Book Review: The Science of Right

 The Science of Right by Immanuel Kant is an interesting work. It starts with a definition - right is a voluntary action by one that can harmonize with the voluntary actions by every other one. Author then goes on to discuss its elements, like living rightly, doing harm to no one, and assigning to all what is theirs. Further divisions are also introduced, like natural right, acquired right, or that for a good name after death. The next part of the book deals with the rights of a state along with its duties.
I liked the presentation of the idea of constitution, where, the best one is that in which not men but laws exercise the power. It is an exhaustive discussion too, which addresses almost all the issues, a state might have to face. Like, how to deal with a gift, what to do in case of theft, or where is public right. And it introduces the executive, legislature, and judiciary as the different arms of a state to do all of these. While mentioning the need for changes, the book warns about making only a gradual reform and in accordance with fixed principles, if there should be perpetual peace.

Book Review: Spheres of Influence

 Spheres  of Influence by Brad Englert

The book can boast of a good collection of operating principles that apply to all business relationships. Understand their goals and aspirations, as well as expectations, and it will genuinely lead one to success. It is covered in two parts, one discussing the internal sphere of influence, and the other the external one. In 4 chapters, Part 1 of the book examines the internal issues from one's boss to one's friends and co-workers. The three chapters of part 2 traces the pivotal roles, customers, influences, and trade partners play. Real-life examples illustrate convincingly, almost all the new ideas presented.

Since we are in a world where most of our life is spent in professional interactions and joint activities, meaningful connections mean a lot. This book, with actionable insights, practical advice, and fitting anecdotes, lays down a clear path. The professional in one can follow it and become a partner to all, whether in managing expectations, resolving issues, or in fostering companionship. Also, adopting collaborative strategies and neutralizing hurdles can work wonders with productivity, and bring out the professional in one. A successful career, then becomes something unstoppable.

Book Review: The Lean-Agile Dilemma

The Lean-Agile Dilemma: Product Management Inside a Chunky Corporate by Katie Tamblin

The book begins with a discussion, contrasting startups. How, the freedom to innovate drives growth, while the chunky corporate remain focused on stability in order to flourish. It then goes into the challenges of maintaining a product direction and a vision that can guide in establishing priorities. Followed by another discussion that addresses the  question of adapting to and reacting appropriately to market disruptions, and how to handle data to make it play its part well. The significance of products, customers, and good communication that links all, is then examined. After pointing out the irreplaceable need of good inter-departmental cohesion, the book concludes with a bunch of valuable advice that covers the full book.

This book addresses a common issue with the corporate environment that causes tension, missed deadlines, and inefficient working practices. With new insights about things like re-platforming or new product development, it can help product and technology leaders navigate software development projects at organizations facing multiple constraints. I think, chunky corporate have a lot to gain from this book. They have an opportunity to imbibe the final thoughts of this book and be in safe havens in a perpetually unstable world.  

Book Review: Prolegomena to any future metaphysics

Prolegomena to any future metaphysics by Kant.

This book is actually an introduction to the metaphysics, we humans should be having among us, so says the author. So, to begin with,the book defines and establishes metaphysics as a collection of ideas we derive, not from our experience, not from our internal feelings or calculations, but apriori from pure reason. The discussion then hovers around a few questions like how to make science possible, or what role can metaphysics play. It then takes up an important issue of making metaphysics gel with science, while retaining all its speculative character. All this can transform it into a study of pure reason, the book concludes.

Though it took some time to make out, I find the ideas presented in these pages linked in a rather intuitive way.

 

Slow scientific growth?

 I have mentioned it in my book Human Element of the Human.  Scientific thinking became hugely popular thanks to the 'omnipotent' god dethroning almost all 'known' proponents of whatever peculiarity, abnormality, or all other notable things of the world. And,  science continued it, more and more of such 'unexplainables' finding an easy explanation or cure. Now, as our stock of unexplainables dwindle, won't scientific progress slow down? If so, what will happen to scientific thinking?

Book Review: DREAMS Takeoff

 DREAMS Takeoff by Jason Hallenborg The book begins with the memories his father and a significant advice he got - To achieve success, have a career goal. And his goal becomes one of becoming a commercial pilot.

