tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18092098663457928872023-11-15T23:15:55.514-08:00Vidya Nand Gargwritings about books , literature, reviews, governance , environment and ecology.Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-60538312962666900352021-02-14T00:15:00.000-08:002021-02-14T00:15:34.418-08:00 Life,Destiny and Wishes<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"Two & a Half Stories" is a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>slim collection (67 pages , first published in 2020) of three
stories<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Saumya . Each story is
followed by a poem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Incidentally , the
first story<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> '</span>Escapist & the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beggar<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>boy' and the third story<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ' </span>Fate
Written By Roadside'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are about a beggar
boy .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second story ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some Chick, Our Lily<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is about a girl Lily. Each story is followed by a poem .The three<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>poems are Life, Destiny , and She wished.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The stories<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have insights
about human<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>conduct , like “ If you
learn from your mistakes ,then God also forgives you” (page 22) and “ Most
answers are within you , yet you want others to mouth them “(page 26).The
story<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of a young smart girl in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ' </span>Some Chik, Our Lily<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> ' </span>will certainly appeal to young<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>readers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The three poems are highly imaginative and philosophical and in a way summarise the themes of the stories. The beautiful poem Life says “ But life is not about setting goals , not putting right balls
in right holes; Life is to cherish to enjoy ,to live, life is all about take and
give”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed reading
these <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stories as also the poems after
each story. I hope more<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stories ,
poems and novels<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from the creative pen
of Saumya.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 129.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-80028370559051508722020-06-08T00:01:00.000-07:002020-06-08T00:01:53.530-07:00How Democracies Die –What History Reveals About Our Future by Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Published in
2018 , ‘How Democracies Die’ is a book
on politics and political theory by
Harvard University Professors , Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. (Penguin , 312 pages). It says that in our time , democracies will die “ less
at the hands of men with guns and
more by elected leaders”. It tells us how
elected leaders can gradually
subvert democratic processes to increase their power ,weaken and finally
kill democracy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many examples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Hugo Chavez in Venezuela,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>elected leaders have subverted<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, in ‘legal’ ways<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>,democratic institutions in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many countries around the world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Georgia, Hungary ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicaragua ,
Peru , The Philippines, Poland ,Russia , Sri Lanka , Turkey<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Several <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chapters of the book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have been <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>devoted to the USA , President Donald
trump<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the 2016 US presidential
election. The authors say that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>USA is
not immune to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the trends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that have led to the collapse of
democracy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in other parts of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a pattern <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of autocratic tendencies in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>elected autocrats. Such leaders <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>maintain a veneer of democracy while subverting
its substance. In such <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>countries ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>citizens<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who criticize the
government<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>may often find themselves
facing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tax <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>raids or other legal troubles. Their
criticism may be dismissed as exaggerating. Further ,a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>large number<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>of citizens may<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>believe that they
are living<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>under a democratic regime.
These elected leaders <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>subvert <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>democracy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>by packing courts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and other
agencies by their own men and women,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>buying off or bullying media and the private sector and rewriting rules
of politics<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to tilt the playing field
against opponents. Democracy ends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a whimper<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>in the slow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but steady<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>weakening of the democratic institutions <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, and the gradual erosion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of long standing political norms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the last chapter <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the book entitled ‘
Saving Democracy ‘ , the authors tell the way out.” We must not only
restore<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>democratic norms but extend<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>them through the whole of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>increasing diverse societies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.. . This is the challenge that we face”. In
other words , we must restore shared beliefs and practices –beyond formal
constitution- that constitute the essential ‘guardrails’ for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>preserving democracy .Political parties are
democracy’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gatekeepers and can<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keep extremist demagogues<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from gaining power by denying them party
tickets, refusing to endorse or align with them and if necessary , even <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>making a common cause with rivals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Introduction, the authors say:”History<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>does not repeat itself. But it rhymes. The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>promise of history<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is that we can find the rhymes before it is
too late”. This is what history reveals us about future. It is for us to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>listen to this wakeup call and act.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have found this book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accessible ,compelling and extremely relevant
in present times. I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recommend it highly
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>citizens of all democracies of the world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to read <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it and , if possible , to act<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>upon its recommendations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-10625213127189027862020-04-02T23:38:00.000-07:002020-04-02T23:38:24.895-07:00You Beneath Your Skin by Damyanti Biswas -- A multi-layered , gripping crime story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You Beneath Your skin is a story involving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>crime and corruption in New Delhi , capital
of India. It is the story of
a single parent , an Indian American psychiatrist Anjali Morgan who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has an autistic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and maladjusted child. It is also the story
of Jatin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bhatt, who is the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Police Commissioner of New Delhi. Jatin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, who started his career<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in police service as an honest young man ,
slowly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>changes into a corrupt officer
due to political corruption as well as personal weaknesses. The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>character of Jatin Bhatt is so <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>typical <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Indian situation that those familiar with
Indian police hierarchy will find it real. Anjali becomes a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>struggling <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>acid attack survivor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>explores changing India , while fully exposing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hypocrisy , corrupt and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>patriarchal<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>mindset of male lead character <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jatin
Bhatt while<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anjali <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morgan <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tries her best to be fair , non-blaming and
forgiving. It is then you begin to see the real person beneath his or her skin.
Though it can be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>classified as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a crime story , it is multi-layered<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>multidimensional<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>story of human frailties , betrayals ,
poverty , inequality, misogyny , corruption , child abuse and other social issues of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>India<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and third <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>world <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>also <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forgiveness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Told with sensitivity
and suspense, it is a book which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>grips
you till its end. Highly recommended.</div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-23971960384501764152019-10-15T06:04:00.001-07:002019-10-15T06:04:57.211-07:00Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I came to know about
this book (Fahrenheit 451) from an article in
another book ‘The View from the
Cheap Seats’ by Neil Gaiman. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
is about a time when books are outlawed and firemen are engaged to burn books. It was
written ,not long after Nazis burned books , and eventually human
beings. McCarthyism brought political repression in America. This
brought censorship of literature and
art. These anxieties permeate the novel. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Bradbury called the Los Angeles
fire department and asked them at what
temperature paper burned. Fahrenheit 451
, somebody told him from the Fire
department. This gave Bradbury the title
for his book. It did not matter if it was true or not. It is a book about how we as humans begin by burning books and end by burning people. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Its first film version by Francois Truffaut came in 1966. The second film version
by Ramin Bahrani came in 2018.
Guy Montag , a fireman whose job is to burn books
and people who keep and read
books ( in stead of preventing things from fire)
is the protagonist of the book. There
are powerful , kerosene –spitting flamethrowers
which are used to torch books.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> But
after spending some time in burning books , Montag begins to question his
job and beliefs and turns against his mentor and boss
, Captain Betty . He starts keeping and
reading books. In a turn of events which bring fire men to his house , Montag
kills his boss Beatty, two firemen and also the robotic hound. The rest is the
story of Montag’s running and escaping
from the
government , its helicopters , its media and its hounds.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Censorship, Internet , television , technology and social media are the real challenges to books and to serious thought. Do people still care
about physical books? In Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury was warning us about the threat of mass media to reading , about the flooding of digital sensations that could
substitute for critical thinking. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> This book seems frighteningly relevant even today ,
about 67 years after its publication. The
mechanical Hound of the fire department , armed with a lethal hypodermic ,
escorted by helicopters , is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books. It is a prophetic account of civilization’s enslavement by the media , drugs and conformity. It gives
an uncanny insight into the potential of
technology. The questions Bradbury raises remain as valid and important today
as they were when the book was written. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> This book
is a classic taught in high schools
across America , though it appears more a book for grown ups. This book was a winner of the 2007
Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. I recommend you to read this book.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-14056120075891861932019-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002019-09-29T06:00:24.077-07:00The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Handmaid’s
Tale (320 pages) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was first published as
a novel in 1985, and so far,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>its 8
million copies have <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>been sold. Recently
, Margaret Atwood<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> has written </span> and published a
sequel to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the title ‘The Testaments’.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a mixture of history and literature. It
reminds us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>totalitarianism<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can happen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>in the USA and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>any where in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the world. Totalitarian regimes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rely on collusion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>some of their own people . Gilead is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an imaginary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>totalitarian , theocratic state
in the USA .In Gilead,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>women<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are classified as Wives, Handmaids, Aunts,
Marthas<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Econowives . Illegitimate women are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unwomen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jezebels. Men are classified
as Commanders , Eyes, Angels, Guardians.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Gilead,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>there is a severe limitation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of
people’s rights , especially those of women . Women are forbidden to read or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>write , handle money or to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hold property. A Handmaid<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is indoctrinated<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into life by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the government- trained<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunts. She
is assigned to produce children <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for a
Commander, one of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the ruling class of
men<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. The protagonist <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is given a name Offred ( Of Frederick).
