#to take an ancient humanity and forge it into something timeless | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

versegm · 1 year

Text

Kyrielight stumbles into the shadow border, the master in her arms. It's a horrible sight; their blood shines on the black of her armor, their face is pale as a sheet, their breath is labored.

"Get Nemo nurse!" Goredolf yells behind him, knowing fully well they didn't need his input to do so, but damn it, damn it, what can he do, what can he do?! His friend This idiot who has never been rewarded Their last hope to survive is dying on deck, what can he do?!

Meunière hurriedly smacks things off a desk to fee space. Sion comes to help Goredolf and Kyrielight lay the master down, and she winces. "This is bad. Their spirit core is damaged. They won't last long."

"No shit!" Goredolf snaps. "Do you have anything better to earn them a few extra seconds or-"

He's so riled up that it takes him a few seconds to understand what Sion just said.

"... Their fucking what is damaged?"

Kyrielight looks at Sion. Sion looks at Goredolf. Goredolf looks at Kyrielight.

The demi-servant is the first to break eye contact, focusing on the master on the table.

"You didn't know?" Sion looks dumbfounded. Then she whips her head around, to the rest of the staff. "You didn't tell him?!"

"Tell me what?!" He- he has to have misheard. He has to be mistunderstanding something. It can't- they can't-

The master of Chaldea screams, and suddenly none of this matter anymore.

"It hurts." They breathe out, "it hurts, it hurts, it hurts."

"I know, I know, Senpai-"

"You're not allowed to die," Goredolf adds, grabbing their arm. "You hear that? You don't have permission to die. Don't you dare pass away on me, advisor-"

Suddenly, their hand closes around his wrist. Their fingers are trembling. Their grip is weak.

"I'm scared." And it's during these moments, when fear and pain paints their face, that it truly hits Goredolf that this is no timeless hero, no steel-forged mage, no prophetized savior. They're a person. They're a human. Like him.

"H-hey, you're gonna be alright. I won't allow you to die. You hear? I won't-"

Their fingers tighten. Their gaze shift. They're no longer looking at him. At first Goredolf thinks that they're losing focus; but quickly enough, the truth becomes clear.

"I don't want to die." They plead, to someone, to something,

right

above

Goredolf's shoulder.

"I don't want to die. Please."

Goredolf opens his mouth. Mash reaches out to the master. The door opens to let Nemo nurse through.

The master of Chaldea howls.

It a sound from the bottom of their lungs. It's a sound from the bottom of their soul. It's a sound Goredolf can hear and taste and see, loud and bitter and a profound blue one could just drown in.

Pain suddenly stabs his wrist. Goredolf violently tears it away from the master's grip.

They don't seem to notice. They roll on their front, supporting their weight with their forearms. They're trembling all over- as if something was crawling under their skin, something immense and ancient that leaves ripple in its wake. Blood is dripping down from their chest, and something is dripping down from their mouth. Something black, that sticks to their lips, like oil. Or gasoline.

Their entire body curls, like a cat about to pounce. A high-pitched noise joins the screaming. Scratching. Scratching on the table. The master's nails digging into the table, leaving bloody trenches in their wake, and-

the back of their uniform rips open, bone-white spikes tearing their way through, a lionfish's spine.

The screaming stops, for a second, just enough for them to catch their breath. The silence is almost more painful to Goredolf's ears.

But another second, and they're screaming again. Their eyes are wide as saucers- one eye, two eyes, three eyes, four eyes, another pair blossoming right under their first one. They throw their head back, and their mouth opens wide, wide, wide- all the way to their cheeks, all the way to their ears, all the way to their throat, their teeth growing sharper and sharper the closer to the collar they get-

and suddenly, it all collapses. Their mouth snaps shut. The screaming ends. The master falls facefirst onto the table. The spikes fold themself back into their spine. Their throat sews itself closed. Their eyes close and dissolve under their skin again.

Goredolf finds that he cannot move. The entire scene seems frozen in time.

He fully expects the screaming to begin again. He expects this body to twist and juts into something unfathomable. But none of it happens. Instead, the moment is broken by a very quiet:

"Can't walk. B' my legs."

The master abruptly stands upright. The movement is so rough it barely seems to be coming from their own will- more like someone had grabbed a leash and tugged. Still panting, they tumble off the table. Their limbs are stiff and clumsy. One step. Their whole upper body falls forward before being forcefully dragged up. Two steps. Now their head and shoulders are hanging behind them, their arms like dead weight. Three steps. They look less like a walking person than like a puppet at the mercy of invisible strings.

"I'm good. I'm good. I can do this." They don't seem to be speaking to anyone in particular. The front of their uniform is ripped and bloody- but through the torn seams, Goredolf can see that their wound is completely healed. Pristine skin covers what was once a front view of their guts, barely tainted blue by the faint mark of clawed handprints.

"Oooookay." Their mouth drags onto the first syllable. Their gaze is unfocused. They may be healed, but that did not make them immune to pain. "I can keep going. I can keep going."

For a single, brief second, their eyes meet Goredolf's.

He knows this feeling. He is intimately familiar with it. His relationship with the office lady from outer space is nothing like his relationship with the master of Chaldea- it involves more skin and less clothes for a start- but Goredolf would recognize the sensation of being watched from behind someone else's eyes anywhere.

"I thought you were a Caster." Says Sion, at last.

The Foreigner servant blinks, closing weak fingers over Kyrielight's hand. "Whuh?"

#my writing #fate

162 notes · View notes

bonnieghosh · 3 months

Text

The Art and Science of Blacksmithing: Uncovering the Soul of Forging

In the world of craftsmanship, blacksmithing stands as a timeless art that seamlessly combines the delicate touch of creativity with the precision of science. The forging of metals not only requires skill but also adherence to stringent quality standards. Today, we delve into the heart of this ancient craft, exploring the happy combination of tradition and technology, the unwavering commitment to safety, and the art of providing forgings that surpass compliance expectations.

Quality Standards in Forging

Quality is the cornerstone of any reputable blacksmith's work. Forging, the age-old technique of shaping metals through heat and force, has evolved over centuries. Modern blacksmiths are now not only custodians of tradition but also adherents to international quality standards. The quality of forgings is determined by the materials used, the precision in crafting, and the final product's durability.

Commitment to quality ensures that each piece crafted stands the test of time. From the selection of raw materials to the final polish, every step is meticulously taken to meet and exceed established standards. This commitment is the bedrock of the blacksmith's craft, creating pieces that not only serve their purpose but also tell a story through the masterful artistry involved.

The Happy Fusion of Tradition and Technology

Tradition and technology may seem like odd bedfellows, but in the world of blacksmithing, they coexist harmoniously. While the fundamentals of the craft remain rooted in tradition, technological advancements have significantly enhanced efficiency and precision.

For instance, modern blacksmiths utilize specialized tools and machinery to ensure a happy balance between tradition and innovation. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines aid in creating intricate designs with precision, while the blacksmith's skill ensures that the human touch is never lost. The result is a forging that bears the soul of tradition but is shaped with the accuracy of cutting-edge technology.

Providing Forgings in Compliance with Standards

Meeting compliance standards is not just a regulatory necessity; it is a commitment to safety and excellence. Blacksmiths take pride in producing forgings that adhere to established industry standards, ensuring that each piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally superior.

The compliance process involves rigorous testing and inspection at various stages of production. From the initial design phase to the final inspection, every effort is made to ensure that the forgings meet or exceed safety and quality benchmarks. This commitment to compliance instills confidence in customers, assuring them that each forging is a testament to the highest industry standards.

Crafting with Care: Prioritizing Safety in the Heart of Blacksmithing Mastery

Blacksmithing is not just an art; it's a craft that demands respect for the materials and the process. Safety is paramount in the forging environment, and every blacksmith understands the importance of creating a workspace that prioritizes well-being.

Safety measures include the use of personal protective equipment, proper ventilation in the forging area, and adherence to protocols that minimize the risk of accidents. The commitment to safety extends beyond the workshop to the final product, ensuring that every forging is not only a work of art but also a safe and reliable piece.

Crafting Artistry and Excellence Beyond the Forge's Heat and Resounding Hammers

Beyond the heat of the forge and the clanging of hammers, there lies an intangible essence—the soul of forging. It is the amalgamation of skill, passion, and commitment that transforms raw materials into functional works of art. The soul of forging is evident in the attention to detail, the precision in every strike, and the joy derived from creating something both beautiful and enduring.

Crafting a forging is not just a mechanical process; it is an intimate dance between the blacksmith and the metal. Each piece carries a part of the artisan's spirit, making it unique and imbued with a sense of purpose. The soul of forging is what sets apart a mass-produced item from a handcrafted masterpiece.

The Unwavering Commitment

The commitment to excellence is a promise to customers and a dedication to the legacy of blacksmithing. It's a pledge to uphold quality standards, prioritize safety, and deliver forgings that not only meet expectations but surpass them. In the world of blacksmithing, commitment is the driving force that propels the craft into the future.

Conclusion

In the realm of blacksmithing, the art and science of forging converge to create pieces that transcend mere functionality. The commitment to quality standards, the happy fusion of tradition and technology, the adherence to compliance, and the unwavering dedication to safety collectively breathe life into the soul of forging.

As we appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each piece, let us also celebrate the blacksmiths who, with each strike of the hammer, give birth to creations that stand as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring beauty of the ancient craft of blacksmithing.

#forging #happyforgings #compliance #blacksmithing

0 notes

larsonjewelers · 1 year

Text

What Would You Like Your Wedding Rings to Say About You?

Two people exchanging wedding rings as a declaration of their mutual love and a vow of eternal fidelity dates back thousands of years—at least to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. By choosing wedding rings, you and your partner are honoring a tradition nearly as old as recorded human history.

However, wedding bands should be at least as much about celebrating who you are now and what it means for your future as they are about recognizing the custom’s legacy. The question is, how do you find womens and mens wedding bands that are as unique, beautiful, and exceptional as the love you both share? Wedding Bands in Palladium and Other Precious Metals Wedding bands forged from precious metals are as old as the tradition of exchanging them, making them classy and timeless choices. Although now, there is a far wider variety of options to choose from. It’s just a matter of which precious metal option speaks to you both. • Gold – One of the oldest and by far the most popular choice. The gold wedding band is a classic, time-honored look, has a pleasing weight, and will never tarnish. Consider white gold for an elegant variation on an iconic look. • Silver – Silver is the most affordable of the precious metals and is actually a brighter white than white gold. Ideal for the cost-conscious couple who appreciates beauty. • Platinum – Platinum is the most prized, the most valuable, and one of the rarest metals. It is around 70% heavier than gold or palladium and is more durable than gold. A prime investment for those with the budget. • Palladium – Like platinum, a palladium ring will be around 95% pure. 14k gold rings, however, are around 58% gold with fillers like nickel that can trigger allergies in some. Like platinum, palladium is a naturally stunning bright-white metal that requires no plating but is the more durable of the two and at a much lower price point. Tungsten Wedding Bands with Dazzling Inlays High-quality, fascinating tungsten wedding bands are taking the industry by storm. For one, tungsten carbide is among the coolest-looking metals in the industry. It’s also the hardest, most scratch-resistant, and most wear-resistant metal on the planet. Kick this conversation piece up a notch by choosing tungsten wedding bands with stunning inlays of opal, abalone shell, turquoise, or lapis. This speaks to you and your partner embracing the new and interesting while appreciating beauty in all its forms. Striking Black Wedding Bands While tungsten makes for a sharp, handsome white metal band, it can be even more arresting and eye-catching in black. The womens and mens black wedding band selection is available in a remarkable variety of styles. In addition to gorgeous inlays like opal and lapis, you can find black tungsten wedding bands inlaid with exotic wood, black sapphires, deer antler, and even dinosaur bone! You and your partner can order rings engraved with your or each other’s fingerprints or with a favorite animal or superhero logo. Just be sure your rings speak to who you are. About Larson Jewelers Eleven years ago, Larson Jewelers was founded with a singular vision—providing men and women a unique place to explore the most impressive selection of stunning, innovative, and creative wedding bands that exist. Check out their brilliant platinum and palladium wedding bands, cutting-edge tungsten wedding bands, wooden rings, and a whole lot more. Looking for something unique and fascinating? Browse for cobalt and titanium rings, even rings featuring a dinosaur bone inlay. Larson Jewelers is dedicated to both ethical sourcing and a ring-shopping process that’s as simple as it can be. You can also determine the perfect size with their convenient conversion chart or reach out to their experienced wedding band consultants with any questions. Choose the most incredible and affordable ring and wedding band designs with Larson Jewelers. Find the ring that makes the perfect statement at https://www.larsonjewelers.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3OQAptq

#tungsten mens rings

0 notes

usuallyapirate · 3 years

Text

A short Introduction to the most common Player-Races in Dungeons and Dragons as given by the DnD 5e Players Handbook:

Dwarf

“Yer late,elf!” came the rough edge of a familiar voice. Bruenor Battlehammer walked up the back of his dead foe, disregarding the fact that the heavy monster lay on top of his elven friend. In spite of the added discomfort, the dwarf’s long, pointed, often-broken nose and gray-streaked though still-fiery red beard came as a welcome sight to Drizzt. “Knew I’d find ye in trouble if I came out an' looked for ye!"

