Average customer rating:
- Excellent
- The best book I've read!
- Enjoyable read. Buy it!
- Good Book, Easy Read
- Amusing, Inspiring, Educational and Brilliant!
|
Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
Richard Branson
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Business
| Professionals & Academics
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Business
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons In Life (Quick Reads)
-
Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time (Forbes)
-
Sam Walton: Made In America
-
Pour Your Heart into It : How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time
-
Grinding It Out: The Making Of Mcdonald's
ASIN: 0812932293
Release Date: 1999-10-19 |
Amazon.com
In this autobiography, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson says one of his prime business criteria is "fun." Fun made Branson a billionaire, and few business memoirs are one-billionth as fun as Branson's, nor as niftily written. Not only does it relate his side of near-death corporate experiences, it tells how the chairman literally cheated death by gun, shipwreck, and balloon crash.
Branson's empire--now encompassing interests in an airline, pop music, soda pop, e-commerce, and financial services--began when the dyslexic 16-year-old dropped out of school in 1968 to found the British magazine Student. His headmaster said, "I predict that you will either go to prison or become a millionaire." Briefly imprisoned for dodging customs selling records, Branson got his first million by releasing Tubular Bells, a maverick recording all the stuffy executives rejected. (1998's Tubular Bells III puts the series' sales over 20 million.)
Despite wild tales of Branson's wife-swapping and Keith Richards fleeing naked from Branson's studio at gunpoint with another man's woman, the most shocking parts of the memoir concern British Airways' James Bond-like "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin Atlantic, resulting in the biggest award for damages in English history.
Though it's filled with famous names, witty quotes, and pulse-pounding accounts of lunatic balloon adventures, it is as a business thriller that the book really scores. His instinctive bet-the-ranch tactics could cost him all, or earn another billion. Either way, Branson will likely remain the most entertaining entrepreneur in Europe. --Tim Appelo
Book Description
"Oh, screw it, let's do it."
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many successful ventures. From the airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways), to music (Virgin Records and V2), to cola (Virgin Cola), to retail (Virgin Megastores), and nearly a hundred others, ranging from financial services to bridal wear, Branson has a track record second to none.
Losing My Virginity is the unusual, frequently outrageous autobiography of one of the great business geniuses of our time. When Richard Branson started his first business, he and his friends decided that "since we're complete virgins at business, let's call it just that: Virgin." Since then, Branson has written his own "rules" for success, creating a group of companies with a global presence, but no central headquarters, no management hierarchy, and minimal bureaucracy.
Many of Richard Branson's companies--airlines, retailing, and cola are good examples--were started in the face of entrenched competition. The experts said, "Don't do it." But Branson found golden opportunities in markets in which customers have been ripped off or underserved, where confusion reigns, and the competition is complacent.
And in this stressed-out, overworked age, Richard Branson gives us a new model: a dynamic, hardworking, successful entrepreneur who lives life to the fullest. Family, friends, fun, and adventure are equally important as business in Branson's life. Losing My Virginity is a portrait of a productive, sane, balanced life, filled with rich and colorful stories:
Crash-landing his hot-air balloon in the Algerian desert, yet remaining determined to have another go at being the first to circle the globe
Signing the Sex Pistols, Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Boy George, and Phil Collins
Fighting back when British Airways took on Virgin Atlantic and successfully suing this pillar of the British business establishment
Swimming two miles to safety during a violent storm off the coast of Mexico
Selling Virgin Records to save Virgin Atlantic
Staging a rescue flight into Baghdad before the start of the Gulf War . . .
And much more. Losing My Virginity is the ultimate tale of personal and business survival from a man who combines the business prowess of Bill Gates and the promotional instincts of P. T. Barnum.
Also available in the UK from Virgin Publishing, and in Canada from General Publishing,
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent.......2007-10-01
I have read this book three times. Branson does business the way we should all aspire to do business. He has built businesses that he is passionate about. He enjoys his life and has been exceptionally successful. I find it to be an inspiring and enjoyable read. Probably why I have returned to it multiple times.
The best book I've read!.......2007-09-24
This is probably the best book I've ever read so far. Its not a business book, so read it as you would "literature" over a weekend... but its filled with great entertaining stories and helps you see how this guy's life has been. And you definitely learn some lessons.
If you are an entrepreneur, you MUST read Losing my Virginity!