The book begins by narrating his childhood, the loving involvement of his father, and the helpful stance, he always took. Like the remarkable ways, he was made to "experience flight before choosing it", having expressed his desire to be a commercial pilot. How his dad will become an epitome of creativity, while suggesting novel paths and approaches to achieve his dream. Like making him practice in a cockpit filled with technical equipment similar to that he would have to attend to while flying later. More adventures follow, of cross-country flying, of a private pilot checkride, and of course, followed by a coveted licence.

The struggles to get a multi-engine rating follow, his dad's strong presence felt in all the hurdles that are victoriously passed. Followed by a message he was waiting for - "Congratulations, you’re hired". His father develops health issues needing constant attention.

This is a remarkable read, indeed. Just as we see the dad's unfailing love and support taking his son's ambitions to its fulfillment, we see the son following his dad with utmost dedication, care, and love. It is an engaging book with a wonderful story. A father's attachment, love, and ingenuity reverberate through its pages, making us cherish greatly, his efforts to turn a child's dream into a reality.

Book Review - A BROTHER’S INSIGHT

 A BROTHER’S INSIGHT by Joe-Joe McManus, PhD 

The book is full of everything unusual.

A mom and dad saying they would like to adopt a baby who might not otherwise be adopted. and choosing a Black child. The dad born to an Irish Catholic Grandpa and an English Protestant Grandma. And the mom, Jewish. Well, for Joe the younger one, there isn't a better context to understand the many dimensions of systemic racism.

The book begins with vibrating episodes of his childhood, followed by even more absorbing experiences of the author's stay at Soviet Union. More exciting interludes with those back in the USA, then follow. The book contains honest, illuminating and deep discussions about topics that not only exude the threat of racism, but also identify the efforts to spread the idea that white supremacy is something natural. Like, encouraging a cultivated ignorance about its dangers. Or, stuff like racist gaslighting to justify it.

Now comes a difficult part. An overview of the options available for a white antiracist, in view of the stress it can cause. How, an antiracist needs to start internally, and what all ways one can unlearn racism and take steps to build up ethnic inclusiveness.

This book describes a full life, infused with brotherly joy, yet struck with racism, heartbreak, and pain. This can act as a guide for the non-racist while being a worthy memoir. Quite striking is his daughter’s brave mandate to “do more”” after the murder of George Floyd. This book is a reminder to everyone committed to the fight for racial justice, for actions rooted in wisdom, courage, and love.

Book Review: DEMOCRACY AND SOLIDARITY

 DEMOCRACY AND SOLIDARITY by JAMES DAVISON HUNTER is a book that shows American democracy as something far from healthy, but not dead. And how, all, both the Left and the Right, are resorting to authoritarian tendencies to impose 'an artificial solidarity', as a correction.

The book is in four parts. It begins with an examination of the cultural crisis, a liberal democracy faces today, and its manifestation in USA. Part II probes into the social movements and efforts that went into the building of this nation, and the role played by 'intellectuals'. Part III dwells deeper, and traces the events and occurrences that keep America healthy as a lively and evolving syncretism. It looks into the events of the past to show how, culture is constantly modulating the path, politics chooses to follow. And lastly, Part IV remind us that this is not all. There is always something more than ideology and political warfare.

This book is more of an abstract discussion on topics like cultural and statistical roots of ideals, dehumanizing tendencies of late modern democracy, or a latent authoritarian impulse. Rather than focusing simply on the political, it traces the history of accusations and counter-accusations of election-rigging, voter fraud, and theft becoming a common factor in American state and statecraft for quite some time, attributing it to philosophical reasons like the influence of nihilism.

This will be a great help for those looking for a deeper insight into American politics, as well as for research. An exhaustive collection of notes and references makes the index too, a perfect fit for it.

Another Book

 Evolution and the Future of the Unique Human

What we see these days as a human need not be the same as the one resulted from evolution or something like a creation. By living many a generation of civilized life, certain particularities seem to have found a way into the natural human, making it a far different form of life from all the other ones of this planet. If only we study, how it would have happened, we can make firm predictions about the future, and well-prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead.

Published a book