🌻 you can just do things (ft. anson & hudzah)

In 'A Mathematician's Lament', Paul Lockhart argues that mathematics is often taught in a way that obscures its beauty and creativity. He advocates for an approach that treats mathematics as an art form, focusing on exploration and discovery rather than rote memorization. The book is divided into two parts: 'Lamentation', which critiques current teaching methods, and 'Exultation', which offers examples of how mathematics can be taught more effectively.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne introduces the concept of the law of attraction, which suggests that positive thoughts can attract positive outcomes in life. The book outlines a three-step process: ask, believe, and receive. Byrne emphasizes the importance of gratitude, visualization, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve one's desires. The book covers various areas such as prosperity, relationships, health, and happiness, and includes examples and quotes from historical and modern-day teachers who have allegedly used this principle to achieve their goals.

Published in 1954, 'The Mandarins' is a semiautobiographical novel by Simone de Beauvoir that won the Prix Goncourt. The book delves into the lives of post-World War II leftist intellectuals in France, particularly focusing on their attempts to engage in political activism and their struggles with the complexities of the post-war period. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Cold War and explores the personal and ideological conflicts among its characters, who are loosely based on de Beauvoir's own circle, including her relationship with American writer Nelson Algren. The story is told through alternating chapters, one in the third person about Henri Perron, a writer and editor, and the other in the first person by Anne Dubreuilh, a psychiatrist, who is a character modeled after de Beauvoir herself. The novel addresses themes of existentialism, political activism, and the moral dilemmas faced by intellectuals in a changing world.

Trenton Lee Stewart's "The Mysterious Benedict Society" is a children's mystery novel that follows four gifted children recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict for a secret mission. The children must use their unique talents to infiltrate a villainous organization and thwart their evil plans. The novel is filled with puzzles, intrigue, and suspense. It explores themes of teamwork, intelligence, and the importance of using one's gifts for good. The book's clever plot and engaging characters have made it a popular choice for young readers.

Zeynep Tufekci's "Twitter and Tear Gas" examines the role of social media in facilitating and shaping protest movements. The book analyzes how digital technologies are used to organize, coordinate, and disseminate information during protests, particularly in contexts of political repression. Tufekci explores the complex relationship between technology, social movements, and state responses, highlighting both the empowering and limiting aspects of digital tools. The book also delves into the strategies employed by governments to control and suppress online activism. Ultimately, "Twitter and Tear Gas" offers a nuanced perspective on the impact of social media on contemporary political action.

Set in a future where humanity is threatened by the Formics, an insect-like alien species, the novel follows Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy who is drafted into Battle School at the age of six. Ender undergoes intense military training, including zero-gravity battles and psychological manipulation, to prepare him to lead the human fleet against the Formics. The book explores themes of war, leadership, and the moral complexities of using children as soldiers. It is known for its deep and complex sensibilities, and its ability to pose profound questions about the nature of war and humanity.

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.