Handmaids<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are forbidden to use their
birth names<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>must echo<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the master whom they serve. The Commanders’ Wives<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dress in blue , the handmaids in red<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>white veils<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>around their faces.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At her new
home, Offred<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>treated poorly by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Commander’s wife<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serena Joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Commander<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Offred<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>begin an illegal relationship<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where they play Scrabble. He takes her
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a government-run<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brothel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>called<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jezebel’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.She learns there that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those women who are found breaking the
law<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are mostly sent to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Colonies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to clean up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>toxic waste , women
are also allowed to work at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jezebel’s as
punishment. After a few months,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Offred
is pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly afterward, men
arrive<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the house<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wearing the uniform of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the secret police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(the Eyes), to take her away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Offred is unsure if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leaving will result<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in her escape<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>or her capture. Still, she enters the van.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Atwood has explained<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Handmaid’s Tale<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a response to those<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who claim the oppressive , totalitarian , and
religious governments<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that have taken
hold<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in other countries<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>throughout the years “can’t happen here”—but
in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this work , she has tried to show<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how such a takeover might play out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many scholars have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>placed this book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the same category of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dystopian fiction<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as Nineteen Eighty<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-Four<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and Brave New World. Atwood<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>does
not see the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Republic of Gilead as a
purely<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feminist dystopia, as not all men
have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>greater rights than<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>woman .The Handmaid’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tale is “ a study of power , and how it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>operates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and how it deforms<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or shapes the
people who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are living<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>within<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that kind of re regime”.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to read
this novel 35 years after its publication .I have no hesitation in saying that
it has become more relevant to read it now than perhaps earlier. If you have
not read it , please do read it .I recommend it.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-29844010345744362152019-09-08T00:09:00.003-07:002019-09-08T00:09:45.684-07:00Beloved by Toni Morrison<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Toni
Morrison died at the age of 88 years on
August 5,2019. She was the first African –American woman to
win the Nobel Prize in Literature,.” In her memory , I decided to read her book “Beloved” (1987) which
had won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. I had read this novel in 2005
but had forgotten it almost completely in 14 years . It is a
book of the systematic torture that ex-slaves had to deal with after the Emancipation Proclamation . </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Beloved is a
multi-layered story about the life of an
ex-slave Sethe and others in the
USA in post civil war period (1865-75). Sethe killed
her two year old daughter to protect her
from slave traders.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Earlier ,Sethe had lived with her husband Halle and other slaves in a place called Sweet Home . They escape from Sweet Home
and get separated . After great difficulty , Sethe reaches (with her
younger daughter) her mother-in-law’s
home in Cincinnati. Her two sons and her elder daughter also manage to reach
there. The owner of Sweet Home (School
Teacher ) comes after Sethe following her escape but is unsuccessful to
recapture her and her children. But she
kills her infant daughter to protect her
from suffering the same abuses she had
as a slave. After this killing, her mother in law takes to her death bed and dies. Her two
sons flee because they feel the house is haunted . She stays with her younger daughter Denver. Later, she is joined by an ex –slave Paul D who was earlier with her
at Sweet Home.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Beloved is a young woman who
appears near Sethe’s house. She wants to stay with Sethe and Denver, and they
take her in . They believe that Beloved is
the daughter whom Sethe had
killed. The haunting of house stops
after Beloved joins them. But slowly , Beloved completely makes Sethe
dependent on her. Denver reaches out to black community to help , and they arrive to exorcise Beloved, who finally disappears.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Beloved
reflects forcefully a concern for the poor and the powerless, justice for
ex-slaves and a need for a free society. It depicts
faithfully how pitiable the life of slaves was. The slaves could not
keep a family with security because either of the spouses and children could be
sold by the slave-owners. The book shows clearly how freedom and dignity are essential for every human-being.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Beloved is a short book (
about 280 pages)which needs more than
one reading for good understanding .In my views , it should be read once every few years to remind ourselves of the need to reaffirm equality , dignity and freedom from exploitation of all human beings.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-75290268148921724122019-08-27T20:31:00.000-07:002019-08-27T20:31:48.898-07:00Water Management in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all , we
have to understand the magnitude of problem<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>related to fresh water in India. Is there water- stress in India or is
it water scarcity? The reports available are contradictory and confusing.
Central Water Commission report ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>prepared with inputs from ISRO<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>says that we have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a condition of
water stress in India , which if not controlled<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>may <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>result<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into a state of water scarcity in a few
decades. But Niti Aayog ‘s Report released<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>in June ,2018<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>said;” 21 major
cities will have zero Ground water level<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>by 2020”. In other words , it is a state of water scarcity , a crisis
situation. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which Report to
believe ? I was in a state of quandary when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stumbled on the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>scrutiny done
on Niti Aayog’s report by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joanna Slater
of Washington Post . In 22 tweets that she published on June 28,2019, she
mentioned “ Zombie Statistics<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>given by
Niti Aayog tell a tale”. Briefly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>,Niti
Aayog<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cited in a footnote three sources
of data;</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->World Resources Institute.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->World Bank.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Hindu; The Hindustan Times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both the World Resources Institute </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and the World Bank<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>had not published any such data. Even the Central Ground Water
Board<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>denied having published any
data<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leading to the conclusions drawn by
Niti Aayog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, Niti Aayog
had<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not quoted its sources correctly . In
other words, It is not correct to say that 21 major cities of India will have
zero water level by 2020.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thus our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>first <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>question is settled . Going by the report of
Central water Commission , we can say that India is in a state of water stress
and needs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>better water management,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>failing which we shall have water scarcity. We
also need to do something about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
growth of our population.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our water is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>of poor quality and is contaminated at various places. India ranked 120
out of 122 countries in Water Quality Index. This again<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a cause for concern.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not that no efforts were made in the past towards water
conservation. In fact , U.P. Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1963<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shows the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>concern of our legislators<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>since
about 56 years ago. It envisaged watershed development, intensive
afforestation,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>renovation of bore-well
structures, renovation of water bodies and tanks and rain water harvesting. But
still, there is an urgent need to conserve water<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more now. There is a need to reclaim ,
maintain and improve water resources. Rain water harvesting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in India is only about 10 percent and this
needs to be increased to 100 percent, as is prevalent in many countries.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Government of India has<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>created a
new ministry called Jal Shakti (Water Power) in May ,2019<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>integrating the departments of water resources
, river development , Ganga rejuvenation , drinking water and sanitation . The
U.P. state government has followed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by
creating a new Jal Shakti ministry on August 22,2019. Let us hope , other
states will also take similar steps and these ministries become integrated and
powerful enough to take the country out of the problem of water stress and poor
water quality.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In India, agriculture consumes 90 percent of fresh water. We have to pay
more attention to save water use in agriculture. One way is to improve water
use efficiency through drip and sprinkler irrigation. Other is to grow water
consuming crops like wheat and rice in Eastern India ( where we have abundant
rainfall) and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>maize and millets in North
western India. In addition , we should review our policy of exporting rice ,
which amounts to exporting fresh water.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Singapore<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reclaims water
from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>waste water and reuses it. It has
also installed energy efficient<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>desalination<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plants. We have to
follow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>these<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>practices.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most important is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the creation of
public awareness that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have to conserve water. We have to develop
better technologies than present water<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>purifiers (R.O. based) which waste<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>three litres of drinking water to purify one litre. We have to take care
of leaking pipes and leaking taps. We have to obey the laws and policies
related to water conservation. And last but not the least, we have to control
our population growth.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-30377365897775546682019-08-13T04:27:00.001-07:002019-08-13T04:27:57.696-07:00 Stephen Hawking and his last book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The book ‘Brief Answers to the Big questions ‘ was published in July ,2018 while Stephen Hawking died in Cambridge , U.K. on March 14,2018.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stephen hawking
maintained<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a personal archive of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his speeches , interviews and essays<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which contained his responses to some of the
big questions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the day , asked by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>scientists, entrepreneurs ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>political leaders and the general public<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from him. The Stephen Hawking Estate , with
the help of others ,compiled <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
published this book, after <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hawking’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>death. The Afterword of the book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was written by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> H</span>awking , his daughter.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am inspired
by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stephen Hawking for his courage<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.He suffered from Motor Neuron Disease since
1963 , but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he persevered<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>till his death at the age of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>76 years.” At the age of seventy-five ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>completely paralysed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and able to move only<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a few facial muscles , he still got up every
day , put on a suit , and went to work. He had stuff to do<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and was not going to let<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a few trivialities get in his way”, wrote his
daughter in the Afterword.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Big questions
dealt within this book are ten , as below:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Is there a God?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did
it all begin?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Is there other intelligent life in the universe?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Can we predict the future?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->What is inside a black hole ?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Is time travel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>possible?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Will we survive the Earth?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Should we colonise space?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do
we shape the future?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>His answers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as
recorded in this book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>display deep
wisdom and creativity , especially his answer to the last question, ’How do we
shape the future?’Hawking’s questions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>themselves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will keep on