– R.A. Salvatore, The Crysta lShard

Kingdoms rich in ancient grandeur, halls carved into the roots of mountains, the echoing of picks and hammers in deep mines and blazing forges, a commitment to clan and tradition, and a burning hatred of goblins and orcs—these common threads unite all dwarves.

Elf

“I HAVE NEVER IMAGINED SUCH BEAUTY EXISTED,” Goldmoon said softly. The day’s march had been difficult, but the reward at the end was beyond their dreams. The companions stood on a high cliff over the fabled city of Qualinost. Four slender spires rose from the city’s corners like glistening spindles, their brilliant white stone marbled with shining silver. Graceful arches, swooping from spire to spire, soared through the air. Crafted by ancient dwarven metalsmiths, they were strong enough to hold the weight of an army, yet they appeared so delicate that a bird lighting on them might overthrow the balance. These glistening arches were the city’s only boundaries; there was no wall around Qualinost. The elven city opened its arms lovingly to the wilderness.

– Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman, Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Elves are a magical people of otherworldly grace, living in the world but not entirely part of it. They live in places of ethereal beauty, in the midst of ancient forests or in silvery spires glittering with faerie light, where soft music drifts through the air and gentle fragrances waft on the breeze. Elves love nature and magic, art and artistry, music and poetry, and the good things of the world.

Halfling

Regis the halfling, the only one of his kind for hundreds of miles in any direction, locked his fingers behind his head and leaned back against the mossy blanket of the tree trunk. Regis was short, even by the standards of his diminutive race, with the fluff of his curly brown locks barely cresting the three-foot mark, but his belly was amply thickened by his love of a good meal, or several, as the opportunities presented themselves. The crooked stick that served as his fishing pole rose up above him, clenched between two of his toes, and hung out over the quiet lake, mirrored perfectly in the glassy surface of Maer Dualdon.

– R.A. Salvatore, The Crystal Shard

The comforts of home are the goal of most halflings‘ lives: a place to settle in peace and quiet, far from marauding monsters and clashing armies; a blazing fire and a generous meal; fine drink and fine conversation. Though some halflings live out their days in remote agricultural communities, others form nomadic bands that travel constantly, lured by the open road and the wide horizon to discover the wonders of new lands and peoples. But even these wanderers love peace, food, hearth, and home, though home might be a wagon jostling along a dirt road or a raft floating downriver.

Human

These were the stories of a restless people who long ago took to the seas and rivers in longboats, first to pillage and terrorize, then to settle. Yet there was an energy, a love of adventure, that sang from every page. Long into the night Uriel read, lighting candle after precious candle. She'd never given much thought to humans, but these stories fascinated her. In these yellowed pages were tales of bold heroes, strange and fierce animals, mighty primitive gods, and a magic that was part and fabric of that distant land.

– Elaine Cunningham, Daughter of the Drow

In the reckonings of most worlds, humans are the youngest of the common races, late to arrive on the world scene and short-lived in comparison to dwarves, elves, and dragons. Perhaps it is because of their shorter lives that they strive to achieve as much as they can in the years they are given. Or maybe they feel they have something to prove to the elder races, and that’s why they build their mighty empires on the foundation of conquest and trade. Whatever drives them, humans are the innovators, the achievers, and the pioneers of the worlds.

Dragonborn

Her father stood on the first of the three stairs that led down from the portal, unmoving. The scales of his face had grown paler around the edges, but Clanless Mehen still looked as if he could wrestle down a dire bear himself. His familiar well-worn armor was gone, replaced by violet-tinted scale armor with bright silvery tracings. There was a blazon on his arm as well, the mark of some foreign house. The sword at his back was the same, though, the one he had carried since even before he had found the twins left in swaddling at the gates of Arush Vayem. Father’s face was as kill she'd been fortunate to learn. A human who couldn’t spot the shift of her eyes or Havilar’s would certainly see only the indifference of a dragon in Clanless Mehen’s face. But the shift of scales, the arch of a ridge, the set of his eyes, the gape of his teeth – her father's face spoke volumes. But every scale of it, this time, seemed completely still— the indifference of a dragon, even to Farideh.

– Erin M. Evans, The Adversary

Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by draconic gods or the dragons themselves, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Gnome

Skinny and flaxen-haired, his skin walnut brown and his eyes a startling turquoise, Burgell stood half as tall as Aeron climb up on a stool to look out the peephole. Like most habitations in Oeble, that particula tenement had been built for humans, and smaller residents coped with the resulting awkwardness as best they could. But at least the relative largeness of the apartment gave Burgell room to pack in all his gnome-sized gear. The front room was his workshop, and it contained a bewildering miscellany of tools: hammers, chisels, saws, lockpicks, tinted lenses, jeweler's loupes, and jars of powdered and shredded ingredients for casting spells. A fat gray cat, the mage’s familiar, lay curled atop a grimoire. It opened its eyes, gave Aeron a disdainful yellow stare, then appeared to go back to sleep.

– Richard Lee Byers, The Black Bouquet

A constant hum of busy activity pervades the warrens and neighborhoods where gnomes form their close-knit communities. Louder sounds punctuate the hum: a crunch of grinding gears here, a minor explosion there, a yelp of surprise or triumph, and especially bursts of laughter. Gnomes take delight in life, enjoying every moment of invention, exploration, investigation, creation, and play.

Half-Elf

Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man's walk was marked by an easy grace – an elvish grace, Flint would have said; yet the man’s body had the thickness and tight muscles of a human, while the facial hair was definitely humankind’s. All the dwarf could see of the man’s face beneath a green hood was tan skin and a brownish-red beard. A longbow was slung over one shoulder and a sword hung at his left side. He was dressed in soft leather, carefully tooled in the intricate designs the elves loved. But no elf in the world of Krynn could grow a beard ... no elf, but...

“Tanis?” said Flint hesitantly as the man neared.

“The same.” The newcomer’s bearded face split in a wide grin. He held open his arms and, before the dwarf could stop him, engulfed Flint in a hug that lifted him off the ground. The dwarf clasped his old friend close for a brief instant, then, remembering his dignity, squirmed and freed himself from the half-elf’s embrace.

– Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither, half-elves combine what some say are the best qualities of their elf and human parents: human curiosity, inventiveness, and ambition tempered by the refined senses, love of nature, and artistic tastes of the elves. Some half-elves live among humans, set apart by their emotional and physical differences, watching friends and loved ones age while time barely touches them. Others live with the elves, growing restless as they reach adulthood in the timeless elven realms, while their peers continue to live as children. Many half-elves, unable to fit into either society, choose lives of solitary wandering or join with other misfits and outcasts in the adventuring life.

Half-Orc

The warchief Mhurren roused himself from his sleeping-furs and his women and pulled a short hauberk of heavy steel rings over his thick, well-muscled torso. He usually rose before most of his warriors, since he had a strong streak of human blood in him, and he found the daylight less bothersome than most of his tribe did. Among the Bloody Skulls, a warrior was judged by his strength, his fierceness, and his wits. Human ancestry was no blemish against a warrior – provided he was every bit as strong, enduring, and blood thirsty as his full-blooded kin. Half-orcs who were weaker than their orc comrades didn't last long among the Bloody Skulls or any other orc tribe for that matter. But it was often true that a bit of human blood gave a warrior just the right mix of cunning, ambition, and self-discipline to go far indeed, as Mhurren had. He was master of a tribe that could muster two thousand spears, and the strongest chief in Thar.

– Richard Baker, Swordmage

Whether united under the leadership of a mighty warlock or having fought to a standstill after years of conflict, orc and human tribes sometimes form alliances, joining forces into a larger horde to the terror of civilized lands nearby. When these alliances are sealed by marriages, half-orcs are born. Some half-orcs rise to become proud chiefs of orc tribes, their human blood giving them an edge over their full-blooded orc rivals. Some venture into the world to prove their worth among humans and other more civilized races. Many of these become adventurers, achieving greatness for their mighty deeds and notoriety for their barbaric customs and savage fury.

Tiefling

“But you do see the way people look at you, devil’s child." Those black eyes, cold as a winter storm, were staring right into her heart and the sudden seriousness in his voice jolted her.

“What is it they say?" he asked. “One’s a curiosity, two’s a conspiracy—”

“Three's a curse,” she finished. “You think I haven’t heard that rubbish before?”

“I know you have.” When she glared at him, he added, “It’s not as if I’m plumbing the depths of your mind, dear girl. That is the burden of every tiefling. Some break under it, some make it the millstone around their neck, some revel in it.” He tilted his head again, scrutinizing her, with that wicked glint in hiseyes. “You fight it, don’t you? Like a little wildcat, I wager. Every little jab and comment just sharpens your claws.”

– Erin M. Evans, Brimstone Angels

To be greeted with stares and whispers, to suffer violence and insult on the street, to see mistrust and fear in every eye: this is the lot of the tiefling. And to twist the knife, tieflings know that this is because a pact struck generations ago infused the essence of Asmodeus – overlord of the Nine Hells – into their bloodline. Their appearance and their nature are not their fault but the result of an ancient sin, for which they and their children and their children’s children will always be held accountable.

57 notes · View notes

fictionsbypandorakiin · 3 years

Text

A Love Letter to 91W

bottled lightning adjective

\ˈbä-tᵊld\ˈlīt-niŋ\

Definition of bottled lightning (Entry 1 of 1)

1 : Ninety-One Whiskey

// 91W

“It’s a fanfic.”

“It’s just a story.”

Stories and fanfictions are carefully arranged collections of words. Words are powerful. They can better those who read them and take what has been said on board. Words can motivate, inspire and save lives – or destroy them. They are both weapons and salves. Words can shine a light into the dark of the unknown and show us something worth experiencing and knowing that exists far and beyond anything we will ever experience in our everyday lives. These austere little groups of marks on a page can illustrate an idea astonishing in its beauty.

They have paved the way for we, the people, to govern ourselves. They can stoke rebellions, help extoll the virtues of personal freedoms and dismantle dictatorships—stop tyrants in their tracks. They specify the concrete terms of lasting peace. Words define our inalienable human rights. They give ideas and emotions visible form. Words facilitate empathy.

They can give a voice to the voiceless—those who can no longer speak for themselves because their brothers in arms maimed, murdered, or worse—abandoned or ordered them to their deaths in battle. Not because their character was criminally immoral, or because they were so ineffective at soldiering, they would be the death of others in their platoon, but for nothing more than the gender of their lover.

Words—forged into fiction—enunciate the struggles of the marginalized and the down-trodden. Of two men who love one another profoundly and can’t afford the simple luxury of calling it that. Of soldiers from whom the Hell of war takes pieces of their bodies and irrecoverably alters their minds: these are the lucky ones. They move us to change who we are and to remodel the logic we use to frame our understanding and views – of others and ourselves.

