Book Description
India remains a mystery to many Americans, even as it is poised to become the world’s third largest economy within a generation, outstripping Japan. It will surpass China in population by 2032 and will have more English speakers than the United States by 2050. In In Spite of the Gods, Edward Luce, a journalist who covered India for many years, makes brilliant sense of India and its rise to global power. Already a number-one bestseller in India, his book is sure to be acknowledged for years as the definitive introduction to modern India.
In Spite of the Gods illuminates a land of many contradictions. The booming tech sector we read so much about in the West, Luce points out, employs no more than one million of India’s 1.1 billion people. Only 35 million people, in fact, have formal enough jobs to pay taxes, while three-quarters of the country lives in extreme deprivation in India’s 600,000 villages. Yet amid all these extremes exists the world’s largest experiment in representative democracy—and a largely successful one, despite bureaucracies riddled with horrifying corruption.
Luce shows that India is an economic rival to the U.S. in an entirely different sense than China is. There is nothing in India like the manufacturing capacity of China, despite the huge potential labor force. An inept system of public education leaves most Indians illiterate and unskilled. Yet at the other extreme, the middle class produces ten times as many engineering students a year as the United States. Notwithstanding its future as a major competitor in a globalized economy, American. leaders have been encouraging India’s rise, even welcoming it into the nuclear energy club, hoping to balance China’s influence in Asia.
Above all, In Spite of the Gods is an enlightening study of the forces shaping India as it tries to balance the stubborn traditions of the past with an unevenly modernizing present. Deeply informed by scholarship and history, leavened by humor and rich in anecdote, it shows that India has huge opportunities as well as tremendous challenges that make the future “hers to lose.”
Customer Reviews:
A Passage Through India .......2007-10-22
In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India
By Edward Luce
Edward Luce is a journalist who has spent time in India. His "In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India" is a good introduction to modern India. His observations help dispel some of the contradictions within modern India: extreme poverty juxtaposed with newly developed technology; traditional agricultural economy contrasted with modern conveniences and communication; and India's relative stability within the South Asian community.
The British Partition of India in 1947 with predominantly Muslim concentration in the North and in Pakistan; and majority Hindus in the South, set the stage for religious and ethnic disputes that still continue.
Curiously, relatively few Indian Muslims have joined the Jihadist movements against the west that have rocked Pakistan.... Including the recent car bomb explosions that were aimed at exiled Pakistani leader Bhutto.
"But history turned out the way it did. And so India entered into independence with a large Muslim minority, many of whom went through the conundrum of watching close family members migrate to Pakistan forever. Though their decision to remain in India should have put Indian Muslims beyond suspicion, their loyalties were constantly called into question. It is a terrible Irony of partition that the Muslims who remained behind in India and those who left for Pakistan, should have as good a claim as any others to being true Indians and true Pakistanis respectively given the sacrifices they made. The contradiction of partition has yet to die out." (In Spite of The Gods, P. 227)
Luce examines the challenges to India, which he calls "Herculean", public health, the environment, external relations, and public confidence in the government. He says "the most coherent threat to India's liberal democracy is Hindu nationalism." He points to the "emergency" declared by former President Gandhi in the 1970's as an example of the failure of autocratic rule in India.
Beating the Odds.......2007-10-13
edward luce's journalistic writing style makes this book an easy read. it does a good job of putting into context the "hindu rate of growth" that existed for so long after india regained her independence. but just as a big ship takes longer to change direction than a smaller boat, so does a large, diverse country that has been steeped in tradition and religious constraints for so many centuries.
similarly, just as greed and selfishness are unfortunate bi-products of capitalism gone wild in the new world, so is "caste-ism" and corruption of an economic system based on social classes which has been the rule for thousands of years. yet, as the author points out, it is this very tradition and sense of history that will keep the balloon of prosperity which has been unleashed, to remain tethered to the ground as it finds it's way into the modern skies.
in summary, the book is a good bridge from the old to the new and a good primer for anyone interested in understanding the paradox of modern india.
A must read for anyone trying to understand modern India.......2007-09-18
This is an important book on modern India. Edward Luce has been a foreign correspondent in India for many years and knows the country well. He provides a comprehensive survey of the politics and economics of India going into the 21st century. I was initially disappointed by the opening pages dealing with a few new-age types living in luxury and marveling at the spirituality of India while completely ignoring the poverty. Reading on I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this was only an introduction to demonstrate what is wrong with many Westerner's perception of India. The book provides an unflinching look at India, warts and all. While some sections may seem overly critical, we live in an imperfect world and the same things are wrong in many other countries, to a greater or lesser extent. The rest of the world continues to function and even prosper and India does so too. The book also discusses the huge untapped potential of the country and the things that need to happen to assure future growth and development. I found the chapters on recent changes in religious practices and the rise of fundamentalism very eye-opening. The significance of attributing the domestication of the horse to the Indus Valley civilization is fascinating (I won't give this one away). In Spite of the Gods is a must read for anyone trying to understand modern India.