generating break-throughs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in times to
come.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I recommend you to read this book by one of the most
admirable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>scientists of our time.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-11708742086386863522019-08-06T04:55:00.001-07:002019-08-06T04:55:28.585-07:00 A Mind for Numbers : How to Excel at Math and Science by Barbara Oakley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> This outstanding book by Barbara Oakley is about learning how to learn. Though the
subtitle gives an impression that it is a book about learning Math and Science
but it applies to learning in
any field.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are
trying to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>understand or figure out
something new , your best bet is to turn off<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>your precision –focused thinking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and turn on your<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘big picture’
diffuse mode. Then set<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a timer for 25
minutes and put yourself towards doing a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>25minute interlude of work<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on a
task. Don’t worry about finishing the task –just worry about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>working on it .Then reward yourself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by checking your phone or doing any other thing
that you like. Try to complete at least<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>three such 25 minute sessions in a day on that task<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or any important task . Get into flow by
focusing on process , not product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend
25 minutes on working and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not on
completing the assignment. The point is that you put<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forth your best effort<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for a short period in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Space it. Spread out your learning in any
subject a little<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>every day. Randomly
flip through your book , pick out a problem<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>,and see whether you can solve it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>cold. A little study every day<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is
much better than<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a lot of study all at
once. Take breaks. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
few key things<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that you would like to
work on the next day. This will help your diffuse mode to begin to think
about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how you will get<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those tasks done the next day . Usually , a
few hours is long enough<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the diffuse
mode to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make significant progress<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but it need not be longer than a day.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep is vital part
of memory<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and learning. If you are sleep
deprived , it is best to go to sleep and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>do your reading and learning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>early next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why
sleep<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the night before<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>test
is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so important.Also,take a short power
nap . Usually it should be for 21 minutes.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chunking is the mental leap<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that helps you unite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bits of information together through
meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeat and practice with
problems so that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you see not only<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when to use chunk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but when not to use it . Learning takes place
in two ways. There is a bottom-up chunking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>process<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where practice and
repetition can<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>help you both build<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and strengthen each chunk , so you can easily
gain access to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it when needed. And there
is top-down ‘big picture’ process that allows you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to see where <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what you are learning fits. Both processes are
vital in gaining<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mastery over the
material. Context is where bottom-up and top-down<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>learning meet .</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attempting to recall the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>material you are trying to learn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is far more effective<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than simply re-reading the material. Don’t
wait too long for the recall practice. If possible, rewrite your notes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>during the evening after a lecture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highlight very little. An ability to recall <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one
of the key indicators of good learning.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practice and repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the same amount of time , by simply
practicing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and recalling the material ,
students learn far more<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and at a much
deeper level<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than they do using any
other approach , including<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>re-reading. Practice
ignoring distractions. The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>biggest lie
ever<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>told is that practice makes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not true – practice makes you better.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give yourself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>little mini-tests<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Testing in itself is a powerful learning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changes and adds
to what you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>know , also making dramatic
improvements in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your ability to
retain<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the material. Active test of
recall is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the best learning
methods – better than just sitting passively and re-reading!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Writing is the foundation of learning .Understand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and write each step of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what you really want to learn. One of the
best online system <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for keeping task
lists and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>random pieces of
information(replacing little notebooks) is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>evernote. ( http://evernote.com).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But , t</span>here is a connection<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>between
your hand your brain. In stead of typing online ,it is better start writing in
hand .</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get started on a
problem. Let the problem marinate. Pausing and reflecting are key. Pausing
gives you time to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>access your library<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of chunks. Waiting is also important<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in a broader context.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you grasp a
chunk in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one subject ,it is much easier
for you to grasp<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or create a similar
chunk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in another subject. Combine
passion for art<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with a passion for
science.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often ,
understanding arises<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as a consequence
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>attempts to explain to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>others and yourself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rather than the explanation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>arising out of your previous understanding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask yourself ‘How can I explain this so that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a 10-year-old could understand it’. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one of the most
cited papers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in sociology “ The Strength
of Weak Ties”, the sociologist<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MARK
GRANOVETTER<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>describes how the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>number of acquaintances<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you have—not the number of friends –predicts
your access to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the latest ideas <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as well as your success<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the job market.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Always check what you have done.“Often it takes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>way less time to check your work<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than to solve a problem. It is a pity to
spend 20 minutes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>solving a problem and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then get wrong because<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you did not spend two minutes to check it.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Testing is itself an
extra ordinarily powerful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>learning
experience. When you start working problems , start first with what appears to
be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the hardest one. But steel yourself
to pull away<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>within the first minute or
two<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if you get stuck<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or get a sense that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you might not be at the right track. This is
called ‘Hard-start-jump-to –easy’ technique. Taking test is a serious business.
Going <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through your own<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>test preparation checklist <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can vastly improve your chances of success. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Move past the
simplistic idea that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>memorization is
always bad. Deep, practiced internalization <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of well-understood chunks<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is essential to mastering <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>math and science.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memorization is a critical aspect of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>acquiring expertise.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>should be read and used by every student and
more so by every teacher. Based on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>latest researches in cognitive<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>sciences<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and experience , it
takes us through various steps in learning smarter. Highly recommended.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 180.75pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-40501203049282780192019-07-11T04:27:00.001-07:002019-07-11T04:27:50.096-07:00 The Moths of Manchester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The excellent novel ‘A
Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles quotes this beautiful story about
adaptation. In Manchester , for thousands of years , most of the
moths had white wings and black flecking. Pitch black varieties were less than ten percent of the
total moths . The lighter colouring(
of white variety )provided
them with camouflage against
the region’s trees, and they survived.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when a large
number of factories<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>started operating in
Manchester from 1800 onwards , the barks of the trees<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>got <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>covered in black suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>peppered moths with pitch black wings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were camouflaged much better<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than those with white wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>moths with white wings were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>consumed by predator birds, being highly
visible. Within a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hundred years , over
90 percent of moths had<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pitch<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>black<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>wings in Manchester.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moths are the
symbols<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ability to adapt to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our circumstances.
We should be able to use our skills and traits<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>which we already have,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to adapt
ourselves to the changes in society. Nature has designed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forces of evolution<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to ensure that moths and men<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have a chance to adapt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over a few decades. Natural selection does
not need thousands of years to take place .It has been observed unfolding over
the course of a few decades.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-85659183416809280012019-07-01T05:33:00.002-07:002019-07-01T05:33:39.343-07:00The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk , M.D.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The book , ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ by
Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. is about trauma and its healing.(Penguin Books
;2015;445 pages).Psychological trauma can befall any one. Traumatic experiences
leave traces on our minds and emotions , on our capacity for
joy and intimacy , and even on our biology and immune systems. Long after a traumatic experience is over , it may be
reactivated at the slightest hint
of danger , mobilize disturbed brain
circuits and secrete massive amounts of stress hormones. This precipitates unpleasant emotions , intense physical
sensations , and impulsive and aggressive actions. The inner disconnections keep us
trapped in the past and
cascade into ruptures in social relationships and disastrous effects on relationships and friendships. We now know that the behaviours of traumatized persons
are not the result of moral feelings or
signs of lack of will power or bad
characters --- they are caused by the
actual damages in the brain.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The body keeps the score. The memory of trauma
is encoded<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the viscera , emotions
,autoimmune disorders, skeltel or muscular problems<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>demands a radical shift<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in our
therapeutic assumptions. Ignoring the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>body’s messages<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is being unable
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>detect what is truly dangerous<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or harmful to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>us. Migraine , headaches, asthma attacks , back and neck pain, chronic
fatigue , digestive problems , irritable bowel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>syndrome are some of body’s messages. Self regulation depends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on having a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>friendly relationship with our body.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>After
trauma, the world becomes sharply divided between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those who know and those who don’t. People
who have not shared<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the traumatic
experience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cannot be trusted , because
they can’t understand it. Trauma<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>results
in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a fundamental reorganization<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the way mind and brain manage perceptions.
