2016/03/28

Einstein: His Life and Universe: Walter Isaacson: 9780743264747: Amazon.com: Books

Einstein: His Life and Universe: Walter Isaacson: 9780743264747: Amazon.com: Books


Top Customer Reviews

Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
In my experience, biographies of great scientists often leave the reader in a fog of technical complexity. While this book is not "Physics in One Simple Lesson," Walter Isaacson did a wonderful job of telling the story of the man and making the scientific aspects sufficiently understandable to be useful in grasping the magnitude of Einstein's intellect. This book is meticulously researched and sourced, yet written in a witty and entertaining way that makes reading it a pleasure. The central lesson that I was left with was the importance of independent thinking in any context. Einstein made it clear that conventional wisdom is often neither practical, nor wise. I was struck by his resiliance in his early years and his good humor in really tough times. I also appreciated the fact that the author was willing to examine all aspects of Eintein's personality, both favorable and unfavorable.
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Format: Hardcover
Walter Isaacson's biography of Einstein creates a fuller better rounded image of one of the finest minds of the 20th Century than many biographies of Einstein. Although it's not without its flaws, Issacson's book covers much of Einstein's life pointing out both his successes and flaws as both a person and physicist.

We learn that as a child Einstein suffered from what could be echolalia (which is where you mutter a phrase to yourself multiple times before saying it to others). Issacson notes both Einstein's debt to Hume, Planck and philosphers such as Kant in helping develop both his world view and his breakthroughs in science. To his credit Isaacson also points out that the man that came to embody the modern view of physics and became a hero who had feet of clay; Einstein gave up his daughter for adoption without ever seeing her and spent much of his time away from Mileva (who would eventually become his first wife) while she was pregnant for a variety of reasons some understandable some not. The young Einstein was brash,egotistic and obnoxious (or you could call him overly confident) often pointing out flaws in papers by the very professors he was seeking jobs from. He also charts Einstein's difficult path to his professorship including his stint working in the Swiss patent office.

Isaacson does cover Einstein's support for the development of the atomic bomb (although this is a relatively small section of the biography) and mentions that Einstein later regreted his support and the bombing that occurred in Japan during World War II. When Einstein came up with his famous equation, he never imagined it would help pave the way for for mass destruction. He was conflicted over his role in the development of the atomic bomb feeling both responsibility and guilty over his role and how it led to the deaths of those in Japan and the arms race. This guilt shaped his role in leading the charge for a world government that would prevent individual nations from using the atomic bomb. He later stated that if he had known Germany wasn't going to be able to develop the atomic bomb, he "never would have lifted a finger" to prompt the United States to develop this weapon of mass destruction. He never forgave the German people for their role in trying to exterminate Jews and others prohibiting sale of his books in post-war Germany and stated that he felt the country should continue to be punished for what occurred. Isaacson addresses some of the contradictions of the man of peace who contributed and supported war showing that while Einstein had his absolute convicitions they could sometimes shift depending on the circumstances. Einstein never pretended to be perfect and Isaacson does a good job of portraying the flawed but brilliant human being at the core of all that brain power. The biggest surprise for me was discovering that he unwittingly had an affair with a Soviet spy and the fact that he refused to believe in Black Holes even though there was clear evidence (some of it in his theories)because it didn't fit his elegant view of the universe.

Most importantly the author manages to give understandable explanations of Einstein's theories and how he came up with many of them. One can't understand Einstein's world without understanding his world view or the way that his papers/theories altered the world we live in today. I'd recommend this book for the compelling human portrait that Isaacson creates of one of the leading figures of science in the 20th Century. Also recommended--
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer
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Format: Hardcover
Walter Isaacson's sweeping new book about one of the great minds in life is a tribute to Albert Einstein through his life and his work. For those of us who know the renowned physicist through equations and reputation, Isaacson fills in the rest. Einstein's creativity and his abiltity to think far past others added so much dimension to the arena of science while his personal life was just as rich with detail. In "Einstein", the author reveals a dashing history.

As Isaacson says, Einstein wondered early on what it would be like to ride alongside a light beam. This kind of thinking outside the box led to a lifetime of successes and a few failures, as well. The good and the bad are covered here. What is so striking about this book is that the reader seems to grow with the subject. One cheers Einstein on in his youth as he throws convention out the window, bucks hierarchy and generally goes his own way. Later in life, as Einstein becomes more reasoned (but nonetheless no less radical) we understand the transformation. This is the key to the enjoyment of reading "Einstein"...the humanness of his person shines.

There are a couple of chapters which took me by surprise and are terrific additions to the book. One is titled "Einstein's God", a look at how science and religion may or may not be reconciled in Einstein's eyes, and a chapter on the "Red Scare". That Einstein should have lived through the McCarthy era and had the wits to comment on it is fortuitous, indeed.

