Spiritual Connections: How to Find Spirituality Throughout All the Relationships in Your Life

Book Description

Have you ever wondered why some relationships are wonderful and others are just catastrophic and tragic? Why do we get along with some people and with others just seem to constantly engage in bitter fighting? In this fascinating and helpful book, internationally renowned psychic Sylvia Browne examines why we form our relationships with certain individuals . . . for better or for worse. From the lifelong connection of a loving marriage to the short and bitter agony of a brief encounter leading to divorce and heartache, she reveals why we have joyful and happy relationships on the one hand and chaotic, hateful and painful ones on the other.
Sylvia takes us on a remarkable excursion that covers all the different types of relationships we’ll encounter in life. From our childhood experiences to our golden years, she helps us see why we form both good and bad unions, and she also explores how our themes and charts of life can interact with others in both positive and negative ways—creating either lifelong love or friendship or a situation doomed for disaster. Sylvia enables us to come to a true understanding of why we have certain compulsions and attractions for some people while being totally repulsed by others. By utilizing Sylvia’s marvelous insights, we can all learn how to cultivate our relationships (and sift the wheat from the chaff) in order to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-10-20

This seller is very fast and the book is awesome. What can I say? Perfect!

It was just okay........2007-10-04

Sylvia's books these days seem to be more full of, "fluff," than anything else. There is no more original content. This book seems to be more of her ramblings about the people she knows or meets in her life. There is of course a purpose and you need to read through all the, "fluff," to get to the point. I guess if she just flat out told you the point there would be 200 blank pages to fill.

I dont love this one as much as her other books.......2007-10-03

While I always get a good feeling of having learned something after reading her books, this one left me hanging. I was waiting for more.

Enlightening Book on Spiritual Relationships.......2007-09-05

As Sylvia Browne asserts many books have been written on having a better sex life, staying married or how to have a friendly divorce. This is one of the few books available on spiritual meaning of relationships in our lives.

Sylvia shows how to bring spiritual understanding to our relationships - that our relationships have a deeper meaning. The people in our life have been selected by our soul before our birth for our spiritual development. So each person in our life teaches us something and we in turn teach them something. Even people we meet casually such as the grocery store clerk, bank teller or the person delivering our mail all are part of spiritual connections in our lives.

Connection with family and close friends is often taken for granted but these relationships are particularly conducive for our growth. Browne even contends that the annoying co-worker or boss can teach us important lessons for our soul growth. The best part of the book is the exploration of the 47 life themes, which have a higher and lower expression.

The book has a warm tone because Sylvia shares her own relationship challenges. This book is worth reading just for the Life Themes and fans of Sylvia Browne will be most satisfied with this book, since it gives a lot of depth to her ideas previously stated elsewhere.

(***If you're interested in other books about relationships check out "Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential" by Caroline Myss or "Nexus: A Neo Novel" by Deborah Morrison and Arvind Singh***)

No one knows more about yourself than you do.......2007-08-19

Who are these people giving this book 4 and 5 stars and do they really know about Sylvia Browne? Even the few bad reviews are from fans who claim to "love" her and sound rather apologetic for giving her anything but the highest praise. What's going on? Someone please tell me, did I just enter the Twilight Zone...?

I have always been fascinated with Sylvia Browne because she is probably the most famous psychic of any first-world country. So, I decided to read this book with an open mind. But I wasn't at all happy with it. It seems shoddy, choppy and thrown together quickly. And Sylvia doesn't offer up anything (in the way of literary references) to back up her claims. I suppose some could say that this is based on "blind faith." But should faith also be deaf, dumb and stupid?

For years, I have watched Sylvia on the Montel Show and she always arrogantly seems so cocky when she doles out her "readings." For example, someone could tell her that such and such happened to them and Sylvia will quickly reply, "oh I know" as if she really does know. But if she knew, why didn't she volunteer this info up front, first? I have also noticed that she almost always exclusively only gives detailed info about past lives, the "after world," and other deceased "spirits." But Sylvia Browne is never overly explicit or detailed when she is talking about the here and now. Why is that? Also, one more thing I have noticed about Sylvia; she always seems incredibly cold, condescending, downright rude, pushy, bored, and incredibly belittling when she gives her "readings." Shouldn't a spiritual advisor be welcoming, loving, warm and inviting? Has Sylvia ever comforted any of the grieving parents on Montel or has she ever given any of them a gratis reading after the show when the cameras weren't rolling? No she has not. That is a fact. I can remember a lady once kept pressing her with specific questions on the show, and Sylvia became very aggravated and said something to the effect of, "this is what I 'see' and that's that." Talk about being a wolf in wolf's clothing. Maybe that's better because she would be easier to spot? You'd think so, but people still adore her and worship her and follow her advice to the letter.

When is the last time a corporation also referred to their organization as a church? Sylvia Browne does it. But her "corporation" and "church" are more like a cult because it's all about money and profit; not about adding some happiness and spirituality into someone's life (free of charge.) And if in fact she is a leader of a church, why should she charge her parishioners that want to seek her out for advice? At best, this is an oxymoron: Sylvia Browne Corp./Church. Does Sylvia Browne/the Sylvia Browne Corp. pay taxes? Or is she tax-exempt? This is a very valid question.

I decided to do a little research after reading "Spiritual Connections" by Sylvia because I wanted to see if she really was all she was cracked up to be; after all, maybe I am just being super-critical and Sylvia is honest and totally caring and loving? I began my search on Wikipedia.

From there, I found an incredibly informative site, StopSylviaBrowne. I spent more than 3 straight hours on that site reading everything I could about Sylvia. I have never seen a site so professionally laid out that included facts to back up everything the Webmaster stated. Everything that I initially felt about Sylvia was confirmed (and more.) I have since learned that Sylvia Browne is a convicted felon that preys on vulnerable people because these are the ones that are most likely to pay exorbitant moneys for "help", buy her books, go to her events and recommend her. I have also found out that her first husband has totally discredited her and her son (who also claims to be a psychic.) And, I have found out that Sylvia was caught in numerous half-truths, made-up stories and downright lies. The most notable being her higher-education; she has stated that she has a Masters Degree in English. There is zero proof that Sylvia has a Masters Degree in English from any accredited institution.

