After reading this book, I suddenly realized the root problem of Western Civilization: We have no culture. Where there was once culture, we now have an expanding economic order threatening all life on the planet. Through its mechanism of growth and expansion, the Western global economy is onquering and converting life's diversity into an ecological and social monoculture of cash crops, Levis, soda pop and movie theatres. Perhaps moonscape would be a better word. Of course, it doesn't have to be this way. Our fast-paced, increasingly technological, capital-intensive, fossil fuel-centered, centralized, highly specialized, travel and commercial-oriented, often stressful society is by no means the end-all-be-all of human history. Murder, child abuse, drug abuse, theft, poverty, hunger, and every other problem that plagues the West are not products of human nature. The pathology of civilization is not natural or inevitable, and the Ladahi are proof of this. Read this book and rediscover ancient, profound, life-affirmating alternatives to the modern humdrum. Discover another way of living, thinking and feeling. Important, necessary, engaging and masterfully written - this book was a treasure to read. Indeed, it was an awaking.

This book has changed the way I looked at the issues of development, modernisation & morals. An amazing read, beautifully written and with great insights.

I have just returned from a trip to Ladakh and I could really relate to what Ms.Norberg talks about in the book.

Just a couple of side issues. It'd be good to know what exactly went wrong in Ladakh. Here are a people who for 2000 years had lived successfully by the rules of Buddhism. How & why did Buddhism fail these people in the face of global/western economic & cultural imperialism? Does the blame lie with Buddhism- it being too 'compassionate' and allowing a religion? Does the blame lie with the Ladakhis who probably were not as sincere Buddhists as they are made out to be?

After all if they really were such devout Buddhists, how come they fell to the greed that capitalism breeds?

Anyway, these are issues which could have been addressed in the book. Regardless, the book is excellent! A must read.

Rarely have I felt more dispair about the direction of what we know as civilization as I felt halfway through this book. The Ladakh people are described as happy, healthy, and self-reliant. Suddenly, the "real world" happens to them, and they come to see themselves as poor, when before they had no need of money.

The authors do a nice job of weaving a story of hope at the end but I have concern for the future of these people. It helps me understand the decision the government of Bhutan has made to isolate themselves from western-style civilization.

The first two weeks, the section on video surveillance and terms and equipment saved us a few hours of research, cleared up some confusion and saved us ordering some things for a job that just wouldn't have worked. At that point, we would have been happy if that was all we ever got from this book.

But we're finding a WHOLE lot more. Probably what I like best is it's written like a book and not a technical manual, so it's enjoyable to read. Also, unlike most security things I read, it goes way beyond "what to do and why." It does a great job with the most important part: "Exactly HOW to do."

Great Example: The author claimed that someone with no experience could follow directions in the book to hook up a VCR, TV, mini-camera, plus cable and power sources and have it all up and recording in just two minutes. Our part-time secretary is a Culinary student. She followed the directions and actually had it recording with a few seconds to spare. THAT was pretty neat.

I got more information out of Rich's book than any of the criminal justice texts I've read over the years. Having worked for companies with good loss prevention programs as well as companies with poor programs I can relate to the "Policy B" stores talked about in the book.

Rich- Any tips for dealing with companies that pay lip service to LP but balk at using anything other than 1950's technology that you can include in the next revision?

Those are the tenets of the corporation I work for, and this book is a perfect addition to a library for anyone who wants those results.

Rich has communicated effectively the steps and tools necessary to reduce loss in your retail location and NOT GET SUED.

Many self help books can be dry reading. Not this one. Every point made is followed up by a story or anecdote that assists the reader in visualizing the problem and how solutions can be applied.

Whether you are a loss prevention professional, a private investigator, or a store owner/operator this is a must read if you want to reduce your losses.

Drafted by a committee of 19 (but sufficiently well edited to read as if it were written by a single author) this book provides a well-argued, detailed and wide-ranging analysis of the consequences of economic globalization (the term corporate globalization is also extensively used in the book) and an examination of alternatives and the action required to move towards those alternatives. It has succeeded brilliantly, and deserves very close study, whether or not you agree with the drafting committee's views.

