Intolerance and bigotry lie at the heart of all human suffering. So claims Bertrand Russell at the outset of "In Praise of Idleness," a collection of essays in which he espouses the virtues of cool reflection and free enquiry; a voice of calm in a world of maddening unreason. With characteristic clarity and humour, Russell surveys the social and political consequences of his beliefs. From a devastating critique of the ancestry of fascism to a vehement defense of 'useless' knowledge, with consideration given to everything from insect pests to the human soul, " In Praise of Idleness " is a tour de force that only Bertrand Russell could perform.
What did people write on before paper was invented? What was school like in the 1800s? How have teaching methods changed over the years? Dramatic photos and illustrations, as well as real-life accounts, will give readers a revealing snapshot of education throughout history.
Why did people rub dung into their skin? Why were children asked to chew garlic? What are leeches used for? The treatment of childhood illnesses has changed greatly throughout history as this fascinating, and sometimes icky, book demonstrates. Dramatic photos and illustrations show how far medicine has come from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Describes the ways average people have lived in various cultures from ancient times through the twentieth century, presenting details on homes, family structures, and daily customs.
Why was foot binding popular in Ancient China? Where can you eat boiled wasp larvae? How has teen fashion changed in the last 50 years? Readers will take a tour through history to learn about some of the stranger aspects of fashion and food. Dramatic photos and illustrations bring these amazing facts and true stories to life.
If we don’t get Sunday right, we won’t get Monday—or any day of the workweek—right. The divided life is a temptation so built into our society, we may not even recognize it. Yet most of us fall prey to it. We either undervalue work, resenting it as simply a job, or we overvalue it as an identity-defining career. Michael Naughton, drawing on his background in both business and theology, proposes that the key to finding balance is another important human activity: leisure. In light of leisure—not mere amusement, but time for family, silence, prayer, and above all, worship—work becomes a space where men and women can find deep fulfilment. Naughton provides real-world examples of how businesses can promote authentic human flourishment and innovation through practices and policies that support leisure. In Getting Work Right Michael Naughton will change how you work—and rest.