Enjoyable read. Buy it!.......2007-09-14
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I'm not big on reading autobiographies, but this one I really enjoyed, couldn't put it down!
Good Book, Easy Read.......2007-08-13
Very enjoyable read. He does not give you any great business insight, but it is an uplifting and encouraging story.
Amusing, Inspiring, Educational and Brilliant!.......2007-07-25
This is a sensational book. Most autobiographies are boring and so full of only positive stuff about the person that you just know you are not getting the full picture. In this book Branson openly admits mistakes and bad business decisions. He gives credit to others acknowledging Virgin's success would not have happened without them. He also included instances when he has been brought back down to earth for example when two tourists asked for a picture he thought that he was being nice and started posing for them until he saw their confused faces and realised they wanted him to take a picture of them.
This book tells the reader everything about the Virgin empire from the first issue of Student magazine in 1968 to approval for their trains thirty years later in 1998. Obviously a lot more has happened since 98 such as Virginblue in Australia but we will have to wait for the sequel for that. This is a brilliant book which is as enjoyable as the great financial fictional thrillers like Harry Bingham's classic the Money Makers. This is so mush more inspiring when you realise Branson is not a fictional character and these achievements are real. This book will inspire you to get out there and make money. Buy it!
Note - There is an updated version of this book to be released soon which will have the post 98 stuff in it.
Average customer rating:
- Losing My Virginity
- truly inspirational
- The male dream
- The European dream!!!
- Fun, exciting, informative, amazing !!
|
Losing My Virginity
Richard Branson
Manufacturer: Virgin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Entrepreneurship
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Human
| Sexuality
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons In Life (Quick Reads)
-
Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
-
Business the Richard Branson Way: 10 Secrets of the World's Greatest Brand Builder (Big Shots Series)
-
RICHARD BRANSON: THE TOP OF THE WORLD
-
The Rebel Rules: Daring to be Yourself in Business
ASIN: 0753510200 |
Book Description
"Oh, screw it, let's do it."
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many successful ventures. From the airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways), to music (Virgin Records and V2), to cola (Virgin Cola), to retail (Virgin Megastores), and nearly a hundred others, ranging from financial services to bridal wear, Branson has a track record second to none.
Losing My Virginity is the unusual, frequently outrageous autobiography of one of the great business geniuses of our time. When Richard Branson started his first business, he and his friends decided that "since we're complete virgins at business, let's call it just that: Virgin." Since then, Branson has written his own "rules" for success, creating a group of companies with a global presence, but no central headquarters, no management hierarchy, and minimal bureaucracy.
Many of Richard Branson's companies--airlines, retailing, and cola are good examples--were started in the face of entrenched competition. The experts said, "Don't do it." But Branson found golden opportunities in markets in which customers have been ripped off or underserved, where confusion reigns, and the competition is complacent.
And in this stressed-out, overworked age, Richard Branson gives us a new model: a dynamic, hardworking, successful entrepreneur who lives life to the fullest. Family, friends, fun, and adventure are equally important as business in Branson's life. Losing My Virginity is a portrait of a productive, sane, balanced life, filled with rich and colorful stories:
Crash-landing his hot-air balloon in the Algerian desert, yet remaining determined to have another go at being the first to circle the globe
Signing the Sex Pistols, Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Boy George, and Phil Collins
Fighting back when British Airways took on Virgin Atlantic and successfully suing this pillar of the British business establishment
Swimming two miles to safety during a violent storm off the coast of Mexico
Selling Virgin Records to save Virgin Atlantic
Staging a rescue flight into Baghdad before the start of the Gulf War . . .
And much more. Losing My Virginity is the ultimate tale of personal and business survival from a man who combines the business prowess of Bill Gates and the promotional instincts of P. T. Barnum.
Customer Reviews:
Losing My Virginity.......2005-11-01
It was a great inspiration to me as an entrepneur, abeit not so successful. Nevetheless, I enjoyed it so much I have suggested to many friends and employees that they read this one! His life has been a great adventure, a great inspiration to experience life to the fullest. Let every moment count.
truly inspirational.......2005-08-13
Warning: Don't get carried away by the title of this book, it is purely metaphoric.
When you are handed a 600 page autobiography of an entrepreneur, at first, you may wonder whether such a piece is worth even leafing through. Who has the time to read stuff like this?