It changes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not only how we think<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and what we think about, but also our very
capacity to think. Helping victims of trauma<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to describe what has happened to them<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>is quite meaningful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, but usually
it is not enough .For real change to take place ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the body needs to learn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that the danger has passed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and to live in the reality of the present.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are three ways to help the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trauma survivors.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">By talking , connecting with others
and allowing ourselves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to know and
understand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what is going on with us ,
while processing the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>memories of the
trauma.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">By taking medicines<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">By allowing the body to have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>experiences that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>deeply contradict<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the helplessness, rage , or collapse<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that result from trauma. Using a combination
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>traditional therapy techniques and
alternative treatments such as yoga, neuro-feedback, EMDR<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and theatre , patients can regain <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>control of their bodies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and revive their brains<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so that they can<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rebuild<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>their lives .<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psychiatric medications have a
serious downside, as they may deflect attention from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dealing with underlying issues. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Restoring<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>relationships and community<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
connecting with others <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>central to restoring<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being able to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>safe with other people , is probably<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the single most important aspect<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>of mental health ;safe connections are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>fundamental to meaningful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
satisfying<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lives. Social support is the
most powerful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>protection against <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>becoming overwhelmed by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stress and trauma. Isolating oneself
into<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a narrowly defined victim<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>group promotes a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>view of others<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as irrelevant<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>at best and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dangerous at worst ,
which eventually leads to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>further
alienation. While<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there is a need to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be able to stand up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for oneself ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it is also <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an equally important need
to recognize<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that other people have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their own agendas. Trauma can make all that
hazy. Adults who were abused<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or
neglected as children<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can still learn
the beauty<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of intimacy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and mutual trust<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and have a deep spiritual experience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that opens them to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a large universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Study after study shows<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that having a good support network<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>constitutes the single most powerful
protection against<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>becoming traumatized.
Recovery from trauma<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>involves
reconnecting with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our fellow human
beings. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communicating<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>fully is opposite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of being
traumatized . The object of writing is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to write to yourself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, to let
yourself know<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what you have been trying
to avoid.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A central<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>task<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for recovery from
trauma<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is to learn to live<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with the memories of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>past without being<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>overwhelmed by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>them in the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trauma treatment is not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>only dealing with past<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( by not desensitizing the past)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but also enhancing the quality of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day to day experience .This means<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>living<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>fully<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and securely<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the present , having satisfaction in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ordinary everyday things like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>taking a walk , cooking or playing . Exiles
hold the memories , sensations , beliefs and emotions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>associated with trauma. It is hazardous to
release them. Exiles must not be locked up. Usually , these are our most <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sensitive, creative, intimacy-loving ,
lively<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>playful and innocent parts. By
exiling them<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when they get hurt , the
insult of our rejection<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is added to
their original<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>injury. Keeping exiles hidden
and despised<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>condemns us <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to a life without intimacy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or genuine joy. Chronic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>emotional abuse<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and neglect can be just<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as devastating as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>physical abuse and sexual molestation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The painful work of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>facing the demons of the past<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has to be done.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mindful practice which strengthens<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the MPFC is a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>cornerstone of recovery from trauma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ten weeks of yoga practice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>markedly reduce the PTSD<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>symptoms
of patients<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who had failed to respond<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to any medication or any other treatment.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trauma robs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>us of the feeling that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are in
charge<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of ourselves, of what is called
self- leadership. Neuroscience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>research<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shows that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the only way we can change<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the way we feel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is by becoming<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>aware of our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>inner experience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and learning to
befriend<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what is going in inside
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cultivation of mindful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>self-leadership<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the foundation for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>healing from trauma .Mindfulness
increases<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our control<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over the emotional brain.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book ‘The Body Keeps The Score’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bessel Van Der<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kolk , M.D.
fundamentally changes the way we look at the world. It tells <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>us how<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>face the reality of trauma,
take charge<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the healing process ,
gain a sense <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of safety<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and find way out of suffering, and as a
society , use every means we have to prevent it. I strongly recommend you to
read it.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-81429773746874137862019-05-18T05:10:00.001-07:002019-05-18T05:10:44.769-07:00Educated by Tara Westover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Educated
(Penguin Random House ,UK,2018, 384 pages) is a memoir by twenty nine years old Tara Westover. Born in Idaho
to parents who believe
that schools , hospitals ,
medicines and government have a
corrupting influence on the children , she has a childhood full of struggles and restraints. She is a victim of
physical violence by one of her brothers but her
parents support her brother against her
.Her father has a bipolar disorder and
commits all kinds of brutalities but her mother supports her husband, and practices healing with herbs , energy and
oils. Her father makes her work hard , in very risk prone jobs in his junkyard.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tara wants to go to school and then
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to college and university but she has to
choose between her family and education. She also has to struggle to get
herself accepted by her class mates for whom she is an odd person,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>brought up <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in an extremely conservative way. During her
college days , she is exposed to the study and evolution of religion and society. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her memoir<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>describes Tara’s struggles, defeats and victories, vacillating between <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the bonds of family ( however <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>conservative, cruel and unsafe) and the urge
to get education .With many ups and downs , Tara <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>learns to believe in herself .She manages to
win<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gates Scholarship to study at Cambridge
and then to study for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>getting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ph. D. from
Cambridge University, with the help and support of a few enlightened
Professors. Her father disapproves of her going to Cambridge but she goes. Her <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>parents disown her and tell others that she is
possessed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by evil spirits.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education becomes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>means to her transformation and metamorphosis.
The book shows how this <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>transformation
comes about in stages as she progresses in her education .Educated is a powerful
story beautifully told, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of a young
girl<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who tries and succeeds in making a
place for herself in the world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, without
losing her connection to her family.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is worth your time to read it. Highly
recommended.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-46250763977922439182019-04-09T05:32:00.000-07:002019-04-09T05:32:24.291-07:00Personality ,what makes you the way you are, by Daniel Nettle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This book on personality by Daniel Nettle ,
published by Oxford University Press in 2007 (298 pages) is one of the oxford Landmark Science books. It
cer helps you to know your self ,
understand better those around you and
also tries to answer the question if we
can change our personality.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book starts with <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a request to fill up a brief
questionnaire<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of 12 questions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to assess yourself on the big five<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>personality<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>dimensions..(The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Newcastle
Personality assessor).The dimensions are:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Extraversion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Neuroticism.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Conscientiousness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Agreeableness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Openness.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You assess your self , with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your
scores in respect of each of the five dimensions. Only by the time you reach
near the end of the book , you get to realize the full meaning of these
dimensions , and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you begin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to look afresh at your self.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">What is personality?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not just what we do repeatedly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the large-scale narratives of our lives-
love , career , friendships- which tend to be somewhat consistent over time ,
it is also what we do in tiny interactions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>which shows the same kind of patterns over our whole life. Naturally ,
we want to know about our own personality, and also about the personality of
other people .<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>five<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>personality dimensions
are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>extraversion, neuroticism,
Conscientiousness, Agreeableness and openness.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Extraversion is responsiveness of
positive emotions. In the high scorer , the responsiveness is great , and so
the person is prepared<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to work
hard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to get the buzz of company ,
excitement , achievement , adulation and romance. For an introvert ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the psychological benefits of getting these
things are fewer. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An introvert <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is not motivated<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to go out , put in efforts or fight out for
them.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.Neuroticism:Neuroticism is to negative
emotions what extraversion is to positive emotions. Negative emotions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are an interconnected group including fear,
anxiety, shame, guilt , disgust , and sadness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that are deeply unpleasant to experience. High scorers on neuroticism<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>more groundless worries<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>more negative emotions. They have low self esteem, higher rates of
depression. They are workaholics and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>get
better academic results. Neuroticism is a (weak) positive predictor of success
for professional occupations.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.Conscientiousness:
They are able to control impulses. Very low Conscientiousness means an
addictive personality<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that can’t stop
doing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even when they are damaging. The smarter
people are , the less conscientious they are. It is not true that
conscientiousness brings only benefits. High Conscientiousness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in an extreme form<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is called obsessive –compulsive personality
disorder.( not related to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>obsessive-compulsive
disorder).It is preoccupation with orderliness,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>perfectionism, and mental control<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>at the expense of flexibility, openness and efficiency. Sticking to the
plan and schedule<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>becomes the main issue
and the actual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>point of activity is
entirely lost. Inter personal relationships are badly affected by OCPD , as a
result. There is no spontaneity. Perfectionism is just very high
Conscientiousness.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.