If you simply think that Sylvia is total entertainment and you watch her on TV or read her books once in a while then that's fine in and of it self. I suppose there's no harm in that. But if you're about to shell out the hundreds of dollars for one of her "telephone readings" or the thousands of dollars for one of her "in-person meetings" then I strongly recommend that you do some research on her first because I don't want you to be taken advantage of. One more thing that Sylvia's followers should keep in mind is that no one knows more about yourself than you do!

For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men

Average customer rating:

An Amazing insight book
Revolutionary
Great things come in small packages
Shaunti Feldhahn is not just an author, she is an EXCELLENT communicator.
THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK

For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men
Shaunti Feldhahn
Manufacturer: Multnomah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1590523172
Release Date: 2004-07-28

Book Description

What’s going on in a man’s mind? From their early days, every woman has struggled to understand why males behave the way they do. Even long-married women who think they understand men have only scratched the surface. Beneath a man’s rugged exterior is an even more rugged, unmapped terrain. What bestselling author Shaunti Feldhahn’s research reveals about the inner lives of men will open women’s eyes to what the men in their life—boyfriends, brothers, husbands, and sons—are really thinking and feeling. Men want to be understood, but they’re afraid to “freak out” the women they love by confessing what is happening inside their heads. This book will guide women in how to provide the loving support that modern men want and need.

The Truth About His Inner Life

He Desperately Wants You to Know

What's going on in there? Ever been totally confused by something your man has said or done? Want to understand his secret desires and fears, his daily battles that you know nothing about?

In a woman-to-woman conversation you’ll never forget, Shaunti Feldhahn takes you beneath the surface into the inner lives of men. This book is about the things we just don’t ‘get’ about guys. With findings from a groundbreaking national survey and personal interviews of over one thousand men, For Women Only is full of eye-opening revelations you need to not only understand the man in your life, but to support and love him in the way he needs to be loved. Grounded in biblical hope, you will discover how to love your man for who he really is—not who you think he is.

Story Behind the Book

I had no idea how clueless I was about men until I interviewed a bunch of them for my last novel. Initially, I just wanted a little insight so I could write my main (male) character. But pretty soon I found myself astonished, over and over again blurting out, “That’s what you’re thinking?” So I did more interviews. After the novel hit shelves, dozens of women told me they also had been astonished by what I included. Clearly I wasn’t the only one who needed more insight on this!

To lay the groundwork for this nonfiction book, I wrote out the half-dozen things from these interviews that had most surprised me—things that appeared to be universal to most men—that women desperately needed to know. I conducted a professional national survey of men to test my findings. Yep—the survey substantiated every single one. These findings are fascinating—and they have already changed my life and marriage. I can’t wait to share them!

Customer Reviews:

An Amazing insight book.......2007-10-17

Being a man, I can tell you women out there that this book is 90% of what all men think and feel. It was amazing reading how accurate it is.

Sure there are exceptions but this book focuses on the common ground and while it is not in depth, it will give you a look inside our hearts and say things that we are scared to death to say in front of you.

I would recommend this book before ANY other book on men and relationships.

Revolutionary.......2007-10-11

To begin with, I was blown away by this book. What an impact such a small volume has made in my relationship with my dear fiance' as well as with my brothers and father. So, why is this book so good? Firstly, it is written with the idea of informing about the way men think. How many of us are totally confused about men? Yeah, most of us. And men don't talk a lot about their "feelings" so it is very difficult to get an honest answer. This book is an absolute blessing in that measure. It shows why men have trouble being romantic, why they need women's respect so much and (possibly the most revolutionary chapter) why they want SO MUCH sex.

I will not explain, b/c the book does that, but I will say that once I read the book my eyes were completely opened to why my fiance' reacts the way he does to my actions. And I began changing my actions and... well I will just say that although Caleb and I have always had an incredible relationship, this just made things even more beautiful.

To the reviewer who complained that the book made wives too subservient I would answer, firstly, read her book "For Men Only". Both books are interested in teaching wives and husbands to better serve eachother. Secondly, women are not at all put down in this book. Rather wives are shown to be the one factor in their husbands' lives that really makes the crucial difference between men feeling like a success or a failure. This book really is empowering to women because it is basically like, "You can make the crucial difference... Oh yeah, here's how."

While some points in this book may not be accurate for all men (I am blessed with a man who is the "King of Romance" as my mom says, and who will always talk about his feelings) it really has something for every relationship. If you are working to cultivate a blessed, beautiful marriage, you will find this book to be of great value.

Great things come in small packages.......2007-08-31

I have read a lot of books trying to understand my fellow homosapiens and this did not most terrific job. I relate to my brothers, coworkers, leaders, and men I've dated so much better. I judge less and I find that I'm less insecure around men now.

Shaunti Feldhahn is not just an author, she is an EXCELLENT communicator........2007-08-20

For Women Only is the result of a survey of 400 men across the country who responded to a questionaire about their relationships. This book points out seven areas in which women have a surface understanding of men's needs or desires and delves into each subject in a way that leaves the reader grasping what that statement really means.

For example, the first point is that "men need respect". That seems obvious enough, but Feldhahn brings this into perspective with her survey result that 74% of the men would rather feel "alone & unloved" instead of "inadequate & disrespected", if they had to choose one of the two options. She then elaborates on this with several follow-up examples of ways women can either demonstrate respect or show a lack of respect. Some of which we don't usually connect with showing disrespect. On page 24, she quotes Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, "In a relationship conflict, crying is often a woman's response to feeling unloved, and anger is often a man's response to feeling disrespected."

I would highly recommend this book to any woman who is serious about wanting to improve her relationship with her husband. The author has a way of transforming something you think you know into something you can apply to your everyday life, which isn't always an easy task.

THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK.......2007-08-20

MOST INFORMATIVE. FIND THINGS U MIGHT THINK YOU KNOW AND IF YOU DONT DO A LOT OF RESEARCH ON RELATIONSHIPS THIS IS SOMETHING YOU PROBABLY WOULD NEVER NO OR UNDERSTAND IF YOU DONT READ THE BOOK

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life

Average customer rating:

Save your money..... only 7-1/2 pages are about heaven
Excellent
Incredible story of a man's faith in God!
Not so much
Could NOT put this book down! Awesome Book!