Ninety-One Whiskey embodies all of this and more. It is beautiful, charming, poignant, uplifting, and devastating. Unflaggingly brutal, loving, fearful, intimate, insightful, unflinching, terrifying, and unreservedly sexual. It’s a microcosm of humanity, complete with all our nuanced imperfections. It started out as fanfiction, then something happened. It will happen to you, as it happened to me. Somewhere between ‘Dear Sam’ and the final period at the end of the last two-word sentence of the epilogue, it became literature. Classic literature.

A masterpiece told without the mangling, meddling changes inflicted by profit-driven editors and publishers; told without borders or boundaries. Grace touched down in a human being’s heart and mind, and something miraculous and timeless came into being out of that fertile ground.

According to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, something exists only so long as it is remembered. Of those who live in this world, as it is now, who have read it, many will never forget it so long as they live and breathe. But we will die. The world will change. Unless this story exists in more than one place—in more than one form—it will die with us. This story is timeless. Its words will possess as much power for our children’s children’s children as they do for us. Perhaps, even more, depending on how society progresses. When the last of us dies, at the end of all things, when computers can no longer draw power, it should exist somewhere in the rubble as a testament to who we were.

#91W #Ninety-One Whiskey #Ninety One Whiskey #Destiel #Dean Winchester #Castiel Novak #spn #Hello Dean #Something Has Happened To Me #What's Going On?#How Long Have I Been Gone?

13 notes · View notes

urlneverheardofit · 4 years

Text

Chapter 1: The Black Prince

So I'm working on a rewrite for my project and just put out chapter 1 2.0. Thanks to everyone who made suggestions on it

The last black dragon in all of Azeroth was residing in a faraway land, nestled in a mystical continent was a long mountain range that blocked a third of the land from the rest. In this mountain range was a series of peaks that were shrouded in mists. The peaks were home to a narrow mountain pass which in turn was home to a lone tavern. This tavern was a two-story building, had a balcony overhanging a hot spring and was heavily guarded.

This is where The Black Prince took shelter. Surrounded by trained guards and assassins sworn to protect him, in the middle of nowhere on a continent largely unheard of until recently.

The Black Prince. Such an honorable title for such a hated position.

He was a dragon.

Son of a mad king.

He was the last of his bloodline.

The Black Prince had a lot stacked against him when it came to his reputation, that madness and corruption that ran in his blood didn't help.

Still, The Black Prince, more informally known as Wrathion, did his best to alleviate the concerns of the other dragon orders, and the rest of the world. After all, his father Neltharion was not the only Aspect to go mad.

The Dragon Aspects were leaders of the different orders of dragons, called Dragonflights, and they ruled over their respective colors, while none held more power than any other.

The Red Dragonflight was charged with protecting life of all forms. They were lead by the beautiful Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder.

The Blue Dragonflight protected all the magic of the world, helping the mortal races understand and use magic themselves. They had originally been led by Malygos but after the Nexus wars and Malygos' descent to madness, the young dragon Kalecgos had taken the mantle of Spell-Weaver.

The Bronze Dragonflight were the keepers of time. They were led by Nozdormu, who, in an alternate timeline, went mad and became the Infinite but in the current present, stood proud as the Timeless One.

The Green Dragonflight were the protectors of the Emerald Dream, as well as patrons of nature itself and were lead by Ysera the Dreamer.

Finally, the Black Dragonflight, the once noble protectors of Azeroth had been corrupted, twisted to insanity. Now all the remained of them was a horrible memory of their once leader, who was originally named Neltharion the Earth Warder, but would forever be known as Deathwing. The last living fragment of the once-proud order was Wrathion himself, spared of the corruption thanks to the actions of a red dragon.

The Earth Warder, the Spell Weaver and the Infinite, all lost to madness of one form or another.

He understood, to some extent why others reacted the way they did, but he had not yet proven himself to be following in their footsteps. It was not fair to judge him for the sins of his fallen ancestors.

After Deathwing's defeat, ironically taking place on the day Wrathion hatched, the world had moved on, according to the other flights. Since the mysterious lands of Pandaria had been rediscovered in the southernmost part of the world, Wrathion had been interested in the new land. He refrained from exploring this new land himself until some years after its discovery. Partially because he had been so young and he had needed time to mature and learn what he could from his predecessors, save the insanity, of course.

He had begun his life in the mountain fortress known as Blackrock Mountain. The former lair of Nefarian, more famously known by mortals, who were responsible for his death, as Blackwing. Nefarian's lair had provided a perfect hatching ground for a black dragon whelp. With the lower level of Nefarian's lair being submerged in magma. It was in the accursed lair of his half-brother that Wrathion's studies had begun.

Nefarian, in life, and in undeath as well, had been an avid experimenter, his studies and tests had been long and painful on its draconic victims of all colors. Dragons that had been taken as captives by Blackwing's lackeys and were tormented in unspeakable fashions.

Their slow deaths had not been in vain, however, because Wrathion had been able to glean much of the study's results from Nefarian's meticulous notes. He had learned much of the history of his beloved Azeroth within those tomes.

A dozen years passed in a lair he hated even the thought of. Wrathion had noticed early on he was not growing any larger as a normal dragon would. He had also realized at the end of those years that he would need to introduce himself to mortals at some point or another and thus moved nests, knowing he needed a more suitable location for him to begin to work on transforming himself into a mortal so as to hide the fact he was, in truth, still a whelp.

Thus Wrathion had traveled to from the continent known as the Eastern Kingdoms to the continent on the Western hemisphere known as Kalimdor. Thankfully, he had recruited a blue dragon to help transport him via a portal to his destination. His new den was located in a cave that spiraled down for miles and whose mouth looked like a dragon's toothy maw. This cave had once belonged to his half-sister, known as Onyxia, who, while not the scientist that Nefarian was, and had assisted Deathwing by hatching his army of dragons instead.

He spent another six years of learning to perfect his transformation. His human form was a tall, lean human with caramel-colored skin, blazing red eyes, and long curly black hair. He even had something of a beard starting to grow in.

Despite his human form aging accordingly, for the time being, his dragon form remained a whelp. A small black scaled whelp with big red eyes and absolutely no useful natural weapons yet. Small as the day he had hatched. Still, his humanoid form looked like a grown human. So it would be child's play to fool mortals, simply do not transform into a dragon around them and none would be the wiser.

Only after he had mastered staying in his human form for extended periods of time did he set off to Pandaria. He had inherited his father's hoard and was able to fund himself a number of guards and agents. Again Wrathion enlisted the assistance of a blue dragon to simplify his transport to Pandaria. Securing a place to stay and a group of sailing mages he began to set up his studies once again. Pandaria was interesting to the dragon because after so long of isolation the secrets it may reveal to a young dragon were alluring on its own. Plus it allowed for practice interacting with mortals of all stripes.

Which brought him to the present moment. He sat alone at a sturdy wooden table with similarly crafted benches on the long sides of the furniture. To the north was an open archway to the hot spring Wrathion liked to soak in at sunset. It was as close to familiar as he got out here. In the Northeast corner was a staircase leading up to the guest chambers. East of that was a two-person bar. The tavern was staffed by a mated pair, both of the Pandaren race, who were humanoid bears for lack of a better description. The male ran the bar and the female was the one who served the food and drinks to anyone sitting at the table. Given that Wrathion was the only patron in this quaint tavern the male had busied himself with refurbishing the building to accommodate the tastes of a dragon. In the south of the room was the open doorway out in the mountain pass. He had two bodyguards who stayed at his side at all times. One was an orcish woman called Left. The other was a human woman called Right. Right guarded the door to the hot spring. Left guarded the threshold out to the mountain pass while Wrathion wandered in thought, having taken the day off after a particularly daring delve into ancient ruins.

"You have visitors," Left grunted, and shortly thereafter Wrathion heard them too. Turning and setting his elbows on the table so he could listen and watch. Many hoofbeats thundered down the gravel-road pass and stopped outside the tavern. There was shifting in equipment, the rustling of armor, and hushed voices as the mortals approached the tavern.

Wrathion didn't have to wait much longer before he could see them through the doorway. It was a patrol of about nine soldiers bearing blue and gold coloring on their otherwise undecorated white plate armor.

In the center of the organized square of the soldiers were three individuals that stood out. The first was a wolfman. He stood on two feet like a human but he was covered in shaggy gray-and-white fur from head to toe, had enlarged fangs and claws, and bore no other weapons. He wore thick leather armor, which paired well with his stern blue eyes, and his ears were flattened to his head.

The second was a hulking human man with long brown hair, deep brown eyes, and wearing heavy blue and gold armor adorned with lion head pauldrons. He carried two massive blades that were forged around globes of light, a deep scar over his eyes and nose, and a firm set scowl on his face told Wrathion he meant business.

The last was a short, slim human boy with a shock of blonde hair, eyes as blue as the sea. He wore decorative blue and golden clothing. He walked with a cane and a severe hobble yet he was clearly the youngest of the group, but he kept up well with his faster companions. He looked shy and timid, glancing around as though some unseen predator would leap out of the shadows cast by the mountain range to swallow the boy whole.

Wrathion's attention was yanked from the boy forcibly when the big human male stood in the doorway, blocking out Wrathion's view of the other two.

"Dragon," The man began in a gruff voice, gazing right into the eyes of Wrathion without flinching, "I am King Varian Wrynn of the Alliance. We come to ask for your assistance."

22 notes · View notes

lilpee-pee · 5 years

Text

Hilda is even more obscure than I initially thought; a mythological masterpiece!

I’m not sure how many other people have noticed this, but here’s the list I’ve made from lots of research! This post will consist of no specific spoiler. But if you don’t want to know about anything yet, DO NOT READ THIS!!!

So after re watching the entire show, I noticed something rather interesting. Each episode features a creature or culture derived from ancient mythology.

Episode 1;

The Elves: At first, I assumed this was about fairies. The tiny civilizations they must have. But after looking at the landscaping of the backgrounds, it hit me. These are based off of Iceland’s Huldufolk. This translates directly to hidden people. Said to be protectors of their good fortune, the government of Iceland made completely illegal any construction or interference with what is supposedly land that belongs to these small, invisible elves, who live in miniature houses called alfhols. Wait. Alf? Alfur? Coincidence? I think not.

Episode 2;

Giants: The giants of Hilda are solely based off of Norse mythology. Legend tells of a tribe of beautiful giants, who once lived between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains. There were hundreds of species, living in hundreds of habitats. The Great Spirit, however, grew tired of their aloof and mighty behaviors toward each other, so he allowed their enemies to conquer them; the humans. Only two giants survived: Paiute and his wife. Sounds about right.

The Woodman: This monotone cryptic of Hilda’s assorted friends took me quite a bit of research to track down the origins to. But finally, I found him. Based on Greek culture, he’s actually a dryad, or “oak nymph”. These walking, wooden creatures exist to look after the oak tree they were forged from. So let’s suspend some disbelief and assume Hilda’s ancestor used the Woodman’s tree in order to build the cabin Hilda lives in. Why else would he have stuck around, since he’s always minorly annoyed and yet indubitably shows up in many of Hilda’s childhood crayon drawings? Just a thought.

Episode 3;

Thunderbird: These birds originate from Native American beliefs. By flapping its gigantic wings, it creates thunder and lightning, controlling the storm season and bringing excellent harvest. With storms, come rain, so the arrival of the thunderbird was always a promising sign. Present in their dances, tattoos, and carvings, he protected them from the great horned serpent and it’s destructive tendencies, bringing whoever favored him good luck and prosperity. Slides right in with Trolberg’s annual parade, don’t you think? And it brings a whole new connotation to the city’s “statue”, when the Great Raven explains how he had sat on top of it; his symbol was always present at the very top of a totem pole.

Episode 4;

Vittra: These stinky little onions are more than they seem to be. From Northern Sweden, these underground dwelling nature spirits are very aggressive, territorial, and hated humans. They’re also known to have invisible cattle, which they milk for food and commonly steal from mortals who have wronged them. Really explains the cows, huh? They’re known to make humans’ lives miserable, especially when they meddle with their tunnels, lifestyle, or even cross their borders. Even in modern day, people have moved their homes away from any nearby “vittraställe”, or vittra way, just in case.