To spite the Gods?.......2007-09-15
I picked up this book when I was on a trip, mainly because of the intriguing title. I thought, well, here is someone who will tell us how our Gods hold us back economically. Especially, as many of us worship Lakshmi ji, the Goddess of prosperity, every day!
As it turns out, I was quite wrong. The title has absolutely no connection with the contents of the book, except perhaps to insinuate that India has progressed economically despite being religious. Or to help along sales. [Do note the rhyming with the original expression 'in spite of the odds'. Possibly Mr. Luce thinks that Hindu Gods were holding back India's progress, or that perhaps they are the real odds?]
The book is more or less a compilation of wisdom received from the author's Indian friends, and select social circle. I was unable to find any original insight or conclusion in the book. However, Mr. Luce does present the old and tired wisdom of assorted Indian intellectuals in a refreshingly witty way. In the end, the book is just a large collection of articles, such as you would find in any weekly or fortnightly newsmagazine or in any mainstream English language newspaper published in India. This is understandable, given the fact that Mr. Luce, after all is merely a journalist, used to regurgitating what others tell him. There is some useful information though, including tidbits about the high and mighty of Indian establishment.
Expectedly, Mr. Luce is most positive about and impressed with the economic side of Indian growth. He cites any number of examples of the growing economic strength and its implications. There may not be anything new in this, but the endorsement sounds nice, coming from a Western journalist.
However, his views on the cultural and religious aspects are a different thing altogether. He mostly holds the majority community as being directly responsible for India's perceived cultural backwardness, for the condition of the women and children, and for the distressing law and order situation. He also suggests that Bajrang Dal has been responsible for two out of three major riots in the last 25 years (the third being laid at the door of Congress). However, this is mere reductionism - he conveniently ignores hundreds of small riots which break out every year across India, on the slightest pretext.
This liberal confusion continues: when it comes to dealing with Muslims, he suddenly switches the canvas to South Asia, from just India! This serves two purposes: first it helps him cover the pre-1947 developments. Second, it allows him to include Kashmir in the discussion. Dealing with Kashmir within the framework of India would have perhaps been sacrilegious?
That said, it is therefore surprising to see an endorsement of the book by Mr. Mark Tully, whose work is as close to Mr. Luce's as North Pole is to South Pole. Perhaps Mr. Tully was merely helping along a fellow Briton. Or perhaps he was made to sign the endorsement using some frightfully sinister threat...
The book is very nicely bound, and the printing and paper is quite pleasing. So is Mr. Luce's writing style, humorous and engaging. However, sometimes it is a little tiring also, as you (as an Indian) sometimes feel that you are the [...]. of his jokes and gratuitous insinuations.
Buy this book if you quickly want to update yourself on the current perceptions of the fashionable and the intellectual. Skip it if you want to learn anything worthwhile.
Bad statistic.......2007-09-10
In discussing the low ratio of girls to boys, the author states that, in the West, there are 105 girls born for every 100 boys. That is not true. Even in the West, there are more boys born than girls. The numbers should be reversed.
Book Description
A Leadership Network Publication
Spiritual leaders must become experts in matters of the heart. They must learn to discern God at work in their own lives, shaping their hearts to embrace the particular ministries to which they are called. A Work of Heart shows how God prepares leaders today just as he did in biblical times-and how God creates these leaders in order to share his heart with his people.
Customer Reviews:
A Work of the Heart.......2007-09-12
It is said that before one can address a problem - or opportunity - one must understand that problem (or opportunity). McNeal certainly has understood the opportunity offered the Christian Church to reach out to a pre-Christian (not post-Christian) North American culture. This work presents a passionate appeal to transition to a missional, externally focused approach to ministry by gaining insight into how God shapes the hearts of spiritual leaders through six distinct shaping dynamics in the Christian life. These spiritually formed leaders will have drawn closer to the heart of God, thus recognizing their call to serve in Jesus' name and in His way. Excellent book. Highly recommend.
The Best.......2007-08-21
Absolutely the best book on spiritual leadership and development I've ever read! I have bought and sent numerous copies to friends involved in spiritual leadership positions. I'm sold on Reggie McNeal and the powerful scriptural insights he shares.
Outstanding book on leadership.......2007-07-16
One of the best books on leadership I have ever read. The four brief biographies (on Moses, David, Paul and Jesus) that make up the first part of the book are extremely insightful and practical. McNeal writes with authenticity and clarity. There's not a lot of "fluff" or stuff that's rehashed from one leadership book to another. Every chapter is well worth a slow read. His dry wit also adds some spice to the read. Very good stuff.
