Book Review: Democracy-The God that Failed

 Democracy-The God that Failed, by Hans-Hermann Hoppe examines the economics and politics of monarchy, democracy, and natural order. It begins with a discussion about universal idea of preference - earlier over later goods, more over less durable, etc. It then traces the transition of monarchy to democracy - a process from early eighteenth to early twentieth century. Public opinion and distribution of social needs is then analyzed, effects of transition of power taking a prime spot. Then comes a thought experiment - if the world decides to go democratic, China, or India, or both, shall be the ruler. How monopoly of jurisdiction for the redistribution of income and wealth, as well as uncontrolled migration, gives democracy, monarchic powers, without undermining one's own position, as it is in the case of a king. Thus the book goes on to list the pitfalls of both monarchy and democracy, explaining how, a system based on private wealth stands to fare better, while interpreting fitting historical events that are of significance.

Book Review: SURVIVING LIFE

 SURVIVING LIFE-The Art of Resilience, by TOM SCHNEIDER, MD, is a memoir written with the hope that relating to 'the potholes of mine will be like a teaching for you'. It starts with the memories of a regular sweltering day during the height of the Vietnam War in 1969, when he gets shot down. There he recollects the times of his childhood, like that of the oasis of grammar school. Also, how his plans of becoming a Jesuit priest went, his affairs with someone who happened to be related to the local mafia head, and how, his escapades with “spirits” and learning, kept progressing.
Come graduation, wedding, Pensacola, Florida, and the navy flight training with all its adventures. Off to school of medicine as a naval officer in the medical corps. Spends time in Vietnam and also an appointment with malaria, and back to NewYork and fun. Goes to school of medicine while in navy. Goes on to command a naval hospital. Retires from navy and opts for a private practice in Milton, Florida, outside Pensacola. And the memoir ends with a quote from Dalai Lama, "..our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
This memoir reeks of adventure in each page. Every character standing to amass sympathy and every event to arrest the attention of all the readers, no wonder, this book is a page-turner.