Episode 5;

Trolls: Another Icelandic folktale, trolls are said to have been dim witted, man eating creatures that turned to stone upon contact with sunlight. Even in Lord of the Rings, they used these concepts. So why wouldn’t Hilda? If you visit the beaches of Iceland, it is said that the huge boulders scattered about the shores, and in the water, were once trolls. They were caught by the dawn as they attempted to crush the ships returning to their homes, carrying fishermen finding food for their families. These “troll rocks” are their bodies, reaching out to the sea, now forever entrapped in stone.

Episode 6;

Marra: Originally known as mare, which eventually attributes to the word “nightmare”, the Hungarian marra are malicious entities that possess humans with certain amounts of negative energy. Teenagers with depression, mostly, which also helped create the possessed, creepy kid trope in horror movies. While you sleep, they perch on your chest, and expose your mind to its deepest fear. Eventually, the marra evolved into the legend of the boogey man, so in retrospect, they never actually disappeared.

Episode 7;

The Bragga: These outcasted group of elves, who made a failed contract with the Aldric family over “No Elf’s Land”, aren’t just coincidentally donning beard braids and helmets, obsessed with fighting physically, drinking ale, spitting, and riding rabbits like they’re jousting horses. They’re based off of Nordic Vikings, their separation from Scandinavia, and the culture that they eventually developed. Their tendencies to favor combat over reason is made evident, too, however stereotypical it may be. This is pretty much the only example the show has used so far to allude to a historical period of time.

Episode 8;

Tide Mice: Taken from Mapuche mythology, these voodoo rodents are actually supposed to be colo colos. Evil, rat-like creatures, they hide in your house to feed on your saliva while you sleep, eventually bringing about comatose states and long term memory loss. Once all of your life juice has been depleted, your soul is completely sucked from your body and the colo colo consumes it in order to go on living. Despite their complete irrelevance with wicca, the way the show manages to assimilate the two is genius.

Episode 9;

Ghosts: I feel like this speaks for itself. They’re very commonly used, but the show does a good, unique job of connecting a ghostly presence not with a negative haunting that needs to be handled or else everyone will die, but with a helpful spirit, just hanging around a house because it’s linked to a specific item or object.

Episode 10;

Wind Spirits: The wind spirits, which were based off of Roman Anemoi, minor wind gods that each represented a cardinal direction, are shown in Hilda as debaters who couldn’t come to a conclusion. Their fighting is what makes gigantic natural disasters. This is mocking a bit of fun of Roman philosophers, who were known to sit around in their forums, arguing until the entire town couldn’t stand it. The irritated citizens would call these prolonged discussions, “storms of the intellect”.

Episode 11;

Cursed Cottage: I have no clue where this myth derives from, and I couldn’t find much else except Into the Woods songs, but this is basically adopting the enchanted cottage trope. The gingerbread house that actually houses a wicked witch, the lone hut that holds everything Goldilocks longs for except for its occupants; so many fairy tales center their setting around a manipulative house that tries to snatch you up and never let you go. So this one is probably just a primal usage of that timeless idea, combined with a cool twist of inter dimensional neurotics. Pretty cool!

Episode 11;

Nisse: Also fondly known as house brownies, nisse are Norweigian dwarves, living inside of your home. Sometimes known to mischievously steal your things, like socks, car keys, old toys, jewelry, etc, they make nests in your walls or your abandoned, most frequently forgotten to check spots. If you are kind to them, leave them food, and treat them well, they will go out of their way to do good things for you, like wash your dishes, dust your desk, or, yknow, purge evil energies from your body. But if you anger them, they can be quite a hassle; breaking things is a usual reaction. Either way, if you ever catch them, you have the right to forcefully evict them from your home.

Episode 12;

Black Hounds: Black hounds, throughout the history of mythology, are always seen as a dark, ominous omen, warning you of potential suffering, struggle, pain, turmoil, chaos and death. So pretty darn bad. Seeing a black hound, or even owning one, is still a superstition, today. They’re literally called the “accumulation of everything that is evil on this plane of existence.” But, if you haven’t already watched Hilda, keep Sirius Black in mind, and his patronus, which reminds us, “don’t read a book by it’s cover.”

That’s all I’ve got to say, gamers! There are some that I skipped, like the lindworm, water spirits, stuff like that. But all in all, Hilda is a mythological masterpiece. Watch it whenever you can if you appreciate lore in any way, because it’s not just a beautiful, naturally diversified show about a socially anxious girl assimilating into a new culture. It’s taking incredibly interesting and obscure pieces of mythological history and braiding it into a perfectly constructed storyline. Whether or not it’s educational is up to you. Not even including here how breath takingly gorgeous the animation, use of color, and backgrounds are. Just... please. Don’t sleep on it!

#hilda the series #hilda netflix #netflix #supernatural #paranormal #conspiracy theories #did a lot of research #fun facts #hilda #cartoons #cartoon theory #netflix cartoon

733 notes · View notes

designfordisplay · 5 years

Text

Marstine, J. (Ed) (2006). New museum theory and practice: An introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Notes:

Museums are so ubiquitous/omnipresent in our ‘“cultural landscape that they frame our most basic assumptions about the past and about ourselves”.

A lot of people’s perceptions of history are based of what is displayed in museums. This can be dangerous as it can manipulate and focus people’s mindsets, not allowing for alternate and contradicting histories - Hiroshima vs Enola Gay.

Huge controversy over who the items may belong to - a lot of Maori taonga was confiscated and taken and is not connected to its whakapapa. These such items on display have tikanga surrounding how it should be handled etc.. te papa enforced the mana taonga principle to ensure cultural significance and history are taken into consideration when dealing with taonga. Tribal elders are also asked for advice. Other places do not have respect for the items in their possession or do not care that they are reunited with their whakapapa - what ever culture they may be from. Such as the elgin marbles of greece who are in in the possession of the British Museum where they refuse to return them - stating that they were “rescued” and that the british are keeping them still to guard against damage from the neglect, earthquakes and pollution they might face in greece. Timothy webb says that they have come to represent britain as the “inheritor of democracy from ancient athens” and in turn, justifying their “political” decisions such as “colonisation and domination of other peoples”. Greece is seeing this as a humans rights issue- sculptures were gained through illicit means (stolen) and they are being denied of their heritage.

We see museum objects as ‘unmediated anchors to the past’ - teachers often take students to museums making real of the things talked about in class.

But they’re not authentic a lot of the time, museums are about individuals making subjective choices - mission statements, architecture, exhibition display etc.. what is meant to be a neutral space is influenced by ‘subconscious’ opinions.

What does it mean for something to be ‘authentic’? “Claiming authenticity is a way for museums to deny the imperialist and patriarchal structures that have informed their institutions. They control the viewing process and suggest a tightly woven narrative of progress, an ‘authentic’ mirror of history.

Andreas Huyssen believes that museums are a mass medium, “a hybrid space somewhere between public fair and department store”. ‘They are a response to the quest for authenticity fueled by the cultural amnesia of our times; the information overload and fast pace of the digital revolution evoke a desire for stability and timelessness.

Museums are well trusted, american association of museums survey, 87% deem museums trustworthy vs 67% books and %50 tv news.

New museum theory (critical museum theory/new museology) - while workers ‘naturalise’ their policies and procedures as professional practice, the decisions made reflect underlying value systems that are encoded in institutional narratives. Its about decolonising and giving those represented control of their own cultural heritage (mana taonga principle) real cross-cultural exchange. 1960s artists began to demand a voice in determining how their works were displayed, interpreted and conserved. The civil rights movement challenged the museum to be more inclusive.

What is a museum? These categories are not mutually exclusive and overlap.

Shrine: longest standing and most traditional view of the museum is as a sacred place. Has therapeutic properties, place of sanctuary removed from the outside world.collections are fetishised, objects ‘possess’ an aura that offers spiritual enlightenment. Leads people to assign meanings to objects unrelated to their original function. Objects are prioritised over ideas. Collections are thought to be reborn in museums, where they are better guarded and more appreciated. The shrine idea is influence by church, palace and ancient temple architecture - processional pathways, staircases, dramatic lighting.. Create and performative experience. ‘All museums stage their collected and preserved relics… (museums) use theatrical effects to enhance a belief in the historicity of the objects they collect.’ - Prezoisi.

market-driven industry: museums often position themselves as being ‘pure’ and unsullied by commercialisation. Obviously people understand the items are valuable but this information is usually hush hush - would commoditise the objects. Heritage and tourism are collaborative tourism. Museums have borrowed from the theme park and cinema to create a spectacle that engages all the senses.

colonising space: often look to/reference a postcolonial (eurocentric perspective) history. Appropriate objects from non-western cultures to tell their own history. Naturalise the category of ‘primitive’. Indigenous individuals were rarely acknowledged - seen as following conventions while ‘original’ western artists were seen as groundbreaking and intellectuals. Destroys rather than preserves. UNESCO declared that repatriation is a basic human right. Mansuline gaze

Post-museum: no longer a museum. Will acknowledge the politics of representation, actively seeks to share power with the communities it serves and the source communities. Encourages diverse groups to respond in museum discourse. Curator takes responsibility for representation. Doesn’t shy away from difficult issues but exposes conflict and contradictions. Redress social inequalities. Promote social understanding. Responsibility always rests with the researcher

Greater accountability, sensitivity and openness

Michel foulcault - epistemes -

Renaissance:15/16/17th century humanist desire to understand the world through seeking universal knowledge.science over theology. Finding relationships between objects, microcosm of god. Curiosity cabinet - mediates between the microcosm of humankind and the macrocosm of god and the universe. Precursor of the museum to represent the world in miniature - was private though

Classical: mid 18th century world was too complex, chaotic and fragmented to be contained in the cabinets. Linnean taxonomy classifies the natural world by genus and species. Repositories, study collections that were privated were founded for scholarly research. The rare in the laws of nature was rejected and seen as uncharacteristic or were made to fit in. displays were linear and embrace an ideology of progress.

modern: late 18th century marks the end of elitist institution and beginning of democracy. Military practice became standard. Biology and philosophy arose. Disciplinary public museum -accessible to all. Aimed to fashion modern citizens. Art was royal, aristocratic or ecclesiastical contexts and reclaimed national patrimony and democratise and secularise the viewer. Temporary exhibitions were formed to celebrate napoleon's birthday.

(can’t change) Many believe museums still conform to this modern model. They may create new spaces and exhibitions for consumptions but at heart, remain elitist institutions. The decision making process often refrains from scrutinising their own histories. Continue to attract (more art galleries) an educated upper and middle class audience, often times remaining irrelevant to marginalised groups. They aim to generate consensus rather than conveying differing perspectives. Curators are above education department. Quantitative vs qualitative.

Are museums able to change or are they becoming obsolete?

(can change) they can because deconstructing the traditional value systems in just the beginning. Can occupy a third space, beyond elitism and consumerism. Some curators are eager to share power by initiating open dialogue and forging new partnerships with groups previously disenfranchised. There are many organisations that are taking diverse approaches to the representation of race, ethnicity, class and gender. Time of the museum as a ‘great collector’ is past. Provenance is important to consider!! Finding culturally sensitive ways to treat non-western objects. Museum is more than a material collection - a lot are still stuck with this. FORUM.

Biggest change comes with the relationship between institution and audience - should be equal. Some are supporting educational research that theorised the museum experience. Acknowledging diverse learning, lectures, performances, videos, workshops etc…

Constitionaries

Visitors must be critical about the choices made by museums.

2 notes · View notes

proditorious · 5 years

Note

✂ ( eye emoji )

Send me ‘✂’ and my muse will kill yours // accepting !

‘ You fool. ‘ Black winged soft and full of something Valefor cannot hope to untangle. Foreign in his palatial bones, against the dark marble it burns with a spark. You should’ve known better, he wants to add, spitefully with all the venom his body can muster. Inject it deep into his cambion body and make him understand the depths, the gravity of this situation, decomposing between them.

‘ You were their last best hope. ‘ humanity is lost without you, he doesn’t say, doesn’t articulate all the other souls within this world who will be lost, without this red cloaked champion. For they will be lost, like lonely lights in the winter gloam. Lingering souls caught between worlds, unable to pass between. Silence reigns for once, and Val shoulders it like atlas. Refusing to let it break against its own weight.