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life
Don Piper , and Cecil Murphey
Manufacturer: Revell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Near-Death Experiences | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0800759494
Release Date: 2004-09-01

Book Description

As he is driving home from a minister's conference, Baptist minister Don Piper collides with a semi-truck that crosses into his lane. He is pronounced dead at the scene. For the next 90 minutes, Piper experiences heaven where he is greeted by those who had influenced him spiritually. He hears beautiful music and feels true peace. Back on earth, a passing minister who had also been at the conference is led to pray for Don even though he knows the man is dead. Piper miraculously comes back to life and the bliss of heaven is replaced by a long and painful recovery. For years Piper kept his heavenly experience to himself. Finally, however, friends and family convinced him to share his remarkable story.

Customer Reviews:

Save your money..... only 7-1/2 pages are about heaven.......2007-10-22

This book was an extreme disappointment. The title leads you to believe it is a life after death account. I have read many of these.... and this one is a mere 7-1/2 pages long- about HEAVEN. It is about what you would think a southern Baptist would write about heaven too.... pearlesent gates, bricks of gold streets, great music about Christ, and friends who have died before you meeting you. It is like he had to try way to hard to even stretch a 90 minute account of heaven into less than 8 pages!!!

MOST of the book is about the author's auto accident, and the procedures and painful recovery from that accident.

It reminds me of so very many of the new age books I used to read- that when it came down to it, were written strictly to MAKE MONEY for the author.

I planned to pass this along to friends, who had lost loved ones.... but it really DOES NOT RING TRUE to me.... at least the part about HEAVEN... the part about the accident and recovery seems very real indeed.

Excellent.......2007-10-20

This is a fabulous book for anyone wanting some encouragement about how to deal with life and death.

Incredible story of a man's faith in God!.......2007-10-19

He was pronounced dead, and yet, he was alive! His life returned in another world, heaven, for 90 minutes. This experience changed his life and many others who read or was told about this incredible event. It is a story of faith, of hope for the rest of us. This man was not pain free as he returned to this world, he suffered physically. But his spirit was alive and his faith changed many, many lifes. You won't forget it and it will change your life forever!

Not so much.......2007-10-19

You think you're going to get a BOOK about the afterlife, but no, you get one chapter, and then the rest of the book about his religious beliefs. It was disappointing.

Could NOT put this book down! Awesome Book!.......2007-10-19

I don't really know what led me to reading this book to begin with, but I will tell you that once I started reading it - I couldn't put it down! I expected the description of heaven to be glorious. The scripture at the beginning of each chapter was comforting. I felt like writing each verse down as it's easy to forget! I was pleasantly surprised by all the lessons and the personal account of Don's recovery and the lessons he still had to learn. Any person who is struggling with a terminal illness, has recently lost a loved one or has sustained any big injuries NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK! I will buy several and hand them out. I finished reading this book this AM and have already lent this book to my BOSS! This book reads well and is written in such a manner as if Don was he's telling you in person! Would recommend this book to anyone - Christian or non-Christian.

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow

Average customer rating:

Easy Reading
A Book for Leaders
Abstract puff piece
Good 'beginner's leadership book' --- didnt excite me;-(
Short and Sweet: an unbeatable combination

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow
John C. Maxwell
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0785274405

Amazon.com

Why do some people consistently inspire others to follow their lead? According to John C. Maxwell, author of 24 books and a regular speaker on the topic, it's the "character qualities" they possess. In The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Maxwell identifies these top traits as character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem-solving, relationships, responsibility, security, self-discipline, servanthood, teachability, and vision--and then defines them in ways that readers can absorb and utilize. Each is covered in a separate chapter opening with a high-concept definition and continuing with relevant anecdotes, details on its meaning, suggestions for further reflection, and exercises for improvement. For example, in the section on vision ("You can seize only what you can see"), Maxwell describes how Walt Disney initially developed the theme-park concept after accompanying his daughters to a fun-filled but rather shabby amusement park. He then analyzes how Disney's resultant projects drew on his personal history while meeting other's needs, and explains how readers must "listen to several voices" to develop successful foresight in a similar way. Finally, Maxwell suggests methods to articulate these visions and measure their implementation. --Howard Rothman

Book Description

In the tradition of his CBA bestseller The 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership and his sell-out seminars, author John C. Maxwell now provides a concise, accessible leadership book that helps readers become more effective leaders from the inside out. Daily readings highlight twenty-one essential leadership qualities and include "Reflecting On It" and "Bringing It Home" sections which help readers integrate and apply each day's material.

Customer Reviews:

Easy Reading.......2007-06-28

If you are looking to define those special charateristics that are displayed by great leaders, this book covers 21 impactful leader qualities. The book is "easy reading" and makes a good gift for a new leader.

A Book for Leaders.......2007-05-13

This book helps to refresh and install new ideas which will help you become a better leader.

Abstract puff piece.......2007-05-07

Maxwell might have written the book on Leadership, but this isn't it.

This is a little book -- 156 undersized pages -- containing little information.

It's full of platitudes. "Refocus your attention." "Live your message." "Commitment starts in the heart."

Duh! How is anyone supposed to put these abstract ideas into practice?

The only way to understand leadership is to hear stories about effective leaders. About how, for example, they continued communicating during times of crisis when others would have not communicated. About how they worked overtime to fix their companies and inspired others in their organization. About how during wartime they welcomed input from any source and found a unique person with a unique perspective that allowed them to redraw their war plans and win.

But the only anecdotes in this book come at the start of each of the 21 brief chapters on a quality (like communication or dedication) that a leader needs. The other 80% of each chapter is a bunch of abstract rules like Communicate! Show Dedication! Passion Increases Your Willpower! This is all motherhood and apple pie. Only more abstract. And it's impossible to absorb or remember what Maxwell is talking about because he's just listing things you should do to be a leader.

Tell me one good story about a great leader like Winston Churchill, FDR, or JFK, and it would be worth another hundred pages of Maxwell's abstract thought.