Very clear writer - Easy to understand - Deep thoughts.......2007-05-14
Great content - I learned a lot
What is a Call from God?.......2006-08-05
Are you wondering if God is calling you to something? Are you stuck on the idea that "calling" is something reserved for ordained ministers and that's just not you? I think this book can help.
A Work of Heart is broken down into two main sections. The first section follows the lives of Moses, David, Paul and Jesus. It's written in an easy to read narrative style. The second half of the books presents the more concrete nuts and bolts.
I really think the book will help people answer for themselves, "What is a call from God," "Do I have a calling," and "What is it I'm called to be."
While the book is applicable to any Believer, it's a must read for any one even considering going into Seminary or religious studies with the intent to serve in vocational ministry.
Average customer rating:
- Well researched , but a bit dry
- Against The Gods, a highly recommended book for MBA
- So Close to Wonderful
- Unpretentious and pleasant
- Are you risk-seeker or risk-averse?
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Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk
Peter L. Bernstein
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ASIN: 0471121045 |
Amazon.com
With the stock market breaking records almost daily, leaving longtime market analysts shaking their heads and revising their forecasts, a study of the concept of risk seems quite timely. Peter Bernstein has written a comprehensive history of man's efforts to understand risk and probability, beginning with early gamblers in ancient Greece, continuing through the 17th-century French mathematicians Pascal and Fermat and up to modern chaos theory. Along the way he demonstrates that understanding risk underlies everything from game theory to bridge-building to winemaking.
Book Description
A Business Week, New York Times Business, and USA Today Bestseller
"Ambitious and readable . . . an engaging introduction to the oddsmakers, whom Bernstein regards as true humanists helping to release mankind from the choke holds of superstition and fatalism." -The New York Times
"An extraordinarily entertaining and informative book." -The Wall Street Journal
"A lively panoramic book . . . Against the Gods sets up an ambitious premise and then delivers on it." -Business Week
"Deserves to be, and surely will be, widely read." -The Economist
"[A] challenging book, one that may change forever the way people think about the world." -Worth
"No one else could have written a book of such central importance with so much charm and excitement." -Robert Heilbroner author, The Worldly Philosophers
"With his wonderful knowledge of the history and current manifestations of risk, Peter Bernstein brings us Against the Gods. Nothing like it will come out of the financial world this year or ever. I speak carefully: no one should miss it." -John Kenneth Galbraith Professor of Economics Emeritus, Harvard University
In this unique exploration of the role of risk in our society, Peter Bernstein argues that the notion of bringing risk under control is one of the central ideas that distinguishes modern times from the distant past. Against the Gods chronicles the remarkable intellectual adventure that liberated humanity from oracles and soothsayers by means of the powerful tools of risk management that are available to us today.
"An extremely readable history of risk." -Barron's
"Fascinating . . . this challenging volume will help you understand the uncertainties that every investor must face." -Money
"A singular achievement." -Times Literary Supplement
"There's a growing market for savants who can render the recondite intelligibly-witness Stephen Jay Gould (natural history), Oliver Sacks (disease), Richard Dawkins (heredity), James Gleick (physics), Paul Krugman (economics)-and Bernstein would mingle well in their company." -The Australian
Customer Reviews:
Well researched , but a bit dry.......2007-10-16
As a statistics and economics teacher, I naturally jumped at this book. But while I found some parts to be interesting, I didn't love it. All too often, I found it a bit boring -- not nearly a page turner, like When Genius Failed, Fortune's Formula, Fermat's Enigma, or many other books that Amazon puts on the boat. It read to me more like a history textbook on a niche subject -- not really what I was hoping for.
I did learn a lot from reading it, but I found that I could only read one short chapter at a time before nodding off.
Against The Gods, a highly recommended book for MBA.......2007-09-18
The reason that I bought this book was because it was highly recommended by the teachers at my MBA class.
They were not kidding, from head to toe its very good and kept my attention till the end. It has been of great help to me. Aside the history content it helps you to think on how to mitigate risk and how improve the opportunities.
So Close to Wonderful.......2007-08-14
Bernstein does an adequate job bringing the concepts together, but this is not a page-turner. I found myself reading on for the promise of insight, and he offers some, but the writing is a bit dull.
Unpretentious and pleasant.......2007-07-10
Bernstein is an interesting writer since he is the consummate finance insider- a practioner, regulator and academic. This range helps and harms the book - in his efforts to render the history of risk, he delves into anecdotal caricatures while amusing definitely smack of basis risk with the underlying ideas that are provocative enough! I found the behavioural finance and derivatives section to be rather basic but then realised the book was written in 1996. It's a pleasant read but a more pragmatic introduction to probability is the infinitely witty Cartoon Guide to Statistics.