"Einstein" may just be the best read of the year. Isaacson's narrative style flows and while there are a lot of technical points about physics necessary to the the story, it never for a minute lets down. I highly recommend "Einstein" and give tribute to Walter Isaacson, whose research and strength as an author gives us such a compelling look at Albert Einstein.
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Format: Hardcover
It's often unfair to rate a book relative to its reputation, but sometimes it is necessary to do so to offset the impression given by other advance billings. I found Isaacon's Einstein to be a serviceable biography, nothing more; certainly not the tour de force I half-expected it to be based on its having climbed to #1 on the best-seller list. Among biographies I read in 2007, Neal Gabler's life of Disney, and Leigh Montville's Babe Ruth bio ("The Big Bam") were certainly superior. So too was Whittaker Chambers's haunting "Witness" (though this was a 50th-year anniversary re-release). Even Bill Bryson's light and unpretentious "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" far outshined this book in the biography/memoir category.

Isaacson's book provides the salient details of Einstein's life, and does a fair if unspectacular job of bringing the gist of Einstein's theories into focus for the layman. Biographies of scientists, artists and philosophers can sometimes be frustrating reads when the life narrative isn't as interesting as the subject's body of work. This places a burden on the biographer to convey the aesthetic flavor and force of the subject's work (or, in other words, "what all the fuss was about.") Isaacson does a fair job of this. It's virtually impossible to fully do it with Einstein while omitting nearly all the math, but at least Isaacson manages to get it done without losing the essence of what made Einstein's work fascinating.

The larger problem with the book is the author's reduction of Einstein's personality to a few summary points, repeating those over and over, even to the point of jamming virtually every life event into tight pigeonholes. Specifically:

-- Einstein, we are told, was repulsed by conformity. Isaacson relates a story of the child Einstein crying when seeing a Germany army marching by in perfect synchronization. Nothing could be more horrifying to this fiercely independent mind than such mindless collective action. Isaacson argues that Einstein's determination to go his own separate way was one of the vital elements of his unique genius.
-- Einstein's non-conformity enabled him to avoid running with the pack, even in the political arena. A pacifist for some of his adult life, he had the good sense to eschew pacifism in the age of Hitler.
-- Einstein didn't do as badly in school, nor as badly at mathematics, as is often stated, though he was hardly a leading mathematician.
-- Einstein had an ambivalent attitude toward his own fame. On the one hand, he was amused by the buffoonery of celebrity culture, and went out of his way to deflate its pretentions. But he cultivated an image of indifference to fame that outstripped the reality that he quite enjoyed it.
-- Einstein was often cruel or indifferent to those closest to him, but he deeply felt, especially late in life, moral obligations to humanity at large.
-- Einstein was a willing scientific revolutionary early on, but later become something of a scientific conservative. He was never able, for example, to fully accept the achievements of quantum mechanics.
-- Einstein preferred simple, elegant theories to fiddly, complex, clunky ones.

There, that didn't take so long, did it? The book devotes hundreds of pages to interpreting most of Einstein's life events according to one or the other of these themes. The repetition is vexing, but the bigger problem is that one gets the sense that Isaacson is so determined that these be the defining characteristics of Einstein's life and work, that he allows little room for the possibility of narrative events that collide with the themes.

Most of us have read biographies where every childhood event is treated as though it's a precursor or partial explanation for some later adult event or tendency. And we've read bios that seem to reduce a life to a manifestation of a small number of repeated themes. But human beings are more complex than this, and life narratives are rarely so neat and tidy. It seems unlikely that a man of Einstein's intelligence and complexity would have a life that so unremittingly conformed to the favorite leitmotifs of his biographer. No doubt, Isaacson's interpretations have a sound and convincing basis, but the relentless plumbing of these lines left me rather numb by the end of the book.

Beyond this, the book simply wasn't as engrossing to read as many biographies are.

Certainly a serviceable biography, but not a flawless one.
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Things My Best Friends Told Me for the Camino and for Life eBook: Kerry O'Regan: Books

Things My Best Friends Told Me for the Camino and for Life 
 Kerry O'Regan: Books

A woman sets out to walk the Camino, the ancient pilgrimage across the north of Spain. No longer young, she walks alone, leaving family and friends behind. But she also carries them with her, in the messages they've written on her stick. Each day she walks and each day she reads the messages, and muses on them. These are her musings, on the places she sees, the people she meets, the events she lives. The Things My Best Friends Told Me for the Camino and for Life is part travel adventure, part soul journey. It's whimsical, witty, and wise. 
Kerry O'Regan lives in suburban Adelaide. She's a retired academic, a Quaker, grandmother and unlikely adventurer.

Brotherhood: Dharma, Destiny, and the American Dream: Deepak Chopra, Sanjiv Chopra

Brotherhood: Dharma, Destiny, and the American Dream: 
Deepak Chopra, Sanjiv Chopra

4.3 out of 5 stars   293 customer reviews
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Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars
Chopra
By Tom T VINE VOICE on April 17, 2013

I have read many of Deepak Chopra's books through the years with great enjoyment. I particularly read his books during the time that he was a spokesman for Transcendental Meditation. He is a great story teller and having heard him speak a couple of times, also a great inspirational speaker. Brotherhood by Deepak and his younger brother Sanjiv added another dimension to the Chopra story for me. This book was set up with each brother writing a chapter without the help or consultation of the other. The brothers write alternating chapters. At times they tell about the same people or experiences, but from a different perspective. At other times the chapters aren't related in subject at all.