This is no extremist anti-corporate, anti-capitalist text, although it does clearly come to the conclusion that the vector of economic globalisation that we are on is neither inevitable, desirable nor sustainable. It is notable for arguing at the level of underlying principles and their practical consequences - it makes explicit the assumptions underlying corporate globalisation and questions them. This, in itself, is a valuable service as so much of the 'debate' in the media proceeds on the basis of bald assertion of essentially fallacious economic dogma.

The report starts with a critique of 'corporate globalization'. The term itself is useful, because the term 'globalization' has become something of a 'Humpty-Dumpty' word ('when I use a word, it means exactly what I want it to mean, neither more nor less'). 'Corporate globalization' describes a process driven and promoted by the large global corporations which, whatever its other consequences, gives primacy to the benefits that will flow to global business.

The critique identifies eight key features of corporate globalization:

1. 'Promotion of hypergrowth and unrestricted exploitation of environmental resources to fuel that growth
2. Privatization and commodification of public services and of remaining aspects of the global and community commons
3. Global cultural and economic homogenization and the intense promotion of consumerism
4. Integration and conversion of national economies, including some that were largely self-reliant, to environmentally and socially harmful export oriented production
5. Corporate deregulation and unrestricted movement of capital across borders
6. Dramatically increased corporate concentration
7. Dismantling of public health, social, and environmental programs already in place
8. Replacement of traditional powers of democratic nation-states and local communities by global corporate bureaucracies.'

It demonstrates each of these propositions and explores who are the beneficiaries of application of these policies. One of the complexities of trying to follow the arguments of the pro- and anti- globalisers is that both use statistics, both from apparently authoritative sources, that directly contradict each other. It is almost as if the two sides inhabit parallel universes that operate in different ways. Suffice it to say that the report puts forward convincing arguments in support of its case.

The critique proceeds to a devastating analysis of the impact of the World Bank, The IMF and the WTO, the three pillars of corporate globalisation, over the last four or five decades.

The report then argues ten principles for sustainable societies, as a basis for identifying ways of realising these principles in the subsequent chapters of the report. It argues that these principles 'seem to be the mirror opposites of the principles that drive the institutions of the corporate global economy.'.

One of the minor problems in the debate is that, whereas 'globalization' rolls easily off the tongue, 'the principle of subsidiarity' is neither easy to say nor obvious in its meaning. The report contains a chapter on the case for subsidiarity, and it is a strong one. The counter argument is almost entirely concerned with power. While there are many elements of conflict between corporate globalisation and the principle of subsidiarity - local control - they are not entirely antithetical. But the reach of the large corporates would unquestionably be reduced.

You may or may not agree with the arguments in this report, but they deserve serious attention. They are well and carefully argued, they represent (in fairly sophisticated terms) the views of a growing number of people around the world who believe that current beliefs and institutions serve them poorly, and they show those who wish to promote change a path for doing so.

This provocative text is the work of an impressive collection of luminary scholars, writers, and environmental activists, all of whom have something important to contribute to the issue of economic globalization and how it is affecting the environment. This distinguished group of authors, including Jerry Mander, Ralph Nader, David Korten, John Cavanaugh, and Lori Wallach, have joined in a collaborative effort herein to render what is likely the single most definitive and sober critique of the current state of globalization as well as the rising tide of anti-globalization efforts across the planet. As the culminating product of a three-year effort by the International Forum on Globalization, the book can best described as being both painstaking and muckraking, providing a series of ten core requirements which must be instituted to make democratic societies sustainable; among which are equality, human rights, local decision-making, and of course, ecological sustainability. In the narrative, each is addressed in terms of both how they are affected by the globalization process as well as what kind of strategies work to counteract these untoward effects.

Moreover, the individual contributors offer a series of quite specific collective strategies for combating and limiting the extent of corporate domination, and also discuss various alternative systems in the critical areas of energy, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. There is also a lively discussion pertaining to modes of political action to deconstruct and even destroy the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well its predecessor and corollary institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund or IMF. From the time of the creation of the post WWII international monetary system at Bretton Woods in 1944, through the institution of the World Bank, the IMF, and GATT, the rise of globalization has necessarily towed in its wake an increasing pressure both on the natural environment and the natural resources the corporate forces must dominate and control to continue its essential core function of international economic growth.