Are you risk-seeker or risk-averse?.......2007-07-01
According to this book you are both, it only depends on the point of view that is presented. I enjoy the book from the beginning to end, especially the last three chapters. The history and analysis of rational behavior is enlightening, to anyone who has ever thought about the process of decision.
Amazon.com
Maximize the Moment is a biblically-based self-help book by T.D. Jakes, a leading African-American pastor, motivational speaker, and the author of The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord. Jakes begins the book with a powerful reminder of the frailty of life, the reason that "we should maximize and prioritize our time and esteem it as precious." In a straightforward, humble style, Jakes teaches readers to reach their God-given potential in family, work, and spiritual life. His advice, in short, is to think of every moment as an opportunity for decision, and then to make decisions that are always faithful and constructive. The passages advocating freedom from fear-filled and destructive relationships are especially powerful, and well-crafted to be useful for both men and women. Maximize the Moment also has a wealth of sayings that stick in the brain without the cloying sentiment that often colors self-help books. "The wisest thing we can do," Jakes writes, "is minimize the liabilities, plan for the unexpected, enjoy the ecstasies, endure the disappointments, and then face the inevitable."
Book Description
Using ageless biblical principles, Bishop T.D. Jakes teaches that every moment of every day, God provides all we need to achieve success. In Maximize the Moment, he explains how to release ourselves from damaging relationships and debilitating fears, how to face and conquer obstacles that may stand in our path to success, and how to move beyond our painful pasts.
"His stories are thought provoking, his guidelines are easy to follow and his questions allow the reader to align the course of his or her life to the biblical precepts presented in the book." (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Customer Reviews:
WHOA.......2006-11-21
I am a fan of Bishop Jakes i love his sermons i watch him on television and i own other books but out of all the books i own this is the one who hit home for me. Made me feel really good about changing my life actually has be looking forward to my TROUBLES this is a very powerful book, definitely worth it especially if your unhappy about your life and are seeking the Lord and you just can't let the troubles of this world go THIS IS FOR YOU!
Inspiring!.......2006-04-01
I read this book cover to cover---my first self-help book where i actually read tyhe whole thing! i reccommend that when reading this book, to highlight every statement that touches you, stands out to you, and inspires you. After finishing the book, i went back and wrote down everything that i had highlighted and placed the words in a journal so that i can refer to td jakes' words over and over again! this book is a must read. you will enjoy it, pick it up!
Big man, big heart, big message.......2005-08-05
The fact T. D. Jakes is a successful businessman, as well as a successful evangelist and pastor, makes "Maximize the Moment" stand apart from many other books about Christian living. It's a double header kind of book, worth the time because of the Christian message and equally worth the time for the success-in-business-and-life message. Give it as a gift to anybody because there's a bucketful of good information in these pages for all of life.
Outstanding!.......2004-10-10
I have always admired this man, T.D. Jakes. I feel his teaching is superb and his insights of the Word of God excellent. In this book, I was not disappointed in the knowledge he shared.
In this work, he teaches how to overcome damaging effects from relationships, fears and many other obstacles that life has put in our path. He teaches the Biblical principles and how we can turn around hurtful life experiences and use them to our advantage. I found the information he shares very useful and informative, written in a clear, easy to understand manner.
This is a great book that you will turn to time and time again for encouragement and wisdom. Recommended!
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review
MAXIMIZE THE MOMENT.......2004-02-02
ON THE SHELF NEXT TO THE BIBLE. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK. IT'S GREAT.
Book Description
One of the foremost financial writers of his generation, Peter Bernstein has the unique ability to synthesize intellectual history and economics with the theory and practice of investment management. Now, with this one-of-a-kind boxed set, you will be able to enjoy three of the most important and critically acclaimed books by this engaging investment writer -- Capital Ideas, Against the Gods, and The Power of Gold.
Read Capital Ideasand trace the origins of modern Wall Street. Read the bestseller Against the Gods and learn how risk taking propelled the progress of science and enterprise into the modern world. Read The Power of Gold for the story of historys most coveted, celebrated, and inglorious asset. Order the set today.
Customer Reviews:
Capital product!.......2007-10-10
Great read for anyone interested in finance or business. Delivered on time and in great shape.
good books.......2006-11-11
they can make you sleep soon, but I can dream the content I red before falling into sleep.
Book Description
Dennis Peacocke provides eleven master principles on which businesses should be built. Learn the difference between riches and wealth, leadership and management, and God's view of money and private property. This is a must read for any Christian business professional. Now in its second printing!
Customer Reviews:
Book Review of "Doing Business God's Way".......2003-10-12
A friend gave me this book and it is one of the most annointed books I've read on this topic. I would recommend it to anyone interested in marketplace ministry.