Deepak has been publicly involved in more spiritual matters in his previous writing. Sanjiv appears to have a more scientific attitude. Both are medical doctors, though I do not believe Deepak is involved in medicine to a great degree, except perhaps Ayurveda. Sanjiv practiced a more traditional western medicine and is a professor and a dean at Harvard Medical school.

Being somewhat familiar with their backgrounds in India, I found Brotherhood a great addition to my knowledge of India, their families and what it was like to grow up in India. The stories in Brotherhood are extremely well written and very entertaining. They are humorous, moving, and at the same time historical. I found Sanjiv's writing to be particularly good, especially since it is Deepak who has been the one writing books for many years. In Brotherhood Deepak's writing gives the impression of being overwhelmed by the information that he is relaying and becomes somewhat scattered. On the other hand Sanjiv's writing is clear and more linear.

Perhaps, I have been a bit too analytical in this review. Overall the book is very enjoyable, and is a quick and easy read. When Sanjiv was asked how he might live his life differently if he had the chance, he described exactly what he had done and said he would do it again. These are two extremely intelligent and caring individuals who have added greatly to this country and to the world.

I would like to add, upon reflection, for those who wondered why and how the split occurred between Deepak and Maharishi, it is explained in this book.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
DESTINED TO AWAKEN A SLUMBERING WORLD?
By Eric Chaffee VINE VOICE on May 7, 2013

There is a short incident in Walter Isaacson's biography, EINSTEIN, where, during the space race of the late 1950's, a member of the NY Board of Regents (responsible for public education) writes to ask Dr Einstein what they should have students study, expecting to hear a response mentioning math & science. Instead, the good professor writes back to say that it would be most beneficial to have them study the lives and biographies of the great ones. I don't know if Deepak Chopra would fit into that category if a vote were taken, but he certainly gets my vote. His writing has been stimulating me, and readers in the world around me, for decades. He has had over 20 titles on the NYTimes bestseller list. And he has helped to shape an awakening in spirituality and healthcare. This book furthers the learning he has fostered.

Meeting his brother and family in this book was delightful. Learning about the evolution of Deepak's thought and career stands splendidly in contrast with his younger brother's approach, also a major medical influence, but in the more conventional mode - parallel lives in a multiverse. The book is organized in alternating chapters written by each author. It traces their evolving thoughts, influence, and destiny. It includes many accounts of learning from a spectrum of challenges beginning in boyhood. Their father was a prominent cardiologist, and they find their way to continue in the medical field, in colorful fashion with considerable impact on medicine, education, spirituality, and society.

The thrust in history of treatment is fascinating, especially considering the evolution of mind-body medicine over the past 30 years. Here's a favorite quote from Deepak (p.274 in my uncorrected copy): "The real revolution in medicine would come about only through consciousness. People needed to see that matter was a mask for mind. A human being isn't a machine that learns to think; we are thoughts that learned to build a machine."

There is much in this book about destiny and questing to learn our purpose and assignment. Yet the science of it is never abandoned. While I prefer the writing of the elder brother, Deepak, both writers have provided much to stimulate thought in this volume. One brother becomes a prominent expert on a single organ, the liver, while the other treats the whole person, reshaping both medicine and spirituality in the process. Enlightening.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
East Meets West to Benefit Us All
By Becca Chopra VINE VOICE on May 14, 2013

Having grown up in America, I didn't have the experience of growing up in my family's traditions in India. But, thanks to Deepak Chopra, I have been able to read and study the Eastern philosophy that has shaped my own views and teachings. In this book, I'm also happy to read the insightful writing of Sanjiv Chopra.

Both trained as doctors of allopathic medicine, like their father, a cardiologist in India, Deepak, however, leaves his career as an endocrinologist to teach mind-body healing and spiritual success, while Sanjiv continues as a Western-trained doctor to become a medical expert and professor at Harvard Medical School. Both have great success in their fields, and each write humbly and beautifully about their life journey. They explain how they discovered their own identities and, between the lines, we too learn how to discover our own life's meaning and truth.

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of the memoir, Chakra Secrets

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2.0 out of 5 stars
More Gobbledegook by Deepak: Sanjiv's Chapters Good
By SanjeevP VINE VOICE on July 16, 2013

Having gone to the same medical school in India that these brothers went to, coming from the same area and cultural background, speaking the same language, I share some of the experiences with them and that's what made me order this book through Amazon.

I liked reading the chapters by Sanjiv in this book: his writing is more about personal, immediate and direct experiences. It is logical and straightforward. Of course, I had many of the same experiences and could relate to that. What many of the Indian immigrants, particularly the Indian doctors go through in US, is what Sanjiv's writing is about.