Dante’s hair is a shade of pink he associates with spring roses, ones he glimpsed an age ago, when he last held curiosities towards the mortal plane. Before the road was sealed to him. He scarcely remembers them, on further reflection, but he imagines them to be like this. Dante’s lips stained red and black, a virulent mix of them both. The rest of him is no better, a war banner of two opposing factions stitched together haphazardly.

Rebellion had kissed his chest twice, nipped his arms and legs a dozen more. Biting her vicious intent in a vivid, blackened x across his serpentine scales. His softened skin no match for dark-forged steel. Humanities steel has never been a match for his splendor, but the insidious metals of his home have always struck true. He cannot shrug them off, not like this. Bleeding black like some poetic scripture lost to the annals of time, forgotten in some insidious tome. Yet it is Dante who staggers and falls in the end, felled by one decisive swing of his reaping intent.

Clawed hands catch Dante’s face between deceptively soft leather pads, as knees give out under the immensity of blood loss and adrenalines costly price, the demon within having faded long ago, leaving Dante’s mortal trappings to Valefor’s cruel judgement.

It’s at odds with the cataclysmic scene before them. If the devil had given him feathers instead of scales, he may have looked like a graveyard angel. Here to escort this champion to a rest so richly deserved. Obsidian talons brush against a chiseled jawline in tender violence, whispering malice and promises of oblivion with a single flick of a gold clad wrist. Their weapons are crossed beside them, the glint of his scythe flashing against Rebellion’s queenly regalia. Piercing the earth like a warrior’s last stand, a headstone awaiting its charge.

He supposes it is a warrior’s last stand, but there are no valkyries for Dante. There is only Valefor, who has no tears to spare. No holy funeral rites and no gilded promises. His azure eyes are cold, guarded things. Sapphire’s lost in lich forged ice. Impenetrable.

‘ You absolute fool. ‘ This time it’s soft, a feather retort to the wry grin marking Dante’s face. Val could let him suffer, he considers it. It is in his nature to be unkind, unfeeling, unsympathetic. He has been the rise and ruin of his family, he’s devoured thousands for less. A kinslayer has little honor, a demonic one falls lower. Valefor could, with patience befitting the timeless oceans, watch Dante wither and fade. But he does not deserve that unkindness, something traitorous decides, with a finality made to stagger gods.

An angel of mercy he is not, but he leans all the same, presses his cool forehead against the rosen white strands atop Dante’s and whispers his mercies into him. Enacting the burial rites of his ancient kin, to give Dante the death he deserves. Quick and painless, to save him from vultures who would come to pick at his bones and take him for talismans. He whispers until he’s naught but crumbling ash between his fingers, then he’s gone too, a dark shade on the horizon with Rebellion between his teeth.

#♱ y'all got me out of bed for these #demonslayvr

2 notes · View notes

angelofpowers · 6 years

Text

Hey guys! So i’m late to the party as per usual lol, but I’m Emma and i’ll be playing Cassiel. I kinda based her loosely on Azrael from Lucifer in that she’s definitely not who you’d expect to be the archangel of death, but also added my own twist to it. Feel free to hmu/like this for plots and stuff, i’ll just be lurking and trying to sort out my blog on and off for most of the day :)

→ ( CASSIEL ) bears a striking resemblance to ( JESSICA DE GOUW ). ( SHE ) is a ( TIMELESS ) year old ( ARCHANGEL of POWERS/DEATH DOMAIN ) and is known for being (CHIVALROUS, LOYAL & KIND ) but is feared to be (UNPREDICTABLE, UNFORGIVING & RELENTLESS ). She is a customer at pandemonium. (emma, 20, bst, she/her)

Cassiel has seen the rise and fall of kings and empires; is ancient enough to have been written down as man and reinvented as woman and found shelter in the flow of all that divinity. She is old enough to know that that permanence will always embrace change, that peace is an illusion humans cannot live with, and that it is causality which governs the Cosmos. She was created for death, sculpted into a weapon, and then expected to find peace. A walking contradiction; someone with a mind for strategy, a heart full of empathy, and a smile made for war.

Cass was created during the time of legends, when much of the world still was coming to know itself, unsure how to perceive, let alone record, truth.

In all accounts, like all angels, she was transcribed as a man.

As an angel forged for combat, with the purpose of ushering souls from one life to the next; she found many praying to her on the battlefield.

Later, scholars would draw parallels between her and the Greek goddess Athena—and she enjoyed the gender play there, too, to be likened to a woman birthed fully formed rather than a man of black and gold. And was she not?

As time passed, her compassion grew for humans. In each new generation she would see a flicker of something she’d once held dear in herself.

Her dominion over death did little to quell her empathy for the souls she aided when their time came, and she soon found herself as a means of protection against the darker entities that would do them harm.

As the archangel of Powers, war and death is all she truly knows.

It’s the calmness before the storm, the serenity after the battle, and the quiet moments in between that she struggles to navigate.

She doesn’t know who she is when it comes to those moments, were she is forced to look inward and see all the walking contradictions that reside within her heart.

It’s perhaps for this reason the Lust is the ‘deadly sin’ Cassiel struggles with most. Wrath is part of her very being, but provided she is eliciting her father’s wrath as opposed to her own, it’s not an issue.

Envy, greed, pride, sloth... None of the rest tend to effect her. Words never rile her because she takes them for what they are, jealously even less so. But Lust? Lust was impossible.

She hardly understood why it was even considered a sin in the first place, and perhaps that was half the problem. How was she supposed to fight something within herself if she could even rationalise why she should...

She’s wavered a few times in the past, and with a demon no less. It’s something she keeps very well guarded, even from her own siblings, but it’s the aspect of her life she seems to have the least control over, and perhaps that’s what scares her most.

TBA

#pandemoniumintro

8 notes · View notes

themotivationjournals · 7 years

Text

25 of the Best Self-Improvement Books To Read Before You Turn 25

Topic: Literature, Books, Lists || by STAFF

When it comes to self-improvement books, readers’ opinions don’t meet in the middle. Others feel empowered and committed by the helpful words they encounter, while the other half believes self-improvements book are phony. Regardless, every human being should read at least one self-improvement book in their life, and we have rounded up the best 25 to check out before turning 25!

Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations – Seth Godin

This book is a masterpiece, and unlike most self-improvement books, this one targets an infinite array of areas in which you can, and ultimately must, improve. With its ruthless honesty and genuine inspiration, Godin makes you ponder the difficult questions you wouldn’t ever dare to ask yourself. The result is a completely new perspective of the world- a fresher, more vibrant perspective, packed with new and bold possibilities. If you need a friend that understands, a boss that forces you to venture deep in your non-comfort zone, a wise guru that tells you what needs to be left behind and a sage that proclaims the coming of a new age, then look no further; you will find these shrewd voices all tied together in this magnificent book. Make sure to get this one.

Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets – Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Perhaps it is the fact that randomness played such a significant role in my years as a poker player that I find this book utterly important. We often attribute skill where there is only luck; we confuse correlation with causation and we underestimate the incredible effect small changes can have. This book and my time at the tables gave me a perspective I unfortunately rarely encounter in others: you can do everything right and still lose, or do everything wrong and still win. It is thus not about the outcome; it is about your actions that have lead you there. This important message is central to many of my decisions I make in my life and this book by Taleb helps you develop such a perspective so you will be able to live in a world one cannot fully understand, where the results are not always clear markers of performance and where chance seems to play games with our fates. Stop being fooled by randomness!

The 48 Laws of Power – Robert Greene

I read this book in a time where I thought power was something I should attain. Power for power’s sake. And while I disagree with my former self on this point, the fact remains that power is very real, it forms the invisible scepter of all hierarchical relations around us. I still recommend this book; I believe it is important to know how people use power for their own benefit and what to do to protect yourself from certain abuses of power. Besides the fact that all stories in this book gravitate around power, it contains many life lessons, amazing historical anecdotes and, if read in a certain light, the ability to use power for good. From Caesar to Goethe, Sun-Tzu to Machiavelli, this eye opening book spans a wide range of human development. If you, like me, would rather be interested in something less egotistical, perhaps Greene’s latest book Mastery will suffice (I haven’t read that one myself). Another great book in the same style, but this time around, covering a wider scope, and, perhaps, something that will make the world make a better place.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change – Stephen. R. Covey

The title of this book doesn’t capture it all. Covey shares with us seven habits one should adapt to become truly effective in whatever you would like to achieve. Of course, it is not as easy as it sounds. He stresses the fact that we need to go through a paradigm shift – a fundamental change in how we perceive the world and ourselves. This book can be read as a guide, with practices and everything, to go through the stages in order to make such a shift happen. Part shock-therapy, part ageless spiritual wisdom,Covey’s book is packed with wisdom that actually makes a difference. And, as I mentioned, don’t let the title of the book fool you; it is about much more than just becoming more effective. It is about becoming a whole integer person who not only seeks the best in oneself, but also in the people around her. A must read for anyone who feels there is always something left to learn.

The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys – James Fadiman

While finding a book on psychedelics in a list of books on self-improvement might come as a surprise, I believe any metaphysical distinction between tools such as books, meditation or molecules hold no ground and they should all be solely judged on their merits. And the merits of certain chemical keys, used in a constructive way, are perhaps bigger than any book in this list. The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide will teach you how to prepare yourself and your surroundings, what and how much to take, and what do do when something goes wrong, so you can safely enhance your thinking, creativity, introspection and emotional balance. This book contains everything you need to know about using psychedelics as a tool for self-improvement while drawing on extensive scientific literature and personal wisdom. A must have for the beginning and experienced psychonaut alike.

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time – Brian Tracy

We all know how that destructive downward spiral feels. We have to do some big task, of which the thought alone triggers resistance, not sure how and where to begin and feeling overwhelmed before we start; we get easily distracted to get rid of that feeling, only to suddenly realize that hours went by- precious hours- and then find ourselves in the same position as before, still not knowing where and how to begin, but now, feeling guilty on top of it which expresses itself in more craving for distraction.

To break this spell of procrastination before it paralyzes us, Tracy advises us to Eat That Frog, to set our priorities straight, deconstruct larger tasks into smaller ones, learn when to tackle the big frog first or to start out with something else. Tracy is truly a motivational writer, and while I wished he had gone a bit deeper into the psychological reasons why people procrastinate, it is still a must have for anyone who wants to break the spell and get shit done.

Think and Grow Rich: The Original 1937 Unedited Edition – Napoleon Hill

A from 1937, this book by Hill is a masterpiece. Don’t bother with the edited versions since they all omit important and controversial information: some historical, and some pertaining to the goal of the book, which is to think and grow rich. The word rich might imply that this book is all about material gain, and while it certainly covers that area, it is about much more than that. Perhaps the first explicit mention of positive thinking, on how to care not just about the cash in your pocket, but also the thoughts in your head, this book has been able to withstand the destruction of time. It covers all the basics from planning, decision making and persistence, to the more advanced techniques as auto-suggestion, transmutation and what we can learn from fear. This is not a grow rich book, but a timeless guide to find out what actually matters. As it says clearly in the beginning ‘Riches can’t always be measured in money!’

The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind – Alan Wallace

In a world that is dominated by ever stronger technologies designed to grab hold of your attention, a way to empower yourself is to bring that attention back to where you want it to shine. This book offers just that; in The Attention Revolution, Wallace describes the path to attaining Shamatha, a buddhist meditation state of mind that is free from any flickering of distraction. It is a hard and long path, probably not possible for us to reach in this lifetime. However, even getting to stage two or three will make everything in life easier. A wonderful introduction to meditation, The Attention Revolution will inspire you to take on the challenge and see what training your mind can actually achieve. Once you have achieved such a level of focus you can put it to use to open your heart with the practice of The Four Immeasurables or deepen the practice with this wonderful commentary by Dudjom Lingpa, both by Alan B. Wallace.

The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health – John Durant

In the last 10,000 years or so it seems we have been propelled into an ever faster paced world forged by our own hands and minds. Only recently have we been able to reconstruct our journey and reflect back upon our humble origins. This amazing book is such a reflection. It goes back to the paleolithic searching for answers to health and longevity. Between science and his personal experiments, Durant weaves a mind blowing story that will convey the importance of an evolutionary perspective on how to live well. It covers everything from nutrition to exercise, from sleep to fasting, from ancient practices to modern biohacking and even has an outline for a vision of the future where depression and obesity have become obsolete. If you only have room for a couple of books on this list, make sure this one is included.

