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The Wisdom of King Solomon: A Contemporary Exploration of Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life
by Haim ShapiraIn the Book of Ecclesiastes the main character, already rich in material wealth, seeks wisdom and looks upon the lessons of his own life. Inspired by that search, bestselling philosopher Haim Shapira muses on the perennial questions most relevant to our lives.Ecclesiastes is among the most poetic books of the Old Testament, full of famous and resonant verses: 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity'; 'A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance'; 'I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind'. It is traditionally attributed to King Solomon (r. 970-930 BC), who advises us to avoid seeking happiness in worldly things and focus instead on the eternal truths.The book poses many vital questions: Is life nonsense and suffering or bliss? Is there any meaning to our actions under the sun? What will happen at the end? Is there any advantage to wisdom? Why can't a just regime be established? What are the relationships between happiness and wealth? What is the source of emotions and what do we know about desires? Can knowledge of death serve as a guide to life? King Solomon does not instruct us to think like him, nor does he guide us towards a particular path. Ecclesiastes sends us on a journey into The Valley of Great Questions: Abel, man, world, labor, advantage, sun, goodness, time, light, evil spirit, wisdom, love, fear of God, death, and more...Haim Shapira's rich and rigorously informed analysis allows King Solomon's voice to speak to us across the millennia, offering remarkably up-to-the-minute insights for people of all faiths and none. If you want advice about living a better life (and to learn about the meaning of life), would it not be wise to receive it from King Solomon – the wisest man of all time?
The Wisdom of Leo Tolstoy (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesFollow the renowned novelist&’s journey to his own peace Leo Tolstoy was born to an aristocratic Russian family, became a world-famous influential novelist, and then chose to lead the simple life of a peasant. Dating from this last part of his life, Tolstoy&’s influential book, What I Believe, takes readers along on the path to a life modeled literally on Jesus Christ&’s &“Sermon on the Mount&” and the teachings of the Gospels. In revealing and frank essays he reimagines a faith without dogma, centered solely on Jesus&’s doctrine of love, humility, and self-denial. This collection of chapters from What I Believe includes examinations of Resist Not Evil, Judge Not Thy Neighbor, Letting Go of Fear, and Allowing Forgiveness.
The Wisdom of Leo Tolstoy (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesFollow the renowned novelist&’s journey to his own peace Leo Tolstoy was born to an aristocratic Russian family, became a world-famous influential novelist, and then chose to lead the simple life of a peasant. Dating from this last part of his life, Tolstoy&’s influential book, What I Believe, takes readers along on the path to a life modeled literally on Jesus Christ&’s &“Sermon on the Mount&” and the teachings of the Gospels. In revealing and frank essays he reimagines a faith without dogma, centered solely on Jesus&’s doctrine of love, humility, and self-denial. This collection of chapters from What I Believe includes examinations of Resist Not Evil, Judge Not Thy Neighbor, Letting Go of Fear, and Allowing Forgiveness.
The Wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesAn intriguing look inside the mind of the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci stood on a bridge between medieval thought and the modern mind. In this selection of entries from his dozens of coded notebooks and unpublished manuscripts, his unending curiosity in the universe and deep knowledge come through in his energetic style. The self-educated da Vinci developed a philosophical system that set him apart from his contemporaries and marked him as the oracle of a new age, and his vivid imagination and straightforward writing style capture the reader&’s attention whether he is writing about his scientific analysis, his opinion of necromancy, discoveries in nature, or the nature of man. Accompanied by a thorough introduction, The Wisdom of Leonardo da Vinci unveils the man&’s deepest thoughts and musings and proves why he remains an intriguing and enduring figure.
The Wisdom of Life
by Arthur SchopenhauerA disciple of Kant and a significant factor in shaping Nietzsche's thinking, Arthur Schopenhauer worked from the foundation that all knowledge derives from our experience of the world, but that our experience is necessarily subjective and formed by our own intellect and biases: reality, therefore, is but an extension of our own will. In this essay, translated by THOMAS BAILEY SAUNDERS (1860-1928) and first published in English in the 1890s, Schopenhauer explores concepts of what internal driving forces and external interpersonal dynamics contribute to the individual's happiness, from our own personalities to our wealth and social standing. The datedness of some of Schopenhauer's ideas--including a decidedly prefeminist interpretation of women's choices and a connection between fame and reputation that is no longer always active in our celebrity culture--only serve to highlight the philopher's basic assumption of human life: that it is characterized chiefly by misery. Students of philosophy and of 19th-century intellectualism will find this a fascinating read.