Agreeableness: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High scorers on
agreeableness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are cooperative ,
trusting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and empathetic , while low
scorers are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cold-hearted, hostile and
non-compliant. Such<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>high scorer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people have ‘other-regarding preferences’. They
are quick to forgive and slow to anger. At the very extreme
low-Agreeableness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are psychopaths<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who are completely egocentric , remorseless,
dishonest, incapable of love , and disposed to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>use others entirely to forward their own ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When degree of agreeableness is so high
that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a person completely sacrifices<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his or her own needs, values, options , pleasures
and goals in order to serve the desires of others , it is ‘dependent personality
disorder’. Research shows that the less Agreeable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the executive, the better they do; or, nice
guys finish last. Personal success<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tends
to mean low Agreeableness. In general , women are higher in Agreeableness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than men are. This implies that the share of
women in top positions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will not be 50
percent but less because of Agreeableness factor.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Openness:
It<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>means broad associations of meaning,
restless unconventionality, supernatural beliefs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and psychosis-like experiences. Openness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>predicts creativity and innovative ness. <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personality traits have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>50 percent heritable component. The other
half is environmentally induced<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>personality<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>variation. Can we
change our personalities , or are we just stuck with them? You can choose to
avoid certain people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who bring out the
worst in you. You can keep yourself away from contexts where aspects of your
personality<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that you are unhappy
with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all carry useless and outdated notions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of what we should be and why. From time to
time ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>should shed these notions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>should reframe our story. Also , you need to
change your behaviour. But it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>does not
mean that we can change our personality. It means understanding your
personality and using this information to make wise choices.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personality is a very clear and
comprehensive book .It has certainly helped me to know my self and has
increased my self awareness. I highly recommend<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the readers to read this book .In fact, you should not miss it.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-24514999231258962382019-04-02T05:16:00.000-07:002019-04-02T05:16:02.135-07:00Becoming by Michelle Obama<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>An autobiography of Michelle<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obama , published by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penguin
Random House ( 426 pages;2018)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the story<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>of a woman<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who rose from very
humble beginnings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to become<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the first lady of the USA, overcoming<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all obstacles of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>race , resources and gender. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
admire Michelle for each of her four initiatives which she took as the First
lady---Let’s Move! , Reach Higher , Let Girls Learn , and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joining Forces. Let’s Move! Was a public
health campaign led by Michelle .Its aim was to reduce<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>childhood obesity and encourage a healthy
lifestyle in children.The Reach Higher Initiative<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was her effort as a first Lady to
inspire<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>every student in the US to take
charge of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her/his future by completing
their education past high school, whether at a professional<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>training programme , a community college , or
a four-year college or university.Let Girls Learn was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>launched by Michelle Obama ,as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>US
government initiative<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>aimed at helping
adolescent girls<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>attain a quality
education<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that empowers them to
reach<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their full potential.Joining
Forces<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a nationwide initiative<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Michelle Obama<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Dr. Jill Biden<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>calling all Americans to rally around<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>service members, veterans , and their
families<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and support them through
wellness, education and employment opportunities. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michelle <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>majored from Princeton in sociology and law <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, pulling good grades. Her code in life
is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to keep making<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>efforts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>till you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>get the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>answer to the most important question. “Am I good enough? as “Yes, in
fact<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am”. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>She met Barack at a law firm Sidley and Austin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barack wanted to be effective far more than he
wanted to be rich. They fell in love there. From Becoming me , came the stage
of Becoming Us. Throughout the book, Michelle is full of praise and pride for
Obama.”His money largely went towards books” . He often asked: “ Do we settle
for the world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as it is ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or do we work for the world as it should
be?”When she was in Sidley and Austin ,she started keeping a journal. It was a
habit she picked in part<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from Barack
,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who viewed writing as therapeutic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and clarifying, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and had kept journals on and off over the
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barack and Michelle got married
in October ,1992.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barack joined an
organization<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>called Project VOTE!. “There
was power in voting. If you wanted change, you couldn’t stay home on Election
Day”. In 1993, he wrote and published<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“dreams from My Father”. She joined
a new job as the executive director for the new Chicago chapter of an
organization<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>called Public Allies. Its
purpose was to help more people find their way into careers in public service
and non-profit work.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Barack can flip<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>between the six and seven<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>books
he’s reading simultaneously. He<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>would
inhale books , newspapers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and ideas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a serious faith in democracy. He wrote
his second book “The Audacity of Hope” – thinking through his beliefs and his
vision<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the country.He called for hope
over cynicism. He spoke with hope. Both served on the boards of several
nonprofits. Michelle did not have much taste for politics .She brought up their
two daughters, Malia and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sasha, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to grow strong<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and also un-accommodating to any form of old-school patriarchy.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all , there
were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a total of nine Democrats<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the election to President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barack<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>made his announcement on February 10, 2007.Voting took place on
November4, 2008.Barack Hussein<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obama
became the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forty-fourth president<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the United States (POTUS) and Michelle
became the First Lady of the united States.(FOTUS).</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michelle<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a great advocate of mentoring.”I knew from
my own experience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that when some
one<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shows genuine interest in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your learning and development , even if only
for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ten minutes in a busy day , it
matters”. With this in mind , she started a leadership and mentoring
program<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the White house<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for girls. The students were nominated by
their Principals. Each student was paired with a female mentor. Mentors<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>volunteers from the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>staff.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the
regime of Obama, Osama bin Laden was killed by an elite team of US Navy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Abbottabad, Pakistan. According to
Michelle , this was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the most
important events in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obama’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>first<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>tenure as President.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Barack was re-elected as president of the USA<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on November6, 2012. “We had managed two terms
in office<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>without a major scandal. We
had held ourselves and the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>people who
worked with us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to the highest
standards<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of ethics and decency , and we
had made it all the way through”.They walked out of the White House<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on January , 2017, accompanying<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Donald and Melania trump to the inauguration
ceremony.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Michelle met Nelson Mandela .”There was no one alive who’d a
more meaningful impact<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than Nelson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mandela<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had, at least by my
measure”. I liked to mention that I was the great-great –granddaughter of a
slave<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>named Jim Robinson. She sees
optimism in surprising places.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ends the book
with these lines:” There’s power in allowing yourself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to be known and heard, in owning your unique
story , in using your authentic voice .And there’s grace in being willing to
know<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and hear others. This , for me, is
how we become.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very much reading this inspiring<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>book by Michelle Obama. I recommend<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>everyone to read this book , especially the
young girls of India.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-44159464993962920572019-02-15T06:18:00.001-08:002019-02-15T06:18:35.937-08:00Inquilab . . . . .Bhagat Singh on Religion and Revolution Edited by S. Irfan Habib<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bhagat Singh was not only a freedom fighter but also<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a thinker and an intellectual. S. Irfan Habib
has done a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>great<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>service<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>by bringing us in touch with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bhagat Singh’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thoughts and
vision<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of independent India. And it
makes us think: Where have we deviated<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>after Independence? </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bhagat Singh was born on 28<sup>th</sup>
September , 1907 and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the articles
included in this book was published in 1924 when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he was just 17 years old. This was on
Universal Brotherhood. He was hanged on March 23, 1931 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when he
was 23 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>years<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 months old. Most of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the writings were of the period 1928 to 1931
when he was between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>years to 23 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>years <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.But at such a young age , his intellectual
maturity is commendable, to say the least.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The longest
article is “ Why I am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an Atheist ?”(about
15 pages) written in 1930.It<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>conveys his
views on religion and God.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Another<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>long
piece<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is about his statement in the
Sessions Court<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dated 6 June , 1929 and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the statement filed in the Lahore High
Court<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where he explained<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the intentions behind<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>throwing the bombs .He says :’’ Bombs and
pistols do not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make revolution. The
sword of revolution<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is sharpened on the
whetting stone of ideas. This is what we wanted to emphasise.. . . . .It was
very necessary to give the timely warning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that the unrest of the people is increasing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the malady may take<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a serious
turn, if not treated in time and properly.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book has
20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>writings/articles by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the most brilliant and courageous
minds India has ever produced. In the last part of the book, some Excerpts from
Bhagat Singh”s Jail Notebook have been given .The writing are in 135 pages and
the excerpts are in 57 pages.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S. Irfan Habib ,
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>editor Has <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>taken <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
commendable <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>initiative in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>compiling and editing these writings of
Bhagat Singh which will make every Indian <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>understand the vision and the thoughts of the great
martyr<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and freedom fighter.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend every
Indian, especially the youth, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to read
this book</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-75899582788019831452019-01-23T03:56:00.000-08:002019-01-23T03:56:12.761-08:00Self-Renewal . . . The Individual and The Innovative Society by John W. Gardner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is a book about the self-renewal of an individual as
well as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>renewal of organizations and
societies. Anything which is susceptible to decay<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, is capable of regeneration. How can we
design a system<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that will continuously
renew itself , beginning with specifiable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ills and moving on to ills we cannot foresee.?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gardner lists five
methods:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The habit
of self development<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>leads to
self-renewal. For self-renewing persons , the development of their potentialities
and the process of self -discovery never<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>end.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Self-knowledge is also necessary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to facilitate self-renewal.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George Herbert said:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“ By all means use some times to be alone. Salute thyself: see what thy
soul doth wear?”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is a goof self-renewal doctrine.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should
be willing to risk. Fear of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>failure
should not stop us from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>exploration and
experimentation for self-renewal.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Accept love and give it. This is one attribute
of self-renewing people.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The self-renewing person is highly motivated.” Wipe
the slate clean and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do one little
thing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that you really care about deeply,
that you could do with burning conviction.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our education should<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teach<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>habits of mind that will be useful in new
situations- curiosity, open-mindedness, objectivity, respect for evidence<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the capacity to think critically.
Education at its best<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>develops the inner
resources<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of young people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the point where they can learn on their own.
Many of major changes take place through a series of small innovations. We have
to provide for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a hospitable
environment<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the release of
creativity.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
achieve renewal, we need to understand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>what prevents renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an
organization becomes old, it is governed by rules , customs and procedures ,
which destroys<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>zest and creativity.
