book reviews
Reviews of books by relationship gurus, dating experts, and cautionary tale-tellers.
About Gaza strip
The Madleen was attempting to break Israel's maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip in order to deliver food, baby formula, medical supplies, and symbolic humanitarian aid. Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission as a "publicity stunt" on June 9, 2025, when Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen, a Gaza-bound aid ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza in international waters. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the interception, calling it a violation of international law.
By Asikuzzaman Tonoy8 months ago in Humans
How to Let Go of Grudges and Bitterness
How to Let Go of Grudges and Bitterness: A Path to Emotional Freedom “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” — often attributed to Buddha, this quote beautifully captures the destructive nature of grudges and bitterness.
By Michael B Norris (swagNextTuber)8 months ago in Humans
The Unseen Architecture: Building a Life of Purpose Through Core Virtues. AI-Generated.
In a world that often feels like it's spinning faster each day, many of us seek a stable foundation—a set of enduring principles to navigate its complexities and find true fulfillment. Across diverse spiritual traditions, particularly within the profound teachings of Islam and the guiding light of the Holy Quran, certain virtues stand out as essential building blocks. These aren't just abstract ideals; they are active forces: patience (sabr), inner peace, true justice, resilience against temptation, and authentic love. When we cultivate these qualities, we don't just transform ourselves; we create ripples that positively shape our communities and contribute to a more harmonious world. Let's explore these vital elements that pave the way for a life rich with purpose and deep connection.
By mahdi sajadi8 months ago in Humans
The Unseen Architecture of the Soul: Cultivating Depth in a Surface World. AI-Generated.
Life is a continuous unfolding, rich with experiences that challenge our perspectives and invite deep introspection. We are all, at various times, confronted by fundamental questions about our conduct, our relationships, our capacity for healing, the nature of our innermost thoughts, and the very purpose of the difficulties we face. This article journeys into these timeless inquiries, offering a unique perspective on how to build a robust inner life and navigate the complexities of human existence with grace and profound understanding.
By mahdi sajadi8 months ago in Humans
The Quiet Strength of Faith: Small Choices That Shape a Meaningful Life. AI-Generated.
Most people think spirituality is about grand rituals or deep mystical experiences. But true faith is often found in the smallest, quietest choices: biting your tongue in an argument, helping someone when no one is watching, or trusting in God when you feel utterly alone.
By mahdi sajadi8 months ago in Humans
The Hearts Whisper and Shadows Linger. Content Warning.
On a rain-soaked evening in a city that had seen too many heartbreaks and fleeting romances, Lena found herself wandering under the warm glow of streetlights. Each droplet that slipped down the cobblestone resembled tiny memories of a past too painful to bury. Lena had once believed love was the answer to every ache, a promise of tomorrow’s magic. Yet now, haunted by the echo of promises broken, she wondered if trust in love was nothing more than a fairy tale spun to soothe aching hearts.
By Edge Alexander8 months ago in Humans
Five Pillars of Inner Reform: Islamic Insights for the Modern Seeker. AI-Generated.
Introduction: Reforming the Self in a World of Noise In a world overwhelmed by noise, distraction, and ego-driven ambition, inner reform can feel like a lost cause. We chase progress but feel emptier. We accumulate knowledge but lack wisdom. And we make choices faster than we reflect on their moral weight.
By mahdi sajadi8 months ago in Humans
The Right to Criticise: A Cultural Dilemma
Recently, I read Mary Midgley’s compelling essay, Trying Out One’s New Sword, which prompted me to reflect deeply on cultural differences and the role of moral judgement. In this thought-provoking piece, Midgley challenges the notion of “moral isolationism”—the belief that we cannot or should not judge the practices of other cultures. Using the striking example of the Japanese samurai custom of tsujigiri—testing a new sword by slicing through an innocent passerby—she argues that cultural differences do not exempt us from moral scrutiny. Her core message is clear: while cultural diversity exists, we must retain the ability to make moral judgements based on understanding.
By Whitestone Yong8 months ago in Humans
Rethinking Justice and Revenge: Echoes from the Oresteia
The stage opens with blood and ends with law. Aeschylus’ Oresteia, a trilogy of ancient Greek tragedies, charts a world suspended between the emotional and the institutional. At its heart lies a question that still haunts us: What is justice, and how does it differ from revenge? The plays present a cyclical, generational pattern of violence: Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter Iphigenia. His wife Clytemnestra murders him in return, and their son Orestes, in turn, kills her. Each act is a response to a prior harm, each justified by the language of duty, loyalty, and moral outrage. But then, something shifts. Athena intervenes, and the cycle halts. Not through more blood, but through judgment, argument, and law. What began as vengeance ends with justice, or so it seems. While the trilogy is often seen as a celebration of justice triumphing over revenge, a deeper reading reveals how both impulses share a common emotional and neurological origin. Drawing on philosophical insights from Plato and contemporary thinkers like Martha Nussbaum and Jonathan Haidt, as well as findings from neuroscience, the piece argues that justice and revenge are not opposites but reflections of the same human desire to restore moral balance. This article explores the fragile boundary between justice and revenge, using Aeschylus’ Oresteia as a philosophical lens.
By Sergios Saropoulos8 months ago in Humans