The Wisdom of Life
by Arthur SchopenhauerIn this essay from Schopenhauer's final work, Parerga und Paralipomena (1851), the philosopher favors individual strength of will and independent, reasoned deliberation over the tendency to act on irrational impulses. He examines the ways in which life can be arranged to derive the highest degree of pleasure and success
The Wisdom of Life: Being The First Part Of Aphorismen Zur Lebenswiesheit (Mobi Classics Ser.)
by Arthur SchopenhauerA leading German metaphysician of the 19th century, Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) exerted an influence far beyond the hermetic world of philosophy, with adherents ranging from Richard Wagner and Friedrich Nietzsche to Leo Tolstoy and Thomas Mann. Among Schopenhauer's chief contributions to the field of philosophy are his rejection of the idealism of his contemporaries and his embrace of a practical variety of materialism. He jettisons the traditional philosophic jargon for a brisk, compelling style that employs direct terms to express the metaphysics of the will.In The Wisdom of Life, an essay from Schopenhauer's final work, Parerga und Paralipomena (1851), the philosopher favors individual strength of will and independent, reasoned deliberation over the tendency to act on irrational impulses. He examines the ways in which life can be arranged to derive the highest degree of pleasure and success, presents guidelines to achieving this full and rich manner of living, and advises that even a life well lived must always aspire to grander heights. Abounding in subjects of enduring relevance, Schopenhauer's highly readable work appears here in an excellent translation.
The Wisdom of Mao (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesBeyond the Little Red Book: China&’s revolutionary leader and his philosophy In this collection of essays, China&’s Chairman Mao Tse-Tung explains the interpretation of Marxism-Leninism ideology that became known as Maoism. This philosophy fueled the Chinese Revolution and the massive social and economic changes Mao instituted as the nation&’s leader. From examining the way contradictions can cause great shifts within a society, to the necessity of guerilla-based revolution, Mao mixes his philosophical positions with the history of the Chinese people. Featured works include Relation Between Knowledge and Practice, Between Knowing and Doing, The Universality of Contradiction, The Place of Antagonism in Contradiction, China&’s Historical Characteristics, The Politics of New Democracy, The Economy of New Democracy, The Culture of New Democracy, and more.This collection offers a detailed insight into the mind of the most important figure in twentieth-century Chinese history.
The Wisdom of Money
by Pascal BrucknerMoney is an evil that does good, and a good that does evil. It is wise to have money, says Pascal Bruckner, and wise to think and talk about it critically. One of the world’s great essayists guides us through the commentary that money has generated since ancient times, as he builds an unfashionable defense of the worldly wisdom of the bourgeoisie.
The Wisdom of Muhammad: The Wisdom Of The Torah, The Wisdom Of The Talmud, The Wisdom Of The Koran, The Wisdom Of Muhammad, And The Wisdom Of Buddha (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesUncover the tenets of Islam through the words of its founder. This compelling examination of the life and sayings of Muhammad offers the modern reader both a historical context for and a spiritual guide to the principles at the heart of the world&’s second largest religion. Drawing on the Koran and the Sunnah, this collection of quotes is organized by topic from A to Z and provides a window into the eloquence, practicality, and ethical fortitude with which Muhammad preached to his followers. Covering a diverse range of topics, from marriage and civic charity to the individual&’s relationship to God and the afterlife, the Prophet&’s words dispel misconceptions about the history of the faith, its leader, and its core beliefs. With footnotes, a glossary of terms, scriptural citations, and a timeline, The Wisdom of Muhammad is essential reading for anyone who wants to have a true understanding of Islam. &“The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr.&” —Muhammad This ebook edition features a new introduction and image gallery.
