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Wanting : the power of mimetic desire in everyday life / by Burgis, Luke,author.;
Includes bibliographical references and index."Wanting is a groundbreaking exploration of why we want what we want, and a toolkit for freeing ourselves from chasing unfulfilling desires. As an undergraduate studying philosophy at Stanford, Peter Thiel met French polymath René Girard and was introduced to his theory of "mimetic desire"-the idea that most human wanting comes from imitating what other people desire, rather than from an innate sense of need. Inducted into the Académie Française as the "Darwin of the social sciences," Girard is largely unknown outside academic circles. But because of Girard, Thiel knew that Facebook would thrive because it offered a window into people's curated presentation of the best parts of their lives, thereby satisfying our need to look for "models" who tell us what to desire. According to Girard, each of us is surrounded by people who generate, shape, and manipulate our desires at every turn. Mimetic desire is no mere tool of advertisers but a reality that affects our daily lives in romance, work, fitness, politics, and parenting. Mimetic desire is a secret, unacknowledged, sophisticated form of adult imitation that drives a larger degree of human behavior than anybody ever realized. The consequences of mimetic desire are startling. Because people learn to want what other people want, they are easily drawn into rivalries and conflict. According to Girard, people don't fight because they want different things; they fight because, through mimetic desire, they start to want the same things. But mimetic desire does not have to be in control. We are free to choose. And those who understand mimetic desire have a tremendous advantage over those who don't-they can use it for good or for ill. Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur, teacher, and student of classical philosophy and theology, Luke Burgis shows how to counteract the mimetic forces of the market by turning blind wanting into intentional wanting-not by trying to rid ourselves of desire, but by desiring differently. Intentional desire is what propels us to create a better world. Burgis shows how to achieve more independence from trends and bubbles, how to feel more in control of the things we want, and ultimately how to find more meaning in our work and life by grounding them in desires that will never fade away"--
Subjects: Desire.; Imitation.; Basic needs;
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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The second-worst restaurant in France / by McCall Smith, Alexander,1948-author.;
"In a delightful sequel to the best-selling comedic novel My Italian Bulldozer, we are in a French village where the local restaurant's haute cuisine leaves a lot to be desired--and two books into an astounding ninth series from one of our most beloved authors. Renowned cookbook writer Paul Stuart, renewed and refreshed from his time in Tuscany, has returned to Scotland to work on his new book, The Philosophy of Food in Six Easy Chapters. Writing, though, is complicated by Paul's changed domestic circumstances. His editor and new girlfriend, Gloria, has moved in with him despite not being specifically invited, and she's brought her two rather demanding Siamese cats. When Paul's cousin, Chloe, suggests Paul visit her in the French countryside, Paul jumps at the chance. However, once he arrives, he finds his fortunes tangled up with the infamous local restaurant that gives the book its title. In this story about a man who prides himself on his taste finding delight in the most unexpected places, we have Alexander McCall Smith at his most witty and charming"--
Subjects: Humorous fiction.; Authors;
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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When the pine needles fall : Indigenous acts of resistance / by Gabriel, Katsi'tsakwas Ellen,author.; Carleton, Sean,author.;
Includes bibliographical references and index."There have been many things written about Canada's violent siege of Kanehsatà:ke and Kahnawà:ke in the summer of 1990 (the so-called Oka Crisis), but When the Pine Needles Fall: Indigenous Acts of Resistance is the first book from the perspective of Katsi'tsakwas Ellen Gabriel, who was the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) spokesperson during the siege. When the Pine Needles Fall, written in a conversational style by Gabriel with historian Sean Carleton, offers an intimate look at Gabriel's life leading up to the 1990 siege, her experiences as spokesperson for her community, and her work since then as an Indigenous land defender, human rights activist, and feminist leader. More than just the memoir of an extraordinary individual, When the Pine Needles Fall offers insight into Indigenous language, history, and philosophy, reflections on our relationship with the land, and calls to action against both colonialism and capitalism as we face the climate crisis. Gabriel's hopes for a decolonial future make clear why protecting Indigenous homelands is vital not only for the survival of Indigenous peoples, but for all who live on this planet"--
Subjects: Biographies.; Autobiographies.; Personal narratives.; Gabriel, Katsi'tsakwas Ellen.; Government, Resistance to; Indigenous peoples; Indigenous peoples; Indigenous peoples; First Nations activists; First Nations women activists; First Nations; First Nations; First Nations; Kanyen'kehà:ka women; Kanyen'kehà:ka;
