource for anyone looking to enhance their skills in crafting web experiences.