After reading Deepak Chopra's first book "Ageless Body, Timeless Mind", I could not stand reading another book by him. To me he is just a charlatan who has mastered the art turning gibberish into bestsellers. Jargon like "Quantum healing" sounds as if he is talking something profound, but is actually meaningless. There is not really much about his personal and direct experiences in this book. Deepak Chopra has basically recycled his mumbo-jumbo in this book, probably ghostwritten by David Fisher.
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On becoming American (9780395262832): Ted Morgan: Books

 On becoming American  Ted Morgan: Books

On becoming American Hardcover – 1978

by Ted Morgan

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Amazon.com:

On Becoming American is an inquiry into American identity--what it is that sets Americans apart from the rest of the world. Ted Morgan discusses America through the prism of his own experience: he was a French aristocrat, Sanche de Gramont, who became Ted Morgan and an American citizen in 1977, he settled on a name that conformed with the language and cultural norms of American society, a name that telephone operators and desk clerks could hear without flinching. 

A Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, Morgan's experience illustrates why immigration is central to the American experience. He sees us with fresh eyes, and writes with humor about our passion for fast cars, fast food and the freedom we take for granted. "An antidote to facile put downs of America. Morgan makes the case that America is the greatest success story the world has ever known. Not bad for someone who isn't even running for office!"

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Top Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsUseful insight from someone who made the transition
By Ted Doty on October 2, 2000

The problem with being american (for those who were born american) is that we are so immersed in american-ism that we can no longer see what it is. Someone who is born elsewhere and consciously decides to become "american" has a unique perspective - one that is useful for the rest of us americans to read.

Ted Morgan was born a noble french aristocrat, son of a Free French hero ("Ted Morgan" is an anagram of his french name, de Gramont). However, he found himself increasingly estranged from the closed world of the post-war french nobility, and increasingly drawn to the open culture of the United States. This book describes why, and how he came to make the break with his old life.

As Morgan says in his book: "All americans are either revolutionaries, or descended from revolutionaries." While his turn of phrase makes enjoyable reading (Morgan won a Pulitzer prize for news reporting under deadline), his insights go deeper. This book acts in some way as a mirror held so we can contemplate our own reflection. Those of us who were born here can get some unique insight from this insider/outsider view.

Living the Quaker Way: Discover the Hidden Happiness in the Simple Life - Kindle edition by Philip Gulley. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Living the Quaker Way: Discover the Hidden Happiness in the Simple Life - Kindle edition by Philip Gulley. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.



Living the Quaker Way: Discover the Hidden Happiness in the Simple Life

byPhilip Gulley

Format: Kindle EditionChange

Price:$11.99

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Quakerism has many admirers but considerably fewer adherents. Gulley, a Quaker pastor and much-published author (The Evolution of Faith), hopes to reach new members with his newest work, part of the inaugural list of a new imprint aimed at the spiritually curious. He explains central Quaker values and practices—simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality—in clear and inviting ways, drawing on Quaker history to provide context and illustration of the distinctive ways of the Religious Society of Friends (another name for Quakers). He also draws on his own life, acknowledging shortcomings in ways that disarm and attest to the Quaker value of integrity of speech. The set of queries at the book&'s end is extremely helpful; queries are spiritual tools for self-examination and reflection that can give readers a small taste of the faith. The author goes light on his trademark charming humor, which is unfortunate; religion goes down easier when preached with a smile. Still, Gulley might make nightstand Friends—people who flirt with Quakerism, reading about it before going to sleep. (Sept.)

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From Booklist

“I took a test on the Internet,” a newcomer told Quaker pastor Gulley, “and it told me I’d be happy as a Quaker.” Others saying much the same thing reconfirmed Gulley in his “long-held suspicion” that more people are philosophically Quaker than ever join a Quaker meeting. They are attracted by the Quaker way of life, which is best expressed in the basic Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. Gulley devotes a chapter to each testimony—a persuasive homily delivered by a very personable minister—and considers the contemporary appeal of the Quaker understanding of the particular testimony being discussed. His aim throughout is not “for you to seek out the nearest Quaker meeting” but to help others “embrace these values . . . so that our world might be transformed.” In conclusion, he offers a month’s worth of daily queries—examples of the kinds of questions Quakers use to guide themselves in living out the testimonies—for readers’ reflection should they chose to take the Quaker way. --Ray Olson

5.0 out of 5 starsFull to Overflowing with Timeless Wisdom and Insight

ByFaithfulReader.comon October 23, 2013

Format: Hardcover

Philip Gulley is the author of 17 books, host of the PBS programs “Porch Talk with Philip Gulley” and “Across Indiana,” and a contributor to The Saturday Evening Post. More importantly, though, Gulley is a Quaker (the Religious Society of Friends, or Friends Church). His kindness-laced, easygoing style makes reading his work a restful, peaceful endeavor. Quite in opposition to the chronic, hurry-hurry of the day, settling down for a long read is simply medicine to the soul.



And wisdom? LIVING THE QUAKER WAY is full to overflowing with timeless wisdom and insights for bettering not only one’s own heart, mind and soul, but also everyone else’s too. Gulley makes it his mission to keep a sharp lookout for the well-being of everyone who crosses his path. He and his wife make it their lifestyle to live simply, contentedly, peacefully, and with a consistently service-minded purposefulness.