Available copies: 0 / Total copies: 1
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The slow down : for the love of home / by Ford, Leanne,author.;
"Designer and HGTV personality Leanne Ford shares design secrets and personal reflections on how she creates her warm, chic, and easy-going aesthetic-and how you can do the same Leanne Ford's imperfectly perfect designs inspire more than half a million social media fans daily. In this very personal design book, she shares her decorating philosophy, wry humor, and advice to live by. The Slow Down offers readers an inside look at how Leanne found her "wow does this need work" dream house and then moved (with her family in tow) across the country to turn it into a welcoming home. Her story has a rebellious soul that is refreshingly different from other interior design books: She encourages readers to slow down in their personal environments and celebrate the beauty of everyday moments. The Slow Down's photos and narrative present a home tour like no other, stopping to recount crazy ideas (not always crazy!) and to offer thoughts on what makes a design really good and why Elsie De Wolfe is still right (about most things). You will come away with a new perspective and new ideas on how to make your home more joyful, elevated, and funky, fun, and just right"--
Subjects: House furnishings.; Interior decoration.;
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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Inseparable : a never-before-published novel / by Beauvoir, Simone de,1908-1986,author.; Atwood, Margaret,1939-writer of introduction.; Smith, Sandra,1949-translator.; translation of:Beauvoir, Simone de,1908-1986.Inséparables.English.;
"From the moment Sylvie and Andrée meet in their Parisian day school, they see in each other an accomplice with whom to confront the mysteries of girlhood. For the next ten years, the two are the closest of friends and confidantes as they explore life in a post-World War One France, and as Andrée becomes increasingly reckless and rebellious, edging closer to peril. Sylvie, insightful and observant, sees a France of clashing ideals and religious hypocrisy--and at an early age is determined to form her own opinions. Andrée, a tempestuous dreamer, is inclined to melodrama and romance. Despite their different natures they rely on each other to safeguard their secrets while entering adulthood in a world that did not pay much attention to the wills and desires of young women. Deemed too intimate to publish during Simone de Beauvoir's life, Inseparable offers fresh insight into the groundbreaking feminist's own coming-of-age; her transformative, tragic friendship with her childhood friend Zaza Lacoin; and how her youthful relationships shaped her philosophy. Sandra Smith's vibrant translation of the novel will be long cherished by de Beauvoir devotees and first-time readers alike."--
Subjects: Autobiographical fiction.; Bildungsromans.; Feminist fiction.; Historical fiction.; Female friendship;
Available copies: 0 / Total copies: 1
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Everyday Dharma : 8 essential practices for finding success and joy in everything you do / by Gupta, Suneel,author.;
Includes bibliographical references."We've been conditioned, from an early age, to believe that one day we'll reach a moment of 'arrival.' But no matter how much we achieve or acquire we still don't feel as satisfied or as fulfilled as we thought we would be. Exhausted, we become burned out and cynical, questioning the purpose of it all. An expert on happiness and work, Suneel Gupta argues that for too long society has been fixated on the Future of Work and ignored the Future of Worth. We've compartmentalized work and well-being and ignored the fact that both are essential for sustained success. We've assumed that outer success leads to inner well-being-despite history showing us that this has never been the case. In Everyday Dharma, Suneel helps us break this negative cycle. A captivating storyteller, he weaves personal stories, history, science, Eastern philosophy, and Western modalities in this engaging, enlightening, and prescriptive book. He begins by helping us identify our dharma, the essence of who we are. When you're in your Dharma, you feel confident, creative, and caring, with a sense of purpose, and that shines through your life and work."--
Subjects: Chakras.; Dharma.; Medicine, Ayurvedic.; Self-actualization (Psychology);
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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The book of moods : how I turned my worst emotions into my best life / by Martin, Lauren(Founder of Words of Women),author.;
"For most of her life, Lauren Martin thought that she was the only one who experienced insecurity, inferiority, and self doubt that could detail her entire day. But after a chance encounter with a (beautiful, successful) stranger who revealed that she felt it, too, Lauren realized that she wasn't alone in mood swings. She set out to better understand the hold that her moods had on her, and began to blog about the wisdom she uncovered. Quickly, it exploded into an international online community of women who felt like she did: lost, irritable, depressed, anxious, moody, and desirous of change. Inspired by her audience to press even deeper, The Book of Moods shares Lauren's journey to infuse her life with a sense of peace and stability. With observations that will resonate and inspire, this conversational compendium of moods has something for everyone, whether what gets under your skin is your relationship with your mother, the relentless grind at your job, days when you wish the mirror had a Valencia filter, or all of the above. Blending cutting-edge science, timeless philosophy, and effective forms of self-care, Martin has written a powerful, intimate, and incredibly relatable chronicle of transformation"--
