Books matching: dense thought
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- #1
Sister Outsider is a collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian feminist, that covers a range of topics such as feminism, race relations, homophobia, and classism. The writing style is described as thoughtful, intelligent, critical, and outspoken, with Lorde being praised for her ability to communicate important issues clearly. The book offers a historical perspective on feminism and intersectionality, addressing relevant themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago.
SINCE I’VE RETURNED from Russia a few weeks ago, I’ve been dreaming a lot. At first I dreamt about Moscow every night. Sometimes my lover and I had returned there; sometimes I would be in warmer, fami... - #2
'The Metaphysical Club' by Louis Menand is a detailed exploration of the history of pragmatist philosophy in the late 1800s United States, focusing on influential figures like John Dewey, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Charles Pierce, and William James. The book intertwines biographies of these philosophers with explanations of their philosophical ideas and how they were shaped by the historical context they lived in, particularly post-Civil War America. Menand delves into the evolution of civil thought, politics, and the development of American philosophical thought during this transformative period, offering a comprehensive look at how these intellectuals influenced American thinking and the idea of individual freedom of expression protected by law.
The narrative of 'The Metaphysical Club' is described as challenging, dense, thought-provoking, and satisfying by readers who found the book to be a fascinating exploration of how the ideas of James, Peirce, Dewey, and Holmes shaped and were shaped by the historical events of their time. The book is commended for its readability, well-constructed storytelling, and its ability to shed light on the development of American philosophical thought through the biographies and interactions of the key figures, making it a crucial piece for anyone trying to understand the intellectual landscape of post-Civil War America.
IT IS A REMARKABLE FACT about the United States that it fought a civil war without undergoing a change in its form of government. The Constitution was not abandoned during the American Civil War; elec... - #3
'She Has Her Mother's Laugh' by Carl Zimmer explores the intricacies of genetics and heredity through a blend of history, current events, and scientific advancements. Zimmer delves into topics such as mosaics, chimeras, DNA transfer, and CRISPR advancements, unraveling the complexities of genetic inheritance in an engaging and informative manner. Readers are taken on a journey through the history of genetics, dissecting the topic through various lenses like anatomy, economy, politics, and religion, providing a comprehensive understanding of genes and their impact on individuals and society.
THE EMPEROR, clad in black, hobbled into the great hall. An audience of powerful men had assembled in the Palace of Brussels on October 25, 1555, to listen to a speech by the Holy Roman emperor Charle... - #4
"Bone Dance" by Emma Bull is a dystopian tale set in a post-apocalyptic Minneapolis, following a character named Sparrow who is a trader dealing in pre-nuke videos. Sparrow gets entangled in a quest to uncover information about the Horsemen, a mysterious group with mind control abilities. The story combines elements of science fiction with magic, exploring themes of self-acceptance, self-love, and the necessity of change in a society grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic event. The writing style is described as dense, focusing on intricate characters and relationships, with a mix of voodoo mythology, post-apocalyptic America, and shifting identities.
The room was dark. The room was always dark, because it had no windows; it ought not to have meant anything. But the way the shadows hung like drapery around the desk; the way the crook-necked lamp ca... In 'Trickster makes this World' Mr. Hyde explores world trickster myths and their essential role in the reproduction, contestation, and transformation of culture. The book delves into the appearance of the trickster archetype across various cultures and geographically isolated regions, illustrating the universality of this role in the human experience. Through case studies of historic personalities like Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Frederick Douglas, Hyde demonstrates how these individuals embodied the traits of the trickster as boundary crossers and cultural transformers. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, with personal anecdotes and in-depth analysis of trickster figures from different mythologies.
The trickster myth derives creative intelligence from appetite. It begins with a being whose main concern is getting fed and it ends with the same being grown mentally swift, adept at creating and unm...Author David Livingstone Smith explores the history and philosophic underpinnings of dehumanization, as well as the mechanisms physical, intellectual, cognitive and cultural by which it is implemented. Smith delves into the dark side of humanity, discussing how individuals and groups are able to commit atrocities like genocide by dehumanizing their victims, making them less than human and justifying cruelty towards them. The book examines the concept of dehumanization through various lenses such as race, religion, and war, shedding light on the deep-seated roots of this damaging ability in humans.
- #7
'Tentacles Longer Than Night' delves into the horror of philosophy rather than the philosophy of horror. The author explores a vast domain of literature from various philosophical and horror sources to create his own unique philosophy about the incomprehensible aspects of existence. challenges readers to confront the strangeness of human existence by intertwining horror concepts with philosophical reflections, ultimately pushing contemporary philosophy into new and intriguing directions.
For the most wild, yet most homely narrative which I am about to pen, I neither expect nor solicit belief. Mad indeed would I be to expect it, in a case where my very senses reject their own evidence....
(Also, see 24 recommendations for the series Horror of Philosophy ) - #8
'Bear Head' in the series 'Dogs of War' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is set in a near-term dystopian future where climate change, amoral politicians, and untrammeled power shape the backdrop of a fast-paced plotline centered around Mars colonization. The narrative explores themes of abuse of power, technological advancements, and reflections on our current world through a sci-fi lens. The author weaves astute observations on politics and the risks posed by advancing technology into the adventure, creating a thought-provoking and engaging storyline. The characters, including uplifted animals, humans, and modified beings, navigate complex moral dilemmas and face off against evil forces, all while delving into what it means to be human in a world where boundaries are blurred.
We’re off to the perimeter, heading uphill on our little Loonie towards where a canopy tether should have been but – Damage Central tells us – isn’t. Three of us crammed into the front, and a big old ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dogs of War ) The Book of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of surreal short stories that explore the concept of time and being. The stories delve into themes such as books and libraries, nameless strangers, intersections of the past and present, bards and skalds, Christianity's pagan roots, architecture, mathematics, and unreliable first-person narrators. Each story in the collection shares a reflective and somber tone, often leading to a sense of resignation in the face of the inscrutable universe. The title story, "The Book of Sand," tells the tale of a man who encounters a mysterious book with infinite pages, leading to a series of philosophical questions and a sense of being trapped by its endlessness.
- #10
'The Book of the Law' by Aleister Crowley is a complex and enigmatic work that delves into mystical and occult themes. The book presents readers with a series of impenetrable mysteries, puzzles, and obscure allusions that both fascinate and frustrate. The writing style is dense and indecipherable, yet it is considered novel and quintessentially Aleister Crowley. Divided into three thematic sections narrated by different entities, the book challenges readers to explore profound spiritual and esoteric concepts.
The narrative of 'The Book of the Law' revolves around the overthrowing of old paradigms of self-repression and dogmatic beliefs, advocating for self-worth and the rejection of arbitrary limitations. The text contains hidden metaphorical meanings that require discernment to uncover, with specific sections like Ra Hoor Khuit's being particularly disturbing. Despite its controversial and challenging nature, the book offers a unique perspective on spirituality and encourages readers to delve into the depths of esoteric knowledge.
15. Now ye shall know that the chosen priest & apostle of infinite space is the prince-priest the Beast; and in his woman called the Scarlet Woman is all power given. They shall gather my children int...