With the rise of an organized opposition and a declaration of that organization's policies to systematically resist and counter the effects of the WTO, the anti-globalization forces around the world now have a formal manifesto for the systematic resistance to the forces of corporate sponsored economic globalization. Of course, given the fact that the existing corporate effort is so widespread, pandemic, and attractive to a variety of international corporate forces, any prospect for reversing the trend will be problematic indeed. Yet, given the potential for catastrophic consequences stemming from the movement toward the expanding influence of such global corporate enterprises, the authors argue that we would do well to try.

This is an important book, one that arms the reader with an array of facts regarding what the so-called "New World Order" really means in terms of its potential impact on each us in every aspect of our lives, as individuals, as members of the local community, as consumers of necessary (and other) products, and as citizens of a nation and of the world at large. The scope of the change to come is immense, and it is obviously in the interest of each of us to better understand exactly what is at stake in terms of our lives, our freedoms as citizens, and our survival in a world increasingly endangered by reckless corporate activities that are destroying the biosphere. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!

This book is excellent for all those who think we can do better-that small farmers needn't be driven from the land, our water needn't be polluted, people need not go hungry while others are overfed genetically engineered chemically altered junk food, etc. It has great thinkers presenting clear, well thought out ideas about what's wrong and what we can do about it. It helps when getting in that classic argument of keynesianism/communism v. neoliberalism because it outlines the thrid alternative very well. I am a grad student and I used it for a paper i wrote recently refuting neoliberalism and it was very helpful. I highly recommend it! Also, look into Maria Mies. She is the anti-capitalist-patriarchy bomb, yo.

This is the best present you could give your newlywed friends!!
It is funny, charming and teaches valueable lessons on communicating and exploring with your new soulmate. I would even recommend it for those who wish to strenghen a long term relationship. Its the best [money] you will ever spend!!!

This book was quite possibly one of the funniest things I have read in a long time! The author, Dominick Miserandino, is a very wise newlywed--it's much easier to be married while traveling to different places instead of hearing the wife nagging to take out the trash! They did travel to many different places, almost as an extension of the Honeymoon this first year. It also offered a good perspective on travel stories, which at times can be bland and boring. I can't wait to see the next installment--maybe How to Raise Kids While on the Road????

I bought 3 copies of this book for friend's of mine getting married. Beyond they travel story aspect, it tells about marriage and relationships from the perspective of the guy.

This book is an awe inspiring introduction to the largely ignored esoteric knowledge and history that weaves throughout human history. Blavatsky delivers to humanity a potent clue toward much that is unknown by common people. Those who have read her works develop a new appreciation and respect for mystical traditions the world over and gain more discriminatory thinking, as they are less likely to buy the mass illusion spun by our modern culture. Fortunately, the interested student doesnt have to stop there; previously, those who were inspired by Blavatsky and other such writers were left to struggle with learning how to incorporate such knowledge or discover how to access it themselves, and because she and all other true initiates were unable to reveal the direct and practical instruction that any student would require in order to enter the path, there were and are many who end in frustration, unable to access the experiences and knowledge they crave so much. This is a great tragedy, but it is no longer necessary. This all changed in 1950 when Samael Aun Weor began publishing his works. His works are not erudite, full of bibliographic references or in depth historical analysis: his works are entirely practical, as he was the first initiate duly authorized to reveal to humanity what had always previously been hidden. Thus his works are full of techniques and instruction that every student can use in order to discover in themselves the truths expressed by all the great teachers of humanity. Thus his teachings have spread so thick in the Spanish-speaking countries that you find small towns that don't even have a post office but they will have a Gnostic School. He was allowed to do so because this humanity has become so degenerated and caught in lies and deception that there is no other hope save to offer them a last chance by revealing the beauty of the Great Arcanum in order that some may redeem themselves of the suffering we are all trapped within. Try "The Doomed Aryan Race" or "The Mystery of the Golden Blossom." You can find his works at the Gnostic Institute zshop.