LOSING MY VIRGINITY is an extraordinary book written by an extraordinary man, Richard Branson. One may actually have some reservations about reading about a not exactly well-known business magnate (I am talking about India, of course). But rest assured, once you read through the author's bio and the very impressive blurbs, you will realize that it is far from a conventional (boring, if you like) memoir.
Branson is one of a rare breed, a paragon of British entrepreneurship, and a genius who has revolutionized British culture and lifestyles. Throughout this book, one can find a real humility in Branson's narrative of himself and his experiences. Like most contemporary memoirists, Branson uses the confessional mode of writing, which has allowed him to do things that a conventional novel will not. Branson's style of writing is so good-humored and his perceptions so remarkable that this book is worth a read even if you don't have the slightest interest in business. As one critic wrote about this book - Heavy but impossible to put down.
The book is written in a chronological fashion, and the chapters have rather stimulating titles. The chapters are actual chunks taken from Branson's life, and provide a rich visual and verbal experience to the reader. Some 130 photographs (both color and black & white) are there, and they complement the narrative beautifully.
It is fast paced, and has an honesty which is a little trivial at times. Branson reveals much about himself. Towards the middle, he gives a passionate account of his devotion towards music. His other great passion, adventure (some of which have been near-death experiences), is also dealt with in detail. Branson's love for ballooning, which he calls the most exhilarating of all sports, got him an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records, a real tribute to his daredevilry.
Branson's tale is novel, and is filled with instances of courage, the courage to break away from tradition. At age 16, Branson started a student's magazine and then ventured into music, which was a big hit. Richard Branson recounts this as a sad moment in his life when he had to sell Virgin Records to Thorn EMI in order to keep a floundering Virgin Atlantic Airways afloat. Today, apart from Virgin Atlantic, the Virgin Group owns Virgin Cola, Virgin Vie, Virgin Brides, Virgin Mega-stores and many more such ventures, which cater to everything any person would want in his daily life. Now, after conquering the world, he wants to fly you to space.
I would hate to spoil the read for you, so suffice it to say that LOSING MY VIRGINITY is a real, inspirational story that can only be told by the man himself. Such is the popularity of this book that it has become a byword for 'What they don't teach you at Business Schools'. From another perspective, it is a comic recollection of life's ups and downs juxtaposed with anecdotes about rock stars, politicians, friends and foes.
One finds no moral story in the end, no grandfatherly advice to the young blood. Instead, one is left with a deep feeling of admiration and a constant mulling over his adventures. If you ever want to know how much a single guy can achieve with "talent, initiative and good ideas", read this book. It comes as close to providing the real experience as any book can, and for this reason alone it should be coveted.
The male dream.......2005-04-28
Richard Branson has long been one of my heroes - everything he does is so cool. Ever since we visited England in the late 90s I've admired him for having a hand in so many diverse, yet cool things. While there we went to Virgin Cinemas and drank Virgin Cola, and browsed the Virgin Music in the Virgin Megastore, and caught the Virgin trains. From then on I admired him as the ultimate male hero - a rich guy who was involved in music, planes, trains, movies, cola, cars, phones, hot air balloons and other cool stuff. Virgin has to be the world's most diverse brand.
As for the book, it's an easy read and a great story. Lots of drama and intrigue from the swinging 60s right through the corporate 80s and 90s and beyond. I'm sure business types will get a lot of lessons from it about leadership and entrepreneurship, but for me it was just a great story about vision, taking risks, having fun, and maintaining your integrity in an often cut-throat world. Well worth a read if you haven't already.
The European dream!!!.......2005-03-25
"Losing my virginity" is an entertaining page-turner all the way from the beginning to the end. It is fascinating to read about what a mildly dyslexic man with no college education could create for himself.
Richard Branson is a man with a zest for life and all its challenges. Fun lies at the core of everything he does. The best part is he makes money doing what he does. His social circle includes a wide variety of people that include his small-town neighbours, Peter Gabriel, Queen Noor and Rod Stewart. The book includes the birth of Virgin records, Branson's daredevil ballooning adventures, his legal battle with British Airways, and experiences that I truly wish were personal experiences.
It will leave you hooked all the way until the end. Every guy that reads this will wish that this is the life he could lead - definitely the European dream.