Real Impact in Our Lives & Business.......2003-09-04
My father, brother and I work out of the same building. We studied Mr. Peacock's book together. The old principles he helps us remember and understand have been practical for our graphic design, network administration, and CPA businesses. DOING BUSINESS GOD'S WAY has changed the way we plan, purchase and hire. We highly recommend this book.
Finding Purpose in Business.......2000-01-12
Excellent Book. Dispells the myth that those not earning their living as professional "full-time ministers" are somehow second-class Christians. Erases line between spiritual and secular activities. God uses property to teach us priciples of responsibility, authority and hard work. Just like the parables of the talents and the minas, our ability and willingness to apply our creativity, ingenuity, perseverance and effort in handling the resources entrusted to us leads to greater responsibility in God's Kingdom. If you are looking for purpose in your work beyond merely earning another dollar... I highly recommend this book.
Book Description
In 1951, a twenty-five-year old Yale graduate published his first book, which exposed the extraordinarily irresponsible educational attitude that prevailed at his alma mater. This book rocked the academic world and catapulted its young author, William F. Buckley Jr., into the public spotlight.
Customer Reviews:
Student, Instructor, and Alumni.......2006-12-18
Implicit in a democracy is the free conversation of ideas. Ideas compete with each other for acceptance by individuals, society as a whole and institutions. One of these institutions is the University. Should the University form the argument or do the professors independently make arguments quite independent what the alumni or University president wants made. Does a University organize around a certain concept or school of thought. Does the University President and trustees form the bases of the argument or do they blindly hire people of a certain criteria and let the pieces fall where they will.
William F. Buckley forms the argument that Yale University of the late 1940's and early 1950's has a school of thought about economics, religion, and society that are not consistent with the values and goals of the alumni of the period the book was written. To be sure the University President claims the values taught at Yale were quite by accident protecting the higher value of academic freedom.
William F. Buckley goes into some detail about how religion and Christianity is expressed by various faculty who teach to the none theological student. One Professor agressively makes theoutdatedness of Christianity with apologetic type arguments, but mostly through characterization. While a Chrisian professor makes some apologetical arguments and careful not to be offensive to the none Christians. The author also goes into some great detail about the social studies department.
William F. Buckley evaluates the economic training at Yale. The role of private enterprize and government in producing and distributing wealth. The author further explains that emphasis on the govermental role and wealth redistribution effect the political thought and occupational goals of the student and recent graduate of the University. He further believes a large portion of the alumni and parents of the student would not be comfortable with what is taught at the University.
Are you a Conservative? DON'T miss this tome..........2005-12-10
What can one say of "God And Man At Yale" that has not already been said? (There must be something, otherwise, why should I start this review?) It is a classic in Conservative thinking, a primer for civilized debate, and a template for structured reasoning. This book came at the forefront of a wave of the new American Conservatism, which seemed like the last dying gasps of the old American conservatism when it initially arrived on the scene in 1951.
Shortly following Buckley's cajoling of Yale, Goldwater ran for President, Phylliss Schlafly battled feminist tyrants and Reagan was swept into office as a result of it all. A whole world of conservative thinkers and pundits found a waiting fan-base, one that Buckley gently "broke in" for all of us.
OK, so that is the history... but what of the book?
Certainly, the names of the then teachers, professors and administrators that Buckley took to task are irrelevant and so is the course load descriptions this far removed from the days of "God and Man Af Yale". But the central argument has, if anything, gotten more acutely realized. That religion, economics and American exceptionalism is anathema to the properly arranged University professor is nearly accepted as axiomatic by everyone on both sides of the issue these days, 50 years after the book was first published. Few argue the point as they attempted to do in the name of "fairness" in Buckley's days at Yale.
But, I will show here a quote from the book that shows Buckley's prescience: "I myself believe that the duel between Christianity and atheism is the most important in the world. I further believe that the struggle between individualism and collectivism is the same struggle reproduced on another level. I believe that if and when the menace of Communism is gone, other vital battles, at present subordinated, will emerge to the foreground."
And that is just where we stand today. Certainly the struggle against Islamofascism is an important one, but we are seeing the University embattled by conservative students and parents more each day in the post Communist world, now that we have the luxury to do so. Communism is on the down turn and we now have the energy to address the sorry state of affairs in American education- as well as the tools with the internet. The building disgust about leftists in the Universities is palpable and growing. We are edging ever more toward "doing something" about it all at long last. Buckley should be excited about the immediate future for the turn around of American education.
Also, this book is a great example on how to structure an argument. Using this book as a template would do any debater well.
Thanks, Mr. Buckley. You have inspired many of us.