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation – Daniel J. Siegel

As my Burmese meditation teacher often proclaimed, ‘Mindfulness alone is not enough!’ Siegel seems to have taken this to heart and made an unique synthesis between meditation, psychoanalysis and neuroscience which he calls ‘Mindsight‘, as he says himself, a potent combination between emotional and social intelligence. All of us deal with some disorder or another, something that seems to disturb the very core of our being at ease, and while it might not always be the best strategy to want to get rid of it, it certainly helps to understand and have compassion for that little aspect that upsets that perfect image of ourselves. Brimming with techniques, insights and epiphanies, this book contains everything you need to know to reprogram your brain and to optimally use its capacity of neuroplasticity. A great book for spiritual seekers and scientists alike.

How to Win Friends & Influence People – Dale Carnegie

This is the first self-improvement book I have ever read and it is also probably one of the oldest in this category. Written in 1937, mainly for the door to door salesman of that era, this book by Carnegie can truly be called a classic. It shows what we all intuitively know: it doesn’t matter what your line of work is or what you want to achieve- if you are doing business of any kind, you need to make it about the other person. Being nice helps, a lot. And while I might not fully defend the premise of this book, because it doesn’t distinguish between genuine interest and faking it to get what you want, it still contains a treasure chest full of timeless wisdom. Everybody wants to feel appreciated, and rightfully so. Learning to take a small effort to make someone’s day will make the world run smoother, no matter what your goal is. I still spontaneously remember some of his guidance, and perhaps this quality is the reason why this book still draws millions of readers to this day.

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy– David D. Burns

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective therapy used by psychologists today; it consists of identifying thought patterns that have a detrimental effect on your self-image and mood, and deconstructing these in order to break out of these destructive cycles. If you want to know how this works, which moods are central in your life, what thought patterns are causing your depression, how to overcome self-judgment and guilt, how to defeat approval and love addiction and how your self-perfectionism is hindering you, then don’t look further; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped millions of people and it can help you, and this is the best book for the job. Packed with scientific research, exercises and examples, this is the best improvement your self is going to get.

Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life – Maxwell Maltz

What can a plastic surgeon tell us about happiness? By dealing with his patients, Dr. Maxwell Maltz experienced firsthand that having your expectations come true doesn’t automatically result into a more positive life experience. Their outward appearances did indeed change but their inner insecurity remained. This caused him to find other means to help his patients, resulting in visualization techniques. He found a person’s outer success can never rise above the one visualized internally. This book carries a very honest and humbling story, loaded with fundamental truths about our psychology and how our own philosophy affects us, all told by a very compassionate writer. Of some books it can be said that it will be valuable for years to come, and I am absolutely positive that this is one of them.

Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman

This brilliant book by Nobel prize winner Daniel Kahneman is a lucid account of all the amazing research he has done over the years. He is the founder of behavioral economics – the way our psychology affects our decisions – and explains in simple prose how our thinking is divided in two systems: one fast and one slow. The fast one is almost instant; it consists of the hardwired instincts that govern emotions, a remnant of an evolutionary past, an unconscious irrational machine. The slow one is deliberate, self-reflexive and logical, but can easily be distracted and takes a lot of effort. Both play a large role in our lives and Kahneman explores when the fast system fails and why the slow system is often not utilized. Packed with mind blowing examples and sharp analyses, this book teaches you how to learn to make sound judgments, and use the best of both systems.

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything – Chris Hadfield

A few extraordinary people journey to the edge of our world and come back with a unique story to tell. Colonel Hadfield is such a person, and his story is perhaps the most important one in this list. While the other books in this list teach you to be independent, visualize your future and dream big, this astronaut’s guide turns these all upside down. A truly remarkable book, overflowing with mind-blowing stories that illustrate the life lessons he learned as one of the most accomplished astronauts that ever lived.Full of compassion, warmth and genuine self-reflexive humor, he conveys to us to be prepared for the worst and never let yourself be swayed from enjoying every moment. Part action story, part no-nonsense hard truth and part timeless spiritual wisdom, this book makes you feel like you stepped onto a rocket ship and experienced what he did while learning these most valuable lessons on the way.

Perfect Health Diet: Regain Health and Lose Weight by Eating the Way You Were Meant to Eat – Paul Jaminet & Shou-Ching Jaminet

No self-improvement list is complete without a nutrition book and the Perfect Health Diet is arguably the best diet book on the market now. If you are overweight or not, feel sick, or just looking for an extra boost in health (and keep it this way), then look no further. From reading decades of studies the authors construct the optimal way to eat, destroying popular food fads in the process. They explain in sufficient detail the optimal macro-ratios, which starches are safe, which vitamins and supplements to take and what foods, or what they call toxins, to avoid. This book is a great supplement to the Paleo Manifesto as it shares its basic evolutionary perspective; we were evolved to eat non-toxic, high fat, moderate protein and carbohydrates. And, sometimes, going around with no food at all, can be a very healthy thing. If your body is not in optimal health, then it is almost no use to read the other books. Make this your priority number one.

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success – John C. Maxwell

At one time or another, we will all fail. What matters most is how you deal with it once you do. Will you give up? Or will you use it as a stepping stone for success? I recently read an article about new start-ups in silicon valley. Its hypothesis was the more you had failed in the past, the more likely you were going to get funding. Why? Because failing teaches you invaluable lessons, and if you decide to continue after you hit the pavement, the more you have it in you to deliver. Now, this is not in anyway our instinctual reaction to failing. Most of us dread it, avoid it or refuse to fail at all costs. All three are by far sub-optimal. It is far better to accept failure where it arises, to accept responsibility and use it as a way to learn about yourself and your weaknesses. Only when you are absolute honest with yourself with respect to failure can you hope to grow. This wonderful book will teach you how to do exactly this. A honest book for everyone searching for a clean mirror.

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now hardly needs any introduction. It is perhaps the book that has had the most impact on our collective consciousness in recent years. It inspired millions of people all over the world to live a more fulfilling and compassionate life, all through the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness consists of moment to moment non-judgmental awareness. It is a technique that alleviates depression, increases emotional intelligence and develops compassion- and only recently has come to the west, which remained weary and skeptical until science had validated a wide array of its claims. The brain can be trained. The Power of Now teaches you how to release your attachment to certain thoughts and states of mind, thereby clearing the mind to fully embrace the present moment. If you already have read this book and are looking for deeper understanding, read Wherever You Go, There You Are.

The Last Lecture – Randy Pausch

At some point or another, almost all of us has come across The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. (If you haven’t, watch this powerful message here.) What would you say when you only have a few months left to live? This was probably Pausch’s question he posed to himself when he had to deliver his lecture a week later. But being confined to an academic setting and short time frame he felt he had more to share, thus marking the birth of this book. Filled with stories about his childhood, it is a very down to earth exploration of what it means to chase your dreams, to be a good person and live a life that gives value to others. A beautiful mixture of humor and optimism, his tender voice will be a source of inspiration for everyone who will take the time to listen, something he tried to impart on his readers. A very lovely read. And don’t forget, ‘It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.’

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead – Brené Brown

I love Brené Brown’s books. She writes about an insight that I have found to be scary but true at the same time.Vulnerability, unlike we have been taught, is not a weakness, but a power to be tapped. Growing up with the idea that we have to hide certain parts of ourselves, to look strong and persevere at all costs always seemed a facade to me. And now she has the research to back that up. From that place of vulnerability comes a sense of worthiness, which for most of us, needs to be cultivated every day. Only if we get in touch with that tender spot of our hearts can we connect with others and develop genuine compassion, which are prerequisites, Brown tells us, for living a ‘wholehearted life.’ The reality, however, is that we often close down, feel neglected and misunderstood, and rather want the vulnerability and perhaps even ourselves to disappear. This book is an amazing antidote for that common instinct. Want to be truly convinced? Check out her amazing ted talk here.

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark – Carl Sagan

We all find UFO’s fascinating. We all really want to believe in magic or visiting aliens (surely the crop circles are conclusive proof!) and some of us believe the government is poisoning us with chemtrails. At the same time we are fascinated by the progress made by science, by all the new technology and medicines and the fascinating discoveries being made on a daily basis. Clearly, for the average person, it is quite hard to make a distinction between one claim or another – most of us are scientifically illiterate.Carl Sagan fought his whole life against such unreason and claimed that missing this ability to distinguish valid claims from hogwash could plunge us back into the dark ages. This book is perhaps his best on this subject, filled with examples and his eloquent mesmerizing voice, The Demon-Haunted World is a How To guide to arm you against manipulation masked as information. A must read for anyone who still feels the temptation to click sensationalist sophistry.

Philosophy for Life – Jules Evans

As philosopher Sloterdijk puts it; ‘philosophy is a beautiful child of an ugly mother.’ Philosophy first arose when the old Greek polis states were at the brink of destruction. Philosophy, according to Sloterdijk, was not just a way to make sense of the world, to come to knowledge or truth, but to serve as a psychological immune system. This book is an amazing expression of this perspective. From the stoics to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Jules Evans writes about some of the amazing philosophical techniques we can use to train and improve our cognitive immune systems. He weaves ancient stories with modern applications, from heroism to cosmic contemplation, Philosophy for Life a beautifully written book that makes it easy to understand the practical nature of philosophy. Perhaps the book would have been better if he would have gone deeper into the subject matter, but nonetheless he captures the essence of what philosophy can mean for the modern person. A must read.

Man’s Search For Meaning – Victor. E. Frankl

If I had to pick one book from this list for mandatory reading I would choose this one. For three years Viktor Frankl labored in four different Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz. He tells us about his experience and that of his fellow prisoners. Both chilling and uplifting, confronted with the idea that they would be trapped there for the rest of their lives, he gives us an account of those who found meaning and those who succumbed to nihilism. A blend between a memoir, a psychological investigation and a self-help book, Frankl delivers a powerful message: finding meaning lies at the core of being human. From his own experience as a psychiatrist combined with anecdotes from his time in the concentration camps, he tells us how important it is to find meaning in our own lives and what we can become if we don’t. Suffering, he conveys to us, is inevitable. But as to how we cope with it is dependent on ourselves. If we can find meaning, even in the worst acts our species has ever inflicted upon his fellow man, we will be able to move forward with renewed purpose.

Simplify – Joshua Becker

This is a fun little book written by Joshua Becker, a big proponent of minimalist living. We all know that quote from Fightclub: “Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.” Well, this is ending. Slowly we are outgrowing an era where the unquestioned mantra ‘more is always better’ dictates our behavior. Rather, we now find ourselves, our lives and our homes cluttered with too much information, too much stuff and just too much shit we don’t need. This simple book helps you become aware of the freedom gained from living with less. It is a small book, easily read under an hour, but it carries a persuasive punch to start living live in a very different way.

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It – Kamal Ravikant

The fundamental ground upon which all true self improvement is build is called self-love. Because in the end, no matter which way you turn, if you don’t love yourself, you will sabotage yourself at one point. You will think that, for some reason or another, you are not worthy. And if you think that, why would you truly want to achieve anything? And this is not just about achievement. This is about how you approach yourself every day; this is what you see when you look in the mirror. We make so many snap-judgments about ourselves- often without being conscious of them- that are filled with negativity, haltering us before we can even begin to heal. This powerful book shows you the antidote. Self love. Not to be confused with creating some narcissistic image of ourselves that some previous books in this list implicitly endorse, but self love, that inner gratefulness that no external condition can take away. Self love, that infinite source you can share with others.

Which one is your favorite?