The only reason I give this any stars is that I sense Maxwell has more to say and knows his stuff. But he's certainly not strutting it in this book. Try something else by Maxwell. Not this book, for this reader.

This is the kind of book I would purchase for a gift grab bag at the office. It won't offend anyone, but it won't change anyone either.

Good 'beginner's leadership book' --- didnt excite me;-(.......2007-04-21

This is the first leadership book I read. I like the way the author validates each of the 21 qualities of a leader by providing real-life stories of leaders.

Pros: short, easy-to-read, concise
Cons: not much substance, some of the exercises for the reader are far-fetched

Overall, a good read for a beginner to novice 'leadership' book reader.

Short and Sweet: an unbeatable combination.......2007-04-01

As a professor in Business and Management, this book is an often chosen title in my management and leadership courses. Perhaps initially because it is small, but all students inevitably end up commenting that they really appreciated the contents and learned a lot from it.

Leadership qualities are interesting phenomena, which can be replenished to an infinite degree. However, John Maxwell managed to highlight those qualities that are truly crucial toward leadership that will appeal to all categories of followers.

Encouraged by this book and many others, I published "The Awakened Leader: One Simple Leadership Style That Works Every Time, Everywhere." Readers who liked John Maxwell's works, and who want to remain informed of appropriate leadership in a time where globalization has become a part of our everyday life and has ignited increasing interdependency, multiplicity of mindsets and approaches, and multi-faceted workplaces, should take a look at this book.

"The Awakened Leader" presents a meta-leadership approach, which will guide you toward implementing the appropriate leadership style once you've assessed the situation, the followers, and the environment at hand. It is based on flexibility through open-mindedness, or wakefulness. And it completes the perspectives that Maxwell and other great leadership authors have presented us in the past decade: successful leadership of the self and others, based on proven trends of the past, the now, and the future.

Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul

Average customer rating:

Misses the Mark
Wild at Heart Rocks
Wonderfully Spiritual and Invigorating - Not Just For Men!
Truly Transformational!!
Timing is everything

Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
John Eldredge
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785268839

Amazon.com

If Christian men are going to change from a pitiful, wimpy bunch of "really nice guys" to men who are made in the image of God, they must reexamine their preconceptions about who God is and recover their true "wild" hearts, writes bestselling author John Eldredge in Wild at Heart: Discovering a Life of Passion, Freedom, and Adventure. Eldredge throws down the gauntlet--men are bored; they fear risk, they refuse to pay attention to their deepest desires. He challenges Christian men to return to authentic masculinity without resorting to a "macho man" mentality. Men often seek validation in venues such as work, or in the conquest of women, Eldredge observes. He urges men to take time out and come to grips with the "secret longings" of their hearts. Although the book succeeds best in its slant toward a male audience, it also strives to help women understand the implications of authentic masculinity in their relationships with men. Eldredge frames the book around his outdoor experiences and appealing anecdotes about his family, sprinkling the text with touches of humor and overlying everything with heartfelt passion. Even as he mixes eclectic ideas about masculinity from popular movies such as Braveheart with classic words from Oswald Chambers, and lyrics from the Dixie Chicks with stories from the Bible, he points to only one answer for men searching for their true wildness of heart. Writes Eldredge, "The only way to live in this adventure ... with all its danger and unpredictability and immensely high stakes ... is in an ongoing, intimate relationship with God." --Cindy Crosby

Book Description

God designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a "nice guy." It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be-dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.

Customer Reviews:

Misses the Mark.......2007-09-28

Has some good open insights, but misses the mark as the author wants us to return to the patriarchal ways of thinking that actually hurts true masculinity.Men-The Gods of Love

Wild at Heart Rocks.......2007-09-27

Wild at Heart rocks! Perfect view of God and men - No. A great motivator for men to develop a deep and very personal relationship with God - Yes. Having read the book a couple of times, and now having read other John Eldredge books, I can tell you that my spiritual walk with God has been completely changed in a very meaningful way. In fact 'changed' is probably a word that does not completely convey the real impact of the message on my life -- 'Warped Across the Universe' would be more descriptive.

As a few reviewers have highlighted, the book is not perfect. Nor is it the answer to every man's questions about his masculinity and how we are all formed in God's image. It simply provides a strong framework to think differently about what it means to be a man but yet a Christian.

As mentioned again by several reviewers, although the book has a little bravado here and there, it is not license to mistreat other people, especially not the women in our life's. The message is very clear. Although the God is a Warrior, He is also a compelling force who loves mankind deeply.

Bottom-line about this book is that message, can at least for some men, revolutionize their thinking about God, Church, their families and their relationships with other people. It has changed me in a personal a deep manner that this review cannot even begin to express.

Wonderfully Spiritual and Invigorating - Not Just For Men!.......2007-09-25

I cannot speak highly enough of this book! I learned so much from reading it--about myself, about my husband, about life! In fact, I think I'll read it AGAIN!

Truly Transformational!!.......2007-09-18

Treasures of the Kingdom, Vol. 1

I've seen the message from this book transform not only my own life, but the lives of many, many others as well.

The Eldredges have such a wonderful way of awakening the heart to its natural hunger and thirst for God. They throw us head long into a journey of pursuing God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

The pursuit results in total transformation. Mediocre religion doesn't cut it anymore. We have to have God and we have to see Him powerfully and fully integrated in our every day lives. Walking with God, hearing His voice, knowing His guidance and leading in our lives changes everything.

For true stories of lives transformed because of the power of this message as presented by the Eldredges, see the real life accounts in the Amazon book, Treasures of the Kingdom.

Timing is everything.......2007-09-13

I actually read this book about 4 years ago and remember thinking it was pretty good, BUT for some reason I picked it up a few weeks ago and re-read it. POWERFUL insight. Then just as I was finishing the book, my Dad died. There are no coincidences. This book answered a lot of deep questions I didn't even know I had. It was a real life shaper. TO those of you who are fathers to boys,.. its a MUST READ. The authors insight is right-on and much different than what you would expect from a "Christian author". BTW, I could see why some women might have a problem understanding and accepting some of his insights. I'd say they just need to listen, observe and keep an open mind. This book can save relationships.