God Not a Universal Perception.......2005-06-25
With all due respect to Mr. Buckley's respect for his religion, Catholicism, the revelation to me is that scholarly steeples at Yale apparently affect persons differently. Some see them as hallowed, others as mere obstacles to hurdle in pursuit of what are often portrayed as lofty ideals within the context of Godly acceptance. For most people those ideals do not easily include pedophilia, but when I once read a "scholarly" paper from the 1960's that defended the practice (though typically moreso in an effort to reconicile the dilemma), it became clear to me that God is not a universal perception at Yale, nor is humankind. Trying to appreciate the scholarship and insightful method of choosing so brave a topic during that period, I still found it hard to accept that anyone - well educated - could justify or minimize the harm done to an innocent. Today, in 2005 my opinions are unchanged, and in fact, perhaps are far more biased for learning of the extent to which Catholicism allowed such acts to become what could only be called a universal norm. The Biblical passage that comes to mind is one well known by most Christian, and the shorted in the Bible, it is said. "Jesus wept." This is the logic most expect from the quality of Yale regardless of how well written or scholarly it is done if Christianity is the objective.
This is one of the best books that I have read criticizing t.......2005-06-22
It was an honor to read God and Man at Yale, by William Buckley, Jr. In his book, Mr. Buckley writes (in his incredible prose that is unmatched by any other political pundit around) that the 1950s Yale has reached a turning point: it can continue to move towards secularism and socialism, and ultimately work against the public good, or it can choose to proselytize the virtues of individualism and spiritualism (the Christian sort, according to Buckley).
Buckley argues that Yale should stand for something. Skepticism is not a worthy virtue if it does not arrive at a conclusion. Skepticism should be in furtherance of conviction, Buckley argues, rather than skepticism for skepticism sakes. This is a departure from the Socratic method, where the entire purpose is proving how little we know, never arriving at a point or conclusion.
Buckley is perhaps the modern architect of a conversation revolution that has been growing over the last forty years. Some of the theoretical prescriptions that Buckley has outlined have not been proven to be successful over time. Buckley urges Yale alumni to withhold providing support to the university so long as it continues to advance secularism and collectivism. This may well have modified the behavior of the administration at the edges, but it certainly has not changed the foundation of the modern university, let alone Yale. Yale is now at the epicenter of liberalism, spewing as much liberalism as a modern Berkeley classroom. It is arguable that most Yale alumni do not care about the values that Buckley had preached, and if this is so, Buckley is still vindicated since he argued that Yale alumni should simply investigate to determine if the university is furthering values that run counter to their own.
It does make sense, though, that a university should not be a hot bed of crazy ideas simply to allow students the chance to make the right decisions as to what is the public good. Some causes are, simply put, not part of the public good - such as Nazis and socialism. Under Buckley's system, which I would support, the alumni of Yale (and most other universities) should withhold contributing to the university unless they fire communist and socialistic professors, especially those teaching classes such as Marxism, which gives students an unrealistically positive impression of Marx, as well as economics, where modern economic principles are likely to be slammed in favor of socialistic economic principles. This is one of the best books that I have read criticizing the malaise in academia.
Waste of Paper.......2005-06-03
Not since St. Augustine has there been such a whining, carping screed begging for Christian inculcation by a celebrated intellect. I'm not even sure why this is a book. A cranky letter to the dean, and president of the alumni association would have served his purpose, and saved a few trees as well.
Without going into detail, or needing to, you will find in a nutshell that Mr. Buckley feels it's fine for Yale faculty of faith to gently shepherd students toward Christian beliefs within their science and math classes, but it's a sin for the other, heathen, atheistic masters, to rampage through the clay of young minds and, in one semester, destroy the fragile faith of 18 to 20 years of Christian indoctrination. Pu-leese!
I'll grant you he was only 25, and at that time standing up for one's individual ideals was new, but why is it still in print! On the other hand, in today's renewed climate of monkey-brained hysteria in the classroom perhaps it might seem to be time to dig up an old reactionary guru or two for validation. In fact, soon I wouldn't be surprised to hear that some addlebrained congressman was trying to pass a law mandating the teaching of Buckleism in schools.
Cool book title though!
Book Description
Lift Your Vision High
Vision is a preferred future. A destination. Vision always stands in contrast to the world as it is. Visioneering, according to bestselling author Andy Stanley, is âa clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.â With warm, down-to-earth practicality, Andy Stanley explores the ordinary life of Nehemiah and his God-given vision for accomplishing the extraordinary. He shows how the life of this great ancient visionary, determined to rebuild the ruined walls of Jerusalem, reveals principles that can prepare us to find and follow God’s multifaceted vision for our own lives. Now this bestseller is again available in an attractive, affordable paperback!
Everybody ends up somewhere in life.
You can end up somewhere on purpose!
Visioneering is the engineering of a vision. It’s the process one follows to develop and maintain vision. âVision,â writes Andy Stanley , âis a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.â
In the bestselling Visioneering, Stanley builds a compelling case for the necessity of a clear, God-ordained vision for each of the roles of your life. Whether you’re a parent with a vision for your children or a CEO pursuing a corporate vision, Visioneering is the perfect tool to help you develop and maintain God’s unique purpose for your life.