The Wisdom of Order: An Exploration of Lonergan’s Method in Theology (Lonergan Studies)
by John DadoskyIn 1972, renowned Canadian philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan published Method in Theology. Now, following the fiftieth anniversary of his landmark work, The Wisdom of Order presents the next step in advancing the thought of this significant religious theorist. In addition to the previously compiled Collected Works of Bernard Lonergan, this book aims to provide an appreciation and exploration of Method in Theology. It analyses the first five chapters of the work with commentaries to help readers traverse Lonergan’s thought more effectively and deeply. John D. Dadosky presents compelling exposition and observations to assist readers. The book explores questions related to the philosophical status of beauty, which Lonergan does not address. In addition to Lonergan’s three stages of meaning, the book also seeks to develop a fourth stage that pertains to the turn to alterity emphasizing positive relations with other cultures and religions. As a result, The Wisdom of Order critically analyses an important groundbreaking work while also highlighting areas for further development.
The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde (Wisdom)
by the Wisdom ofA comprehensive selection of his quips, aphorisms, and witOne of the most well known personalities of his day, Oscar Wilde charmed and beguiled readers and audiences with his eloquent and biting observations, his smart quips, and the witticisms peppering his own speech and the speech of his characters. The Wisdom of Oscar Wilde collects both his best-loved quotes and longer excerpts, revealing a man wise to human nature and his times, and never shy with his searing comments on men, women, art, behavior, children, politics, youth, and a range of other topics. Drawing from his plays, articles, reviews, speeches, letters, and other works, this definitive volume is an entertaining immersion into the world of this charming genius.
The Wisdom of Sartre (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesAn invaluable introduction to the leading French intellectual of the twentieth century The Wisdom of Sartre offers key excerpts from the eloquent French writer, playwright, and philosopher&’s masterpiece, Being and Nothingness. From this collection, readers will discover the strongest themes in his early philosophical work: an ontological account of what it means to be human, and the role of perception, knowledge, and consciousness in the practical demands of life. Sartre&’s view that man&’s freedom is a unique source of both misery and pleasure and that the question of which will prevail depends on man&’s awareness and commitment to his freedom is both thought provoking and timely.
Wisdom of the Buddha: The Unabridged Dhammapada (Dover Thrift Editions Ser.)
by F. Max MüllerThese ancient verses offer a compelling introduction to Buddhist thought, revealing the Four Truths -- concerning the nature of the world and our lot in it -- and the Eightfold Path to enlightenment, the means by which to overcome the essential suffering revealed by the Four Truths as the essence of life.
The Wisdom of the Commons: The Education of Citizens from Plato’s Republic to The Wealth of Nations (Palgrave Studies in Classical Liberalism)
by Geoffrey C. KellowThe Wisdom of the Commons examines the history and philosophy of civic education as the essential political part of liberal education. This study distinguishes itself from other works on liberal and civic education by focusing explicitly on the civic and liberal education of those citizens who are not destined for prominent positions within politics and government but are still a part of and relevant to political society. It considers this strand of liberal and civic education, in both its ancient and modern iterations, by focusing on the philosophies of Plato, Cicero, Locke, Rousseau, and Adam Smith.
The Wisdom of the Kabbalah (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesExplore the third of the great literatures in Judaism While many readers may have heard of Kabbalah in recent years, how many understand the origins and unique perspective of this collection of Jewish mystical beliefs? Handed down in the oral tradition for thousands of years and transcribed in fourteenth-century Spain, the Kabbalah is the classical expression of Jewish mysticism. This collection draws from the main work of Kabbalah—Sepher ha-Zohar, or The Book of Splendor—and offers insight into the great body of Hebrew literature that sprang up and grew parallel to the traditional writings of rabbinical literature. Written in the dialectic style as a commentary to the Torah, the Kabbalah examines man&’s mystical union with God in thoughts of wisdom and deeds of kindness through a symbol-laden examination of the God before creation. A mix of ethics and mysticism, Kabbalah&’s wisdom is frequently imparted through gematria, or a symbolic language based in numbers that correspond with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This ebook features a new introduction, image gallery, and index of the Hebrew alphabet.
The Wisdom of the Koran: The Wisdom Of The Torah, The Wisdom Of The Talmud, The Wisdom Of The Koran, The Wisdom Of Muhammad, And The Wisdom Of Buddha (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesDiscover the beliefs and lessons of Islam&’s sacred textThe Koran, the sacred text at the heart of the second-largest religion in the world, is regarded by Muslims as the exact word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Representing the ultimate authority on almost every issue related to Muslim life, the Koran&’s lessons and parables offer the faithful moral and spiritual guidance. In The Wisdom of the Koran, readers will discover a selection of key chapters such as &“The Night Journey&” and &“The Cave,&” footnotes to convey context and meaning, as well as several stories from Judeo-Christian history. This invaluable anthology is an excellent step toward greater understanding of one of the finest pieces of Arabic prose and the Muslim faith.
