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Books matching: rationing

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  1. #1

    Rationality by Steven Pinker
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    A smart, wide-ranging guide to why rational thinking matters and how we can sharpen it. It’s not always simple, but it's worth wading through for anyone interested in understanding (and improving) how we think.

    Rationality by Steven Pinker is a thought-provoking book that explores the principles of rational thinking, which are crucial for both personal decision-making and societal progress. Pinker addresses why rationality often seems lacking in today's discourse and discusses the many factors that contribute to irrational behavior. He tackles complex ideas about probabilities, risk versus reward, and biases, making them accessible to readers.

    Pinker’s writing style is engaging and straightforward, allowing readers to grasp intricate concepts easily. He draws on a wide range of examples from science, history, and current events to illustrate his points, presenting rationality as an essential tool for navigating the complexities of modern life. Overall, Rationality encourages critical thinking and aims to provide readers with practical insights on fostering a more rational approach in their lives.

    Man is a rational animal. So at least we have been told. Throughout a long life I have searched diligently for evidence in favor of this statement. So far, I have not had the good fortune to come acro...
    September 2021
    433 pages

  2. #2

    Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky
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    Brilliant, ambitious, and sometimes divisive, this fanfic turns Hogwarts into a playground for science, skepticism, and philosophy. Love it or hate it, it’s a unique ride that will definitely get you thinking.

    Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality is a fanfiction that reimagines Harry Potter as a scientifically-minded character raised by academics, entering Hogwarts with a sharp mind and a questioning nature. The story delves into Harry's exploration of magic through a rational lens, questioning the traditional wizarding world and characters like Voldemort, Dumbledore, and Quirrell. The writing style is described as geeky, inspiring good habits in readers, intelligently plotted, and engaging, challenging readers to examine their beliefs and think critically.

    June 2015
    203 pages

  3. #3

    The Rational Male by Rollo Tomassi
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    A punchy, polarizing wake-up call for men who feel adrift in today’s dating scene - eye-opening to some, too blunt or simplistic for others. Worth a look if you want to challenge your assumptions, but best taken with a pinch of salt (and maybe a grammar app).

    'The Rational Male' by Rollo Tomassi is a thought-provoking book that delves into intersexual dynamics, providing insights into relationships between men and women through the lens of biology, genetics, and evolutionary psychology. The author challenges traditional beliefs about gender roles and societal norms, urging readers to understand the reality of how women think, act, and feel. The book explores topics such as masculinity, power dynamics, and the importance of self-improvement in navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Tomassi's writing style is described as blunt, cold, and truthful, offering readers a raw perspective on the dynamics of dating and the nuances of male-female interactions.

    There is no ONE. This is the soulmate myth. There are some good Ones and some bad Ones, but there is no ONE. Anyone telling you anything else is selling you something. There are lots of ‘special someo...
    September 2013
    317 pages

  4. #4

    Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
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    A groundbreaking, thought-provoking tour of our mental shortcuts and decision-making flaws - essential reading for anyone interested in how humans think, but be prepared for a dense and sometimes repetitive ride.

    "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman is a comprehensive study on human thought processes, highlighting how individuals are prone to cognitive illusions and biases. The book delves into the concept of two systems of thinking - one fast and intuitive, the other slow and analytical - and explores how these systems impact decision-making in various aspects of life, including business and personal choices. Kahneman skillfully combines decades of research in psychology and economics to provide insights into human behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding our cognitive tendencies to make better decisions.

    Your experience as you look at the woman’s face seamlessly combines what we normally call seeing and intuitive thinking. As surely and quickly as you saw that the young woman’s hair is dark, you knew...
    October 2011
    531 pages

  5. #5

    A New Guide to Rational Living by Robert A. Harper, Albert Ellis, Melvin Powers
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    A no-nonsense, practical guide to challenging self-defeating thoughts and emotional habits. Dated style aside, it remains a highly influential, actionable self-help resource - especially for those seeking to take responsibility for their own mental health.

    'A New Guide to Rational Living' by Robert A. Harper, Albert Ellis, Melvin Powers is a self-help book that challenges traditional psychoanalysis by emphasizing the importance of dealing with one's present philosophy rather than delving into the past. The book provides insights on identifying and altering irrational beliefs to improve one's thinking and emotional well-being. It discusses common thought patterns underlying distress and specific problems, offering tools and methods to address them effectively.

    The writing style of 'A New Guide to Rational Living' reflects its 1961 publication date, with some readers finding it dated and the conversations somewhat alienating to modern readers. Despite this, the book is praised for its powerful and insightful tools that go beyond traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, offering readers a new perspective on managing their emotions and behaviors through rational thinking and self-reflection.

    1975
    233 pages

  6. #6

    Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion by Paul Bloom
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    A bold, thought-provoking read that makes a strong case for embracing rational compassion over emotional empathy. Even if you disagree, you’ll find plenty to ponder and debate.

    'Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion' by Paul Bloom challenges the notion that empathy is a reliable moral compass. The book argues that while empathy can lead to good actions, it is often biased, parochial, and can distort moral and policy decisions. Bloom advocates for rational compassion over emotional empathy, presenting a compelling case through examples and data. The writing style is persuasive, using neuroscientific research and real-world examples to support the argument against relying solely on empathy in moral decision-making.

    For the last couple of years, when people ask me what I’ve been up to, I say that I’m writing a book. They ask for details and I tell them, “It’s about empathy.” They tend to smile and nod when I say...
    December 2016
    301 pages

  7. #7

    The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
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    A cozy, uplifting WWII novel: think Great British Bake Off meets Home Fires, with warmth, friendship, and recipes to savor. Not groundbreaking, but utterly enjoyable and comforting.

    In "The Kitchen Front" by Jennifer Ryan, readers are introduced to a story set in World War II England, following four women who come together to compete in a cooking contest using rationed foods. The book explores the challenges and triumphs of Audrey, a war widow struggling to provide for her family, Lady Gwendoline, a high-class lady with hidden secrets, Nell, a shy kitchen maid with exceptional cooking skills, and Zelda, a pregnant chef aiming to prove herself in a male-dominated industry. Through the competition, the women showcase their resourcefulness, strength, and resilience in a time of war, forming bonds of friendship and camaraderie through food and community. The detailed descriptions of food, recipes, and the daily lives of people during wartime provide an engaging and insightful look into the era.

    The narrative of "The Kitchen Front" skillfully weaves together the lives of these four women, highlighting their individual dilemmas, struggles, and personal growth as they navigate the challenges of rationing, competition, and wartime hardships. Jennifer Ryan's writing captures the essence of female empowerment and solidarity during a time when women were fighting to be heard and appreciated, bringing to life a story of friendship, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The aroma of bubbling berries—raspberries, strawberries, red currants—filled the big old kitchen as a slim woman of forty added a touch of cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg. With a man’s sweater tucked into...
    February 2021
    421 pages

  8. A challenging, provocative book that questions everything you thought you knew about reason and progress - rewarding for adventurous readers, but not for the faint of heart.

    John Ralston Saul's book 'Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship Of Reason in the West' is a thought-provoking analysis of the detrimental effects of the increasing dominance of rational thought in modern society. The author critiques how the belief in reason as the ultimate guiding force has led to a conformist culture, where individual freedom is limited by structured hierarchies. Saul argues that the over-reliance on reason has eroded traditional values, moral responsibility, and non-rational modes of understanding, ultimately creating a directionless and constrained reality paradigm.

    Through a discursive writing style, Saul weaves together diverse topics such as national defense, economics, governance, and celebrity culture to illustrate how rationality has been co-opted by technocrats for limited ends. The book challenges readers to question the true nature of progress, effectiveness, and efficiency in a world dominated by what Saul calls 'Voltaire's bastards' – process-oriented experts who wield reason as a tool of control rather than moral guidance.

    In moments of great passion, the mind tends to be flooded with a warm vision of the person in our arms. We are unlikely, at that point, to be analyzing their flaws, real or hypothetical. Even less lik...
    1992
    648 pages

  9. #9

    Homo Faber by Max Frisch
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    A smart, challenging exploration of rationality versus fate - unsettling at times, but deeply rewarding for those seeking a cerebral (and classic) literary experience.

    "Homo Faber" by Max Frisch follows the story of Walter Faber, an engineer working for UNESCO, who embarks on a journey to Latin America for a work project. Through a series of coincidences and encounters, Walter's belief in a rational world is shaken, leading him to a young woman named Sabeth with whom he falls in love. The novel delves into themes of modern man's failure in a society driven by science and rationality, showcasing Walter's transformation and realization of the limitations of his worldview. The plot unfolds through a mix of stream of consciousness narrative and flashbacks, slowly revealing the consequences of Walter's choices.

    We were leaving from La Guardia Airport, New York, three hours late because of snow storms. Our plane, as usual on this route, was a Super Constellation. Since it was night, I immediately prepared to...
    1957
    236 pages

  10. A blunt, satirical, and practical guide to changing your mindset and refusing unnecessary misery. Be ready to do the work - Ellis gives you powerful tools, but it’s on you to use them!

    'How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything' by Albert Ellis is a self-help book that introduces readers to Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). The book teaches readers how to challenge and change their irrational beliefs that lead to emotional disturbances. Ellis's writing style is described as direct, thorough, and eccentric, with a conversational tone that makes the complex subject accessible and enjoyable to read. The book contains practical examples and exercises to help readers analyze and eliminate their irrational thinking patterns, ultimately leading to a more positive and optimistic outlook on life.

    • It encourages you to have and to express strong feelings when something goes wrong with your life. But it clearly distinguishes between your feeling healthily and helpfully concerned, sorry, sad, fr...
    2000
    230 pages

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