In this lovely resource, Gulley explains what a Quaker is (and what it isn’t). He shares that unity is very important to the Quakers, and yet they allow themselves areas of disagreement, so it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what a Quaker is to outsiders. Quakers, writes Gulley, espouse simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. In many ways, they aspire to live by the evangelical’s fruits of the Spirit, but while they may use the Bible for a source of their beliefs, they embrace other religious principles and religions as well. Christians would discover that Quakers live their lives as Jesus taught, but they don’t require the sacrifice Jesus gave for their salvation.



Readers will value Gulley’s insertion of today’s modern issues and problems into his timeless text on living simply. He offers real-life scenarios of folks who have gotten on the mindless, endless treadmill of materialism and then opted out (and how they did it and what they gained from their choice). He also hits upon the taxes Americans are forced to pay and how a good portion goes to military support (he again offers alternatives to this standard). Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of this text is his persuasive section on how to live life more simply (and what the immense gains are when this freer path is chosen).



At the close of the book, Gulley includes a reflective question section where readers ask themselves a question each day for deeper contemplation or for use in a group. Among these thoughtful queries: Do I live simply and promote the right sharing of the world’s bounty? Do I keep my life uncluttered with things and activities, avoiding commitments beyond my strength and light? Do I refuse to let the prevailing culture and media dictate my needs and values? Do I recognize when I have enough? Do I keep myself informed about the effects my style of living is having on the global economy and environment? When differences arise, do I make an earnest effort to end them speedily? Do I treat conflict as an opportunity for growth, and address it with careful attention?



Surely, even with a cursory read through this fine text, readers of many faith traditions will find themselves thoughtfully challenged and encouraged. No wonder Gulley’s work and words are so transcendent.



Reviewed by Michele Howe

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3.0 out of 5 starsIs Quakerism a religion or a way of life?

ByTeddy's Mamaon October 13, 2013

Format: Hardcover

The Society of Friends, or Quakers, is considered a religion that has been around about 400 years. Most people if asked to define Quakers would probably start with how they used to dress like the pilgrims and are rather conservative "religious" folk. Anyone who reads Gulley's book will learn contemporary Quakers don't fit that description. Though they may (or may not) be conservative in their dress or habits they cannot be put in a one-size-fits-all box.



I have always thought the Quakers were an interesting group but did not know much about their beliefs. After reading thisQuaker book some of my thoughts have been confirmed...they are active in political and social issues, live simply, there are meeting houses not churches with many styles of worship, they are generally pacifists. There are others I was not aware of...some meetings have pastors some do not, what they believe is not confined to the bible, there is no formal joining of the meeting, one can join or not and still be considered a Quaker...are a few of the things I learned.



Gulley explores the Quaker Way; simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. His views are interesting and thought-provoking for me. Some I agree with, some I disagree with, and some I am still thinking about.



Right from the first chapter, What is a Quaker?, I found myself surprised by some of his statements and I kept asking myself is the Society of Friends a religion or a way of life, a philosophy? Apparently, it is a question they ask themselves with many different answers. For example, from the first chapter:



"...For some Friends-indeed for most Friends-Quakerism is first a religion, an understanding and experience of God that leads to a certain way of life. But for others it is a way of life rich in its own right, needing no origin in or confirmation from a divine entity."



"... while Quakerism for some Friends is a way of life rooted in our experience of God, that is not the case for all. At one time, I would have mightily resisted that view, but now I am quite willing to welcome as brother and sister those persons whose integrity will not permit them to affirm a god they have not encountered. Though our perceptions of the Divine may differ, our mutual commitment to the Quaker way allows us to stand with one another as Friends and friends."



At the end of the book there are 30 questions, Queries, to consider for yourself. Gulley encourages the reader to use them as a personal check-list of sorts or as a small group discussion. The questions are well worth pondering and discussing.



Overall, I liked the book because I like to hear what others think about God and faith and life. I also liked it because it made me look a bit closer at what, and why, I believe. It's worth a read but probably not for everyone.



This book was sent to me by Waterbrook Multnomah free of charge in exchange for this review.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

The Quaker view of how to live the life we are intended to live.

ByJoseph Palenon November 15, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The Way---



I am much older than Phil Gulley, but am willing to readily admit that he surpasses me in the wisdom department. His two books “ If Grace is True” and “If God is Love” written some years ago with James Mulholland, were very helpful in my growth as a new, middle aged Christian, who had earlier rejected the Church as a den of hypocrites. In this book, I see the source of his wisdom – of course from God, but from God through the practices and beliefs of the Quaker Church. This book is a reminder that the true principles of right living are: Loving God (loving his created Natural Universe) and Loving Others (his created Creatures). This truth is independent of religion, but is especially emphasized by the Quaker Faith. I loved this book. It was another encouragement to continue on the same path, the Way, despite bumps and potholes, and all the hypocrites who appear along the way, as they did in Jesus’ day.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

Reflection and thoughts

ByChuck Jenkinson September 19, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I really looked forward to reading this book because I have enjoyed so many of Philip Gulley' s other books and writings. This book speaks directly to me, and in many cases for me. I could not read this book without thinking about the many feelings Phil must have felt while writing this book.