I can only concur with the verdict of the other reviewers. Blavatsky - and 'Theosophy' generally - have been grossly under-rated and unfairly reviled in recent decades, frequently judged according to ill informed caricatures and distortions. Hence, there is a misleading preconception of Theosophy as occult 'hoo-hah,'or else a kind of 'cosmic porridge' and mish mash of all religion. But there are reasons for thinking that the basic principles of 'theosophy'must be the ultimate 'form' that any truly modern 'religion' will take - because it has had the courage and vision enabling it to perceive that there are no monopolies on the truth. Although fleshed out in encyclopaediac detail, 'Isis Unveiled' and 'The Secret Doctrine' both endeavour to make this point. On purely doctrinal terms, of course, nose against the page, one could spend an eternity - trying to figure out where the world's religious traditions truly converge. But by and large, organised or instutionalised religions have been loathe to relinquish their claim to monopolies on the truth. Blavatsky was very far-sighted in this respect, for her work prefigured the wider search for inter-faith understanding, which characterised the more promising features of religious renewal in the 20th c. Hence, Blavatsky's work has renewed significance and added meaning, at the beginning of a new century - and millennium. While fresh and lively thirty years ago, the search for spiritual alternatives and spirituality fit for a 'new age' has seen conservative reactions setting in. Doctrines once embraced by us - because of a perceived 'open-endedness' - have have since spawned some pretty rigid neo-orthodoxies, born of the the urge to make a fortress of the truth - and bolt the door shut against the rest of reality. Let's not forget the open-mindedness of people like the late D.T. Suzuki - who widened the spiritual horizons by exploring the dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity. Indeed, Suzuki even touched on the parallels between Buddhism - and certain aspects of Islam (i.e. Sufi teachings). Idries Shah spotted the parallels, even hazarding the claim that Zen was in fact inspired by Sufi influences, in part relying on old Chinese legends describing Bodhidharma as a Persian. In view of the Middle East crisis and those who forsee a 'clash of civilisations' - there is something to be said for Blavatsky's ideas, because the only answer is to keep widening the horizons. Come on guys! Let's get out of the religious closets - and live in the bare light of the truth! For all the detail heaped up in Blavatsky's writings, the ultimate point of it all - is to make us conscious of this central, underlying truth. We could make the 'New World' into another Alexandria, in which - rather than producing friction and tension, ethnic and religious diversity serve to richen the human spirit and community.As a multi-ethnic society, united in principle by a common constitution, the New World is - in embryo, a social and spiritual laboratory which could bring new light to the rest of the world. Blavatsky's vision spanned the ancient world and its mysteries, and also peered into the future - sensing seeds of potential. By no means a determinist, Blavatsky recognised that free will supervenes. The wisest expression of that 'free will' is actualise, spiritually, the potential latent in our age of intercultural and global awareness. Give Blavatsky the credit she rightly deserves. Our present economic policies do not work - and will not work, while governed by self-interest. What we really need is to is to see the 'global village' in a cosmic context.

This is one of the few books that humble me when I contemplate it. Rather, Madam Blavatsky's knowlege and intellect humbles me. Take just about any "newly rediscovered" esoteric topic of any worth and you will most probably find it explained in considerable detail in either this work or _The Secret Docrine_. I am dismayed that so few people, or biliographies, give credit to Madam Blavatsky, or to the Theosophical Society that she founded. I guess we are just too "quaint" and "old-fashion" for the "New Age."
There is just too much encyclopedic knowlege here to simply read through from scratch. You need to work up to it. Try a introductory text like _Ocean of Theosophy_ by William Q. Judge. However, do not be afraid to pick up either volume and simply "browse." I still do this after all these years- and I am still surprised and amazed at what I find.
One further thing, there has been a considerable amount of character assassination against Madam Blavatsky in the last few years. The authors that have penned these attacks have no understanding of the matters that they address. First of all, no one was a stronger critic of seances than Madam Blavatsky. Secondly, the Society has always held that one should never charge money for spiritual matters. As for the ad hominem attacks that she was grossly obese, well, this is the lowest form of slander and doesn't deserve comment. Simply take a look at any of the surviving photographs to see the truth.
Concerning attacks on Theosophical concepts such as the "seven races" and "seven globes", just keep in mind that the perenial philosophy holds that the highest part of what makes up a person pre-exists on a higher plane- and will return there after we cross over. Just remember the old gnostic concept of "seven heavens." Literalism is a mistake in theosophy, just as it has proven in fundamentalist Christianity.

