Other books that might interest you

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  Enquiry Concerning the...

  David Hume

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  In his authobiography, David Hume declared unequivocally that this work, An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751) is ‘of all my writings, historical, philosophical, or literary, incomparably the best.’ In it, Hume takes the discussion away from traditional attitudes where either rational or metaphysical issues govern moral principles. Instead, he introduces the human factor, introducing the sentiments and passions inherent in human psychology.  
  In the opening paragraph of his Enquiry he states the ground clearly: ‘There has been a controversy started of late, much better worth examination, concerning the general foundation of Morals; whether they be derived from Reason, or from Sentiment; whether we attain the knowledge of them by a chain of argument and induction, or by an immediate feeling and finer internal sense; whether, like all sound judgement of truth and falsehood, they should be the same to every rational intelligent being; or whether, like the perception of beauty and deformity, they be founded entirely on the particular fabric and constitution of the human species.’ 
  He challenges the notion that reason can dictate moral principles independently of our desires and sentiments, arguing instead that reason serves as a tool to navigate and articulate our moral sentiments. 
  Central to Hume's thesis is the concept of moral approbation and disapprobation, which he contends stem from our natural inclination to feel pleasure or aversion in response to certain actions or traits. 
  He pursues his theme with characteristic clarity, concentrating on topics including benevolence, justice, utility, qualities useful to ourselves and others. He rejects moral absolutism which presumes the existence of immutable moral laws. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion as essential components of ethical behaviour.  
  Hume's "An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals" stands as a testament to his profound insight into the complexities of human nature and morality. 
  This recording also contains two essays which also reflect the independence of his views for his time, On Suicide and On the Immortality of the Soul.

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  Hidden Agendas - Secret Motives...

  Cito Harder

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  Hidden agendas exist in nearly every aspect of life, shaping decisions, influencing behavior, and often determining the outcomes of interactions without those involved fully realizing it. A hidden agenda refers to a concealed motive or underlying intention that differs from what is outwardly expressed. Unlike open and transparent objectives, hidden agendas operate beneath the surface, often serving personal, financial, or strategic interests that are not explicitly stated. 
  At their core, hidden agendas stem from the fundamental human need for control, advantage, or self-preservation. People may withhold their true intentions out of fear of rejection, loss of power, or diminished influence. In many cases, hidden agendas are not inherently malicious; they can be driven by self-interest, strategic planning, or the need to protect sensitive information. However, when used manipulatively, they can undermine trust, deceive others, and lead to unethical or harmful consequences. 
  One of the key characteristics of a hidden agenda is deception or misdirection. A person or group may present one set of intentions while secretly pursuing another. This is common in politics, business, and even personal relationships, where individuals may disguise their true motivations to gain support, manipulate outcomes, or secure an advantage. For example, a corporate leader advocating for a policy change may claim it is for the benefit of employees, while in reality, it serves to increase profits or consolidate power.

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  The Bengal Famine - The...

  Sarah Willards

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  The Bengal Famine of 1943 was not an isolated event, but rather the culmination of years of political, economic, and environmental factors. To understand the tragedy that claimed the lives of millions, it is essential to examine the conditions that led to this devastating famine. 
  British colonial policies in India played a significant role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Bengal. Under British rule, India’s agrarian economy was restructured to serve the needs of the colonial administration and its industrial empire. While the British extracted resources for their own benefit, they paid little attention to the welfare of the local population. In Bengal, a region heavily reliant on rice cultivation, this exploitation became increasingly evident as agricultural output was redirected to support the war effort, leaving the local population vulnerable to food shortages. 
  The economic strain caused by World War II exacerbated the situation in Bengal. As Britain sought to maintain its colonial empire, large quantities of rice were diverted from Bengal to support the war in the Pacific, where the Japanese threat loomed large. Additionally, the colonial government’s focus on military expenditure rather than economic development in India drained resources that could have been used for famine prevention and agricultural aid. This led to an economic imbalance, further disrupting food production and distribution in Bengal.

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  World Prehistory - The Basics

  Brian M. Fagan, Nadia Durrani

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  Written in a non-technical style by two archaeologists and experienced writers about the past, the story begins with human origins in Africa some six million years ago and the spread of our remote ancestors across the Old World. Then we return to Africa and describe the emergence of Homo sapiens (modern humans) over 300,000 years ago, then, much later, their permanent settlement of Europe, Eurasia, Asia, and the Americas. From hunters and foragers, we turn to the origins of farming and animal domestication in different parts of the world after about 11,000 years ago and show how these new economies changed human existence dramatically. The narratives chronicle the rise and fall of civilizations, and the devastating effects of long droughts on many of them. The closing chapter poses a question: Why is world prehistory important in the modern world? What does it tell us about ourselves? 
   
   
   
  Providing a simple, but entertaining and stimulating, account of the prehistoric past from human origins to today from a global perspective, World Prehistory: The Basics is the ideal guide to the story of our early human past and its relevance to the modern world.

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  Thus Spoke My Therapist -...

  Sophia Blackwell

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  hus Spoke My Therapist: Nietzsche Without the Mental Breakdown is your one-way ticket to understanding one of history’s most misunderstood philosophers—without needing a doctorate or a prescription for existential dread. 
  This isn’t your professor’s Nietzsche. It’s Nietzsche with a cocktail of sarcasm, clarity, and just enough emotional damage to be relatable. Philosophy grad student and sarcasm connoisseur Sophia Blackwell slices through the fog of German metaphysics to deliver a book that actually explains what the mustachioed madman was on about—and makes you laugh so hard you forget you're spiraling. 
  Inside, you'll find: 
  Why "God is dead" isn’t just something said by goth teenagers. 
  How Christianity pulled off history’s greatest guilt trip. 
  What the "will to power" has to do with office politics and Instagram likes. 
  How eternal recurrence is basically Groundhog Day with higher stakes. 
  Why the Übermensch is less Hitler, more “that weirdly self-assured friend who makes their own almond milk.” 
  Perfect for people who want to understand philosophy without having to fake a seizure halfway through Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Whether you're a moody teenager, recovering philosophy major, or just someone who wants to win arguments online, this book will arm you with Nietzschean insights and the comedic timing to survive modern life’s absurdity. 
  Warning: Reading this may result in increased self-awareness, spontaneous existential crises, and the irresistible urge to quote Nietzsche at brunch

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  Finding Francis - One Family's...

  Elizabeth J. West

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  Finding Francis, finding family, freeing history 
   
   
   
  Francis is found. Beyond Francis, a family is found—in archival material that barely deigned to notice their existence. This is the story of Francis Sistrunk and her children, from enslavement into forced migration across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. It spans decades before the Civil War and continues into post-emancipation America. A family story full of twists and turns, Finding Francis reclaims and honors those women who played an essential role in the historical survival and triumph of Black people during and after American slavery. 
   
   
   
  Elizabeth West has created a remarkable "biohistoriography" of everyday Black resistance, grounded in a determination to maintain enduring connections of family, kinship, and community despite the inhumanity and rapacity of slavery. There is inevitable heartbreak in these histories, but there is also an empowering strength and inspiration—the truth of these lives will indeed set us all free.

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