https://arab.news/8e7pe
“Economists agree about many things—contrary to popular opinion—but the majority agree about culture only in the sense that they no longer give it much thought.”
So begins the first chapter of “Cultures Merging,” in which Eric Jones—one of the world’s leading economic historians—takes an eloquent, pointed, and personal look at the question of whether culture determines economics or is instead determined by 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.
Author: W. Walker Hanlon
In the 19th century, as Britain attained a leading economic and political position in Europe, British policymakers embarked on a bold experiment with small and limited government.
By the outbreak of the First World War, however, this laissez-faire philosophy of government had been abandoned and the country had taken its first steps toward becoming a modern welfare state.
This book tells the story of Britain’s laissez-faire experiment, examining why it was done, how it functioned, and why it was ultimately rejected in favor of a more interventionist form of governance.
In 1865, Clara Barton traveled to the site of the notorious Confederate prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia, where she endeavored to name the missing and the dead.
The future founder of the American Red Cross also collected their relics—whittled spoons, woven reed plates, a piece from the prison’s “dead line,” a tattered Bible—and brought them back to her Missing Soldiers Office in Washington, DC, presenting them to politicians, journalists, and veterans’ families before having them photographed together in an altar-like arrangement.
With rising global temperatures, pollution, overfishing, ocean acidification, and other problems caused by humans, there’s no question that today’s coral reefs are in trouble.
As predictions about the future of these ecosystems grow increasingly dire, scientists are looking in an unlikely place for new ways to save corals: the past.
The reefs of yesteryear faced challenges too, from changing sea level to temperature shifts, and understanding how they survived and when they faltered can help guide our efforts to help ensure a future for reefs.
Author: Youssef Ziedan
“Azazeel” by Youssef Ziedan, winner of the 2009 International Prize for Arabic Fiction, is a profound exploration of faith, doubt and the complexities of the human spirit. The novel is set against the backdrop of the early Christian era and unfolds through the eyes of Hypa, a young monk navigating the tumultuous world around him.
Ziedan’s storytelling, translated by Jonathan Wright, is rich and immersive, transporting readers to the deserts of Egypt in the fifth century. His ability to weave together historical facts and fictional elements creates a vivid tapestry that illustrates the conflicts between different religious ideologies.
Hypa’s journey of self discovery, particularly his encounters with the enigmatic figure of Azazeel, invites readers to reflect on the nature of temptation and the struggle within us all.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel for me was its exploration of the tension between science and religion. As a scholar and healer, Hypa embodies this struggle, grappling with rational thought and blind faith.
Ziedan addresses the historical context of early Christianity, highlighting the schisms and debates that shaped the faith. This was not just a personal journey for Hypa; it mirrored broader existential crises that resonate even today.
The philosophical musings and theological discussions sprinkled throughout the narrative invited me to ponder my own convictions and the nature of belief.
The lyrical quality of Ziedan’s prose brings the ancient world to life, with evocative descriptions that lingered in my mind. The characters are richly developed, each representing different facets of faith and morality.
Hypa’s internal struggles also reflect the external conflicts of a society grappling with change, a theme that resonates with many of us in today’s world.
I found some sections of the novel a bit slow, particularly where philosophical discussions took precedence over action. However, these moments are essential for the thematic depth Ziedan aims to achieve, prompting reflection and contemplation.
“Azazeel” is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to confront the complexities of faith, reason, and the human experience. Ziedan’s masterful storytelling and rich historical detail make it a compelling read, especially for those interested in the intersections of religion and philosophy.
This book is not merely a journey through history, it invites us to contemplate the timeless questions that define our existence, making it a profoundly rewarding experience.