One of the best books I've read on relationships. It gave me a much deeper understanding on the archetypal forces at play in all committed relationships and how to constructively work with them. A must read!

We are all aware of the mysterious alchemical forces which attract us to fall madly in love, only to fling us apart once the 'honeymoon period' abruptly ends. Here at last is every couple's dream come true: a 'hitched hiker's guide' to understanding these forces and manipulating them in order to thrive on conflict and achieve lasting fulfilment. It will teach you how to transform what is too often a dizzy shower of sparks into a steadily-burning flame.

This is an academic and yet hugely-accessible work written with both humour and compassion. The authors' passion for their subject shines through every page and yet the patient hard work behind the scenes is always evident.

During more than thirty years of marriage to my psychotherapist wife, there are times when I have despaired about the purpose of analysing our relationship any further. We have attended greatly-rewarding workshops run by the authors, but it has been a profound revelation to see so much of their theory set out in a book-structured format. Again and again I gasped as I finally and firmly grasped things I felt I'd taken on board, but hadn't, and the house has been echoing to the rattle of pennies dropping ever since!

The most profound feeling I have is one of tremendous relief. It is as though I have just taken a great weight off my shoulders and a great anxiety off my mind. This is my armour, of course, and the weighty responsibility the child in me bore for having to make the relationship succeed. Now I understand that the very conflict I avoided was a necessary process in the development of an adult relationship with heart-to-heart communication.

When it comes to the alchemy of love, this is an invaluable textbook for any sorcerer's apprentice!

I have to say I had nearly given up when I bought this book, but it reading it had a strong effect on me. But what really changed things was when my partner Paul had a lok at it - probably he thought it was all about sex -and really got into it. Since then it feels we are both interested in making things work. I cannot recommentd it strongly enough, it talks about very complicated things in an easy way and the stories are great.

As a woman in film school at USC, I craved books like this. Usually what I found was dry text giving me a history lesson, accompanied by some poorly reproduced photos. I opened Great Women of Film and discovered something completely different. This is a book that wants to inspire its readers, through its variety of subjects, presented in bold and evocative portraits, with interviews chock full of realistic advice and lessons learned. There are no stories of nepotism or unearned breaks, each of these women took risks, worked hard and fearlessly dedicated themselves to their crafts. These are woman in front of and behind the camera, directors, writers, set decorators, producers, cinematographers, and special effects artists. As I read, I wished each woman could be my mentor, then I realized that's exactly what this book offers--the advice, wisdom, and can-do encouragement of accomplished women who want to see more of us out there with them. The film industry may still be a male-dominated world, but I would pay double to see a movie whose crew was made up solely of these Great Women of Film. Oh, and the book concludes with an index of resources, from schools to non-profits to guilds and unions that exist to help women in film.

As a woman who is about to embark on the exact same journey this book is all about, I found this text so encouraging. It has become my second Bible. Helena Lumme brings together a mix of inspiring women in tbe film industry. Their insight and experience in the film business is not only refreshingly honest, but inspirational as well. From the early days of film making to the present, women have been a major part of the moviemaking process. It makes me proud to not only be a woman but hopefully become a part of a wonderful legacy of a daring and courageous women. The information is all encompassing to the passion they each feel about not only their work but the journey they took to get there. Mika Manninen photography not only puts a face on most of these unseen women but also captures their very soul in the lens. My heartfelt thanks go to not only Lumme but the women she interviewed for this piece.

At first glance, it's a tasteful coffee table addition. Upon closer inspection, it gets intense. The photos, more than mere portraits, are actual tableaus of each subject acting out their careers (in all aspects of filmmaking) in a thought-provoking way. Either in a fantasy setting or an actual on-the-job setting-- sometimes whimsical, sometimes confrontational-- it's apparent that each subject worked with the photographer and author closely to create a unique representative visual statement. This, in union with the insightful written profiles and savvy graphical layout, make for a book that joyfully celebrates the previously little-known world and work of women in film production and the progress they will continue to make in the future.

