Developing Practical Wisdom

Many people recognize wisdom as an important ideal, but the subject is rarely studied in public education or widely understood outside academia. Drawing from historical and contemporary research in psychology, philosophy, and education, Developing Practical Wisdom describes, in language accessible to any thoughtful reader, how people can intentionally learn to become wiser. The narrative provides a comprehensive set of pedagogical tools, including theories and practices, for developing deeply coherent perspectives on the world and the people in it. It explains how to cultivate coherent thinking and apply moral principles in daily life.

Diary of a Broken Man

As we experience the joys of life, we must also be prepared to handle heartache and despair. For 27 years I thought I had a near-perfect family, two wonderful kids (both grown now), and a wife that I loved and looked forward to spending the rest of my life with. Then one evening she announced that didn’t love me and that she has never loved me. As I fell into darkness… The Diary of a Broken Man began.

Don Harris Oben: In Search of a Future

This book chronicles the captivating journey of Don, who as a young boy used to listen with rapt attention to the fascinating stories his father told about his travels in colonial Nigeria. These tales invoke in little Don a burning desire to one day undertake his own voyage of discovery, to broaden his horizons beyond the familiar.

So Don sets out into the unknown at the tender age of 14, quickly realizing that expanding one’s worldview is no one-time event. Rather, it is a lifelong process full of twists, turns, and unexpected revelations about places, peoples, and even himself. As Don navigates a complex and often bewildering world, we walk alongside him through monumental challenges, missed opportunities and connections made.

With a wife and five third-culture kids in tow, Don’s pursuit to continually push boundaries and search for a brighter future proves as epic and demanding as that of history’s great exploratory figures. His tireless voyage makes us reflect on what it means to have an inquisitive mind, confront hardship, and leave behind footprints that point others to higher horizons long after we are gone.

Dresden: Portrait of a City

The world knows Dresden as the victim of vicious Allied bombing at the end of World War II that destroyed its famed Baroque architecture. But Dresden is more than this stereotype implies. This portrait explores the highs and lows of Dresden’s individual experiences. It captures the visions of the princes who created the Baroque city. It displays the talents of the individuals who turned a princely residence into a modern industrial hub. It traces the city’s historically conflicted relationship with its Jewish community. And it reveals how the city’s identification with the arts was often at odds with its economic, social, and political realities. This background led Dresden to act as spearhead of the peaceful revolution that re-united Germany in 1990. The multiple facets of Dresden’s past inspire its current vitality and energize its response to contemporary challenges.

Economic Myths and Economic Realities

The world’s ten richest countries have about 60 times the income per capita of the bottom ten. Nobel Prize-winning economists have acknowledged their ignorance regarding the sources of economic growth. This explains why, despite considerable financial assistance, the gap between poorer and richer countries has grown year after year, both globally and within countries like the USA and Europe.

Using straightforward statistical diagrams, this book explains approximately 90% of the variance in income among countries or states. First, it empirically demonstrates what does not work – the myths – from reindustrialization to Keynesianism. Then, it examines the real drivers of growth by evaluating whole countries (public, social and private sectors combined, including the non-working population) as companies, assessing their business administration across areas like marketing, work culture, strategy and operations. After all, numerous multinationals are larger than countries.

The lessons are twofold: First, nothing is more pointless than perfecting the irrelevant. Second, there are no underdeveloped countries, only undermanaged ones (P. Drucker). The wealthiest countries are, overall, the best-run companies.

Eight Fought to Live

1988: 82,362 gay and bisexual men had AIDS.

1989: 100,000 gay and bisexual men had AIDS.

1990: 307,000 gay and bisexual men had AIDS.

These are the two years Dr. Rosiello led an AIDS therapy group at Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City. Within two years each man in her group passed away from AIDS complications. One of these men was Vito Russo, an AIDS activist and historian.

This is the story of eight gay men living with advanced AIDS and one inexperienced fresh out of training psychoanalyst. Each man’s intimate story is peppered with Dr. Rosiello’s anxiety and her growing awareness regarding the importance of emotional authenticity in psychotherapy. The group members had no spare moments for Dr. Rosiello to use her newly learned psychoanalytic techniques. There was only time to be real.

Early on these group members pledged to not die. They pledged emotional support for the life of the group. This pledge held true for over a year. Blood brothers in their fight to live.

Empowered Ladies

Empowerment doesn’t always follow a fairy-tale script. Neither its beginnings nor its journeys are always paved with acceptance. Women who dared to don trousers lived with the tremor of discovery, particularly those who veiled themselves as men to enlist in early wars, when only men were permitted to serve. Their fear was not just the battle cries, but the disgrace of being unmasked and sent home.

The world paused in disbelief when, upon the death of jazz musician Billy Tipton, it was revealed that he was a she. Similarly, when Dr. James Barry, who ascended to the zenith of medical ranks in the British Army, was uncovered as a woman posthumously, the army swathed the truth in secrecy.

Not all were ‘ladies’ in the conventional sense, but they were undeniably women - women who defied the societal mold. They sometimes cloaked themselves in trousers or other male disguises, challenging the expectations of their eras.