Subjects: Emotions.; Mood (Psychology); Self-acceptance in women.;
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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Tai chi fit over 60. [videorecording] / by Ross, David-Dorian,host.; Silver, David,film director,film producer.; YMAA Publication Center,publisher.;
Director of photography, Zach Shapiro; camera and sound, Gabe Twigg.Instructor: David-Dorian Ross.According to experts, including Harvard Medical School, one of the most effective and comprehensive forms of exercise is the ancient Chinese art of tai chi. But how do you begin? What are the moves and exercises you need to know when you are a beginner? And is it important to get all the moves right to avoid injury and receive the benefits? David-Dorian Ross answers these questions and more with this simple TaijiFit routine. Many people believe tai chi is difficult to learn. In reality, a main point of tai chi is to discover how effortless your movements can be. With tai chi, the less effort you apply, the more benefits you'll receive--quite a bit different from the fitness philosophy of "no pain, no gain." Ancient Chinese medicine says that when you exert yourself too much, you build up physical tension and mental anxiety. These create a blockage to the circulation of your life energy, known as qi, which is responsible for your health and well-being. There is nothing to "learn" in this program. You won't have to memorize a complicated routine or perfect any movements. Just smile, relax, and enjoy this simple tai chi workout.E.DVD ; wide screen presentation ; Dolby Digital.
Subjects: Instructional films.; Nonfiction films.; Exercise for older people.; Physical fitness for older people.; Tai chi for older people.; Tai chi.;
For private home use only.
Available copies: 0 / Total copies: 1
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The outsmarters / by Ellis, Deborah,1960-;
"Eleven-year-old Kate lives with her grandmother, who runs a junk shop in a big old house on the outskirts of town. It sometimes feels sad to be in the business of collecting other people's leftover stuff, but Kate knows sad. She's a bit lonely, and she doesn't remember her mother, who left long ago. Still, Kate dreams that one day her mother will return, and when she does, she'll need money. So Kate sets out to make some, just in case. At first she wants to offer psychiatric advice, like Lucy in the Peanuts cartoon. Gran squashes that idea: "You are not a psychiatrist. You'll just get sued." But what about a philosopher, who Gran says is just someone who thinks deeply about important things. "I do that all the time," Kate says, and soon she opens up a Philosophy Booth to provide answers to life's big and small questions for $2 a pop. But who can answer Kate's questions? Where does her grandmother go in her truck at night? And why won't she talk about Kate's mother? These are hard questions to answer, and Kate gets help from two kids who come into her life. Myndeelee, who moves into the house behind Gran's, and Brandon, who Gran seems to hate, though Kate can't figure out why."--
Subjects: Families; Grandmothers; Friendship; Survival; Self-reliance in children;
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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From strength to strength : finding success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life / by Brooks, Arthur C.,1964-author.;
Includes bibliographical references and index."The roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age, from bestselling author, Harvard professor, and the Atlantic's happiness columnist Arthur Brooks. Many of us assume that the more successful we are, the less susceptible we become to the sense of professional and social irrelevance that often accompanies aging. But the truth is, the greater our achievements and our attachment to them, the more we notice our decline, and the more painful it is when it occurs. What can we do, starting now, to make our older years a time of happiness, purpose, and yes, success? At the height of his career at the age of 50, Arthur Brooks embarked on a seven-year journey to discover how to transform his future from one of disappointment over waning abilities into an opportunity for progress. From Strength to Strength is the result, a practical roadmap for the rest of your life. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom, as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women, Brooks shows us that true life success is well within our reach. By refocusing on certain priorities and habits that anyone can learn, such as deep wisdom, detachment from empty rewards, connection and service to others, and spiritual progress, we can set ourselves up for increased happiness"--
Subjects: Aging; Happiness.; Older people; Spirituality.;
Available copies: 1 / Total copies: 1
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