A reinvigorated, modern approach to a reality-based philosophy.
A new look at the ancient ideas of Stoicism.
Debut author Bradley maintains that Stoics have gotten “a bad rap” over the centuries, mainly for propounding a worldview that seeks acceptance, happiness, success, and even greatness in a framework that has nothing to do with gods or the supernatural—instead, it’s firmly grounded in the limitations of the observable world. The author presents this philosophy, which was founded by Greek philosopher Zeno and propelled onto the larger world stage by Roman writers Seneca and Epictetus, by focusing on its “Heart, Mind, and Soul”—that is, the basics, refinements, and “deeper touchstones” of a way of thinking in which realism guides but never crushes optimism. The key to Stoicism, as the author presents it here, is to focus on things that one can directly manage: “Spend energy on those things you’re able to affect so that you put yourself in position to succeed,” Bradley writes. He goes on to instruct readers on the practical applications of such precepts, such as reimagining obstacles from a more helpful perspective or breaking problems up into smaller parts and attacking each one in turn. A crucial element—present in the writings of ancient Stoics but effectively given extra emphasis by Bradley—is the bravery to face reality head-on: “All the opportunity in the world could be present,” he writes, “but without then attacking the problem in a fearless way, you might sense a creative possibility but never actually motivate yourself to create.” However, this highly readable work isn’t solely about facing one’s problems; in its last and most intriguing section, the author discusses “the exploration of the soul” using Stoic ideas. These final pages are clearly and invitingly written, much like the rest of the book.
A reinvigorated, modern approach to a reality-based philosophy.Pub Date: June 8, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-692-90492-3
Page Count: 302
Publisher: Bradley Publishing
Review Posted Online: Nov. 14, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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