Books matching: personal freedom
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'The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom' by Janet Mills, Miguel Ruiz Jr. introduces four simple agreements - be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best - that aim to transform one's life by promoting self-improvement and inner peace. The writing style varies among readers, with some finding it simplistic and easy to understand, while others mention mystical elements that may require a deeper understanding. Overall, the book delves into ancient Toltec wisdom to provide a code of conduct that can lead to true happiness and freedom.
Dreaming is the main function of the mind, and the mind dreams twenty-four hours a day. It dreams when the brain is awake, and it also dreams when the brain is asleep. The difference is that when the ...- #2
Save:The Immoralist by Andre Gide follows the story of Michel, a man who, after recovering from an illness, decides to live his life without being constrained by societal norms. His journey leads him to explore his sexuality, question his values, and seek meaning through indulgence and unconventional experiences. The book delves into themes of personal freedom, existentialism, and self-discovery, with a narrative that is both thought-provoking and engaging. Gide's writing style is described as atmospheric, sensual, and engaging, with a focus on philosophical debates about life and morality.
My dear friends, I knew you were faithful. At my request you came to me at once, just as I should have come to you. Yet it is three years since you have seen me. May your friendship, so resistant to a... - #3
Save:Set against the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, "While England Sleeps" tells the story of a love affair between the aristocratic young British writer Brian Botsford, who thinks homosexuality is something he will outgrow, and Edward Phelan, a sensitive and idealistic working class employee of the London Underground and a Communist party member. When the strains of class difference, sexual taboo, and Brian's ambivalence impel Edward to volunteer to fight against Franco in Spain, Brian pursues him across Europe and into the violent chaos of war. This is a roman a clef, based loosely on the life of a gay British intellectual in the 1930s. While the sex and romance were good, the book's strength lies in its depiction of the struggle for freedom - personal freedom, sexual freedom, freedom from class, freedom from fascism, and the failure of some of those struggles.
It began like this: a bird flying through the chambers of the underground, like a fly caught in a nautilus. No one noticed but me. First the wind blew—that smoky, petrol-smelling wind that presages th... - #4
Save:"Fire on the Mountain" by Edward Abbey is a novel set in the West, portraying the struggle of an aging rancher, John Vogelin, against the US government's attempts to take over his land for the White Sands Missile Range expansion. Through the eyes of Vogelin's grandson and other characters, Abbey weaves a tale of defiance, love for the land, and the clash between individual liberty and governmental authority. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of the desert landscape, the emotional connection to the characters, and the philosophical musings on nature preservation and personal freedom.
Brightest New Mexico. In the vivid light each rock and tree and cloud and mountain existed with a kind of force and clarity that seemed not natural but supernatural. Yet it also felt as familiar as ho... - #5
Save:Harmony by Project Itoh is a dystopian novel set in a society where people's bodies are public properties, health and emotions are constantly monitored, and death is a thing of the past due to nanotechnology and medical implants. The story follows Tuan Kirie, a member of the Helix Inspection Agency investigating a mass suicide epidemic, which is a crime in a society that values the human body as a vital resource. The novel explores themes of surveillance, biotechnology, and the impact of a society obsessed with health and efficiency, with a writing style that uses Emotional in Text Markup Language to emphasize the clinical observation and reduction of human emotions to data points.
Children’s bodies are restless, eager. They won’t sit still, not even for a moment. An adult’s body is always moving too— moving steadily toward death—but at a far more deliberate pace.WatchMe doesn’t... - #6
Save:Revolutionary by Alex Myers is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Deborah Samson, a woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Through vivid storytelling, Myers captures the challenges faced by Deborah as she navigates the dangers of war, the complexities of identity, and the societal norms of gender roles in the 18th century. Readers are taken on a journey alongside Deborah, experiencing her struggles, triumphs, and the internal conflicts she faces while living a life of her choosing.
The author, Alex Myers, intricately weaves together historical details and emotional depth to bring to life the character of Deborah Samson. Myers' writing style is praised for its ability to make history come alive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the setting of Revolutionary-era New England. Revolutionary explores themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom, all while shedding light on the remarkable true story of a forgotten American hero.
A man in a blue coat crossed the common, and Deborah craned her neck to glance through the window. No, not the recruiter; no need to worry. She turned back to her weaving; the broad room on the ground... - #7
Save:"The God That Failed" is a collection of six essays from disillusioned communists and sympathizers, including Arthur Koestler, Richard Crossman, Louis Fischer, Ignazio Silone, Stephen Spender, and Richard Wright. The essays recount the authors' initial attraction to communism in the 1920s and 1930s, their subsequent disillusionment, and eventual abandonment of party membership. The narratives highlight the allure of Marxist communist ideals and the Soviet Union during a time of economic hardship and political turmoil, shedding light on the transformation of these individuals from idealists to apostates. delves into the personal motivations, ideological conflicts, and historical events that led to the authors' rejection of communism and their enduring commitment to democratic socialism.
The essays in "The God That Failed" offer a profound exploration of the psychological, ideological, and historical dimensions of communism and its eventual collapse. Through vivid renderings of personal experiences and intellectual reflections, the authors provide insights into the allure of all-encompassing creeds, the realities of communist societies, and the complexities of ideological disillusionment. serves as a fundamental document for understanding the intellectual history of the twentieth century, examining the tensions between communist ideals and their flawed implementation, and offering a compelling narrative of ideological conversion and disillusionment.
- #8
Save:Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is an epic novel that delves into the lives of the Berglund family - Patty, Walter, Joey, and Jessica, along with their friends and acquaintances. The story captures the complexities of relationships, midlife crises, teenage angst, and the struggles of suburban life. Franzen's writing style is described as astute, insightful, and engaging, with a focus on character development and psychological depth.
If Patty weren’t an atheist, she would thank the good Lord for school athletic programs, because they basically saved her life and gave her a chance to realize herself as a person. She is especially g... - #9
Save:'Revolt in 2100' by Robert A. Heinlein is a collection of three loosely connected stories set in a future where the United States is under the rule of a theocratic tyranny. The stories explore themes of individual rights, religious liberty, and the consequences of societal conformity. The plot involves characters who rebel against the oppressive government and champion ideals of freedom and personal growth. The writing style is described as fast-paced, action-oriented, and showcasing Heinlein's libertarian philosophy.
It was cold on the rampart. I slapped my numbed hands together, then stopped hastily for fear of disturbing the Prophet. My post that night was just outside his personal apartments – a post that I had...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Future History/Heinlein Timeline ) - #10
Save:'Eumeswil' by Ernst Junger is a thought-provoking and mystically written novel that delves into historical, literary, political, and philosophical references, using them as metaphors to create a unique and complex narrative. The protagonist, Martin, journals his contemplations as a pensive man, exploring themes of mystery, magic, and the enigmatic concept of the Anarch. The book is not simply science fiction but rather a poetic exploration with winding allegories and carefully chosen words that reach the reader on a deeper, more fundamental level than traditional storytelling.
The novel represents the heights of Junger's consciousness, challenging the reader to think beyond political ideologies and offering a profound examination of human nature. Through Martin's introspective musings and the exploration of anarchistic ideas, Junger presents a narrative that transcends typical dystopian novels, inviting readers to reflect on timeless themes of freedom, power, and the individual's internal struggle against external forces.
My name is Manuel Venator. I am the night steward in the Casbah of Eumeswil. My appearance is unobtrusive. In athletic contests I can expect third prize, and I have no problems regarding women. Soon I...
