Showing 20 results for subject:"Religion / Inspirational"
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Adam Smith
To those who know Adam Smith principally by his classic treatise on economics, The Wealth of Nations, this earlier work may come as a revelation. Smith is often misrepresented in the public imagination as a cold, calculating rationalist espousing the pursuit of self-interest in the marketplace of laissez-faire capitalism, regardless of the human cost. This grossly inaccurate portrait may go back to Karl Marx, who seems not to have read Smith's work very carefully and thus criticized him as an unfeeling advocate of a system that exploited and alienated workers. The Theory of Moral Sentiments, however, clearly demonstrates that besides mundane economic pursuits, Smith was just as interested, if not more so, in the capacity of people to bestow and to esteem benevolence, and to strive for virtue even while they are pursuing their own self-interest. The root of our motivation to act benevolently toward others, says Smith, is our natural propensity to sympathize with others. By the same token, our need to have others sympathize with us fuels our desire to be esteemed by others for our benevolence and generally virtuous character. But beyond the need for social approbation, we also have a genuine desire to live according to the dictates of conscience (called by Smith the "Impartial Spectator"). This is our highest impulse and leads us continually to strive for excellence in all spheres of life quite apart from any recognition or encouragement from others. It may be prudent in our economic life to follow our self-interest to secure the basic necessities, but this is only the first stage of personal development toward the much higher goal of living a morally virtuous life. Although The Theory of Moral Sentiments is not well known today, it was widely read and highly praised by the leading intellectuals of the day including David Hume and Edmund Burke. The book went through six different editions between 1759 and 1790 and was also translated into French by the widow of Condorcet. To gain a complete picture of Adam Smith and his ideas, every reader of The Wealth of Nations should also become familiar with his classic treatment of ethics.
The Guide for the Perplexed
Moses Maimonides
Written by the greatest Jewish thinker of the middle ages if not of all time, this title offers a profound and timeless statement of man's relation to himself, to God, and to society.
Walking on Water
Reflections on Faith & Art
Madeleine L'Engle
Addressing the subject of "faith and art" head on, this masterful work examines the difference between Christian art and secular art, as well as the relationship between the two. Award-winning artist L'Engle exhorts artists to listen to, remain aware of, and to respond to creation through one's own art.
The Triads
Saint Gregory Palamas
Gregory Palamas (1296-1359)-monk, archbishop and theologian-was a major figure in 14th-century Orthodox Byzantium. This, his greatest work, presents a defense in support of the monastic groups known as the "hesychasts," the originators of the Jesus Prayer.
Ascent of Mount Carmel
St. John of the Cross, Wyatt North
Ascent of Mount Carmel (Subida del Monte Carmelo) is a 16th-century spiritual treatise by Spanish Catholic mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. The book is a systematic treatment of the ascetical life in pursuit of mystical union with Christ, giving advice and reporting on his own experience. It is part of four works by John dealing with the so-called Dark Night of the Soul, when the individual Soul undergoes earthly and spiritual privations in search of union with God. Along with the other three, The Dark Night Of the Soul, The Living Flame of God and the Spiritual Canticle, it is regarded as one of the greatest works of mysticism in Christianity and in the Spanish language.
Joy For All Seasons
52 Weekly Devotional
Carol Burton McLeod
Imagine reading a book that is so much more than written words on a page but, instead, it is an invitation to experience exuberant joy! Simply imagine the sweet hope that comes from reading about the patience, the gladness and the excitement that is nestled within one woman’s heart. Imagine! You have just imagined the devotional book entitled, “Joy for All Seasons” written by best-selling author, blogger, speaker, radio host, TV host and Bible teacher, Carol McLeod. Carol’s perspective on life serves as an invitation to live life with gusto and at full-throttle! Her capacity for joy and her resolve to trumpet the bidding to embrace joy in every week of the year is not for the faint of heart. This weekly summons into His presence is filled with rich experiences, with heart-felt celebration and with an intimate knowledge of what it takes to walk with God. “Joy for All Seasons” is a weekly devotional that includes Bible verses to consider and questions to ponder. It is perfect for a personal devotional handbook or for group discussion. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” book that will be read and re-read year after year after year.
The Yellow Arrow
Viktor Pelevin
THE YELLOW ARROW is a Russian train speeding toward a ruined bridge, a train without an end or a beginningand it makes no stops. Andrei, the mystic passenger, less and less lulled by the never-ending sound of the wheels, has begun to look for a way to get off. But life in the carriages goes on as always. This important young Russian author's first American translation garnered rave reviews.
Four Quartets
Thomas Stearns Eliot
Four long poems are written in a new style which the author calls quartets.
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
The Essay that Became a Classic
Robert Fulghum
A book to raise the spirits and warm the heart. Includes the famous Kindergarten essay that was read on the floor of the U.S. Senate.From the Hardcover edition.
