classics digests, reflections and reviews
To understand Einstein as a human being, as well as his scientific vision, one must read this book. He had an acute appreciation of human nature, even the characteristics and emotional temperament of a nation as a whole, with a mischievous sense of humor. He was also a passionate pacifist and a Zionist, who believed, perhaps naively, the cultural and social development of a Jewish nation would benefit both the […]
Read moreA Pacifist and Anarchist Manifesto and Masterpiece Tolstoy presented to the readers the essence of Christianity as he himself understood it, namely, the Law of Love, stripped of all superstitions, relics, hypocrisies, mystifying rituals and theological arguments. He expounded in a most logical, thoughtful and comprehensive manner how true Christianity is or should be, mutually incompatible with violence and all forms of government founded on violence, including monarchies, capitalists and socialists. […]
Read moreOne of the best books I’ve ever read. I wish I had read it twenty years ago, but perhaps I would not have appreciated it as much. Although this is one of the most influential books in history, I put off reading it because of a lack of interest in political science. Ironically, another influential book on the subject, “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli, drove me to this, to seek […]
Read moreA fascinating, thought-provoking and disturbing read. Machiavelli based his arguments on the premise (or rather observation) that men are inherently evil unless compelled by necessity to do good. If a man follows moral principles, he would be at a disadvantage to the majority who don’t. Therefore, for a man to obtain power, it is necessary for him to resort to deceit, false promises, hypocrisy, cruelty and other immoral devices. (“Men […]
Read moreCurrent Title: On the Duty of Civil Disobedience Beyond the Majority Rule Thoreau argued that the State should recognize and respect the autonomy and rights of the individual, and improve further upon the current form of democracy, i.e., the majority rule. “All voting is a sort of gaming, …, a playing with right and wrong, with moral questions; … The character of the voters is not staked. I cast my […]
Read moreThe only memoirs written by one of the Chinese leaders of the modern era. It gives an insider’s account of the strategies and tactics they used in foreign policies and diplomatic negotiations, with some juicy details. It’s interesting to see how heads of states make their imprints on the relationships between two countries. Nelson Mandela unabashedly sought financial aids, Deng Xiaoping showed vision and backbone in dealings with the U.S.
Read moreHaving finished reading his 1,000 plus page autobiography, I can’t help wonder why so many people and the media in Canada hate Mulroney. If nothing else, he is a great writer and teacher, I’ve learned quite a few things about Canadian history and politics, which I knew nothing about before. He wrote with warmth and humor about his political allies, his family and his personal relationships with other world leaders. […]
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