Their ranks encompassed saints and sinners, queens, countesses, and commoners. While names like Joan of Arc and Calamity Jane might ring familiar, their tales, along with those of others, are captivating in Empowered Ladies. This book unearths the narratives of these audacious women, weaving a tapestry of resilience and defiance that continues to inspire the quest for empowerment.

Ending Today’s Chaos And Repairing America

In our modern American society, we find ourselves amidst a disheartening breakdown, where chaos prevails. The dominance of a few corporations stifles diversity across numerous sectors of our economy. Complex and biased laws and tax systems cater to special interests, while the upbringing of many children and the quality of education are skewed towards wealthy areas. Moreover, our online platforms inundate us with fraudulent schemes, adding to the societal disarray.

This thought-provoking book offers a fresh perspective on historical change, presenting the idea that the Western world has undergone three distinct civilizations: the Greco-Roman, the Medieval, and the Enlightenment. With the passing of each civilization, we have witnessed a gradual deterioration of institutions and the erosion of social consensus. Examining the challenges we face today, the book delves into the concept of ‘Justice’ and questions what truly constitutes a fair society. It then presents a range of potential improvements to our current institutions, serving as a temporary measure until a new civilization emerges. Additionally, the book explores America’s place in the global context and delves into the complexities faced by other civilizations experiencing their own periods of institutional breakdown.

By offering a critical analysis of our present state and proposing alternative perspectives, this book provides a guiding light for navigating the turbulent waters of societal transformation. It inspires hope for a future where our institutions can be reimagined, fostering a more just and harmonious society.

Everybody Needs Love

“Eddie was a black man in a white man’s body. No one I’ve ever worked with or heard had any more Soul than Eddie did. His guitar playing was always tasteful, strong and distinctive...his voice grabbed you and pulled you in so that you not only heard it, but you felt it...and were mesmerized by it. He had a beautiful smile... but behind it were some inner thoughts that had to do with some deep pain that he kept hidden inside. That was one of the things that made him so intriguing, so interesting and so powerful.”

– Chuck Leavell, piano player for the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers Band, among many others.

Everybody's Antibodies

In our daily lives, we are surrounded by countless germs that often go unnoticed, thanks to the remarkable defense mechanism within us known as the immune system. Curiously, this intricate network of tiny components remains one of the least understood aspects of our body’s organization. However, with the advent of COVID-19, our collective immune systems have faced an extraordinary challenge. That’s why gaining a clear understanding of how our immune system functions has never been more crucial.

Harnessing the wisdom available at our fingertips through cell phones and computers, including the remarkable insights of Artificial Intelligence like ChatGPT, we discover that comprehending the workings of our immune system holds immense value amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Such understanding empowers you to grasp how infections take place, comprehend the progression of diseases, and fathom the functioning and benefits of vaccines. Moreover, it sheds light on the significance of maintaining overall immune health and contributes to mental well-being.

With its plain language and easy-to-read approach, Everybody’s Antibodies offers a first glimpse into the fundamental elements of our vital body protectors. Whether you’re a young adult or an adult seeking knowledge, this book provides a gateway to unlocking the mysteries of the immune system. By delving into its pages, you’ll alleviate anxiety and fear by gaining a sense of control and empowerment. Armed with this understanding, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions and nurture your overall health with confidence and calmness.

Exponential Weight Loss

EXPONENTIAL WEIGHT LOSS:

THE OPPOSITE OF DIETING

DIETING IS HARD

You have to cut out thousands of calories

 per day and give up most of the

food and drink you really enjoy

EXPONENTIAL WEIGHT LOSS IS EASY

The change in your eating habits is so small

you’ll hardly notice it – give up a handful

of potato chips and you’ll lose ten pounds

DIETING ISN’T HEALTHY

Too-rapid weight loss can lead to serious

problems including muscle loss, malnutrition,

irregular heartbeat, anemia, and gallstones

EXPONENTIAL WEIGHT LOSS IS HEALTHY

By losing weight slowly but permanently,

you safely decrease your risk of dying from

diseases such as heart disease and diabetes

DIETING DOESN’T WORK

You may lose ten pounds in a month,

but you’ll gain it all back – in fact,

most people gain back more they lost

EXPONENTIAL WEIGHT LOSS WORKS

You can lose as much as you

want in eighteen months, and

you’ll lose it permanently

EXPONENTIAL WEIGHT LOSS:

THE EASY, PERMANENT WAY TO WEIGH LESS

Faith and Inspiration: Volume One

Drawing from profound biblical passages that speak of Jesus’ anticipated return to Earth and God’s decree that the wages of sin is death, this collection delves deep into spiritual reflections and meditations. With influences from a legendary blues musician of bygone days, the anthology also includes evocative pieces like ‘Jesus Has a Way to Punish Me.’ This volume serves as a testament to the intertwining of faith, inspiration, and artistry across diverse themes. Join us on a journey through sacred verses and soulful tunes.