The Laws of Thinking: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest Prosperity

Average customer rating:

AWESOME READ !!!
Destiny is a matter of choice
The Laws of Thinking is the Law of the Land
En-POWER-ing! Beware: Likely not palatable by Fundamentalists
A REAL MAP TO SUCESS

The Laws of Thinking: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest Prosperity
Bishop E. Bernard Jordan
Manufacturer: Hay House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401917968

Book Description

Bishop Jordan has written a stellar work that is guaranteed to free the mentally enslaved, acquit the wrongfully charged, and bring healing to the sick. The Laws of Thinking is not a work for the shallow-minded person. It is demanding and challenging. It is neither intended to be used as the basis for unmerited criticism nor as sermon material for the minister having difficulty receiving a fresh work from the Lord. It was written with a very clear aim: to provoke spiritual thought. Bill Gates' Microsoft, Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions, Stephen Spielberg's DreamWorks, and even his own Zoe Ministries all began with a thought.
Every invention, university, book, song, business, home, skyscraper, movie, stage play, and baby began when someone chose to think. Nothing happens without thought. Creation did not happen without God's thought. Bishop Jordan's first objective is getting you to think.

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME READ !!!.......2007-09-11

I'VE READ THE LAWS OF THINKING BY BISHOP E. BERNARD JORDAN AND IT WAS AWESOME! THIS BOOK MOVED ME INTO ACTION AND CHANGED MY LIFE. IF YOU'RE READY FOR A SHIFT, THIS IS A MUST READ !!!!

Destiny is a matter of choice.......2007-09-11

The Law of Thinking is definitely a must read. It will motivate you to start acting on ideas and dreams you thought were unreachable. Bishop E. Bernard Jordan teaches Destiny is not left up to chance but a matter of choice. He is the Master Prophet who brings life to visionary ideas. So if you are tired of (J)ust (O)ver (B)roke get this book for you and a friend and start living the way God expected you to.

The Laws of Thinking is the Law of the Land.......2007-09-11

As a man thinketh so is he states Proverbs 23:7 from the Wisest Man Who Ever Lived, The Great King Solomon..Bishop E. Bernard Jordan gives us the 20 Secrets to Using the GOD-GIVEN Divine Power of Mind... I Cor 2:16 states that who has known the Lord to instruct Him, yet we have the Mind of Christ...This Divine Mind within empowers us to manifest prosperity which is a benefit of salvation or the Greek definition soteria which means peace, prosperity, health, wellness all of which is defined in the Laws that our wonderful Master Prophet teaches in this book from the Law of Becoming to the Law of the Harvest...this is a step by step manual for those Christians who are looking beyond the letter......and beckoned by the spirit to come into the DEEP...

En-POWER-ing! Beware: Likely not palatable by Fundamentalists.......2007-09-10

I found Bishop Jordan's work so inspiring, enpowering and en-LIGHT-ening (as in shedding LIGHT on one's spiritual nature and relation to God, taking one out of DARKNESS)that I now own both the book and the CD and am working my way through his workbook. (Available from his site.) If the belief system you have chosen will allow you to consider other view-points without FEAR, that I recommend it highly, (especially for "Rhinos" - ie, entrepreneurs) so as to help manifest God's GOOD in your life. Remember, the validity of your belief system manifests in its FRUITS.) Alas, I could see "Fundamentalists" or "Literalists" taking offense at some thoughts expressed in it. One of my favorite parts in the book is when Jordan cites a instance when precisely this happened and a congregation member gasped "Bishop Jordan thinks he's God!" and he replied "NO! God thinks he's ME!"

May your Blessings ensue...

A REAL MAP TO SUCESS.......2007-09-09

THE LAWS OF THINKING BOOK is map to a prosperous life.I say map because you can use this book before you begin your journey to a sucessful life,or if you are having difficulties in your business, you can use this book to get you back on track and focused.

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality And Spirituality

Average customer rating:

Of limited interest to non-Christians
Enlightening read
Sex God
Flat out amazing
Fabulous perspective with an easy approach

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality And Spirituality
Rob Bell
Manufacturer: Zondervan Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality

ASIN: 0310263468

Customer Reviews:

Of limited interest to non-Christians .......2007-10-21

As a non-Christian, I found this book puzzling. Not sure who the target audience is: adolescents? adults? I like thought-provoking books of various theologies, but this one annoyed me.

The author starts anecdotes and doesn't finish them. In Chapter 1, there's a touching story about a prostitute who comes to the pastor with detailed suicide plans, and she wants to know if she's going to heaven or hell. It is revealed that she has a daughter named Faith, so the pastor feels a connection with the suicidal prostitute. And that's the point of the story.

But as a reader, I didn't care about his epiphany, I cared about the prostitute herself. Did she live, or die, and does the pastor even know? A lot of the illustrative stories are like this. The point is made in the author's mind, he whams you over the head with it like it's going to be as significant to you as it was to him, and then the flesh-and-blood person behind it is forgotten.

Choppy. Writing. Here are some example of entire paragraphs:
"Happens all the time."
"And the eyes."
"Him submitting to her."
Sorry, but this is juvenile and fake-hip. Bad writing. Doesn't make you. Relevant.

Finally, the author's theology of sex can, I believe, be summed up in thusly: Animals don't have spirits; they are bodies without spirits. Angels don't have bodies; they are spirits without bodies. Humans have both spirits and bodies, so we mustn't treat sex as just physical or just spiritual. (Then he points out how being celibate can demonstrate a life of high sexuality.)

Back to Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, a book I enjoyed much more, a book where the author reveals his own struggles and doesn't just pick out snippets of other people's lives to illustrate his points.

Enlightening read.......2007-10-18

I found this book to be written with a sense of humor mingled with heart felt truth. Rob Bell gives personal and biblical references for his premise. He shares ideas with clarity and an enlightened perspective. His view about the nature of human sexuality and how it is a gift from God was refreshing to hear. He explains in various ways how our sexuality is such an important part of who we are in many realms beyond the physical. It is a beautiful and poignant truth about our spiritual and sexual connection.