These rigidities need to be broken. As individuals<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>develop vested interests , the
organization<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>itself rigidifies. Vested
interests produce rigidity<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and diminish
capacity for change.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society
should recognize the need for renewal. This requires protecting the dissenters.
Similarly, writers and artists need freedom in the area of their creative
activity, freedom to speculate , inquire and imagine.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Top
executives<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>should periodically<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>take a look at unprocessed reality. This will
protect them from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>filtered experience.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Self-renewing people never feel that they have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ arrived”. They know that really important
tasks<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are never finished—interrupted
perhaps but never finished-and all the significant goals<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recede before one.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
society is likely to renew itself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unless
its dominant<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>orientation is to future. In
such a society , people not only welcome the future but also<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>believe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>they can have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a hand in
shaping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that future. Such people believe
that they can make their own history. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
step in moral renewal is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
confrontation of precept and practice, and stripping the hypocrisy.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A society is
being continuously<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>re-created , by its
members. Self-renewing individuals make a self-renewing society.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 22.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 415.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Gardner <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, with his brilliant career as a civil
servant<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, and founder of Common cause,
has written this masterpiece for self-renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is stimulating as well as inspirational. I recommend you to read it.</b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-17302853808985214272018-12-04T06:04:00.001-08:002018-12-04T06:11:04.886-08:00The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The magic of Thinking big was on my book shelf for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about 15 years till recently, when <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to read it . I know many people who
do not read self help books . Obviously this book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is not for them . But for the rest , let me
say that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is one of the best self help
books I have read . Written in 1959, it still continues to be read.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best thing that I liked in the book came at the end of the book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the answer to the question:How to think
big? The answer: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a daily
managed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>solitude , for at least 30
minutes. This solitude can be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>directed or undirected .Both are useful .Directed
solitude takes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you for a review of a
major problem facing you .The undirected solitude<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>permits you to let your mind <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>select<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>what it wants to think about .This is helpful in doing self-evaluation .Solitude
means <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no mobile, no TV , no newspaper,
no book, no reading material in print or electronic form , and no human being
or pet near you.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few other tips. The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>emphasises the value of having the right
attitudes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as for example , learning from setbacks. Blend
persistence with experimentation .Action cures fear and builds confidence. Don’t
be afraid of talking to other people. Underneath, most folks are nice. But don’t
do any thing which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you know is wrong.
When you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>go any where , <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>walk a little faster , with your head lifted
up.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think above
petty things and trivialities. Think high standards in every thing that you do.
Don’t get involved in petty quarrels and petty things. Think Big. To think big,
listen more and talk less. But remain humble , as pride has a fall. Dress right.</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep company of
people with big ideas. Read biographies of great men. Study negators. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let them destroy your plans for action. Have
a broad<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>group to circulate in. To be
enthusiastic about a thing , learn more about it.Dig deeper. The deeper you dig
, the more enthusiastic you will become.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put service first. This
attitude creates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>money <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>also.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Think right towards people. Congratulate when some one<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has made some achievement. But don’t give false praise<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t criticise others. Don’t blame others ,
nor blame yourself. Don’t be reformer of others. We are lifted to higher levels
by those who know us as likeable, personable individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cross bridges as you come to them. Don’t
start worrying about possible <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>problems
and difficulties.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found this book excellent. Recommended highly for reading and following.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-32108106066399417672018-10-06T22:54:00.000-07:002018-10-06T22:55:40.718-07:00Tolstoy - A Biography by A.N. Wilson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This biography of Tolstoy by A.N. Wilson (572 pages) was first published in 1988.Ninety volumes
of Tolstoy’s work fill the shelves of the Russian Library. Of all the Russian novelists who came after Pushkin , Tolstoy was the greatest. He
was born on August , 1828 into a high ,
aristocratic family. He served as a soldier in the Crimean war. Tolstoy died
on November 7, 1910.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solutions which he<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>preached to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>solve the problems of the nineteenth century were –pacifism,
vegetarianism,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reading the gospels and
knitting your own clothes. His two greatest achievements were War and Peace ,
and Anna Karenina. In War and Peace , in telling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the story of Napoleon’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>invasion and retreat from Moscow, Tolstoy had
become<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a national institution of Russia.
War and Peace<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>great works of literature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the
world.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What then must we
do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is one of Tolstoy’s most
impressive<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and unforgettable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“What Then Must We Do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is an
exposure of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gap between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rich and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>poor , and it leaves no reader unaffected. Millions of readers have
found in Resurrection<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things deeper ,
both disturbing and consoling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>than
anything<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Tolstoy’s writings
except<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>War and Peace. Resurrection was
more widely disseminated than anything<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tolstoy had previously written . “After the ball” is a great<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>short story by Tolstoy. The philosopher<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wittgenstein said that “Hadji<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Murat”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>was one of the few works of Tolstoy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>which he could admire.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard for Tolstoy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to think that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>women have any function<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the
world <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>except as breeding stock. Tolstoy
used fiction to purge and to sanitise existence .”I could only preach by deeds;
and my deeds are bad”. Father Sergius <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(
published after<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolstoy’s death )<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a vivid dissection of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what was wrong with the whole Tolstoyan way
of looking at the world. “The Kingdom of God is Within You”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is an infinitely sad book to read. Also , “
all life is a struggle between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the flesh
and the spirit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and gradually the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flesh triumphs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over the spirit”, says Tolstoy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His later advocacy of anarchism , or his<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>condemnation of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shakespeare<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not shared by many.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolstoy remained
a compulsive diarist<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>until last days of
his life. In this diary , centre stage was Tolstoy himself. Dickens was his
favourite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>author and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David Copperfield his favourite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>book. He loved Rousseau’s Emily and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Confessions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>equally. He had sweet and sour relations with
Turgenev. For seventeen years , there was no contact between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>never met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tolstoy did not know “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a better
book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in all modern literature than<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dostoyevsky’s “The House of the Dead”. He was
a smoker of tobacco and had a habit of non-stop tea drinking.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tolstoy was not
a prophet and he had many shortcomings and many ideas which are unacceptable.
But he was a great writer , with tremendous influence all over the world.
Wilson has been able to portray<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tolstoy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>truly and in an interesting
style. Go ahead and read this book , if you are a fan of Tolstoy.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-70514901204016915652018-09-20T05:28:00.001-07:002018-09-20T05:28:16.126-07:00Uttar Pradesh and the State of the Disabled<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lucknow, the Capital of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Uttar Pradesh , is not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
beautiful city—at least not for the persons<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>with physical challenges. Today (September20,2018) , I accompanied
a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very senior citizen<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who is physically challenged and is on wheel
chair for locomotion, to the office of Sub-Registrar in connection with the
registration of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a sale deed. It was
shocking to see the inaccessibility of the office, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the disabled people. There are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>offices of four Sub registrars on first floor
and offices of fifth Sub- registrar , AIG and DIG are on second floor. All
these offices are located near the office of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>District Magistrate , Lucknow .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no
ramps for the disabled. There are no lifts for any body. None of the offices
has any wheel chair. The stairs to these highly crowded offices are very steep.
The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>disabled person can reach Sub
registrar’s office <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>only if two or three
strong persons physically <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lift her . No registration
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can be done if you do not reach<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the office personally.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
find <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucknow , the capital of Uttar
Pradesh so<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unfriendly and inaccessible
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the disabled. Good governance is only
on paper and in advertisements.I feel ashamed to be living in such a
disabled-unfriendly city.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appeal
to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Aditya Nath Jee <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to spare<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>15 minutes to visit the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>offices
of Sub registrars himself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, and provide
lifts , wheel chairs and ramps there.</span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-47735453693681470982018-09-18T21:41:00.000-07:002018-09-18T21:41:39.209-07:00On The Shortness of Life by Seneca<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“On the Shortness of Life” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Seneca is a short book (106 pages)
published by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penguin Books – Great
ideas. The book has three essays : On the Shortness of Life, Consolation to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helvia , On Tranquillity of Mind. I could
pick up some<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>advice from this book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as follows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seneca writes:”It takes the whole of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to learn how to live , and –
what will perhaps make you wonder more – it takes the whole of life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to learn how to die.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seneca is an educator of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>young people. He gives down to earth ,
practical<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>everyday advice on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how to live<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a wise<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and joyful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>human life.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Organize
every day as if it were your last. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make
time for philosophy. Share your time with better men than you , men like
Socrates, Aristotle , Theophrastus, Epicurus, Zeno, Pythagoras, Democritus , <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stoics and Cynics. None of these allows<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>anyone to depart empty-handed. You will have
these <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>friends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>whose advice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>you can ask<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the most
important<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or the most trivial matters.
The world expands on us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when we
participate in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>great wisdom of
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>philosophical tradition.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“ If you
have the strength to tackle any one aspect of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>misfortune<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you can tackle all.
