Publisher: e-artnow
On the Sublime and Beautiful is a treatise on aesthetics written by Edmund Burke. It introduces a comprehensive elucidation for distinguishing the beautiful and the sublime into their own respective rational categories.
Liberalism puts its trust in civil discourse and rational argument. Today, its opponents enthusiastically flout these norms, making a show of defying so-called political correctness. In the Trump era and beyond, right-wing figures delight in sheer offensiveness. What is at stake in breaking the rules of civility to "own the libs"? Going Low examines how the offensive style of contemporary politics challenges liberal democratic institutions. Considering the rise of illiberal politics and debates about the limits of free speech, Finbarr Curtis draws on the insights of religious studies to rethink provocation and transgression. He argues that the spectacle of brazenly violating taboos is a show of dominance over a supposedly censorious liberalism. Profaning liberal pieties is the ultimate form of "winning." Curtis contends that deliberate offensiveness dovetails with the privatization of public goods: both represent the refusal to accommodate the sensibilities of others in a diverse society.Show book
In Why It's Normal to be a Mistress, A.A. Castor offers a provocative exploration of the hidden dimensions of extramarital relationships, challenging the notion that infidelity is simply a moral failing. Drawing on evolutionary biology, cultural history, and personal narratives, Castor reveals how the mistress role has long been shaped by societal pressures, unspoken desires, and the human quest for emotional fulfillment. Far from glamorizing betrayal, this book delves into the complexity of female sexuality and the psychological forces that drive some women to seek connection beyond conventional boundaries. Castor examines how arranged marriages, patriarchal norms, and changing social attitudes have historically paved the way for mistresses to emerge as both subjects of scandal and symbols of empowerment. By tracing these legacies, Why It's Normal to be a Mistress provides a nuanced understanding of why certain women repeatedly choose this path, even when it carries profound emotional and relational consequences. Through empathetic storytelling and rigorous research, Castor dismantles the simplistic judgments that often dominate discussions about infidelity. Instead, the focus is on fostering a deeper awareness of the biological, psychological, and cultural underpinnings that shape human intimacy. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs about fidelity, desire, and self-expression, recognizing that genuine understanding does not equate to moral approval. Ultimately, this book offers a bold invitation to question long-held assumptions, expand our definitions of love and loyalty, and engage in a more honest, compassionate dialogue about the intricate tapestry of human relationshipsShow book
The Book of Esther, also known in Hebrew as "the Scroll" ("the Megillah"), is a book in the third section of the Jewish Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). It is one of the five Scrolls (Megillot) in the Hebrew Bible and later became part of the Christian Old Testament.
The book relates the story of a Hebrew woman in Persia, born as Hadassah but known as Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and thwarts a genocide of her people. The story forms the core of the Jewish festival of Purim, during which it is read aloud twice: once in the evening and again the following morning. The books of Esther and Song of Songs are the only books in the Hebrew Bible that do not mention God.
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Based on a true culture, way of life in the year 1500 AD. The Kaya Mijikenda Community of the Bantu Origin namely Kambe, Ribe, Jibana, Kauma, Rabai, Chonyi, Giriama, Duruma and Digo, lived a life worth remembering. Here is their Story.Show book
The myths and legends of the Aztecs offer a glimpse into a world both vibrant and complex, where gods walked among mortals, and cosmic forces shaped the destiny of an empire. Rooted in the beliefs of the Nahua peoples of central Mexico, Aztec mythology was more than just a collection of stories—it was a sacred system that explained the origins of the universe, the role of humanity, and the ever-present struggle between order and chaos. These myths provided meaning to daily life, justified political and military expansion, and reinforced the religious practices that were central to Aztec society. The origins of Aztec mythology are intertwined with the migrations and conquests that shaped their civilization. The Mexica, the people who would later establish the powerful city of Tenochtitlan, believed they were divinely chosen. According to their legends, they embarked on a long journey from a mythical homeland called Aztlán under the guidance of their patron god, Huitzilopochtli. Their eventual settlement on an island in Lake Texcoco fulfilled a prophecy that marked the beginning of their great empire. By weaving their own history into the fabric of myth, the Aztecs established their right to rule and their connection to the gods. In Aztec society, mythology was inseparable from religion, politics, and even warfare. The gods required constant nourishment through human sacrifice, a practice that was not seen as cruel but as essential for maintaining cosmic balance. Warriors who died in battle were honored as they were believed to ascend to the sun’s domain, while sacrificial victims were thought to sustain the gods with their blood. Mythology also shaped the Aztec worldview through their intricate calendar system, which guided ceremonies, agriculture, and daily life. Time was cyclical, and each era was destined to end and be reborn—a belief that influenced their response to the arrival of the Spanish.Show book
This recording has been digitally produced by DeepZen Limited, using a synthesized version of an audiobook narrator’s voice under license. DeepZen uses Emotive Speech Technology to create digital narrations that offer a similar listening experience to human narration. Schools and universities support misleading notions of 'progress' and development, fostered by the belief that ever-increasing production, consumption and profit are proper yardsticks for measuring the quality of human life. Our universities are the recruitment centres for the personnel of the consumer society, certifying citizens for service, while at the same time disposing of those judged unfit for the competitive rat race. In this bold and provocative book, Illich suggests some radical and exciting reforms for the education system.Show book