I am reading this book during a period of time when their are people of privilege who want to shut down the government so others could not have health care insurance like they possess. I think about what their thought process might be and wish they would take the time to reflect on concepts such as the Quaker way. Injustice is not a new concept and will probably be with us until the end of time.

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5.0 out of 5 stars

A non-coersive way to live faithfully

ByRuth E. Nayloron December 26, 2013

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I love Philip Gulley's way of lightening a serious load. His naturally humorous personality permits him to be delightfully entertaining or deeply serious and thought provoking. I think I've read all of his books, beginning with the playful Front Porch tales and more recently his co-authored book on God's grace and this one on the Quaker way.



Marriage moved me away from the Quaker community in which I was raised but I've always valued the emphasis Quakers place upon simplicity, integrity, community, service, non-resistance, contemplation, and peace within. These are the very qualities that Jesus teaches.



There is much to challenge us today within these pages. Gulley does not condemn. He's brutally honest about his own temptations and shortcomings. And in the typically Quaker way, he is not proselytizing. He invites the reader into a way of living that seeks to see "that of God in every human-being" and into being a person of peace, love, forgiveness and grace.



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4.0 out of 5 stars

An Explanation of Ethics

ByAmazon Customeron November 25, 2013

Format: Kindle Edition

"Living the Quaker Way" is an interesting, easy-to-read book covering what the author sees as the basic ideas of the Quaker faith. The author is careful to point out that the Quaker faith can be viewed as either a religion or a way of life (or both), and that the ideas and beliefs within the faith are extremely varied. Although it seems that the Quaker faith is difficult to "pin down" even for the author, who is a Quaker pastor, he narrows the ideals of the faith down to simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality, creating the five-letter acronym S.P.I.C.E. The author also points out that these five ideals are not exclusive to the Quaker faith or way of life, nor are they even exclusive to any particularly "religious" way of life at all.



I appreciated the author's honesty and openness, and his use of personal stories to illustrate his points. I enjoyed the book a great deal, but did not come away with a very succinct idea of what Quakerism actually is. But, I think that perhaps this was the author's point--the Quaker faith or way of life is so open and varied that it can be a spiritual home for virtually anyone who seeks a faith that is based more on a sound (yet individualized) ethical structure, rather than dogma.



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5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent book on living as a Friend

ByWanda H. Gileson February 25, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is the best book that I, a lifelong Friend, have read on Friends faith and practice, particularly practice. Gulley takes up five prime Quaker values---simplicity, community, peace, integrity, and equality. Each receives a thorough, thoughtful, modest, and clear discussion, with a generosity of spirit I found quite remarkable. He is a progressive Friend; he has more than entered the current century. But his values are as strong and solid as those of the founding Friends, and his style is accessible, respectful, and pleasant. I highly recommend this book for a good understanding of contemporary Friends. It is not entirely theoretical; it includes human experience. Very fine.

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3.0 out of 5 stars

Interesting Insight for a better life from a best-selling author & Quaker Pastor.

ByCristion January 22, 2014

Format: Kindle Edition

The premise of this book intrigued me from the second I read the above description. I was interested in learning about the Quakers and I also wanted to read Philip Gulley's thoughts on applying Quaker principles to live a better, more peaceful life. I did come away from the book feeling like I had my eyes opened to some new ideas that I hadn't thought of before or had thoughts that I have long held confirmed by someone else feeling the same way. The Quaker's are peaceful people and they are all about serving others, living modestly, having integrity, taking care of others and participating and being a part of a tight knit community. All of the Quaker principles mentioned are examined in detail in Living the Quaker Way. Sulley illustrates these principles by being open and relaying personal stories throughout his lifetime that relate to each. I love how honest the author is, he is not perfect but you can tell he truly just wants to be a good and peaceful person. I did feel like there were great thoughts in this book about making the world a better place, especially the section on community. I found myself nodding my head vigorously the whole time. I truly think if we were more connected, closer knit and relied on each other as our grandparents did with their neighbors and even their families, we would all be a little happier and there would be less of a prevalence of depression.



As far as learning more about the Quakers as people and a group, I really didn't feel this book delivered in that area, but then the point of this book was not to preach Quakerism, but to share ideals and principles that would indeed help this world be a better place. This book isn't one that is trying to convert anyone, but it does what it sets out to do, sharing some great insight. Because of that, I would recommend this book if you are looking to better yourself or just enjoy reading inspiration books.



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5.0 out of 5 stars

Eat lots of oats?

ByJ. Lietzon October 16, 2013

Format: Hardcover

Living the Quaker Way: Timeless Wisdom for a Better Life Today by Philip Gulley is a discussion of the Quaker beliefs and pillars of simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. What I can appreciate the most is simplicity in my own life and community as a more overarching issue.



For me, simplicity is an ideal state of being. My reality is that with three kids, school, preschool activities, a lot of doctor's appointments, freelance writing assignments and just plain old life, it seems like an unreachable goal. However, a lot of it is stuff that I do to myself. We make life more complex than it needs to be. The Quakers have some interesting ideas on this.