This book is an authentic treatise about the many stages upon the ancient, universal initiatic path into the mysteries.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recommends this arcane book on the back cover of the book itself.
This book can be easily misunderstood or not understood at all. What one needs is the keys of the path, the factors of the revolution of the consciousness. Otherwise, how can we listen to the "VOICE OF THE SILENCE". It is the Voice, the Verb, the LOGOS, the supra-Monad... We need the steps in order to do the "Will of the Father", here, as it is in heaven.
We must read and re-read and meditate on this book. It is profound, exact and terribly magical!
gnosticinstitute.org

This book contains some high level lessons given to seekers who are really engaged in the path of truth and duty. H.P. Blavatsky had written this book from what she had learned by heart when she was studying in Himalayan places.The first lesson makes us understand Maya's illusory structure and dangers that it creates on our path. You should learn how to recognize them and deafeat them, then you'll begin to listen to the voice of silence which is the voice of your inner master. Second lesson teaches us about two different paths: heart one and eye one. Third and last lesson is about seven gates to Nirvana and describes us the weapons we should gather or create before fighting dangers we will encounter at each gate. But main lesson is that we should never give up. So if you think that your path is the one of duty for yourself but even more for mankind, this book is for you!

Isabel Cooper-Oakley said of this book:

"Now, inspeaking of the teaching that we have in the Theosophical Society there is one book, by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ................. " Why? Because she knew that it was only the few in the hurry and the press of the everyday life, it was only the few who would really stand aside from the stream of life and try to give some thought and some time to the soul within. She translated this book from one of those priceless treasures then in the possession of the Eastern teachers of Theosophy. It is called The Book of Golden Precepts, and from it she has gathered some few of the precepts which those who really desire to develop their spiritual life will take up and study. Dedicated as it is to the few, it is only the few who really find benefit in it. It is called The Voice of the Silence. The name is in itself paradoxical, but the name in itself is a volume of teaching. It is the Voice of the Silence because it is only when the Silence and the hush come over the material part of man's life that the real Voice of the Silence can speak. It is only when man will take a little time to still his worldly life, to still his worldly thoughts, that the true small Voice which really lives in the heart of every man may make itself heard. And therefore Helena Petrovna Blavatsky gave us this book, leaving it to the few who would listen in the Silence to the Voice that would speak, and she gave it to us as the guide, the prayer book, and the very basis of our daily life." [From Report of Proceedings and Documents of the 1893 Parliament of Religions, pages 174 to 176]..........................

This book was a easy reading and totally enjoyable. All young readers having a bad time going to bed should read this book. This book is also really great for babysitters to read to thier children, whom they put kids to bed and which this is a really great bed time story book. I personally like this book because of it's beautiful pictures and kids get a kick out of this book.

I don't want to go to bed is a great example of a perfect children's story. It has all the elements that are required for a children's story. These are, funny characters, good illistrations, the ability to relate to kids, and teaches them a lesson. It also has some much needed humor. It has all the elements and it isnt long and drug out and boring like many other children's storys. In conclusion, it is a great book and I would recomend it to any kids.

I have two young sons who are 3 & 4 years old. Everynight before bedtime, they get to pick out six books for us to read before they get tucked in, and everynight, this book is one they want to hear!

We've gotten into the habit of me pointing at them when it's time and they get to say, "I don't want to go to bed!"

Wonderful book! I highly recommend it to all children! Not only is it a great message, but it allows the youngsters to become involved in the story.

While this book is excellently written and formatted, it is far too light on micro- and molecular biology.

It's not often you remember the title (admittedly not a complicated one) and author of a textbook some 20 years after you read it, but I have. I have not read it recently, not since college in the early 80s, but have resolved to pick it up again. It is not merely for the student, but for the inquisitive mind. Whatever shortcomings one might imagine, I cannot recall a better, more complete textbook on any subject.

This book seems exceptionally complete. It is the first school text my son has ever wanted to own. His group uses the Spanish translation to prepare for the Biology Olympics.