When once virtue has toughened<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, the
mind renders it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>invulnerable<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on every side. If you consider that sexual
desire<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was given to man <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not for enjoyment but for the propagation of
the race, once you are free of this violent and destructive<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>passion rooted in your vitals, every other
desire will leave you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>undisturbed.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is better
to conquer our grief than to deceive it. We must not evade it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grief that has been conquered by reason
is calmed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grief<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>which springs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from love<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>be diverted from its anguish<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by
philosophy or honourable occupation.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you write
something , write it in a simple style for your own use and not for
publication. Less toil is needed if you study only for the day.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dont travel too frequently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many people make one journey after the other. As Lucretius says:” Thus
each man ever flees himself”. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is public
service? The man who teaches the young , who instils virtue in their minds, who
grips and restrains those<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who are
rushing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>madly after wealth and luxury, and
if nothing more, at least<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>delays them ,
he too is doing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a public service ,
though in private life. If you apply yourself to study you will avoid all
boredom with life , you will neither be a burden to yourself nor useless to
others. But if we shun all society and, abandoning the human race , live for
ourselves alone , this isolation , devoid of any interest , will be followed
by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a dearth of worthwhile activity. Help
your fellow citizens with unspoken support. At banquets , play the part of a
good companion. Practice the duties of a man. Encourage others, cheer them on. Get
used to your circumstances, complain about them as little as possible, and
grasp whatever advantage they have to offer. What can happen to one can happen
to all.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A basic source of
anxiety<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is to assume a pose and not
reveal<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yourself openly to any one. Life
of those who live behind a mask , is never<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>pleasant or free from care. Yet , a life which is open<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>too runs the risk of being scorned. But still
, it is better to be despised for simplicity than to suffer agonies from
everlasting pretence. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mingle two things: solitude , and joining a crowd. There is
a role of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>relaxation , sleep, walks out
of doors, fresh air and a clear sky. A wavering mind should be surrounded by
attentive and unceasing care.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seneca wrote
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>book in the year 49 AD , bringing
up many Stoic principles. But<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>most of
his advice is valid and practical even today.This is a true sign of a great
work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend you to read it at
least once.</b></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-73492230810580604212018-08-16T22:38:00.001-07:002018-08-16T22:38:46.315-07:00The War of Art by Steven Pressfield<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The War of Art<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by
Steven Pressfield<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2002 edition;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>165 page)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>, as the subtitle<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>indicates , is
about breaking through the blocks and winning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>your inner battles. The title may<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>lead you to believe that it is a book about art but it is not so. It is
not a book about art only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a book
about <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resistance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>against <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>any new thing that you want to start ;how to
overcome that Resistance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Procrastination
is the most common<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>manifestation of
Resistance. If not controlled, it can become a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>life long habit.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
moment you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>decide<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>any of the new activities,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there are inner obstacles or blocks . Steven
Pressfield calls them Resistance .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gives<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a list of activities which most commonly elicit Resistance (read
Procrastination):</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.Writing , painting , music , film , dance or any creative
art.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Launch of any
enterprise, business or non-profit.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any diet or health
regimen.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any programme for
spiritual advancement.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any program to
overcome a habit or addiction .</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Education of every kind.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Any act of courage<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>including any decision to change our thought or conduct.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. Any act which needs commitment like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>getting married,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>deciding <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to have a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>child or to weather a rocky patch in a relationship.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking a
principled stand in an adversity.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resistance is
experienced by every body. Resistance is most powerful at the finish line.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The more energy we spend to get support from our colleagues
and loved ones, the weaker we become. Seeking support is also a sign of
Resistance.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Resistance can be
beaten. One way to do it is to turn pro ( professional). Pressfield mentions
the following<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>qualities that define a
professional:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show up
every day.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show up
no matter what.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay on
the job all day.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remain
committed over a long haul.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
stakes are high and real.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accept remuneration for your labour.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do
not over -identify with your jobs.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You master the techniques of your jobs.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have a sense of humour about your job.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>receive praise or blame in the real world.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The professional<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prepares mentally to absorb blows and to
deliver<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>results. He or she reminds
him/herself that it is better to be in the arena , getting stomped by the bull
, than to be up in the stands or out in the parking lot. A professional <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is resolute in overcoming resistance.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pressfield<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>also
recommends<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that before you sit down to
work, say your prayer to the Muse. The Muses were nine sisters , daughters of
Zeus and Mnemosyne. Their names are Clio, Erato,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thalia, Terpsichore, Calliope, Polyhymnia,
Euterpe,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melpomene , and Urania. Their
job is to inspire artists. Also<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>always<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>remember Goethe’s couplet:
“ Whatever you can do, or dream you can , begin it. Boldness has genius, magic
and power in it. Begin it now.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carl Jung<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>defined the Self as a
greater entity , which includes ego but also incorporates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Personal and Collective Unconscious. Our
consciousness dwells in the ego but we must make efforts to move consciousness
from ego to the Self. Then we discern what is really important,( as we do when
we are about to die) . The Ego produces Resistance .It does not want us to
evolve. It likes the things just the way they are. We must operate
territorially and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not hierarchically.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This book captured<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>me slowly . In
fact , when I finished its first reading , I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>still thought that it is about art. But slowly , it dawned on me that it
is about everything important that we do in life. The second reading of the
book made it clear to me.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an extremely useful
book. All of us procrastinate but we do not consciously realize what Resistance
is working inside us. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I strongly recommend<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you to read
this book.It will change<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the way you
live and work.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-64678725068924977892018-07-19T01:59:00.001-07:002018-07-20T23:12:59.767-07:00To Thine Own Self be True by Lewis M. Andrews Ph.D.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I picked up
this book, “To Thine Own Self be True”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lewis M. Andrews , Ph.D. ,
(1989 edition;222 pages) to search the answer to these questions: What does it
mean to be true to oneself? Is it possible to be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unethical<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and still <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>claim that one is true
to oneself? Why should we be true to ourselves? I am happy that this book has
been able to provide the answer. The book quotes somewhere near the end:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->“This above all: to thine own self be true,</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->And it must follow, as the night the day,</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Thou canst not then be false to any man.” . . .
. . . Shakespeare <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hamlet<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Act 1, Scene 3).</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a connection between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spiritual values and emotional health.
Emotional problems/ bad mental health<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>include<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>negative emotions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>depression , guilt , feelings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of worthlessness, indecision , boredom , fear
, frustration , loneliness and anxiety. There is a connection between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the most common negative emotions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and particular unethical behaviours<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which cause them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spiritual values are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the elevating ethical beliefs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what Alduous Huxley called “the highest
common denominator”. Deliberating reforming our characters<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the essence of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>effective self-help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basic truths we have always known<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are in our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to these and be true to your deepest
selves. In other words , if you are not true to your self , you are likely to
have a poor emotional health. You cannot and should not reject inner values
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>manipulate the overt behaviour of
self and others.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The approach of Dale Carnegie in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his book “How to Win Friends and Influence
People” is manipulative. It advocates using a technique<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on your friends. It is a real trap where<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>social success is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>existential failure. Habitual role-playing
(going through the motions)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is also a
kind of sickness. Appearing to be a kind of person <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> you </span> think others expect –more amusing , more attractive, more competent- is role
playing. There is an emotional cost of hiding your true self. Avoid needless
role –playing. Be responsive to your innermost<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>self. Express consciously who you are. Reveal your true personality.
Only then you have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>any chance of
achieving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>genuine intimacy with another
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is called for is a
conscious effort to change the ethical quality of our every day interactions. If
you are a writer, write out your thoughts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>without catering to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>some rigid
standards fixed by a professor .The awareness that being true to one’s self
liberates qualities which <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by their
spontaneous nature, are far easier to sustain<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>over the long run , becomes a powerful force for conscious and
unconscious change.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To be able to be true to
oneself,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one has to be free from
grudges, resentment and hostility against<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>others. To carry a grudge<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a
very crippling mental condition. Cleanse yourself of all malicious thoughts.
Never allow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yourselves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to entertain malicious thoughts , under any
circumstances<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>no matter what the provocation.
