Other books that might interest you

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  Oracle of Dodona The: The...

  Editors Charles River

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  In ancient Greece, “no other practice was so universal than the consultation of oracles.” These holy sites were found in 260 locations around the Greek-speaking world, and they were considered the “most satisfactory means of ascertaining the future.” These sanctuaries were “set apart from the profane, ordinary world” and were in the beginning restricted to natural locations where the divine was thought to be “especially present.” They were set aside for special spiritual functions, and a state of purity was generally required of its participants. A historical tendency toward providing haven for criminals was based on the fear of shedding blood in a holy place, and the “fear that the evil magic would emanate from his curse.” 
  	Despite the interest in Greek oracles, modern knowledge remains limited in certain respects, because cult history has become so intertwined with mythology that the lines separating one from another have been nearly lost. Modern scholars studying the oracles have tried to pull the shroud of mythology away from historical facts to illuminate the realities of the Greek cults, but the job has often proved trickier than imagined. If anything, the work of scholars has deepened the mysticism of the oracles rather than dispel it, in large measure due to documenting fascinating and mysterious stories about them. For example, much has been written about natural vapors and fumes that may have caused psychoactive effects in petitioners at oracles. Modern civilizations at times employ this argument to excuse the supposed ignorance of the ancient Greeks, and in some cases, such vapors have been identified and may indeed explain the activities at certain oracles. However, archaeologist Jelle de Boer, intimately associated with some of the most iconic Greek oracles, cautioned that “something can be extra-natural without being outright supernatural.”

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  Habit Forming - Drug Addiction...

  Elizabeth Kelly Gray

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  Habitual drug use in the United States is at least as old as the nation itself. Habit Forming traces the history of unregulated drug use and dependency before 1914, when the Harrison Narcotic Tax Act limited sales of opiates and cocaine under US law. Many Americans used opiates and other drugs medically and became addicted. Some tried Hasheesh Candy, injected morphine, or visited opium dens, but neither use nor addiction was linked to crime, due to the dearth of restrictive laws. After the Civil War, American presses published extensively about domestic addiction. Later in the nineteenth century, many used cocaine and heroin as medicine. As addiction became a major public health issue, commentators typically sympathized with white, middle-class drug users, while criticizing such use by poor or working-class people and people of color. When habituation was associated with middle-class morphine users, few advocated for restricted drug access. By the 1910s, as use was increasingly associated with poor young men, support for regulations increased. In outlawing users' access to habit-forming drugs at the national level, a public health problem became a larger legal and social problem, one with an enduring influence on American drug laws and their enforcement.

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  The Gods Were Astronauts - The...

  Erich von Däniken

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  Bestselling author Erich von Däniken explores the evidence of ancient visitors treated as gods in religious scripture and mythology. His findings shake the foundations of both science and faith. Why do nearly all the world’s major religions share similar myths and legends? Whether it’s the Old Testament, ancient legends, or the creation myths of New Zealand’s natives, you come across similar stories everywhere. Erich von Däniken, author of the international bestseller Chariots of the Gods, believes he knows the answer—and it is as wondrous and awe-inspiring as it is controversial: The winged angels populating the Bible, the Koran, and other religious texts from cultures the world over were, in reality, extraterrestrials who visited the Earth in ages long past. Who were the gods of ancient lore? How can the contradictions in the Bible be explained? Why are the pagodas of Myanmar (formerly Burma) so amazingly similar to space-capable rockets? Erich von Däniken provides convincing new and surprising interpretations and answers that fundamentally contradict both the teachings of religion and current science. His astonishing conclusion: The gods were not metaphysical beings that humans created in their imagination, but extraterrestrial intelligences that have left their traces all over the Earth. He offers persuasive evidence that actual living beings inspired the legends that became the basis for many of our religious traditions.

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  Self-as-Context in Therapy -...

  Beate M.E. Ebert, PhD Steven C....

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  Self-as-context is one of the most important of the six core processes of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), yet it is also one of the least understood. Many therapists struggle to fully implement it in their practice—perhaps due to a lack of concrete techniques for real world application—or they may become stuck when facing roadblocks in-session. So how can you gain a deeper understanding of self-as-context as a behavior and learn practical interventions for empowering clients with this essential capacity? 
  Self-as-Context in Therapy takes a challenging concept and translates it into an accessible, actionable process for helping clients cultivate a more flexible self and take valued action. You will start with an exploration of how the self develops, and the clinical implications of inhibiting factors in this process. 
  Finally, the book offers simple strategies to train clients in self-as-context, so they can integrate key lessons and techniques into their daily lives. 
  If you're looking for resources to help your clients embrace new possibilities and move toward a life more deeply aligned with their values, this comprehensive guide can help you get started.

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  Quotations From Chairman - The...

  Mao Tse-Tung

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  "Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung," commonly known as the "Little Red Book," is a seminal work that offers a glimpse into the philosophies and ideologies of one of the most influential figures in modern history, Mao Zedong. Comprising approximately 200 pages, this book is a collection of excerpts from Mao's speeches, writings, and interviews, meticulously curated to convey his revolutionary thoughts.Published in the 1960s during the peak of China's Cultural Revolution, the book became an essential tool for indoctrination and a symbol of communist ideology. It served as a guide for millions of Chinese citizens, shaping their beliefs and actions during a transformative period in China's history.Mao's words cover a wide range of topics, including politics, social justice, and the class struggle. His aphorisms and slogans have resonated far beyond China's borders, making this book a global phenomenon. Whether celebrated for its inspirational content or criticized for its authoritarian undertones, "Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung" remains a thought-provoking and historically significant work.This book offers readers a unique opportunity to explore the mind of a man whose actions had a profound impact on the 20th century, making it an enduring piece of literature that continues to provoke discussion and debate to this day.

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  The 5 Habits of Hope - Stories...

  Dr. Julia Garcia

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  Read by the author.  
  Ever felt that passion that was once fueling your dreams or your relationships fading, leaving you stuck or ready to give up? 
  What if you could move from feeling powerless to empowered? The 5 Habits of Hope reshapes the way we think about hope—as more than just a feeling, as a practice grounded in science and real-life experiences. 
  For years, renowned speaker and psychologist Dr. Julia Garcia hears the same words from people around the world: "I feel hopeless. I don't want to go through this alone anymore." As she dug deeper into the behavioral science of hopelessness and true stories of transformation, Dr. Garcia discovered something life-changing: the antidote to hopelessness wasn't just a feeling of hope but a process to sustain that hope. 
  In The 5 Habits of Hope, Dr. Garcia provides practical ways to navigate back to hope and healing no matter what life—or your feelings—throw at you. Weaving together personal insights, field experience, and powerful handwritten notes collected from audiences worldwide, Dr. Garcia gives you:A space to explore and release your unique storyPractical tools to maintain hope when you're run down or stuckStrategies to manage emotional pressure points and feeling detoursInsight on building authentic connections and a culture of supportGuided prompts to help you take the first steps toward lasting change 
    
  This is more than a self-help book—it's a lifeline built from real lived experiences. The 5 Habits of Hope equips you with actionable steps to break through fear and doubt and design the life you truly want. Begin your journey today and discover your personal toolkit for creating a life rooted in healing and hope.

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