In 'Give and Take', Adam Grant examines the surprising forces that shape success, highlighting the differences between givers, matchers, and takers. Givers contribute to others without expecting anything in return, matchers aim to trade evenly, and takers strive to get as much as possible from others. Grant uses cutting-edge evidence and captivating stories to show how these styles impact success across various industries. The book emphasizes the benefits and challenges of adopting a giver mentality and provides practical advice on how to build successful relationships and achieve extraordinary results.
In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind[2][4][5].
In 'Contact', Carl Sagan explores the theme of extraterrestrial contact through the story of Dr. Eleanor 'Ellie' Arroway, an astronomer who detects a signal from the star Vega. The signal, a series of prime numbers, leads to the discovery of a complex message containing a blueprint for an advanced space-traveling machine. The novel delves into the scientific, philosophical, and societal implications of this discovery, including the intersection of science and faith, international cooperation, and the human condition. The story follows Ellie and a multinational team as they navigate the construction and activation of the machine, leading to a profound encounter with extraterrestrial life[2][4][5].
Paul Hannum's "The Wisdom of Groundhog Day" uses the popular film as a metaphor for the human condition. It explores how we often repeat the same patterns and behaviors, trapped in a cycle of Groundhog Day-like repetition. The book delves into the concept of transforming our inner world to create a better outer reality. It offers practical advice and insights from psychology, philosophy, and spirituality to help readers break free from limiting beliefs and habits. Ultimately, it's a guide to personal growth and creating a more fulfilling life.
In this book, David Korten critiques the current methods of economic development led by institutions like the Bretton Woods organizations and argues against the dominance of multinational corporations. He advocates for a rebalancing of corporate power with concerns for environmental sustainability and 'people-centered development.' Korten proposes several radical changes, including the abrogation of corporate political rights, taxes on financial transactions, and the promotion of local economies. The book is a call to action against what Korten terms a 'suicide economy' that prioritizes profit over human and environmental well-being.
In 'The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight,' Thom Hartmann delivers a stark critique of modern society's reliance on fossil fuels, which he terms 'ancient sunlight.' The book is divided into three sections: it details the scale of the environmental problem, explains how modern culture has led to this dire situation, and proposes solutions for sustainable living and spiritual awakening. Hartmann contrasts the unsustainable practices of city-state cultures with the more cooperative and sustainable ways of indigenous tribal cultures. He argues for a need to reconnect with nature and adopt a more harmonious relationship with the Earth's natural rhythms to ensure a sustainable future for humanity.
Paul has over 30 years of experience in organisational psychology, leadership and personal development. His insights are based on expertise in the theory and more importantly the practice of high performance. He taught at Oxford University, and has four books published. He has also coached over 10,000 employees around the world, and founded and built a major training and recruitment business. His new book, Significance, is a blueprint for flourishing in the new normal and refocusing your life on what matters most. His previous book, The Wisdom of Groundhog Day, was #1 for Self Help on Amazon and a Sunday Times bestseller. Paul specializes in working with leaders who want to achieve both success and significance, and who want their lives to have greater meaning and purpose. Website: https://paulhannam.com/ Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Practical Stoic 
