A poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge after awaking from an opium induced dream of Xanadu, the summer palace of the Emperor Kublai Khan. A much more extensive poem came to him upon awaking, but he was interrupted while writing it down and then could not remember the remaining lines.
An English poet, literary critic and philosopher who was one of the founders of the Romantic Movement in England. He was instrumental in introducing the German idealist philosophy to English-speaking cultures.
This classic short story is a fleeting look at the relationship between a Prussian Captain and his orderly. While the Captain exhibits sexual tension towards the young orderly, the feeling is not reciprocated. As a result, the psychological pressure between the two men escalates to an explosive and devastating conclusion.
This English writer embodies a collected work that represents an extended reflection on the dehumanizing effects of modernity and industrialization. Like many of his writings, The Prussian Officer includes sexual overtones that were quite explicit for the times, culminating in a British obscenity trial for his novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover. The jury decision to allow publication of the novel is considered a turning point in freedom of expression.
These four excerpts, from the writings of John Muir, document his naturalist studies in a number of different settings. These highly descriptive stories detail his expeditions in the rugged outdoors. His documented studies led him to an awe of the natural splendors of the earth, and eventually to a position of preservation. His direct activism helped to save the Yosemite Valley and other wilderness areas.
John Muir is the most famous and influential American naturalist and conservationist. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is now one of the most important conservation organizations in the United States.
The Book of Wisdom, also referred to as the Wisdom of Solomon, is one of the Old Testament books of the Bible and is classified with a number of other books that have the main purpose of instruction. The author, although many times wrongly attributed to Solomon, was an Alexandrian Jew who was attempting to strengthen the religious commitment of the Hellenistic Jewish community and, if possible, to convert the Gentiles.
The Book Of Wisdom has three main parts: Chapters 1 – 5 stress the superiority of the pious and wise over the godless; Chapters 6 – 9 praise personified Wisdom; and Chapters 10 – 19 illustrate the marvels of Wisdom.
This book tells the wonderful story of Carol Milford, a city girl in St. Paul, Minnesota. In the beginning of the story she is full of hope and aspirations as she completes her studies at college. Her dreams are those of changing the world in which she lives and making a true contribution to society. She marries a doctor from a small town in the country and moves to his home in Gopher Prairie, Minnesota. Gopher Prairie is a town like any other small town in America and the town folks don’t really see a need for change at all.. Follow Carol as she tries to impose her ideas on the small town folk and gradually her large dreams and aspirations fade into the tall grass of the middle Midwest.
EXCERPT NOTE: This audio is only the first third of the entire novel, but the complete book can be downloaded from http://www.gutenberg.org
Sinclair Lewis was an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. His works are known for their insightful and critical views of American society and capitalist values, as well as for their strong characterizations of modern working women and he was the first writer from the United States to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Main Street was wildly popular, selling 180,000 copies in the first six months after publication in 1921 and within two years selling multi-millions of copies.
A fascinating and insightful document on the theory of rebirth and the principles of spiritual cause and effect. This study tracks the belief in the theory of reincarnation throughout cultures and enlightens the listener to the principles that make this concept sustain throughout thousands of generations.
William Walker Atkinson was an American attorney, merchant, publisher, and author, as well as an occultist and an American pioneer of New Thought movement. Due in part to Atkinson’s intense personal secrecy and extensive use of writing pen names, he is now largely forgotten, despite having written more than 100 books in the last 30 years of his life.
This is a fantastical comedy about an old man who has read so many books about knights errant that he is convinced that he is one himself. He sets out on a series of adventures with his trusted and true servant Sancho Panza. But with every adventure it is amazing that he is able to survive the story itself.
This Spanish novelist, poet and playwright is the author of Don Quixote, often considered the first modern novel. His work is considered among the most important in all of literature and his influence on the Spanish language has been very great.
The Apology of Socrates from Plato’s “Republic” holds paramount significance as it captures the essence of Socratic philosophy and serves as a foundational text in Western philosophical thought. In this dialogue, Socrates defends himself against charges of corrupting the youth and impiety, presenting a compelling argument for the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. The dialogue is a powerful exploration of the nature of justice, morality, and the individual’s duty to question societal norms.
One crucial aspect of The Apology is its emphasis on the Socratic method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that seeks to stimulate critical thinking. Through questioning and challenging the status quo, Socrates promotes intellectual inquiry and self-examination, inspiring a legacy that continues to influence education and philosophy.
Furthermore, The Apology underscores the tension between individual conscience and societal expectations. Socrates’ steadfast commitment to his principles, even in the face of condemnation, exemplifies the importance of moral integrity and intellectual honesty.
Plato’s significance as the writer of “The Republic” extends beyond his role as a philosopher; he emerges as a literary craftsman who employs dialogue to convey profound philosophical ideas. “The Republic” explores the nature of justice, governance, and the ideal state through conversations among characters like Socrates, Glaucon, and Thrasymachus. Plato’s literary artistry lies in his ability to use dialogue as a dynamic tool for dialectical exploration, presenting conflicting viewpoints to stimulate critical thinking.
“The Republic” not only outlines a blueprint for an ideal state but delves into the human psyche, introducing the allegory of the cave to illuminate the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. Plato’s dialogues serve as both philosophical treatises and literary works, weaving together intricate narratives and profound insights.
Moreover, Plato’s use of allegory, metaphor, and vivid imagery enriches the philosophical discourse, making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. His narrative style enhances the engagement of readers and students, ensuring that the philosophical concepts explored in “The Republic” resonate across centuries.
Thus Spoke Zarathustra is a 19th century literary masterpiece and key philosophical work by Nietzsche. Zarathustra descends from his cave in the mountains after ten years of solitude, brimming with wisdom and love and wants to teach humanity.
The individual lessons and sermons delivered by Zarathustra cover most of the general themes of Nietzsche’s mature philosophy, though often in highly symbolic and obscure form.
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Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher who wrote critical texts on religion, morality, contemporary culture, philosophy and science. His influence remains substantial within areas reaching far beyond philosophy and his works remain a key source of philosophy reading and discussion. Nietzsche was a Libra.
