Publisher: Hero
One of the first works published on feminist philosophy, in response to the theorists of the time that argued that education was not a place for women, Wollstonescraft rebukes such oppressing stances, championing the idea of empowering women in education, politics, and society rather than serving as decorative additions to their husbands.
One woman's enlightening trek through the natural histories, cultural stories, and present perils of thirteen national monuments Starting amid the sagebrush of Bears Ears National Monument on the eve of the Trump Administration's decision to reduce the site by eighty-five percent, McKenzie Long climbs sandstone cliffs, is awed by Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, and is intrigued by 4,000-year-old petroglyphs. She hikes through remote pink canyons recently removed from the boundary of Grand Staircase–Escalante, skis to a backcountry hut in Maine to view a truly dark night sky, snorkels in warm Hawaiian waters to plumb the meaning of marine preserves, volunteers near the most contaminated nuclear site in the US, and witnesses firsthand the diverse forms of devotion evoked by the Rio Grande. In essays both contemplative and resonant, this book confronts an unjust past and imagines a collaborative future that bears witness to these regions' enduring Indigenous connections. From climate change realities to volatile tensions between economic development and environmental conservation, practical and philosophical issues arise as Long seeks the complicated and often overlooked stories of these incomparable places. Her journey emphasizes in clear and urgent terms the unique significance of, and grave threats to, these contested lands.Show book
This collection of 50 original paintings form a pictorial diary of a childhood in Wales from 1930-1944, painted retrospectively from memory by artist Eironwy Llewellyn whilst in her seventies. The jaunty, naive style is intended to convey her early life as remembered ‘through the eyes of a child’, with the various scenes charmingly recalling life as it was lived during this period. Each painting is accompanied by commentary by the artist on its context and subjects, creating a uniquely personal and insightful record of the bygone traditions and community activity of rural Wales.Show book
How can obedience and carrying out orders lead to horrific acts such as the Holocaust or the genocides in Rwanda, Cambodia, or Bosnia? For the most part, it is a mystery why obeying instructions from an authority can convince people to kill other human beings, sometimes without hesitation and with incredible cruelty. Combining social and cognitive neuroscience with real-life accounts from genocide perpetrators, this book sheds light on the process through which obedience influences cognition and behavior. Emilie Caspar, a leading expert in the field, translates this neuroscientific approach into a clear, uncomplicated explanation, even for those with no background in psychology or neuroscience. By better understanding humanity's propensity for direct orders to short-circuit our own independent decision-making, we can edge closer to effective prevention processes.Show book
Since the early days of human warfare, which may date back to the Stone Age, combatants have sought to gain an advantage through the acquisition of secret information. With the growth of technology, a parallel advantage was sought through the application of numerous types of torture. In the 19th century, the concept of manipulation was added to military tactics, an attempt to influence the minds of assassins, double agents, and world leaders alike to act against their natures. Given the incredible advances in technology brought about by global warfare, the years immediately after World War II would bring about the most extensive formal study of the many procedures by which this effect could be accomplished. The push to develop torture and manipulation techniques was driven by an “exaggerated fear”[1] propagated by the American military and national press of “mind-control.” American officials believed that Soviet, Chinese, and North Korean communists had reached the “Holy Grail”[2] of mental warfare, and that the United States must follow suit or be left behind. In time, the “transformation of brainwashing from a system of coercive propaganda to a secret program of human enslavement”[3] reflected cultural demands placed on the idea by the Korean War and was preceded by interest in electromagnetics. To the embarrassment of many Americans, 5,000 of the 7,200 American POWs in North Korea signed confessions and petitions to end the war. Most recanted their actions once free, but many did not, and some refused to return to their homeland. In the end, the peak of the American experimental regimen on unwitting humans grew to vast proportions and splintered into a myriad of disciplines by the mid-20th century. The program came to be known as MK-Ultra after several early incarnations, and to this day, the name has become synonymous with controversy, even as the program’s experiments and results remain relatively mysterious.Show book
This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice. "Dark Destinations: A Journey through Dark Tourism and Death Adventures" explores the world's most intriguing and morbid travel experiences. In this thought-provoking book, readers embark on a chilling journey to destinations associated with death, tragedy, and the macabre. From haunted locations and infamous crime scenes to eerie catacombs and bone-chilling museums, this book delves into the darker side of tourism, offering a unique perspective on the allure of morbid curiosity and the stories surrounding these ominous places. As you turn the pages of "Dark Destinations," you'll discover the fascinating history, legends, and motivations behind these eerie spots, making it a fascinating read for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the human psyche and the allure of the macabre.Show book
The Pax Romana, meaning "Roman Peace," was a remarkable period of stability and prosperity that lasted for over two centuries. It began with the rise of Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, following the chaotic years of civil war that had plagued the late Republic. This era saw the establishment of a strong centralized government, economic growth, and the expansion of Rome’s influence across the Mediterranean and beyond. The foundations of this peace were carefully laid through political reforms, military strength, and a redefined vision of Roman leadership. The aftermath of the civil wars that marked the late Republic left Rome in a state of disarray. The assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE triggered a power struggle, culminating in the final confrontation between Octavian—Caesar’s adopted heir—and Mark Antony. With his victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, Octavian secured his position as the dominant ruler of Rome. In 27 BCE, he formally accepted the title of Augustus from the Senate, marking the beginning of the imperial system. This transition ended the Republic but ushered in an era of stability that would define the next two centuries. Augustus carefully crafted a government that appeared to preserve Republican traditions while consolidating power in his hands. By maintaining the illusion of senatorial authority, he avoided the fate of his great-uncle, Julius Caesar. However, his rule was firmly grounded in the principles of autocracy. He reorganized the military, ensuring its loyalty through direct financial incentives, and established a standing army with permanent stations along the empire’s borders. This professionalization of the military reduced internal conflicts and safeguarded the empire from external threats.Show book