In current events, there's been so much disunity in our government, with some people fighting just to fight, or so it seems. It seems like the politicians only care about who donates the most money to their ongoing campaigns. The gerrymandering ensures that they'll get re-elected, even if they have a 10 percent or less approval rating, which is what Congress currently has. I think we could all glean some pearls of wisdom from this book.



The book includes discussion questions as well as personal anecdotes. It's an easy read, it's not preachy, and it conveys a lot of material to think about.



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5.0 out of 5 stars

A most thought provoking book...

ByDr. Darryll W. Barksdaleon October 19, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I like to learn about how other religions think about the world and Pastor Gulley does a great job opening up the Quaker mindset for us to explore. While I may take issue from time to time, I still find the book to be most readable and educational. Understanding the basic premises of any Faith is the first step in truly understanding that Faith and their belief structure. It is not a text on theology per se but rather a statement of beliefs written in a simple yet thought provoking manner. Wonderful and touching personal anecdotes interspersed throughout the book give life to the principles and foundations of the Quaker beliefs. No matter what your Faith, you will find this to be an interesting read and one that perhaps will act in a positive manner to influence your personal thoughts and behaviors. But of course, I have found all of Pastor Gulley's books to do just that.............they all seem to make a positive impact upon the life of the reader.

This We Can Say eBook: The Religious Society of Friends: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

This We Can Say eBook: The Religious Society of Friends: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

This We Can Say 
by The Religious Society of Friends (Author)

Prepared over a period of nearly 10 years, this book is the distillation of the thoughts of around a thousand Quakers with an interest in spiritual subjects, including inspirational writings and personal stories about challenge and opportunity, which reflect on the geography and social history of Australia.

Arranged under subject headings such as 

- Experiences of the Spirit, 
- Images of God, 
- Silence and stillness, 
- Faith in action, 
- Prayer, 
- Truthfulness and integrity, 
- Simplicity and peace, 
- Life stages and challenges and Indigenous people.

This We Can Say can be used for personal study and meditation, for group work or just for inspiration.

Includes an extensive glossary, sources, index and history of the Quaker movement in Australia.
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Quaker faith & practice eBook: Britain Yearly Meeting: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Quaker faith & practice eBook: Britain Yearly Meeting: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Quaker faith & practice Kindle Edition
by Britain Yearly Meeting (Author)
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Review:

Worthwhile Reading for (Mature Believing) Non-Quakers Too 12 July 2015

By Joshua Gaudreau - Published on Amazon.com

I've always been interested in reading how different "streams" of Christianity practice their faith, and last year read the Hutterite Confession of Faith (see my review here: http://wp.me/p2xQEQ-8Q ), which was great. So when I saw "Quaker Faith and Practice" on Amazon, I wanted to pick it up.

One thing I found surprising right off the bat was a lack of the history of the Quakers; how they came to be called that, when and by who they were founded, etc. The introduction was a history of the manual itself only. In that way, this book really is a manual for Quakers themselves who (presumably) know this history already. This information is readily available on Wikipedia of course, but reading it from a Quaker perspective would have been insightful. Because of that I won't say much more about their beginnings here beyond to say that the term "Quaker" began as a derogatory term, but over time gained acceptance amongst their practitioners (they also call themselves "The Religious Society of Friends").

As a non-Quaker, I found the parts on the necessity of listening in silence until God speaks, especially in community, to be fascinating. I knew of the Quaker practice in their worship gatherings already, but reading the ideas behind it (especially the emphasis on doing it in community - not as individuals in the same room but doing it together) encouraged me to continue trying to practice it in my own life, both on my own and to now include others when I can.

"True silence..." said William Penn, "is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." (2.14)

"Worship is our response to an awareness of God. We can worship alone, but when we join with others in expectant waiting we may discover a deeper sense of God's presence."
Advices and Queries (1.02/8)

The sections "Meeting for Worship" (2.35 ff), "The Sense of the Meeting" (3.02 ff), and "Our Community" (10.01 ff) were also worthwhile readings.

I skipped past all the business regulation items, of course, it having no relation to me; however, the fact that they aim to conduct business meetings as they do their times of worship is great - and one day if I'm in a church business meeting (and am able to) will introduce this idea to the participants.

I was very saddened to read of all the more liberal theological & moral ideas that has seeped into Quakerism; They mentioned it was introduced at the Manchester Conference in 1895 (19.60), and not as a bad thing.

And so God is sometimes referred to in terms like "whatever he is to us," or as a non-personal seeming "inward Light."
The Bible was seen as a non-authoritative book by some sections (which, when compared to Jesus/The Holy Spirit I agree it is subservient.
George Fox is quoted saying "If we did not have the Scriptures... Jesus is enough" which I like), and personal experience of the Light as superseding it.
My own thought on this is that,
while God is bigger than the Bible and will still speak to us outside of it today (as Quakers teach), He will never contradict the Bible (which some sections in this document disagree with).