âVisioneering is the best book on vision I’ve seen. It will put you on track to discovering God’s purpose for your life. In my course âThe Vision of the Leader,â I quote from Andy’s book more than any other. Visioneering should be on the bookshelf of every pastor, business leader, and parent in America . I heartily endorse it!â
âDr. Bruce Wilkinson ,
Chairman, Dream for Africa
Story Behind the Book
Andy Stanley, the pastor of more than 15,000, knows a lot of people, and is well aware of the overwhelming and mutual desire nearly every Christian holds to find and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. This book was written to stir these hearts and move people forward by providing tangible steps to getting from Point A to Point B. âAs Christians,â states Stanley, âwe do not have a right to take our talents, abilities, experiences, opportunities, and education and run off in any direction we please.â This book was written to provide a specific plan for going in the right direction. It truly is âGod’s blueprint for developing and maintaining personal vision.â
Customer Reviews:
A great read for future business and community leaders.......2007-08-26
I enjoy Andy's writing style and he has done a great job on Visioneering.
By adding a practical blueprint for creating your personal vision, Andy also lays out a path for creating a business vision. His views on lining up your business vision with your personal vision makes a lot of sense. As an entrepreneur who is now mentoring several business leaders and speaking around the world, I know how difficult it is to keep your business vision aligned with your personal vision and goals. This book really helps. There is no reason to put your life balance asside as you climb the business ladder. Check it out.
...this book is still a reasonably good book on personal strategic planning!.......2007-02-22
Visioneering: God's Blueprint for Developing and Maintaining Personal Vision
by Andy Stanley
This is essentially the paper-pack version of the author's earlier hard-back book bearing the same title. My copy of the hard-back was published in 2001.
With due respect & from a secular standpoint, - subtracting all the religious connotations in the book -, I want to say that this book is still a reasonably good book on personal strategic planning.
In particular, I like the author's definition & point of view: "Vision is a preferred future. A destination. Vision always stands in contrast to the world as it is. Visioneering is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be."
Also, among the eighteen chapters, Chapter 13: 'Moral Authority' is certainly an interesting chapter to read, as it is a material departure from most, if not all, visioning or visioneering books!
I reckon this book will appeal more to those readers with a Christian background. I had originally bought this book without realising it (in reality, I had overlooked the secondary title on the book cover), but I have no regrets.
Own it! What are you waiting for?.......2006-08-25
This book has changed my personal and ministerial life as a pastor. You don't have to be a pastor to appreciate this work. Whoever you are and wherever you are, this book is for you. Life will never be the same for you.
Book Description
For many people, struggling from paycheck to paycheck is a way of life. Nearly all of their income is spent paying credit card bills, mortgages and car notes, a frustrating pattern with no apparent end in sight. When emergencies arise,they resort to borrowing more money or juggling bills just to make ends meet.
Customer Reviews:
A true gem.......2006-09-05
A simple and straight to the point book. My husband and I read this book and practised every step outlined in it and went from roughly -$3400 to $20000 in the bank in 6 months NO LIE. If you are not lazy and practice what is written in this book you will truely be with No More Debt. I love Pastor Dollar's teaching because he does it with clarity only laziness can keep you in debt after reading this book.
This book works!.......2006-05-28
I did pay all my debt and now I'm debt free. Thanks to Creflo Dollar and this book. You will have to put principles to work. Not just read the book. Do what he says to you and you will be amazed with results.
BIG Inspiration .......2005-12-16
Dr. Creflo Dollar has been a true inpiration in my life since i was 17 years old, anything i review from him will recieve 5 stars, he really inspires me to do better in life, and the battle between good and evil in my life, the word is what keeps me going another day, if i didnt have the word that Dr. Dollar preached to me the first time i heard him i probably would be in jail, or dead.
Supernatural Debt cancellation.......2003-10-30
This will help us attain a supernatural debt cancellation
Take Your Time.......2003-10-09
This book is awesome and amazing. I read this book twice. The first time I cheated myself and I read the book like a novel. You can read a novel quick (2 or 3 days), but you shouldn't read teaching books that fast. When I read it the second time, I took my time, highlighted, underlined, took notes, and most importantly I put the principles into action. When I did it this way, I received so much revelation that I didn't receive the first time.
There are only two systems that exist in this life. God's system and the devil's system. There are no in-betweens. Of course, we know that the world's system is under the devil's system. You can handle your finances according to God's system or the world's system. 'No More Debt' is a prosperity course (simplicity level) on how to get out of debt God's way. Don't just read this book quickly just to say that you read it. Take your time with it and apply it to your life. As a result of reading this book, I've seen a change in my finances and am on my way to debt-free living.
