"What matters from this point forward is not what we say but what we do. We must rise up and confront those who no longer believe in America as the exceptional bastion of freedom that it is... Let it not be said we shrank from the great calling of our times: to faithfully defend the 'last best hope' of freedom that is the United States."

I've felt a little flooded with all of the discussions around Trump and all that is happening in politics right now. With that said, David Horowitz is able to bring in some thought provoking and cogent arguments for the Trump "Big Agenda." There are many points I disagree with Horowitz on, but agree with much of the essence I gleaned from this work of his. A quick read that may help provide a peak behind the curtain of a pro-Trump mind.

"I have been lucky, and not many women are lucky in the places I come from. In some sense, I owe them something.... I need to seek out the other women held captive in the compound of irrationality and superstition and persuade them to take their lives into their own hands." (349)

A powerful and inspiring memoir of the arduous journey away from an environment of restrictive and repressive beliefs, and into the realization of One's voice and impact in life. Ayaan Hirsi Ali tells her story of finding her path out of Islam and into being one of the most influential voices against barbaric religious practices, repressive and dangerous ideals, and the power and unity of operating with reason, equality, and altruism.

An enlightening and comprehensive dive into the history and future direction of sex roles and feminism. Shulamith Firestone is deeply insightful and creates a powerful illustration of the intricately woven fabric of society. Dealing with topics like sex roles, biology, psychology and psychoanalysis, slavery, racism, cybernation and technology, Firestone expertly delivers her case for feminist revolution. (Even seems rather premonitory at times).

"The double curse that man should till the soil by the sweat of his brow and that woman should bear in pain and travail would be lifted through technology to make humane living for the first time a possibility. The feminist movement has the essential mission of creating cultural acceptance of the new ecological balance necessary for the survival of the human race in the twentieth century."

Essential reading for anyone interested in #consciousness, #meditation, #spirituality, or science of mind. Whether religious or not, Waking Up by Sam Harris is an intelligent and masterful analysis of consciousness and self.

"We are always and everywhere in the presence of reality. Indeed, the human mind is the most complex and subtle expression of reality we have thus far encountered. This should grant profundity to the humble project of noticing what it is like to be you in the present. However numerous your faults, something in you at this moment is pristine--and only you can recognize it.
Open your eyes and see."
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#SamHarris #WakingUp #VandyReads2017

To the aspiring #writer:
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Stephen King's On Writing. A beautiful short read full of insight and humor from one of the modern giants in the world of #fiction. Whether you write poems, lyrics, short stories, novels, instruction manuals, or news articles; there is a tasty treat for all within this witty memoir. Enjoy!
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#StephenKing #OnWriting #VandyReads2017

"There the Pooh books come to an end, in the Enchanted Place at the top of the Forest. We can go there at any time. It's not far away; it's not hard to find. Just take the path to Nothing, and go Nowhere until you reach it. Because the Enchanted Place is right where you are, and if you're Friendly With Bears, you can find it."
~ Benjamin Hoff

With all the wit and whimsy of the classic tales of Pooh Bear, Hoff delivers many core tenets of Taoism in an easy to digest manner. A quick and enlightening read that brought me peace of mind, new perspective, and a joyful stroll down nostalgia lane with a silly old bear.