Sex God.......2007-10-10

Great Book! Whether or not you agree with the author, Rob Bell, his book is an enjoyable read/listen as his enthusiasm and joy at the majesty of God are contagious. Rob takes you through the evolution of God's love expressed in the union between a woman and a man. The book would be appropriate (and recommended) for any young teen getting to the age of dating and considering serious relationships. And it's great for those who are married to help reaffirm their love.
I'd recommend anyone having marital problems to listen/read the book together and rediscover the beauty and holiness of God's gift of a man and woman to each other. Go through it together chapter by chapter, thought by thought and discuss those things that both of you find challenging. But listen to the whole book once first together or alone.
The audio CD is read by Rob and he is one of the few authors I enjoy hearing read his own work. I also recommend his book Velvet Elvis on CD. The print in his books is a little hard for my older eyes to see. But his CDs are marvelous!

Flat out amazing.......2007-09-26

Rob Bell really connects with his readers in this book and I would recommend it for people of any age

Fabulous perspective with an easy approach.......2007-09-09

With it's provocative title, this book can seem like something to be afraid of. on the contrary, Rob Bell does an excellent job at not only sharing a fair perspective of sex and spirituality both with and without Christian orientation, but he also walks the reader through it quite easily. With an almost Socratic approach, the reader can realize meanings and derive personal conclusions through the authors suggestive questioning (much more pleasant than if the auther were to share an epiphany and use the rest of the book as means of persuasion, especially with such a bold subject)

The Fred Factor: How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

Average customer rating:

The short and sweet of customer service
Let's be more like Fred
Fred Factor
Choosing to Make a Difference is Leadership
Learn to be a Fred

The Fred Factor: How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary
Mark Sanborn
Manufacturer: Currency
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motivation & Self-Improvement | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader: How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Difference
The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrows Success (Maxwell, John C.)
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ASIN: 0385513518
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Book Description

Meet Fred.

In his powerful new book THE FRED FACTOR, motivational speaker Mark Sanborn recounts the true story of Fred, the mail carrier who passionately loves his job and who genuinely cares about the people he serves. Because of that, he is constantly going the extra mile handling the mail – and sometimes watching over the houses – of the people on his route, treating everyone he meets as a friend. Where others might see delivering mail as monotonous drudgery, Fred sees an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those he serves.

We’ve all encountered people like Fred in our lives. In THE FRED FACTOR, Mark Sanborn illuminates the simple steps each of us can take to transform our own lives from the ordinary – into the extraordinary. Sanborn, through stories about Fred and others like him, reveals the four basic principles that will help us bring fresh energy and creativity to our life and work: how to make a real difference everyday, how to become more successful by building strong relationships, how to create real value for others without spending a penny, and how to constantly reinvent yourself.

By following these principles, and by learning from and teaching other “Freds,” you, too, can excel in your career and make your life extraodinary. As Mark Sanborn makes clear, each of us has the potential be a Fred.THE FRED FACTOR shows you how.

Customer Reviews:

The short and sweet of customer service.......2007-10-19

This is a quick read and it hits right at the key elements of providing exceptional customer service. Grab a copy and read it on your next plane ride. You'll hit the ground running with a few simple changes in your perspective that will help you to have move 'Fred-like' moments. As a training support tool, you'll find additional resources to use at www.fredfactor.com.

Let's be more like Fred.......2007-09-14

The Fred Factor
The Fred Factor is a rather small book that gives the details on how someone can, by its own motivation, get the extraordinary out of something rather common. The book gives an explanation of how the behaviour of someone can change when and if they commit to it. Some of the topics in the book are rather obious, but re-reading them every once and a while makes one reflect again on how we sometimes can go the extra mile and make a huge different.

We all have values. This book is about making sure that we don't forget about these values when we are doing our job. Let's all care and have a little Fred in us..

This book is worth the reading.

Koen
(review first posted on my blog on http://koen.blanquart.be/blog/item/99/ )

Fred Factor.......2007-09-10

Buying new from Amazon is almost always the best way to go. As a school secretary having them delivered to our door is always a plus. You are quick and accurate. As a college student I like to buy used and you take your chances doing this. BUT if you review who you are buying from FIRST you should have no problems. I have greatly appreciated the deals that I have gotten thru Amazon.

Choosing to Make a Difference is Leadership.......2007-08-28

Every day, in every individual interaction, we have a choice; a choice to make the interaction transactional or relational. That choice will make all the difference in the world to the quality of our lives.

In "The Fred Factor", motivational speaker Mark Sanborn tells the very real story of his postal delivery person, Fred - and how he gave definition to his job as a `service provider' by making mail delivery a relational interaction. Sanborn says that Fred exemplified 4 principles: Everyone Makes a Difference; Success is Built on Relationships; You Must Continually Create Value for Others and It Doesn't Have to Cost a Penny; You Can Reinvent Yourself Regularly. All very real and very useful principles, but perhaps the most valuable principle in this story and the other examples in the book is the principle of choice: Everyone has the choice to be a Leader, by making a difference in the lives of others. This book is highly recommended as a gift for those who say, "Why bother?"

Learn to be a Fred.......2007-08-23

This is a pass it forward book. I am a Fred and I have helped others find the Fred in them. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for everyone who is tired of seeing grumps in the office or in their home and wants to make a change. One person can make a difference if that peoson is a Fred.

Average customer rating:

DON'T READ THIS BOOK!!!
Grest Book
Good Book
highly recommended!!
not only for teens!

The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens
Sean Covey
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0684856093

Amazon.com

Based on his father's bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Sean Covey applies the same principles to teens, using a vivacious, entertaining style. To keep it fun, Covey writes, he "stuffed it full of cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world... along with a few other surprises." Did he ever! Flip open to any page and become instantly absorbed in real-life stories of teens who have overcome obstacles to succeed, and step-by-step guides to shifting paradigms, building equity in "relationship bank accounts," creating action plans, and much more.