Fun, exciting, informative, amazing !! .......2005-01-17
What a fun, exciting, informative, amazing and well written book this is. I am not the best reader and find it difficult to concentrate reading books but this one just took me away, I couldn't put it down. It's a great read from ballooning to business decisions to loosing his virginity this book will give you some great laughs and I definately shed a tear reading about his sale of Virgin Music. To read about his ballooning adventures was captivating and full of suspense even if you have no interest in this sport. What an amazing man Sir Richard is and it was wonderful to have an insight to his life from his early years and all the obsticles he has faced in business and money. This is absolutely positively a great read, not to be missed!
Average customer rating:
|
LOSING MY VIRGINITY
RICHARD BRANSON
Manufacturer: VIRGIN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S34PFK |
Average customer rating:
|
Losing My Virginity: The Autobiography
Richard Branson
Manufacturer: Virgin Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QYDU3Y |
Average customer rating:
|
Richard Branson: Losing My Virginity, The Autobiography
Manufacturer: Virgin Books, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1740511832 |
Average customer rating:
|
LOSING MY VIRGINITY
RICHARD BRANSON
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8IJZ6 |
Average customer rating:
|
Losing My Virginity
Richard Branson
Manufacturer: SOLD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OP8EAY |
Average customer rating:
|
Vir:Losing My Virginity (Zhongguo shi ren wai zhuan xi lie)
Manufacturer: Ramboro Books PLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Chinese
| Foreign Language Nonfiction
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Nonfiction
| Chinese
| Foreign Language Books
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Chinese Books
| Chinese
| Foreign Language Books
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: 7216009096 |
Average customer rating:
- Total Inspiration!
- Words that shook my pocketbook
- Step back into history
- Poor selection
- Ever give a speech? You need this book.
|
Words That Shook the World: 100 Years of Unforgettable Speeches and Events
Richard Greene , and
Florie Brizel
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| World
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Quotations
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Rhetoric
| Words & Language
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History
| Humanities
| New & Used Textbooks
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
We Interrupt This Broadcast: The Events That Stopped Our Lives...from the Hindenburg Explosion to the Attacks of September 11
-
Great American Speeches (Library of Freedom)
-
My Fellow Americans: The Most Important Speeches of America's Presidents, from George Washington to George W. Bush (Book & CD)
-
The World's Great Speeches (Fourth Enlarged Edition)
-
The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One--How to Deliver It
ASIN: 0735202966 |
Book Description
Words that Shook the World celebrates over 40 of the most extraordinary speeches of the last 100 years. Illustrated with dramatic black-and-white photographs, the book sets each of the speeches and speakers within a historical context that includes timelines and contemporary press commentary. In addition, readers are brought inside every paragraph of 20 of these magical speeches to discover what has made these words so powerful. And, best of all, two audio CDs reveal the passion of many of these extraordinary individuals as they faced their audiences, opened their hearts, and spoke Words that Shook the World.
Customer Reviews:
Total Inspiration!.......2004-02-17
Oh my goodness. What an inspiration!
With all of the negative things in politics and the news today what a wonderful refuge and inspiration to read about and read the words of these amazing men and women, and to hear them in their own voices.
I never knew about Teddy Roosevelt's environmental speech way back in 1903, loved reading the entire "luckiest man" speech by Lou Gehrig, the entire "only thing to fear is fear itself" speech by FDR and the magical words of Einstein. Who knew that he could write and speak that brilliantly.
But my favorites were Barbara Jordan, who sent chills down my spine with her amazing voice and, of course, reading the entire "I Have A Dream" speech with Mr. Greene's analysis of every paragraph. I knew it was great but, with this insight into WHY it was great it has become even more amazing to me.
If only leaders spoke today, and lead today, like the leaders in this book!!
Words that shook my pocketbook.......2004-02-05
What a joke. I could have put together those speeches by going on-line but purchased the book since it had a CD of the speeches. The historical notes are very helpful but not as complete as would be expected. Also, in so far as the CD , it does not say they are excerpts on the cover of my book. Not anywhere! I sat down with my kids on Martin Luther King's birthday to listen to his "I have a dream" speech only to find that the CD contains less than 1 minute, barely 35 or so seconds of Dr. King's voice. What a disappointment it was. I had put so much emphasis on that day, history lesson and all and the final climax was to be an after-dinner family event to listen to Dr. King's unforgettable speech in his own voice. The same holds true about all the other speeches, they are excerpts. You would think that for the cost all the speeches would be complete. The cost cannot be much more, you already have had to have permission to do the excerpt. Like I said, you can listen to all of these on-line, complete. How very sad that the author believes we would rather listen to his voice introducing these great icons of our past rather than the actual historical figure's voice.