By carrying a grudge , you <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are hurting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yourself .It is better to forgive people
deliberately. It is in your own interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Passing some malicious gossip is also an act of resentment. Resentment
is the process of being stepped<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on ,
allowing some one else to push us around. It does not matter that you are doing
exactly the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>opposite of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what a person wants. If you were really free
,you won’t do that . Resentment leads to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>despair and depression. Let no one live in your head rent free.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Never ignore guilt through
arbitrary self acceptance. It is better to face guilt and repent and atone<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Each time you attempt to mislead
others<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or to rationalize a decision<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you don’t really believe in , an actual
breakdown of consciousness occurs .Don’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>be evasive to small threats. Face them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speak truthfully so that people can depend on
your word. Even in the tough world of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>labour and management conflict resolution , don’t play a negotiating
game. Forsake manipulation. Manipulators attract only counter-manipulators. Betraying
confidences<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is an excellent
indicator<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that your intention is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>manipulative. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To overcome your hyper-anxiety ,
share your disturbing thoughts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with
another person.”Writing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your anxieties for brief periods<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>appears to have the same<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>healthful effect<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as confiding the thought to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a real person”. Alcoholism and other
addictions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are primarily a response<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to unfulfilled<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spiritual potential.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book , written by a qualified
psychologist,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>clarifies many<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ethical<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>issues which we face in our lives. It<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>can change your life and make your emotional health better. I recommend
you to read it.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 54.0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-19859067681002245292018-06-28T01:43:00.000-07:002018-07-08T22:57:04.924-07:00The science of Positivity by Loretta Graziano Breuning , Ph.D.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The science of Positivity is a book (2017 edition ;224 pages;
Adams Media) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which tells us about how
negative thought patterns are formed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
how we can rewire ourselves <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>replace our negative thought habits with
positive ones. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Breuning is a Neuro Chemical expert <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
explains<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through examples , stories , analogies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how brain chemicals<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( neurotransmitters) Dopamine, Serotonin ,
Oxytocin , Endorphin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Cortisol <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>play a major role in our thought habits. Our
neural pathways were paved by our early neuro chemical ups and downs. Our
negativity and cynicism <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are habits
formed in an early stage of our life to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>cope up with <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chance events
related to survival threats, breaches of trust , being dominated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>socially by bullies or, being left behind in a
competition or race. Negativity is good at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>stimulating happy chemicals. Because it feels good , we do’nt want to
come out of negativity. The electricity in our brain flows<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into these<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>old pathways or circuits <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>whenever<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>stressful situation due to survival threats <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>comes up. As a result , we remain negative or
cynic. If we want to have positivity in life , we have to build new<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>neural pathways or circuits. The book tries
to answer how it can be done .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why should we have
positivity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the author explains:” Cynicism<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>helps relieve a sense of threat<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but it comes at a price .it makes you
powerless<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because you focus on things
you cannot control<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>instead of things you
can control.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Chapter 6 of the
book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(title: PARE Habit), the author
gives a very practical way <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to build a
positive life , called PARE which means Personal Agency and Realistic
Expectations. She says that three times a day , stop and think of something
good. Spend one minute each time scanning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>for the positive aspects of situation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that are currently on your mind. Do this for six weeks and your
brain<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>will be trained to look for
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>good of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also says that we should maintain a
positivity <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>minutes(journal) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to keep daily the minutes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of this exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just keep finding and recording three good
things a day for six weeks <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, and your
new expectations will affect your neuro chemistry<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and build your new<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>neural pathways. This metamorphosis or
alchemy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from negative<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wiring to positive wiring in six weeks sounds
too good to be true but Dr. Breuning <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>insists that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it is true. And I trust her academic and intellectual integrity.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many interesting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>examples of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>positivity at work . For example , if your
bank makes an error, you get upset but you do’nt notice the bank’s billions of
correct transactions .She seems to be advocating a more tolerant view of people
at work , rather than a Zero Defect mindset. But she is on weak wicket
when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she asks us to do something for
climate crisis<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with a positive feeling
and have no negative feelings .When you are choking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with polluted air , it is difficult to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have only <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>positive feelings .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is a highly convincing book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>about getting from cynicism to positivity. Dr.
Breuning’s style is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>clear , direct, accessible
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>captivating , and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very enjoyable . There is some inner logic ,
drive and force <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in this book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which makes it different from other books on positivity
that I have read. I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>strongly recommend
you to read this wonderful short book. It has the potential to change your
life.</b></span></div>
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Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-20952096156258012582018-06-14T23:27:00.002-07:002018-06-14T23:27:45.049-07:00Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I have read this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>classic novel <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( Nausea : 253
pages: Penguin Modern Classics)by Jean-Paul Sartre<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>three times. Each reading gave me more
meaning and more joy. Written in 1938 , it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>has had a powerful impact on literature as well as philosophy. It
belongs to existential genre of literature.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the
story of Antoine Roquentin , a French writer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>completing his historical research<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>on the Marquis de Rollebon. The book is in the form of a diary.
Antoine<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>critical <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thinker and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a lonely person , who struggles to come to terms with his life .In his
solitude , he<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tries to discover the
meaning of life but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when he does not
succeed ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he becomes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>overwhelmed with an<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>intolerable awareness of his<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>purposeless existence , which he calls
nausea. He has no dearth of money and stays in a hotel <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Marseille in France to do his research .</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
character<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>called Autodidact<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( also called Ogier P-), who was a bailiif’s
clerk and whose acquaintance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roquentin
had made<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the Bouville library , is
frequently mentioned in the book .Autodidact is The Self Taught Man (STM) and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>frequently discusses<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life and its meaning with Roquentin.
Autodidact does not agree that there is no meaning in life .Rather he confronts
his despair<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by turning into a Humanist.
Before that , he<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reads<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all the books in the library , one by
one<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but the way he reads ( books<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>selected<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>with authors’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>names<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>alphabetically, irrespective of the subject)
. Such a knowledge does not give<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>him<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>any satisfaction<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. As a humanist , he wants to go to help<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>serve other human beings. Autodidact is the
symbol of everything<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that has gone wrong
with our education and our society. He keeps working towards a goal . Once one
goal is reached, he needs to create a new one<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>for himself. The again and again .This approach looks at life as a
series of goals .To Antoine , it feels<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>though<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>such an unexamined<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is all quite pointless. Most of us approach
life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in a way similar to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Autodidact’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>approach. It is a life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which is
not examined because of endless pursuit of trivial knowledge and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>material goals. This is the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>question which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this book <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nausea<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>forces us to confront.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In its
final pages,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nausea is not a book
without solution .Sartre says that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our
happiness is in our hands only. Only we can <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>justify ,create and give meaning to our
lives. But such a meaning <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cannot come
out of writing a history book.(“history talks about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what has existed –an existent can never
justify<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the existence of another
existent” ).It has to be some thing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>which was above existence , which could make people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ashamed of their existence. It could help
him<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in accepting himself.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sartre
speaks right to our soul. His style is intimate and beautiful. This is the kind
of book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we could <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and should read again and again, discovering
some new meaning or detail every time . It is serious work of literature and
some people may <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>find it a heavy read . So , if you <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like serious literature and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wish to be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>different from Ogier P-, I strongly recommend
this book for you.</b></span></div>
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Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809209866345792887.post-87042866733074856962018-05-29T05:32:00.002-07:002018-05-29T05:32:46.063-07:00The Complete Guide to Fasting by Jason Fung , MD with Jimmy Moore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fasts and feasts are rhythms of life. Fasts follow feasts ,
and feasts follow fasts. Very few people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>believe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that fasting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a tool to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>improve our health and take it to the next level. The Complete Guide to
fasting by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason Fung , MD and Jimmy
Moore<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>convinces<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>us <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that fasting is an extremely powerful
tool<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to enable us to make a jump in our
health to the next level and for the better. First published in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2016 by Victory<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Belt publishing Inc. ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it has 304 pages.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fasting has a long history. Most of the
religions<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>prescribe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fasting either on a weekly basis or annually
or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at some other frequency. This book
has<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shown<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>,on the basis of scientific evidence , that fasting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>helps us with weight loss,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>can cure type2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>diabetes , prevent cancer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>slow <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>down <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>aging.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No single protocol of fasting suits
every <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one . It is for each of us to
choose what protocol suits us the best. Some prefer alternate-day <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fasting , some prefer extended fasts lasting
several days , some prefer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>twice per
week 24 hour fasts.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One major
worry about fasting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is hunger. The book
says that hunger starts in the mind. It is a conditioning of mind which can be
defeated. Hunger comes in waves and each wave can be controlled<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by drinking green tea or coffee9 without
sugar or sweetner). Children, pregnant women and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unwell
persons on medication<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>should not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fast. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>foods raise<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>insulin to some degree. Therefore <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the most effective method of reducing insulin
is to avoid food altogether. When we fast , insulin falls and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>glycogen is used up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the body begins to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>switch over<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to burning stored fats in it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for
energy. Fasting is different from living on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a permanent low-calorie diet. When we diet , body may respond to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>less eating by slowing the metabolism.
Fasting on the other hand produces harmones<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that tell the body<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is time to
tap reserves. Thus , during fasting , body is getting energy from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>burning its reserves of fat. Body fats
provide energy in the form of fatty acids, ketones and some amount of glucose
as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fasting , increase in
adrenaline<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stimulates the metabolism<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>, and this does not let metabolism to slow
down , (while metabolism slows down during low calorie dieting).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a very scientific , well written and
beautifully printed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>book about fasting
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>succeeds in convincing us about the
merits of fasting. You may like to give it a chance .It could change your life
in more ways than one.</b></span></div>
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Vidya Nand Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01282499711258155499noreply@blogger.com0