Is a book missing in the 25 Best Books on Self-

Improvement You Need to Read Before You Turn 25? Thank you for reading :)

[THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY LIFEHACK]

#lit #books #reading #list #lists #literature #book #motivation #motivational

696 notes · View notes

trendingnewsb · 7 years

Text

The 25 Best Self Improvement Books To Read Before You Turn 25

I remember the first time I got my hands on a self-improvement book. I was baffled. At that moment I realized my fate was not set in stone. I could become my own drill master and coach. The books I read would set out the training course for me to overcome. All I had to do was listen to that voice that aspired to climb higher and higher. Every time I committed to a new challenge I knew it was going to be outside my comfort zone, but after enough iterations, I also knew it will not just be part of my repertoire, it will be part of me. By the time I was 25 I’d read over a hundred self improvement books.

Not all self-improvement books are made equal. Some help start you out on your journey, others give you a boost when you’ve achieved experience in certain areas. Here are the best ones that I recommend to read before you’re 25.

Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations

by Seth Godin This book is a masterpiece, and unlike most self-improvement books, this one targets an infinite array of areas in which you can, and ultimately must, improve. With its ruthless honesty and genuine inspiration, Godin makes you ponder the difficult questions you wouldn’t ever dare to ask yourself. The result is a completely new perspective of the world- a fresher, more vibrant perspective, packed with new and bold possibilities. If you need a friend that understands, a boss that forces you to venture deep in your non-comfort zone, a wise guru that tells you what needs to be left behind and a sage that proclaims the coming of a new age, then look no further; you will find these shrewd voices all tied together in this magnificent book. Make sure to get this one.

Print | eBook

Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets

by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Perhaps it is the fact that randomness played such a significant role in my years as a poker player that I find this book utterly important. We often attribute skill where there is only luck; we confuse correlation with causation and we underestimate the incredible effect small changes can have. This book and my time at the tables gave me a perspective I unfortunately rarely encounter in others: you can do everything right and still lose, or do everything wrong and still win. It is thus not about the outcome; it is about your actions that have lead you there. This important message is central to many of my decisions I make in my life and this book by Taleb helps you develop such a perspective so you will be able to live in a world one cannot fully understand, where the results are not always clear markers of performance and where chance seems to play games with our fates. Stop being fooled by randomness!

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The 48 Laws of Power

by Robert Greene I read this book in a time where I thought power was something I should attain. Power for power’s sake. And while I disagree with my former self on this point, the fact remains that power is very real, it forms the invisible scepter of all hierarchical relations around us. I still recommend this book; I believe it is important to know how people use power for their own benefit and what to do to protect yourself from certain abuses of power. Besides the fact that all stories in this book gravitate around power, it contains many life lessons, amazing historical anecdotes and, if read in a certain light, the ability to use power for good. From Caesar to Goethe, Sun-Tzu to Machiavelli, this eye opening book spans a wide range of human development. If you, like me, would rather be interested in something less egotistical, perhaps Greene’s latest book Mastery will suffice (I haven’t read that one myself). Another great book in the same style, but this time around, covering a wider scope, and, perhaps, something that will make the world make a better place.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

by Stephen. R. Covey The title of this book doesn’t capture it all. Covey shares with us seven habits one should adapt to become truly effective in whatever you would like to achieve. Of course, it is not as easy as it sounds. He stresses the fact that we need to go through a paradigm shift – a fundamental change in how we perceive the world and ourselves. This book can be read as a guide, with practices and everything, to go through the stages in order to make such a shift happen. Part shock-therapy, part ageless spiritual wisdom,Covey’s book is packed with wisdom that actually makes a difference. And, as I mentioned, don’t let the title of the book fool you; it is about much more than just becoming more effective. It is about becoming a whole integer person who not only seeks the best in oneself, but also in the people around her. A must read for anyone who feels there is always something left to learn.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

by James Fadiman While finding a book on psychedelics in a list of books on self-improvement might come as a surprise, I believe any metaphysical distinction between tools such as books, meditation or molecules hold no ground and they should all be solely judged on their merits. And the merits of certain chemical keys, used in a constructive way, are perhaps bigger than any book in this list. The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide will teach you how to prepare yourself and your surroundings, what and how much to take, and what do do when something goes wrong, so you can safely enhance your thinking, creativity, introspection and emotional balance. This book contains everything you need to know about using psychedelics as a tool for self-improvement while drawing on extensive scientific literature and personal wisdom. A must have for the beginning and experienced psychonaut alike.

Print | eBook

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

by Brian Tracy We all know how that destructive downward spiral feels. We have to do some big task, of which the thought alone triggers resistance, not sure how and where to begin and feeling overwhelmed before we start; we get easily distracted to get rid of that feeling, only to suddenly realize that hours went by- precious hours- and then find ourselves in the same position as before, still not knowing where and how to begin, but now, feeling guilty on top of it which expresses itself in more craving for distraction. Ad infinitum. To break this spell of procrastination before it paralyzes us, Tracy advises us to Eat That Frog, to set our priorities straight, deconstruct larger tasks into smaller ones, learn when to tackle the big frog first or to start out with something else. Tracy is truly a motivational writer, and while I wished he had gone a bit deeper into the psychological reasons why people procrastinate, it is still a must have for anyone who wants to break the spell and get shit done.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Think and Grow Rich: The Original 1937 Unedited Edition

by Napoleon Hill A from 1937, this book by Hill is a masterpiece. Don’t bother with the edited versions since they all omit important and controversial information: some historical, and some pertaining to the goal of the book, which is to think and grow rich. The word rich might imply that this book is all about material gain, and while it certainly covers that area, it is about much more than that. Perhaps the first explicit mention of positive thinking, on how to care not just about the cash in your pocket, but also the thoughts in your head, this book has been able to withstand the destruction of time. It covers all the basics from planning, decision making and persistence, to the more advanced techniques as auto-suggestion, transmutation and what we can learn from fear. This is not a grow rich book, but a timeless guide to find out what actually matters. As it says clearly in the beginning ‘Riches can’t always be measured in money!’

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind

by Alan Wallace In a world that is dominated by ever stronger technologies designed to grab hold of your attention, a way to empower yourself is to bring that attention back to where you want it to shine. This book offers just that; in The Attention Revolution, Wallace describes the path to attaining Shamatha, a buddhist meditation state of mind that is free from any flickering of distraction. It is a hard and long path, probably not possible for us to reach in this lifetime. However, even getting to stage two or three will make everything in life easier. A wonderful introduction to meditation, The Attention Revolution will inspire you to take on the challenge and see what training your mind can actually achieve. Once you have achieved such a level of focus you can put it to use to open your heart with the practice of The Four Immeasurables or deepen the practice with this wonderful commentary by Dudjom Lingpa, both by Alan B. Wallace.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health

by John Durant In the last 10,000 years or so it seems we have been propelled into an ever faster paced world forged by our own hands and minds. Only recently have we been able to reconstruct our journey and reflect back upon our humble origins. This amazing book is such a reflection. It goes back to the paleolithic searching for answers to health and longevity. Between science and his personal experiments, Durant weaves a mind blowing story that will convey the importance of an evolutionary perspective on how to live well. It covers everything from nutrition to exercise, from sleep to fasting, from ancient practices to modern biohacking and even has an outline for a vision of the future where depression and obesity have become obsolete. If you only have room for a couple of books on this list, make sure this one is included.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation

by Daniel J. Siegel As my Burmese meditation teacher often proclaimed, ‘Mindfulness alone is not enough!’ Siegel seems to have taken this to heart and made an unique synthesis between meditation, psychoanalysis and neuroscience which he calls ‘Mindsight‘, as he says himself, a potent combination between emotional and social intelligence. All of us deal with some disorder or another, something that seems to disturb the very core of our being at ease, and while it might not always be the best strategy to want to get rid of it, it certainly helps to understand and have compassion for that little aspect that upsets that perfect image of ourselves. Brimming with techniques, insights and epiphanies, this book contains everything you need to know to reprogram your brain and to optimally use its capacity of neuroplasticity. A great book for spiritual seekers and scientists alike.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

How to Win Friends & Influence People

by Dale Carnegie This is the first self-improvement book I have ever read and it is also probably one of the oldest in this category. Written in 1937, mainly for the door to door salesman of that era, this book by Carnegie can truly be called a classic. It shows what we all intuitively know: it doesn’t matter what your line of work is or what you want to achieve- if you are doing business of any kind, you need to make it about the other person. Being nice helps, a lot. And while I might not fully defend the premise of this book, because it doesn’t distinguish between genuine interest and faking it to get what you want, it still contains a treasure chest full of timeless wisdom. Everybody wants to feel appreciated, and rightfully so. Learning to take a small effort to make someone’s day will make the world run smoother, no matter what your goal is. I still spontaneously remember some of his guidance, and perhaps this quality is the reason why this book still draws millions of readers to this day.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

by David D. Burns Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective therapy used by psychologists today; it consists of identifying thought patterns that have a detrimental effect on your self-image and mood, and deconstructing these in order to break out of these destructive cycles. If you want to know how this works, which moods are central in your life, what thought patterns are causing your depression, how to overcome self-judgment and guilt, how to defeat approval and love addiction and how your self-perfectionism is hindering you, then don’t look further; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped millions of people and it can help you, and this is the best book for the job. Packed with scientific research, exercises and examples, this is the best improvement your self is going to get.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life

by Maxwell Maltz What can a plastic surgeon tell us about happiness? By dealing with his patients, Dr. Maxwell Maltz experienced firsthand that having your expectations come true doesn’t automatically result into a more positive life experience. Their outward appearances did indeed change but their inner insecurity remained. This caused him to find other means to help his patients, resulting in visualization techniques. He found a person’s outer success can never rise above the one visualized internally. This book carries a very honest and humbling story, loaded with fundamental truths about our psychology and how our own philosophy affects us, all told by a very compassionate writer. Of some books it can be said that it will be valuable for years to come, and I am absolutely positive that this is one of them.

Print | Audiobook

Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman This brilliant book by Nobel prize winner Daniel Kahneman is a lucid account of all the amazing research he has done over the years. He is the founder of behavioral economics – the way our psychology affects our decisions – and explains in simple prose how our thinking is divided in two systems: one fast and one slow. The fast one is almost instant; it consists of the hardwired instincts that govern emotions, a remnant of an evolutionary past, an unconscious irrational machine. The slow one is deliberate, self-reflexive and logical, but can easily be distracted and takes a lot of effort. Both play a large role in our lives and Kahneman explores when the fast system fails and why the slow system is often not utilized. Packed with mind blowing examples and sharp analyses, this book teaches you how to learn to make sound judgments, and use the best of both systems.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything

by Chris Hadfield A few extraordinary people journey to the edge of our world and come back with a unique story to tell. Colonel Hadfield is such a person, and his story is perhaps the most important one in this list. While the other books in this list teach you to be independent, visualize your future and dream big, this astronaut’s guide turns these all upside down. A truly remarkable book, overflowing with mind-blowing stories that illustrate the life lessons he learned as one of the most accomplished astronauts that ever lived.Full of compassion, warmth and genuine self-reflexive humor, he conveys to us to be prepared for the worst and never let yourself be swayed from enjoying every moment. Part action story, part no-nonsense hard truth and part timeless spiritual wisdom, this book makes you feel like you stepped onto a rocket ship and experienced what he did while learning these most valuable lessons on the way.