While this book is meant to be a manual, there are a lot of personal testimonies and anecdotes included in each section from Quakers throughout history; the writers were careful to include both men and women and non-Europeans when they could. These were fascinating, but because of what I found in my previous comment, I tended to skip many of them that were post-1700's. Of course, like in every denomination, not all Friends are theologically liberal and not all of them are conservative, but either way they are a part of the global Body of Christ and their voice is worth listening to and engaging with and learning from.

On the plus side, reading this document has inspired me to seek out other Quaker writings, such as those by George Fox (the founder), Thomas Kelly (his "Testament of Devotion" being on my to-read list for some time already) and William Penn. Interestingly, as I was writing this review I learned that Dallas Willard was a Quaker (I'm reading his "Divine Conspiracy" right now & recommend it). I've also loved Richard Foster's works, another Quaker, especially "Streams of Living Water" and the more famous "Celebration of Discipline," both of which I highly recommend.

So, in conclusion there are some valuable ideas in "Quaker Faith and Practice" that I will refer back to and continue to learn from and practice in my life, but as a non-Quaker I wouldn't recommend it overall, and especially not to an immature believer.
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HASH(0xa3029f0c) out of 5 stars
Good to get an easy update! 12 January 2014
By DefSufi - Published on Amazon.com

The yearly Faith and Practice from the Britain Yearly Meeting is often hard (and expensive) to come by if you're in the US. It's great to see the BYM offering more and more of their books and reports as PDF and ebooks. Hurrah for Amazon US to have this title (since if you try yo buy the ebook from the British Quakers, you can only do so if you're in the UK!)

위안부 할머니 41명, 외교부장관 상대 헌법소원 제기 | 다음뉴스

위안부 할머니 41명, 외교부장관 상대 헌법소원 제기 | 다음뉴스



한일 위안부 문제 합의

위안부 할머니 41명, 외교부장관 상대 헌법소원 제기

민변 "한일 합의내용에 심각한 문제"한국일보 | 강철원 | 입력 2016.03.27. 17:41
위안부 피해자 41명이 지난해 한국과 일본 정부의 ‘위안부 합의’로 기본권을 침해 당했다며 헌법소원을 냈다.
민주사회를 위한 변호사모임(민변)은 위안부 피해자 할머니 29명과 유족 및 생존 피해자 가족 12명을 대리해 헌법재판소에 헌법소원 청구서를 접수했다고 27일 밝혔다.
민변은 한일 외교장관이 발표한 합의내용에 심각한 문제가 있다고 주장했다. 민변은 청구서를 통해 “일본 정부는 중대한 인권침해에 대해 법적 책임을 져야 하지만, 합의에서는 도의적 책임을 인정하는 데 그쳤다”며 “또 위안부 징집과 성폭력은 일본 정부의 국가범죄이고 불법행위이므로 일본 정부가 책임을 져야 하는데도 합의 발표에서는 군의 문제로 축소해 책임을 극도로 희석시켰다”고 비판했다. 민변은 정부의 이 같은 합의로 위안부 피해자들의 헌법상 기본권이 침해됐다고 비판했다.
지난해 12월29일 위안부 피해자 할머니들이 정부의 일본군 위안부 협상 타결 내용을 설명하기 위해 나눔의 집을 방문한 조태열 외교부 2차관에게 항의하고 있다. 서재훈기자 spring@hankookilbo.com
지난해 12월29일 위안부 피해자 할머니들이 정부의 일본군 위안부 협상 타결 내용을 설명하기 위해 나눔의 집을 방문한 조태열 외교부 2차관에게 항의하고 있다. 서재훈기자 spring@hankookilbo.com
절차상 문제점도 지적했다. 민변은 “일본 위안부 문제에 대해 최종적이고 불가역적인 해결을 확인하는 협상을 타결하면서 피해자 당사자들과 가족들의 의사를 묻지 않아 헌법상 보장된 절차적 참여권과 알 권리를 침해했다”며 “한일외교장관합의는 피해자들의 기본권을 침해한 ‘정치적 타협’에 불과하다”고 했다.
정부는 지난해 12월 28일 일본 정부가 위안부 문제에 대한 책임을 인정하고 위안부 피해자를 위해 설립하는 재단에 10억 엔을 내놓는 대신 이 문제를 최종적이고 불가역적으로 마무리 짓는 데에 합의했다. 하지만 일본 정부는 이후 박근혜 대통령과의 전화회담에서 “일본군 위안부 문제가 1965년 청구권 협정으로 최종적이고 완전하게 해결됐다는 일본 정부 입장에는 변함이 없다”며 “또 위안부를 강제로 연행한 증거가 없고 위안부는 조작된 것”이라고 주장하는 등 합의 전 입장을 고수하고 있다.
앞서 헌법재판소는 2011년 8월 위안부 피해자 64명이 “정부가 한일청구권 협정과 관련한 외교적 보호권을 행사하지 않아 헌법상 인간의 존엄과 가치를 침해 당했다”며 낸 헌법소원에서 재판관 6(위헌) 대 3(각하)의 의견으로 “국가가 청구권 협정 절차에 따라 위안부 문제를 해결하지 않은 것은 위헌”이라고 결정했었다.
박지연기자jyp@hankookilbo.com