Book Description
In God Wants You to Be Rich, bestselling author Paul Zane Pilzer provides an original, provocative view of how to accumulate wealth and why it is beneficial to all of humankind. A theology of economics, this book explores why God wants each of us to be rich in every way -- physically, emotionally, and financially -- and shows the way to prosperity, well-being, and peace of mind.
Customer Reviews:
Yes, God does, but..........2007-10-21
Yes, God does want you to be rich, but please avoid Judas' fate. He was mislead by his desire/attachment to wealth and as a result he betrayed Jesus. When he realized he had been used by well intentioned religious leaders, he killed himself. Beware of your own motive for riches. And yes, God has blessed me with wealth.
Do you want to buy this book?.......2004-04-12
I haven't decided whether or not the title of this book is making it more saleable or not. I had a totally different idea about what this book would be about because of the title, and since I hadn't read anything else by Pilzer at the time, I was skeptical.
THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENALLY FASCINATING.
Again, the title is extremely misleading, and after asking the author about it, he said that his publisher gave it that title. Of course, the title of "Why economics are like they are" might be more appropriate, but it is in no way indicative of how PHENOMENALLY FASCINATING this book is.
I am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL that the title made me buy the book, and was happily deceived by it. One of my top favorites ever, and you'll note that I read ALOT. PLEASE read this book- it will make you INFINITELY more informed.
This is an MIND-OPENING book!!.......2003-12-21
This book is PHENOMENAL, and I'm no rookie when it comes to reading this type of material. You name the author, I've gotten at least a piece of him/her: Kiyosaki, Robbins, Hansen, Hill, Carnegie, Orman, Schwartz.
"God wants you to be rich" is PHENOMENAL, and I can't wait to track down everything else he's written. So far, the title has been completely misleading in that I was expecting something ENTIRELY different. Then again "economic theory and how it'll change" is hardly an interesting title.
Did I mention that this book is PHENOMENAL, and that it's REALLY PROPHETIC?? This is a pre-internet book, and yet it discusses how technology changes the world and the economy. No matter WHAT the title suggests, this book is NOT AT ALL what you'd expect. This book is entirely engaging; he writes with enough examples so you know EXACTLY what he means, and each one of them is FASCINATING.
PLEASE do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK- it'll COMPLETELY change the way you see the economic world- ESPECIALLY if you're completely UNINTERESTED in it!
Warmed over material and Misleading Title.......2003-02-26
I bought two of Paul's books on the strength of ... reviews and I have to say that both were hugely disappointing and a complete waste of money and time. This guy has a knack for recycling widely published material (I mean books, magazines, television, you name it) and packaging it in a way that is decidedly NOT entertaining or engaging. This book is not about how God wants you to be rich and there's nothing in here about how you can enjoy material and spiritual wealth. It's Paul's explaination of how technology drives growth in a free market economy along with copious supporting evidence, prescriptions for changes in government policy, etc. While I agree with much of what he says, its nothing new and, frankly, he doesn't write very well. Life is short: Don't waste it on bad books.
Mr. Theology, let me introduce you to Mr. Economics..........2002-09-05
After reading Paul Zane Pilzer's first book, "Unlimited Wealth", I was anxious to read this one. And since I'm a Christian, and the author is Jewish, he comes from the Old Testiment's perspective that during the time of Abraham, God promised him wealth. This well written book helps to explain the theology of economics in today's society. As also stated in "Unlimted Wealth", we have an endless supply of resources. And where one technology fades away, another one takes its place. Two good examples are how CD's have replaced vinyl records and how fuel injectors have mostly replaced carberators in automobiles. We are given the premise all things come from God, and we have at our disposal new technolgies which have the potential to increase our wealth and quality of life. There is a very extensive bibliography with excellent support for the arguments in this book. Finally, we now know that being rich isn't evil or a sin. In the final analysis, it's how we use our wealth that counts. For it is indeed the "love" of money that is the root of evil. An excellent book. I highly recommend it.
Books:
- Individual Differences and Development in Organisations (Wiley Handbooks in Work & Organizational Psychology)
- Introduction to the Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
- ISO 14001 Environmental Certification Step by Step: Revised Edition
- It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
- Lean Thinking : Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation, Revised and Updated
- Making Your Move to One of America's Best Small Towns: How to Find a Great Little Place as Your Next Home Base
- Making Your Move to One of America's Best Small Towns: How to Find a Great Little Place as Your Next Home Base
- Managerial Economics & Business Strategy + Data Disk
- Managing European Coasts: Past, Present and Future (Environmental Science and Engineering / Environmental Science)
- Memoirs of a Recovering Autocrat: Revealing Insights for Managing the Autocrat in All of Us
Books Index
Books Home
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China Shakes the World: A Titan's Rise and Troubled Future -- and the Challenge for America
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