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra: A Philosophical Exposition
by Tony SeeThe Lotus Sūtra is one of the most important sūtras in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Translated by Kumārajīva in the 5th century, its teachings have inspired many Buddhist scholars such as Chih-i and Saichō from the Tiantai (Tendai) tradition, Dōgen from the Zen tradition and Nichiren the 13th century Kamakura founder and reformer. There is a relative lack of scholarly works that are devoted to an examination of how its philosophical ideas were received and developed throughout history. This book remedies that lack by tracing the origin and development of Lotus Sūtra thought, and interprets the text from the perspective of the doctrine of Buddha-nature in Mahāyāna Buddhism.
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4: A Discussion (Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra)
by Daisaku IkedaThe Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha's highest teaching, explainsthat all people—regardless of gender, social status or education—canuncover the Buddha nature they inherently possess. Based on thisempowering and compassionate sutra, Nichiren Daishonin revealedthe supreme practice for the modern world.Now, in clear, down-to-earth terms, SGI President Ikeda and SokaGakkai Study Department leaders Katsuji Saito, Takanori Endo andHaruo Suda explore the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra'stwenty -eight chapters. Basing themselves on Nichiren Daishonin's lectureson the Lotus Sutra, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings,they explain the concepts that form the foundation of SGImembers' Buddhist practice. Through their discussions, the ancienttext of the Lotus Sutra comes alive, brimming with profound significanceand practical advice for living in today's world.Volume four covers chapter 16 of the twenty-eight chapter Lotus Sutra.
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 5: A Discussion (Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra)
by Daisaku IkedaThe Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha's highest teaching, explainsthat all people—regardless of gender, social status or education—canuncover the Buddha nature they inherently possess. Based on thisempowering and compassionate sutra, Nichiren Daishonin revealedthe supreme practice for the modern world.Now, in clear, down-to-earth terms, SGI President Ikeda and SokaGakkai Study Department leaders Katsuji Saito, Takanori Endo andHaruo Suda explore the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra'stwenty -eight chapters. Basing themselves on Nichiren Daishonin's lectureson the Lotus Sutra, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings,they explain the concepts that form the foundation of SGImembers' Buddhist practice. Through their discussions, the ancienttext of the Lotus Sutra comes alive, brimming with profound significanceand practical advice for living in today's world.Volume five covers chapters 17-22 of the twenty-eight chapter Lotus Sutra.
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 6: A Discussion (Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra)
by Daisaku IkedaThe Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha's highest teaching, explainsthat all people—regardless of gender, social status or education—canuncover the Buddha nature they inherently possess. Based on thisempowering and compassionate sutra, Nichiren Daishonin revealedthe supreme practice for the modern world.Now, in clear, down-to-earth terms, SGI President Ikeda and SokaGakkai Study Department leaders Katsuji Saito, Takanori Endo andHaruo Suda explore the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra'stwenty -eight chapters. Basing themselves on Nichiren Daishonin's lectureson the Lotus Sutra, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings,they explain the concepts that form the foundation of SGImembers' Buddhist practice. Through their discussions, the ancienttext of the Lotus Sutra comes alive, brimming with profound significanceand practical advice for living in today's world.Volume six covers chapters 23-28 of the twenty-eight chapter Lotus Sutra.
The Wisdom of the Middle Ages
by Michael K. KelloggThis engaging survey of important works from late antiquity to the beginning of the Renaissance reveals the depth of thought and the diversity of expression that characterized the Middle Ages. Michael Kellogg demonstrates that medieval thought owes far more to ancient philosophy than is generally supposed; that poets of this era were as sophisticated and nuanced as their ancient counterparts; and that writers of this time anticipated most of the lines of inquiry that gave rise to the Renaissance. The author examines philosophical treatises, memoirs, letters, tales, romances, and epics, documenting the unique array of evolving concerns that drove the medieval search for wisdom. Among the authors and works discussed are Augustine's Confessions; Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy; Beowulf; the writings of Abelard and Heloise, Francis of Assisi, and Thomas Aquinas; the Song of Roland; the Arthurian romances of Chrétien de Troyes; Dante's Divine Comedy; and the tales of Boccaccio and Chaucer.Written for the lay reader, this lively overview of a flourishing era, often devalued in our time as a benighted period of history, will bring a new appreciation to the many accomplishments of the Middle Ages.From the Hardcover edition.