As a Man Thinketh
James Allen
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" forms the basis of this inspirational classic stressing positive thinking as the key to happiness. Includes Morning and Evening Thoughts, a collection of daily meditations.
It was on Fire when I Lay Down on it
Robert Fulghum
After his triumphant All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum returns with a richer, more mature, more strikingly memorable collection of essays guaranteed to provide hours of heart-warming, humorous entertainment. Villard. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Of Plymouth Plantation
William Bradford, Harold Paget
The most important source of information about Plymouth, this landmark account was written by the colony's governor. It vividly documents the Pilgrims' transatlantic crossing and early days in the settlement.
The Prophet
Kahlil Gibran
"A masterpiece." — Independent"And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing." The prophet Almustafa is leaving the city of Orphalese to return to his native island. The citizens, distraught at his departure, gather for the prophet's farewell address, in which he speaks great truths related to love, marriage, faith, birth, friendship, loss, sorrow, and many other aspects of daily life. Originally published in 1923, this perennial bestseller is nothing less than a book about the human condition. Its 26 fables, beautifully rendered in prose poetry, express timeless wisdom that has enlightened countless readers, who have drawn comfort and hope from the message of our shared humanity. This lovely keepsake volume features the original edition's 12 full-page illustrations by author Kalhil Gibran.
Opening Doors Within
365 Daily Meditations from Findhorn
Eileen Caddy
A new edition of the much-loved perennial meditation diary whose messages radiate spiritual wisdom, encouragement and serenity throughout the year • Provides messages of spiritual insight and guidance for every day of the year from Eileen Caddy, co-founder of the Findhorn Community • Offers specific suggestions for your daily spiritual growth and development • Includes a new introduction by Jonathan Caddy, one of Eileen’s sons, who adds a fresh perspective to the profound influence this guidance can have One of the much-loved books of Eileen Caddy (1917-2006), co-founder of the Findhorn Community in Scotland, Opening Doors Within is a perennial meditation diary offering down-to-earth inspirational messages of spiritual guidance for every day of the year. For over 35 years, people have used these practical teachings that offer advice on achieving stillness, faith, and fulfillment. Specific suggestions for your daily spiritual growth and development enhance the impact of the supportive words. Eileen’s brief messages, from what she called “the still, small voice within,” offer inspirational, uplifting, and powerful words of love and support. Her daily guidance was the bedrock of the early Findhorn Community, and the concept of “inner listening” is still very much part of individual and community practice there today. The encouraging and practical messages speak to those embarking upon the journey to find their divine inner self and spiritual truth. Anyone who meditates--whether inexperienced or seasoned--will find the wisdom shared both insightful and heartening. A new foreword by Jonathan Caddy, Eileen’s son who lives in the Findhorn Community, adds a fresh perspective to the profound influence this guidance can have. No matter how you use the wisdom shared in this small book, take these teachings into yourself and carry them within you, until they have done their silent, gentle, and loving work of opening the doors within.
The Game of Life and How to Play It
A Prosperity Classic
Florence Scovel Shinn
This book has inspired thousands of people around the world to find a sense of purpose and belonging. It asserts that life is not a battle but a game of giving and receiving, and that whatever we send out into the world will eventually be returned to us. This little book will help you discover how your mind and its imaging faculties play leading roles in the game of life.
The Cross and the Switchblade
David Wilkerson, John Sherrill, Elizabeth Sherrill
The dramatic and inspiring true story of a small town minister called to help inner city kids everyone else believed were beyond hope... David Wilkerson was just a young preacher in the Pennsylvania hills when he was stunned by a new calling from God: go to New York City to speak to seven young gang members on trial for murder. But something much greater was to come. Once in New York, David was inspired to stay for a lifetime of helping troubled teenagers get free of drugs and crime. With the word of God in his ears, he founded an inner-city ministry still known as the Teen Challenge to change their paths and alter thousands of lives forever. The Cross and the Switchblade is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the potential for change—an unforgettable tale that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and forever changed.
There Is a God
How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind
Antony Flew
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Brida
A Novel
Paulo Coelho
This is the story of Brida, a young Irish girl, and her quest for knowledge. She has long been interested in various aspects of magic but is searching for something more. Her search leads her to people of great wisdom, who begin to teach Brida about the spiritual world. She meets a wise man who dwells in a forest, who teaches her about overcoming her fears and trusting in the goodness of the world; and a woman who teaches her how to dance to the music of the world, and how to pray to the moon. As Brida seeks her destiny, she struggles to find a balance between her relationships and her desire to become a witch. This enthralling novel incorporates themes that fans of Paulo Coelho will recognize and treasure—it is a tale of love, passion, mystery, and spirituality from the master storyteller.