Step back into history.......2003-12-30
Richard Greene does an excellent job presenting the historical context of these important 20th century speeches and then provides a blow-by-blow analysis of what makes them great. For those of us who were not born yet or were too young to appreciate Churchill, FDR, John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Albert Einstein and other great people of the 20th century this book is a wonderful way to go back in time and experience history. The book contains the full text of over 40 speeches and short excerpts from twenty of them on the two accompanying CDs.
My only complaint is that the excerpts on the CD are too short. For example, the excerpt from Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech is only 39 seconds long. This is probably the best speech of the 20th century -- I would like to hear the whole thing. If the cost of producing the CDs is the reason for the short excerpts I would much rather hear the original speeches than the introductions by the book's author.
I have no issues with the selection of the speeches. Yes, they are biased towards Americans, and some are perhaps there are better choices for a few of them, but with over 40 speeches included it is not a great loss to skip a few. Most of them are unequivocally great speeches and this book does a great job presenting them.
Poor selection.......2003-12-10
I wouldn't touch a book that lists a speech delivered as an eulogy for Princess Diana as a something that 'shook the world'.
It also suffers from the sin common to most Americans- being blind to most things that happen outside America. The author has no clue on what happened elsewhere in the world- for instance misses out on the powerful oratory of Nehru and Gandhi that to no small extent was reponsible for the British Empire to come crumbling down. Instead we have a roster of American presidents starting with Teddy Roosevelt and ending with Dubya..
Perhaps 'Words that shook America' or even 'Words that shook me' would have been a more accurate title.
Ever give a speech? You need this book........2003-04-21
I've been a speech coach, writer and teacher for 18 years, and there are many times in the past when I've wished I've had something like this book -- to use with clients, to quote from, to inspire students. All the greatest speeches of the last century are here, and they deserve study. To have many of them on a cd just adds to the usefulness of the book. You can hear the magnificent cadences of speakers like Kennedy and King, Jr and learn how it's done. For all those who give presentations or speeches -- or for anyone who cares about great rhetoric and moments when the world was changed by the collision of words and passion -- this book is a must-have.
Average customer rating:
- A tour de force
- A fine study on the dynamics of life, culture, and meaning.
- Excellent read!
- Universal networks underlying existence
- Something for Everyone
|
The Hidden Connections: Integrating The Biological, Cognitive, And Social Dimensions Of Life Into A Science Of Sustainability
Fritjof Capra
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Modern
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Capra, Fritjof
| ( C )
| Authors, A-Z
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| History & Philosophy
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems
-
Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership and Change
-
The Hidden Connections: A Science for Sustainable Living
-
Breakpoint and Beyond Mastering the Future
-
Radical Spirit: Spiritual Writings from the Voices of Tomorrow
ASIN: 0385494718
Release Date: 2002-08-20 |
Book Description
The author of the bestselling The Tao of Physics and The Web of Life explores the profound social implications of emerging scientific principles and provides an innovative framework for using them to understand and solve some of the most important issues of our time.
For most of history, scientific investigation was based on linear thinking. But the 1980's brought a revolutionary change. With the advent of improved computer power, scientists could apply complexity theory--nonlinear thinking--to scientific processes far more easily than ever before. Physicist Fritjof Capra was at the forefront of the revolution, and in The Web of Life he extended its scope by showing the impact of complexity theory on living organisms. In The Hidden Connections he breaks through another frontier, this time applying the principles of complexity theory to an analysis of the broad sphere of all human interactions.
Capra posits that in order to sustain life in the future, the principles underlying our social institutions must be consistent with the organization that nature has evolved to sustain the "web of life." In a lucid and convincing argument, Capra explains how the theoretical ideas of science can be applied to the practical concerns of our time. Covering every aspect of human nature and society, he discusses such vital matters as the management of human organizations, the challenges and dangers of economic globalization, and the nature and the problems of biotechnology. He concludes with an authoritative, often provocative plan for designing ecologically sustainable communities and technologies as alternatives to the current economic globalization.
A brilliant, incisive examination of the relationship between science and our social systems, The Hidden Connections will spark enormous debate in the scientific community and inspire us to think about the future of humanity in a new way.