The Wisdom of the Myths: How Greek Mythology Can Change Your Life (Learning To Live Ser.)
by Luc Ferry“A marvelously wise and expansive book. . . . Ferry writes with warmth, wit, and energy; one could call his prose conversational, but it’s rare to have a conversation quite this wonderful.” — Boston GlobeA fascinating journey through Greek mythology that explains the myths' timeless lessons and meaningHeroes, gods, and mortals. The Greek myths are the founding narratives of Western civilization: to understand them is to know the origins of philosophy, literature, art, science, law, and more. Indeed, as Luc Ferry shows in this masterful book, they remain a great store of wisdom, as relevant to our lives today as ever before. No mere legends or clichés ("Herculean task," "Pandora's box," "Achilles heel," etc.), these classic stories offer profound and manifold lessons, providing the first sustained attempt to answer fundamental human questions concerning "the good life," the burden of mortality, and how to find one's place in the world. Vividly retelling the great tales of mythology and illuminating fresh new ways of understanding them, The Wisdom of the Myths will enlighten readers of all ages.
The Wisdom of the Overself
by Paul BruntonInspired by Paul Brunton's years spent with sages in Asia, The Wisdom of the Overself and its companion volume The Hidden Teaching Beyond Yoga were written at the request of these remarkable teachers, who recognized that Brunton had a significant role to play in the transmission of traditional wisdom to the West. Here is a profound re-creation of these teachings, brought to life and made accessible by Brunton's insights. In print since the 1940s, Brunton's works are considered to be among the most comprehensive, clear, and practical guides on the path to enlightenment. Brunton unfolds the grand vision for human development by investigating consciousness as the source of all experience; how to move from ego-centered life to the transcendent reality; the interplay of karma, free will, and grace; the nature of evil and suffering; how to awaken intuition and penetrative insight; the passage through death to rebirth; and psychic experiences and mystic visions. He also provides seven ultramystic exercises to open the door to higher consciousness, including a healing meditation on the sun; practices for transforming the future, dream, and sleep; and a meditation on the timeless self. These techniques lead to the deepest spiritual realizations--to the true "Wisdom of the Overself."This new edition has been updated to incorporate Brunton's final revisions. It includes a new foreword plus supplementary reading material selected from the author's archives by the Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation.ContentsForeword by the Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation 1. Prefatory 2. The Meaning of Mentalism 3. The Birth of the Universe4. Studies in Dreams5. The Metaphysics of Sleep6. The Secret of the "I"7. The Scorpion of Death8. The Immortal Overself 9. The Shadows of Evil and Suffering10. The War and the World11. The World-Mind12. The Unveiling of Reality 13. Initiation into Mystical Experience 14. The Yoga of the Discerning Mind 15. The Mystical Phenomena of Meditation 16. Some Fruits of PhilosophyAppendix: Additional Resources from The Notebooks of Paul Brunton, Compiled by the Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation EditorsFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
The Wisdom of the Talmud: The Wisdom Of The Torah, The Wisdom Of The Talmud, The Wisdom Of The Koran, The Wisdom Of Muhammad, And The Wisdom Of Buddha (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesDiscover the ancient wisdom and historical influence of a cornerstone of Judaism The Wisdom of the Talmud presents a thorough history and overview of the Talmud, the rabbinical commentary on the Torah that was developed in the Jewish academies of Palestine and Babylonia. From the close of the Biblical canon to the end of the fifth century, Jewish scholars studied the scripture and worked to develop—and debate—supplementary understandings of the Torah&’s directions on a variety of topics. From man&’s purpose and miracles, to marriage and wellness, to consciousness and community, the Talmud considers what it means to practice faith on a daily basis and through a changing world. This book is an essential and approachable guide for understanding how interpretation of the Torah has guided Jewish life for thousands of years. This ebook features a new foreword, image gallery, and list of proverbs and sayings of the rabbis.