eBook

Perfect Health Diet: Regain Health and Lose Weight by Eating the Way You Were Meant to Eat

by Paul Jaminet & Shou-Ching Jaminet No self-improvement list is complete without a nutrition book and the Perfect Health Diet is arguably the best diet book on the market now. If you are overweight or not, feel sick, or just looking for an extra boost in health (and keep it this way), then look no further. From reading decades of studies the authors construct the optimal way to eat, destroying popular food fads in the process. They explain in sufficient detail the optimal macro-ratios, which starches are safe, which vitamins and supplements to take and what foods, or what they call toxins, to avoid. This book is a great supplement to the Paleo Manifesto as it shares its basic evolutionary perspective; we were evolved to eat non-toxic, high fat, moderate protein and carbohydrates. And, sometimes, going around with no food at all, can be a very healthy thing. If your body is not in optimal health, then it is almost no use to read the other books. Make this your priority number one.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success

by John C. Maxwell At one time or another, we will all fail. What matters most is how you deal with it once you do. Will you give up? Or will you use it as a stepping stone for success? I recently read an article about new start-ups in silicon valley. Its hypothesis was the more you had failed in the past, the more likely you were going to get funding. Why? Because failing teaches you invaluable lessons, and if you decide to continue after you hit the pavement, the more you have it in you to deliver. Now, this is not in anyway our instinctual reaction to failing. Most of us dread it, avoid it or refuse to fail at all costs. All three are by far sub-optimal. It is far better to accept failure where it arises, to accept responsibility and use it as a way to learn about yourself and your weaknesses. Only when you are absolute honest with yourself with respect to failure can you hope to grow. This wonderful book will teach you how to do exactly this. A honest book for everyone searching for a clean mirror.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Power of Now

by Eckhart Tolle The Power of Now hardly needs any introduction. It is perhaps the book that has had the most impact on our collective consciousness in recent years. It inspired millions of people all over the world to live a more fulfilling and compassionate life, all through the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness consists of moment to moment non-judgmental awareness. It is a technique that alleviates depression, increases emotional intelligence and develops compassion- and only recently has come to the west, which remained weary and skeptical until science had validated a wide array of its claims. The brain can be trained. The Power of Now teaches you how to release your attachment to certain thoughts and states of mind, thereby clearing the mind to fully embrace the present moment. If you already have read this book and are looking for deeper understanding, readWherever You Go, There You Are.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Last Lecture

by Randy Pausch At some point or another, almost all of us has come across The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. (If you haven’t, watch this powerful message here.) What would you say when you only have a few months left to live? This was probably Pausch’s question he posed to himself when he had to deliver his lecture a week later. But being confined to an academic setting and short time frame he felt he had more to share, thus marking the birth of this book. Filled with stories about his childhood, it is a very down to earth exploration of what it means to chase your dreams, to be a good person and live a life that gives value to others. A beautiful mixture of humor and optimism, his tender voice will be a source of inspiration for everyone who will take the time to listen, something he tried to impart on his readers. A very lovely read. And don’t forget, ‘It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.’ Print | eBook | Audiobook

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

by Brené Brown

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

by Carl Sagan We all find UFO’s fascinating. We all really want to believe in magic or visiting aliens (surely the crop circles are conclusive proof!) and some of us believe the government is poisoning us with chemtrails. At the same time we are fascinated by the progress made by science, by all the new technology and medicines and the fascinating discoveries being

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Philosophy for Life

by Jules Evans As philosopher Sloterdijk puts it; ‘philosophy is a beautiful child of an ugly mother.’ Philosophy first arose when the old Greek polis states were at the brink of destruction. Philosophy, according to Sloterdijk, was not just a way to make sense of the world, to come to knowledge or truth, but to serve as a psychological immune system. This book is an amazing expression of this perspective. From the stoics to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Jules Evans writes about some of the amazing philosophical techniques we can use to train and improve our cognitive immune systems. He weaves ancient stories with modern applications, from heroism to cosmic contemplation, Philosophy for Life a beautifully written book that makes it easy to understand the practical nature of philosophy. Perhaps the book would have been better if he would have gone deeper into the subject matter, but nonetheless he captures the essence of what philosophy can mean for the modern person. A must read.

Print | eBook

Man’s Search For Meaning

by Victor. E. Frankl If I had to pick one book from this list for mandatory reading I would choose this one. For three years Viktor Frankl labored in four different Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz. He tells us about his experience and that of his fellow prisoners. Both chilling and uplifting, confronted with the idea that they would be trapped there for the rest of their lives, he gives us an account of those who found meaning and those who succumbed to nihilism. A blend between a memoir, a psychological investigation and a self-help book, Frankl delivers a powerful message: finding meaning lies at the core of being human. From his own experience as a psychiatrist combined with anecdotes from his time in the concentration camps, he tells us how important it is to find meaning in our own lives and what we can become if we don’t. Suffering, he conveys to us, is inevitable. But as to how we cope with it is dependent on ourselves. If we can find meaning, even in the worst acts our species has ever inflicted upon his fellow man, we will be able to move forward with renewed purpose.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Simplify

by Joshua Becker This is a fun little book written by Joshua Becker, a big proponent of minimalist living. We all know that quote from Fightclub: “Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.” Well, this is ending. Slowly we are outgrowing an era where the unquestioned mantra ‘more is always better’ dictates our behavior. Rather, we now find ourselves, our lives and our homes cluttered with too much information, too much stuff and just too much shit we don’t need. This simple book helps you become aware of the freedom gained from living with less. It is a small book, easily read under an hour, but it carries a persuasive punch to start living live in a very different way.

eBook

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It

by Kamal Ravikant The fundamental ground upon which all true self improvement is build is called self-love. Because in the end, no matter which way you turn, if you don’t love yourself, you will sabotage yourself at one point. You will think that, for some reason or another, you are not worthy. And if you think that, why would you truly want to achieve anything? And this is not just about achievement. This is about how you approach yourself every day; this is what you see when you look in the mirror. We make so many snap-judgments about ourselves- often without being conscious of them- that are filled with negativity, haltering us before we can even begin to heal. This powerful book shows you the antidote. Self love. Not to be confused with creating some narcissistic image of ourselves that some previous books in this list implicitly endorse, but self love, that inner gratefulness that no external condition can take away. Self love, that infinite source you can share with others.

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The post The 25 Best Self Improvement Books To Read Before You Turn 25 appeared first on Lifehack.

from Viral News HQ http://ift.tt/2gpraiU via Viral News HQ

#IFTTT #Viral News HQ

0 notes

rabbiandrewrosenblatt · 7 years

Text

Seder Time Machine

Each week, this electronic letter brings you words of Torah and topical issues. The ideas are shaped by a dialogue that we have via email, text messages, phone calls, and the occasional face-to-face meeting over laptops and coffee.

Each year, at the Seder, the recitation of the story of the Exodus begins with a young child asking the four questions. This is followed without pause by a dialogue of the ancient sages of Bné Brak. They set the tone of the Seder by asking questions, and offering interpretations of the story of the exodus from Egypt.

This week we offer you our unabridged dialogue, in the spirit of this week’s topic: the Seder.

Regards,

Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt (RR), and Dr. Terry S. Neiman (TsN).

RR:

Andrew Solomon, in his bestselling book Far From the Tree articulates the central fear of parenting – which as it turns out, is the central fear of Judaism: that the children will not adopt the values of the parents. Judaism has always aimed to transmit a value system to generations many years hence. But I wonder, do we worry too much? We can’t travel into the future to know if these fears are justified.

TsN:

If anything qualifies as time travel, then the Seder surely does. The Torah defines the Seder by two positive commandments. We eat matzah, and we tell the story of the Exodus. It is a miracle that a bland cracker and a long and complicated story have outlived empires that tried to conquer the world.

To grasp the essence of this miracle, I reflect on how communication connects people in space and time. Communication scholar James W. Carey made a distinction between space-oriented – i.e., transmission – communication, and time-oriented – i.e., ritual – communication.

The point of transmission is to extend information across space. It assures that people everywhere get the same information at the same time. A sender uses technology to say the same thing to any number of receivers. For example, the internet is the vastest transmission channel in human history. Everyone reading this electronic message – in Vancouver, in Texas, in Israel – gets the same text. Transmission makes it possible for a central authority to control the content and placement of laws, news, and education over vast distances.

RR:

It has been noted that humans have the power to control the minds and actions of others without chemicals or chains. Nothing more than the voice is required to produce thoughts and responses. Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels serves as the biggest negative example of this. Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Regan stand as positive examples, depending on your political views.

How can you use voice, or text to speak across many generations? Ritual may be the answer.

TsN:

The point of ritual communication is to extend information through time. People share stories, sing songs, and take meals together in a culturally meaningful way. The ritual mode carries the social structures and cultural processes of a community from one generation to the next. Rituals preserve experiences as stories, and use storytelling to give people repeated access to the essences of those experiences.

RR:

But ritual – and specifically the Seder – accomplishes more than that. Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi teaches of the difference between history and memory. History is the facts. Memory is the consciousness of your own story. The power of ritual is that it forges a memory, a consciousness. It makes Moses’ story your own story. And it makes your life the continuation of his. The Pharaohs may have built pyramids to live forever, but Moses insured that his descendants would still be living his story.

TsN:

According to Carey, societies tend to favour transmission. Rulers like its illusion of control, and the people like the feeling that new technologies will free them from being controlled. In Renaissance Europe, the Church opposed the introduction of the printing press. In 370 BCE, in the dialogue with Phaedrus, Socrates argued against the new technology of writing. However, Carey cited ancient Egypt as the earliest example of a transmission-oriented culture.

From the time upper and lower Egypt were unified under the First Dynasty down through the invention of the telegraph…through monopolization of writing or the rapid production of print, these messages, carried in the hands of a messenger or between the bindings of a book, still had to be distributed, if they were to have their desired effect, by rapid transportation… Our basic orientation to communication remains grounded, at the deepest roots of our thinking, in the idea of transmission: communication is a process whereby messages are transmitted and distributed in space for the control of distance and people.

Road networks made it possible to unify upper and lower Egypt more than a thousand years before the nation of Israel arrived there. Networks created the conditions that would allow Pharaoh to enslave the Jewish people. It took the mighty hand and outstretched arm of Gd to free us.

RR:

Achashverosh used an early version of the Pony Express to control his vast kingdom. Today computer code controls much of our lives by filtering the information we receive. Facebook controls who sees your posts and what information you see. But it would seem that they also set their sights too short. They both achieved a sort of world domination for a moment: 127 provinces in Persia, and 1 billion daily users on Facebook, yet, the mighty Seder outlasts them all.

TsN:

Judaism became a resilient nation because it relies on both modes of communication. For example, in transmission, the words of every Torah scroll must be identical and error-free. In ritual, the reading of the Law dates back to Sinai:

And Moses commanded them, saying: 'At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, when all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy G-d in the place which He shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. (Devarim 31:10 – 13)

Ezra the Sofer started the current practice of Sabbath and weekday public readings 25 centuries ago. In transmission, the Torah thus became fixed and eternal. In ritual, it thus remains a living documentary.

RR:

It is more than just the sum of the two modes. It is the interplay between them. We ground ourselves in the concrete meaning of the textual narrative, but the rituals of the Seder allow us to imagine ourselves in the story, to imagine the valences of its reality, and even the verisimilitudes in our contemporary reality.

In this synergy, the lessons of the Exodus have been timeless, from the release of slaves in Jeremiah 34, to the inspiration of the early Zionists, to the Jewish civil rights marchers in Selma, to the sensitivity to the plight of refugees articulated by the Agudath Yisrael only 3 months ago.

TsN:

As we are wrapping up this dialogue, I see on my news feed that the US has launched missiles against Syria in response to its use of poison gas against civilians. It seems that having cycles of conflict is also a timeless fact of life.

This is a timely reminder that we need the synergy of transmission and ritual in our lives.

For me, part of the miracle of the Exodus is that these practices have stayed intact for thousands of years. There is something timeless in the quiet moment when I lean back on a pillow and eat a sheet of matzah, and in the mayhem of the Styrofoam hailstones I toss across the table recalling the ten plagues. It is both a trip to a new land and a return to familiar territory. At the Seder one can be in two times at the same place. השתא הכא לשנה הבא בירושלים - now we are here, next year in Jerusalem.

0 notes

trendingnewsb · 7 years

Text

The 25 Best Self Improvement Books To Read Before You Turn 25

Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations

Print | eBook

Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The 48 Laws of Power

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

Print | eBook

Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Think and Grow Rich: The Original 1937 Unedited Edition

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Attention Revolution: Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation

Print | eBook | Audiobook

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life

Print | Audiobook

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Print | eBook | Audiobook

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything

eBook

Perfect Health Diet: Regain Health and Lose Weight by Eating the Way You Were Meant to Eat

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Power of Now

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Last Lecture

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

by Brené Brown

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Philosophy for Life

Print | eBook

Man’s Search For Meaning

Print | eBook | Audiobook

Simplify

eBook

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It

Print | eBook | Audiobook

The post The 25 Best Self Improvement Books To Read Before You Turn 25 appeared first on Lifehack.

from Viral News HQ http://ift.tt/2gpraiU via Viral News HQ

#IFTTT #Viral News HQ

0 notes