Customer Reviews:
A tour de force.......2006-02-27
A fine book, as are all of Capra's. The discussion ranges far and wide, with many interesting insights. He has obvious researched it thoroughly. The way in which he moves between topics such as globalization, gene-manipulated food, the latest results of the Human Genome project, consciousness etc. is admirable. His treatment of each of the topics, though not always in as much depth as I would have liked, is clear and readbale. Capra again champions system thinking as he did in `Web of Life' - and this is certainly an improvement on the linear reductionism that characterizes the old fashioned mind-sets of most establishment biologists, mostly in the pay of the GM consortium or with other vested interests in supporting the status quo that says that "genes cause behavior". However, I feel that he stops short at mechanisms such as emergence - his adherence to Maturana & Varela's autopoetic version of cognitive processes is still too mechanist-materialist for my liking. I think he could have gone further, e.g. with consciousness, to the hard problem of how subjective awareness arises from objective processes - and emergence is not enough here, as all other examples are of the emergence of a greater level of objective complexity from simpler components. The hard problem is how can a qualitatively different thing such as subjective consciousness arise from any objective process, no matter how complex.
Similarly in his discussion of genes, he points out that viewing the epi-genetic network as a non-linear system gets to higher levels of complexity. But still, for my money that doesn't explain the loaves and fishes effect of the 11 physiological sub-systems of the body, it's coherent form and stability as well as the complexity of the brain arising from between 2 and 10 Megabytes of data in the genome. The upper limit of 10 MB is including tricks with shuffling round sub-sections of large genes to give other combinations. Anyway, the discussion of all that will go into my book. I hope mine will be as clear and readable as this masterpiece.
Another good point in my view is his inclusion of meaning as one of the pillars of his 4-fold integral vision - the choice of the others: matter, form and process - is somewhat different to other integral systems - e.g. that of Wilber - but equally interesting.
Finally, he paints a black picture of the horrors of globalisation and the ugly face of modern capitalism whose linear vision of greed and gluttony is the driving force behind the vampire computerised financial system that sucked the lifeblood out of many small countries and even the poor in rich countries like America. Capra righly calls for more controls on this system of mind-numbing stupity and linear evil. At least some rays of hope are described - mainly the way in which Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) via the internet succeeded in stopping the World Bank & co. from forcing furhter brutal ravages on the third world as part of their nightmare vision of Globalisation. Also, he shows how grass-roots revulsion at the horrible effects of genetically engineered food has pushed back the blindly linear thinking that was leading attacks on the delicate balance of the ' web of life'.
So, just read it...
A fine study on the dynamics of life, culture, and meaning........2005-04-14
The Hidden Connections employs inductive and deductive processes that includes the predominate traits in the character and cognition of individuals and the notion of life, the effective character of influential groups, and the coalescence of individual and group desires when people respond to various stimuli. Capra refers to this as `The Dynamics of Culture'. It is a very well researched, primarily academic treatise on the science of sustainability.
"Our ability to hold mental images and project them into the future not only allows us to identify goals and purposes and develop strategies and designs, but also enables us to choose among several alternatives and hence to formulate values and social rules of behavior...The social network also produces a body of knowledge-including information, ideas, and skills-that shapes the culture's distinctive way of life in addition to its values and beliefs...This meaningful knowledge, continually modified by the network of communications, is passed on from generation to generation together with the culture's values, beliefs, and rules of conduct." Pp 85-87.
There are numerous worthwhile lessons that can be gleaned from this work. Capra's study improves the analyst's ability to understand various peoples and to apply the concept of character to practical problems in intelligence and security relations and helps to avoid the common pitfalls of `mirror imaging'.
Among others, those who are interested in national security and law enforcement intelligence gain a clearer understanding on the meaning of the term `sustainability' and of related terms and concepts so often encountered in organizational studies and in intelligence readings. This should also serve to turn the light on for policymakers. ..."the original meaning of `authority' is not `power to command,' but `a firm basis for knowing and acting' ...the origin of power, then, lies in culturally defined positions of authority on which the community relies for the resolution of conflicts and for decisions about how to act wisely and effectively. In other words, true authority consists in empowering others to act." P 89.
"It is common to hear that people in organizations resist change. In reality, people do not resist change; they resist having change imposed on them. ...Moreover, it will help us design business organizations that are ecologically sustainable, since the principles of organization of ecosystems, which are the basis of sustainability, are identical to the principles of organization of all living systems." P 100.