As a self-acknowledged guinea pig for many of his dad's theories, Sean Covey is a living example of someone who has taken each of the seven habits to heart: be proactive; begin with the end in mind; put first things first; think win-win; seek first to understand, then to be understood; synergize; and sharpen the saw. He includes a comical section titled "The 7 Habits of Highly Defective Teens," which includes some, shall we say, counterproductive practices: put first things last; don't cooperate; seek first to talk, then pretend to listen; wear yourself out... Covey's humorous and up-front style is just light enough to be acceptable to wary teenagers, and down-and-dirty enough to really make a difference. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Being a teenager is both wonderful and challenging. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, author Sean Covey applies the timeless principles of the 7 Habits to teens and the tough issues and life-changing decisions they face. In an entertaining style, Covey provides a step-by-step guide to help teens improve self-image, build friendships, resist peer pressure, achieve their goals, get along with their parents, and much more. In addition, this book is stuffed with cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens will engage teenagers unlike any other book.

An indispensable book for teens, as well as parents, grandparents, and any adult who influences young people, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is destined to become the last word on surviving and thriving as a teen and beyond.

Customer Reviews:

DON'T READ THIS BOOK!!!.......2007-10-12

This book is the most painful book I've ever had to read. Spare yourself and don't read it.

Grest Book.......2007-09-12

This book is excellent to guide your children on the right path of life at an early age.

Good Book.......2007-09-02

The book was fine, after I ordered it from Books A Million. I had ordered it from Amazon's vendor "Warehouse Deals", and after waiting two weeks with no book and no response to my questions to "Warehouse Deals" I ordered from Books A Million. On their behalf Amazon did credit my account. Still have not had a response from the seller(?).

highly recommended!!.......2007-08-26

I actually bought this book for myself when I was 25 years old. I didn't buy it for a teenaged brother or a daughter. It was purely for myself. I had read Stephen Covey's "7 Habits..." when I was in college and was very inspired by the book but decided to buy this book just to check it out. It looked like a fun read and I was curious to know what Stephen's son had to say about the habits. As mentioned in other reviews, both books have exactly the same ideas except Sean's book presents the ideas in a much simpler form (without losing the essense). I think the simplicity of Sean's book actually enhances the message being communicated. And now, although I still have Stephen Covey's book, I refer back to Sean Covey's book instead when I want a refresher. I highly recommend this book to adults who are looking for inspirational self-help books. I am going out to buy Sean's other book which seem to be receiving higher acclaim. Cheers.

not only for teens!.......2007-08-20

I recommend this book for young adults too.The simple, no-nonsense approach of Sean Covey makes this book an easy read. There's no useless psychobabble in this book unlike other self-help books.

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

Average customer rating:

Required reading
Great bookI
A pleasant read
A must for anyone developing products
2107: "You People Lived in Filth!" - A sort of book review of Bill McDonough and Michael Braungart's Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
William McDonough , and Michael Braungart
Manufacturer: North Point Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0865475873

Amazon.com

Paper or plastic? Neither, say William McDonough and Michael Braungart. Why settle for the least harmful alternative when we could have something that is better--say, edible grocery bags! In Cradle to Cradle, the authors present a manifesto calling for a new industrial revolution, one that would render both traditional manufacturing and traditional environmentalism obsolete. Recycling, for instance, is actually "downcycling," creating hybrids of biological and technical "nutrients" which are then unrecoverable and unusable. The authors, an architect and a chemist, want to eliminate the concept of waste altogether, while preserving commerce and allowing for human nature. They offer several compelling examples of corporations that are not just doing less harm--they're actually doing some good for the environment and their neighborhoods, and making more money in the process. Cradle to Cradle is a refreshing change from the intractable environmental conflicts that dominate headlines. It's a handbook for 21st-century innovation and should be required reading for business hotshots and environmental activists. --Therese Littleton

Book Description

A manifesto for a radically different philosophy and practice of manufacture and environmentalism

"Reduce, reuse, recycle" urge environmentalists; in other words, do more with less in order to minimize damage. As William McDonough and Michael Braungart argue in their provocative, visionary book, however, this approach perpetuates a one-way, "cradle to grave" manufacturing model that dates to the Industrial Revolution and casts off as much as 90 percent of the materials it uses as waste, much of it toxic. Why not challenge the notion that human industry must inevitably damage the natural world, they ask.

In fact, why not take nature itself as our model? A tree produces thousands of blossoms in order to create another tree, yet we do not consider its abundance wasteful but safe, beautiful, and highly effective; hence, "waste equals food" is the first principle the book sets forth. Products might be designed so that, after their useful life, they provide nourishment for something new-either as "biological nutrients" that safely re-enter the environment or as "technical nutrients" that circulate within closed-loop industrial cycles, without being "downcycled" into low-grade uses (as most "recyclables" now are).

Elaborating their principles from experience (re)designing everything from carpeting to corporate campuses, the authors make an exciting and viable case for change.

Customer Reviews:

Required reading.......2007-10-11

This book should be required reading by all CEOs, and all engineering, architecture and design students. (I read it as a class assignment in Sustainable Interior Design). The author dismisses the idea that "ecological" has to equal "sacrifice" and points out that our problems will require more than band-aid type fixes. He proposes a radical rethinking of the way we approach design and manufacturing and backs it up with rational thought and real world examples. Despite its heft (literally, it weighs a ton because of the unusual paper stock), it's not a "heavy" read. It's very engaging and thought provoking. Highly recommended.

Additional recommendations: watch the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car"

Great bookI.......2007-10-09

I'm a student so it's really hard for me to find time to read books that aren't required for a class. No time! Anyway, great book, easy to read and compelling ideas. Definitely recommended.

A pleasant read.......2007-09-24

Definitely would recommend this to anyone who would like to learn about how societies will/should change to conform to the processes of nature. Significant change need to occur to shape a planet where humans can survive for a longer duration (than the current forecast). This means alleviating environmental threats that were initially caused by our own doing.

A must for anyone developing products.......2007-09-19

This book put a new light on the manufacturing process. I am currently studying to be an engineer, and upon reading this book, I feel I have gained important insight into how to ethically create products. The focus of the book is to show that being "less bad", as the current way of thinking promotes, is not the right mentality to have. Instead the book proposes that products need to be looked at in a renewable sense, that is, how can it be completely reused to make something new when its useful life has been spent (hence Cradle to Cradle and not Cradle to Grave). I found the book to be very inspirational and look forward to applying its ideas in my career.

