https://arab.news/cjpzs
Author: GABRIEL ABEND
Social scientists do research on a variety of topics—gender, capitalism, populism, and race and ethnicity, among others. They make descriptive and explanatory claims about empathy, intelligence, neoliberalism, and power.
They advise policymakers on diversity, digitalization, work, and religion. And yet, as Gabriel Abend points out in this provocative book, they can’t agree on what these things are and how to identify them.
Explore the transformative journey of embracing compassion and authenticity in the workplace with “better places.”
Robert Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Agile Six, brings his vision of what a business community can aspire to become.
Rooted in the timeless wisdom of ahimsa, or nonviolence, this heartfelt narrative moves beyond the zero-sum game of winners and losers to reveal the profound impact of our words and actions on the world around us, says a review published on goodreads.com.
Author: JOAN MALOOF
“Treepedia” is an entertaining and fact-filled illustrated compendium of tree lore.
Featuring nearly 100 entries—on topics ranging from tree ecology and conservation to the role of trees in religion, literature, art, and movies—this enticing collection is a celebration of all things arboreal.
In this charming book, Joan Maloof explains the difference between a cedar and a cypress, and reveals where to find the most remarkable trees on the planet.
Author: Saud Alsanousi
“The Bamboo Stalk” by Saud Alsanousi, translated by Jonathan Wright and published in 2012, is a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexities of cultural heritage.
Through the life of its protagonist, a young man named Kadhim, the winner of the 2013 International Prize for Arabic Fiction intricately weaves themes of race, nationality, and the search for self in a world that often feels divided.
Kadhim, born to a Filipino mother and a Kuwaiti father, embodies the challenges of living between two cultures. His journey is marked by the struggle for acceptance in a society that often views him as an outsider.
Alsanousi captures Kadhim’s internal conflict beautifully, presenting a character who is torn between his Filipino roots and the expectations of Kuwaiti society. This duality resonates deeply, especially for readers who have experienced the complexities of multicultural backgrounds.
The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the streets of Kuwait and the Philippines. Alsanousi’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, allowing readers to feel the weight of Kadhim’s experiences.
The author skillfully uses the metaphor of bamboo — flexible yet strong — to represent resilience in the face of adversity. This symbolism runs throughout the book, reminding us of the importance of adaptability in our quest for identity.
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Bamboo Stalk” is its exploration of Kadhim’s relationship with his mother. Her unwavering support contrasts sharply with the societal rejection they face. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the unconditional love that can exist even in the most challenging circumstances.
Alsanousi also addresses broader social issues, such as discrimination and the immigrant experience. Through Kadhim’s eyes, we witness the harsh realities faced by those who do not fit neatly into societal categories.
The author’s critique of these social norms is both subtle and powerful, encouraging readers to reflect on their perceptions of identity and belonging.
The novel prompts important questions: What does it mean to belong? How do we reconcile our diverse backgrounds in a world that often demands conformity?
Alsanousi’s “The Bamboo Stalk” is a beautifully crafted narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own journeys while fostering empathy for those navigating similar paths.
Author: NICHOLAS LEMANN
In the 1930s, American colleges and universities began to screen applications using the SAT, a mass-administered, IQ-descended standardized test.
The widespread adoption of the test accompanied the development of the world’s first mass higher education system—and served to promote the idea that the United States was becoming a “meritocracy” in which admission to selective higher education institutions would be granted to those who most deserved it.
Author: David Lay Williams
Economic inequality is one of the most daunting challenges of our time, with public debate often turning to questions of whether it is an inevitable outcome of economic systems and what, if anything, can be done about it.
But why, exactly, should inequality worry us? “The Greatest of All Plagues” demonstrates that this underlying question has been a central preoccupation of some of the most eminent political thinkers of the Western intellectual tradition.
David Lay Williams shares bold new perspectives on the writings and ideas of Plato, Jesus, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, and Karl Marx. He shows how they describe economic inequality as a source of political instability and a corrupter of character and soul, and how they view unchecked inequality as a threat to their most cherished values, such as justice, faith, civic harmony, peace, democracy, and freedom. Williams draws invaluable insights into the societal problems generated by what Plato called “the greatest of all plagues,” and examines the solutions employed through the centuries.