Excellent read!.......2003-09-11
This book was really a true pleasure to read! This book provides us with a very beautiful picture of how all matter (both organic and non-organic) including ourselves is connected and related to each other. Even though the author tries to illuminate us on how we are destroying ourselves, he has a positive vision that is still realizeable if we allow our consciousness to evolve more. I believe we are in desparate need of writers like this at this day and age where we are closing in on the extinction of our own species. If you'd like to learn about how all of this relates to the human mind and why we do some of the terrible things we do to ourselves, read "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. It is an absolutely incredible book that will further your understanding of nature (including ourselves) immensely.
Universal networks underlying existence.......2003-09-06
Capra attempts to provide a conceptual framework that integrates the physical, cognitive and social dimensions in order to present a unified view of consciousness, society and life and also to develop a coherent and systemic approach to addressing the world's most pressing problems.
In the first part he constructs a new theoretical framework by looking at the nature of life, the nature of consciousness and the nature of social reality. He deals extensively with networking that has become an important social phenomenon and a critical source of power in the world.
The second part explores the management of human organisations, i.e. why and how these are living systems; economic globalisation; a systemic analysis of the ethical and scientific problems of biotechnology, with reference to the human genome project, and; the major problems facing the world today.
The author does a good job of pointing out the unified systems that integrate the biological, cognitive and social aspects of life and of explaining how a new vision of reality is unfolding, together with the social implications of this transformation.
Hidden Connections is a great read. The book contains explanatory notes, a bibliography and an index. Other interesting books dealing with this subject include Small World by Mark Buchanan and Beyond Chaos by Mark Ward.
Something for Everyone.......2003-02-16
This book has something for almost everyone. It extends complexity theory into social networks, bringing in discussion of communication and the making of meaning. It addresses cognition and consciousness, even touching on spirituality, in Chapter 2. It moves into organizational practice beginning in Chapter 4 that includes a vision of leadership, then moves to the larger world stage, addressing global capitalism, biotechnology, the new civil society, and eco-sustainability. He even suggests a new tax structure!
There is a lot in this book, and Capra models the web of interconnectedness throughout. Because there is so much, sometimes I would like to see more depth in areas that interest me particularly, but he gives hints of where to look for deeper information for those interested. This book clearly builds on his previous work "The Web of Life" and while still theoretical, brings in a great deal more practical application. I highly recommend the book.
Average customer rating:
|
Adsorption Technology for Air and Water Pollution Control
Kenneth E. Noll
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Environmental Science
| Earth Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Chemical
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Civil
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Environmental
| Civil
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Air
| Pollution
| Environmental
| Civil
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Pollution
| Environmental
| Civil
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Water Quality & Treatment
| Environmental
| Civil
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Conservation
| Environment
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Water Supply
| Environment
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Conservation
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Arts & Photography
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Outdoors & Nature
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Science
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 0873713400 |
Book Description
This practical book is valuable for a diversity of applications in both air and water pollution. Adsorption Technology usually deals with control of organic compounds, such as VOCs, pesticides, phenolics, and complex synthetic organics. However, it is also used to control certain inorganic compounds such as heavy metals, reduced sulfur gases, and chlorine. Much original work, including original figures.
Average customer rating:
|
Adsorption Technology for Air and Water Pollution Control
Kenneth E. Noll
Manufacturer: CRC Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MBVIKS |
Books:
- Lost in the Amazon: The True Story of Five Men and their Desperate Battle for Survival (Discovery books)
- Margot Fonteyn: A Life
- On the Run: A Mafia Childhood
- Oskar Schindler: The Untold Account of His Life, Wartime Activities, and the True Story Behind The List
- Palladian Days: Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country House
- Paper Daughter: A Memoir
- Pocahontas: Medicine Woman, Spy, Entrepreneur, Diplomat
- Portrait of a Marriage: Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson
- President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime
- Radha: Diary of a Woman's Search
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America
- Dreams of Terror and Death: The Dream Cycle of H. P. Lovecraft
- Birds of Prey: A Novel of Suspense
- Callahan's Crosstime Saloon
- Brian Jones Straight From The Heart: The Rolling Stones Murder
- Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software
- Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of How the Wildest Man in Congress and a Rogue CIA Age
- The Craft of Old-Master Drawings
- Antarctica: Explorer Series, Vol. 1
- Nitrogen Fixation: Achievements and Objectives : Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Ni