The Persian/Hebrew Axis | Alexander Bard, Marc Gafni, and Zak Stein

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

In *The Lucifer Principle*, Howard Bloom explores the intricate relationships among genetics, human behavior, and culture, positing that 'evil' is a by-product of nature's strategies for creation. He argues that social groups, or 'superorganisms,' are the primary units of selection, and that competition between these groups drives much of human history. Bloom draws on a wide range of historical, anthropological, and biological research to support his thesis.

Shoshana Zuboff's 'Surveillance Capitalism' exposes the hidden workings of a new economic order where companies amass vast amounts of personal data to predict and influence human behavior. This data is then used to create detailed profiles of individuals, allowing for targeted advertising and manipulation. Zuboff argues that this system undermines democratic values, privacy, and individual autonomy. The book explores the ethical and societal implications of this pervasive data collection, urging readers to critically examine the power dynamics at play. It serves as a wake-up call to the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

In "The World Behind the World," Michael Meade unveils the hidden layers of reality, exploring the interplay between the visible and invisible worlds. He draws upon ancient myths and cross-cultural traditions to reveal the profound connection between the human psyche and the cosmos. The book delves into the symbolic language of dreams, rituals, and stories, offering a framework for understanding the deeper meaning of life's experiences. Meade's work encourages readers to look beyond the surface of everyday life, to discover the rich tapestry of meaning that lies beneath. Through evocative storytelling and insightful analysis, he guides readers toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the universe.