2107: "You People Lived in Filth!" - A sort of book review of Bill McDonough and Michael Braungart's Cradle to Cradle.......2007-08-18

One hundred years isn't a long time. Yet, in the last one hundred years we can account for radical changes in the expectations that we - in the West at least - have concerning the standards of the food we eat and the conditions that we live in. We readily expect that our waste will neatly leave our homes, our malls, our schools, workplaces, and public spots en route to some place where it disappears from sight and smell forever. In fact, we rarely think about whether our waste ends up burnt, buried, or recycled, nor whether the food we dine on is thoroughly inspected and safe. We can think back to 1907 as a period in which there was nothing in the way of food safety standards (though a movement in that direction was initiated as a result of Upton Sinclair's novel The Jungle, which was published that same year). Nor was there any notion of labor rights, environmental protection, and many of the sanitation procedures that we often take for granted nowadays.

Looking back through history ever further, to the crowded city streets of Paris, London, or Rome in the 17th and 18th century, reveals a more distasteful reality of how people lived. The blood of slaughtered animals, along with human excrement and other waste flowed through the sewers of these magnificent cities. "How did people live like this?" we might wonder. We shutter to think about living in such conditions, which allowed for the rapid spread of pestilence and sickness, not to mention unthinkable stench. While this may still be the experience of too many in the developing world, a signal of the progress and greatness of the modernized West has been our ability to escape the condition of living in our own waste.

Yet I've wondered recently how those living in 2107 will look upon the collective condition of the world as it stands today? Will they think that we live in filth? Despite the fact that we can split atoms, fly space crafts around the solar system, cure many illnesses, make electricity from the sun's rays, and communicate with each other in a myriad of digital ways, I wonder if they will ask why we still chose to live in our waste? I think that they will find it extremely perplexing that a society as developed as ours, who has the self awareness and knowledge about the harm that we inflict on ourselves and for posterity - not to mention the multitude of living systems that we are embedded in - refused to develop a different course for humanity.

When I say that we live in filth I mean that we continue to choke on unsafe air from the cars we drive and the outdated and dangerous ways that we engage in mass industrialization. I mean that we continue to produce millions and millions of consumable products made from an array of unsafe chemicals that we know little about and which we simply burn or bury after we use them one or two times. I find it so perplexing that industry continues to spends so much time and energy developing products that will only be used for a small fraction of time by consumers, yet will spend hundreds of years in landfills (I'm thinking especially of the enormous amount of plastic packaging that most products come in, only to be discarded immediately).

We dump many of the items that we have no more use for into ever expanding landfills that are getting closer and closer to the places we live and the sources of water we eventually come to drink. We are, in effect, living in our own waste. We put zero amount of effort into thinking of ways to design the same products that we rely on daily so that they are not harmful for humans or the environments in which we live. Scratch that, we have the technology and the know how for making safer and better products, however we lack leaders (both political & business) with the will, courage, and vision to bring humanity into the next industrial revolution. The first industrial revolution centered on extracting resources from the Earth (with little thought of replacing them) and putting these resources through production processes that have amounted to harming both human and non-human life for many years to come. The next industrial revolution will be about reengineering the production of consumer goods so that the stuff we make is in accordance with our natural environment. It will be about plastics that are biodegradable and the eradication of materials that are not. It will be about more intelligent approaches to designing buildings, which will utilize natural light, wind patterns, and the surrounding ecosphere to produce happier places to work and live, and which no longer rely on burning fossil fuels for cooling, heating, and sanitation. It will be about re-conceptualizing how we design, plan, and imagine the cities that most of humanity has come to chose to live in.

I'm currently drinking a soda out of a plastic bottle made from polymers derived from petroleum. This bottle, which not only is derived from the most contested resource of our time (though clean water is quickly taking its place) will be intact for those living in 2107 to view and touch as an artifact of an era which may be known in the future as one of reckless disregard, ignorance, and waste. Even the popular notion of recycling many of the products that we use only serves to slow down the rate in which we are harming ourselves. Recycling for many products is really a process of downcycling - a term coined by Bill McDonough and Michael Braungart in their book Cradle to Cradle. The process of recycling a product essentially causes it to loose its quality each time it is put through the recycling process (assuming that individuals keep recycling each new plastic reincarnate). Even though I will recycle this bottle, and it will become another plastic product again, it will eventually have to be disregarded after going through a few recycles. Alas, we are really just slowing down the rate by which synthetics eventually reach our waste graveyards or incinerators. In addition, while it is thought to be a socially responsible activity, the process of recycling releases into the atmosphere dangerous toxins emitted by the burning of plastics during the recycling process.

What is radically different about the world from 1907, or 17th century European cities, is that we fully understand the consequences of continuing down the path we are on. Furthermore, we have the knowledge and creative ideas of how to alter that path. What we lack, sadly, is the will to cause massive social change in how we consume and live. McDonough and Braungart's text urges product designers, city planners, and architects to approach their designs with the future of humanity in mind. Interestingly, they are not saying that we need to save the planet, for the planet will still be here long after homo sapiens has expired. Their message is that we need to save ourselves from the harm we are inflicting on ourselves. Their cradle-to-cradle philosophy urges designers to make products that can easily be disassembled after their use and put back into the production cycle as something else. In this sense, products should have an immense shelf life, being able to become that same product again or easily transformed into some other consumer product. The idea is to rid ourselves of the current approach to production which is based on a cradle-to-grave approach: extract resources from the Earth to make consumer products which are then discarded (thrown away) into landfills or burnt up in incinerators, expelling unknown synthetic chemicals into the ecosphere which we rely on for life.

It's time for us to recognize that the approach to mass production and living brought on by the industrial revolution is antiquated. If anything, it's insulting that humanity has yet to update itself from what seems to be such an archaic paradigm of not only how we make things, but what are relationship ought to be with the multitude of living systems that we are embedded in. All other living species exist in an interdependent cyclical system in which their "wastes equals food" for some other set of beings. It's high time that we apply this age old and ubiquitous principle to how we manufacture and produce all the things that we need to live as well.

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